Book Review: The Christmas Tree Farm by Laurie Gilmore

Title: The Christmas Tree Farm

Author: Laurie Gilmore

Series/Standalone: Dream Harbor Series (Book #3)

Genre: Romance, Adult Fiction, Cozy, Contemporary

Pages: 369

Publisher: HarperCollins

Year Published: 2024

Format: Audiobook (Own it Physically)

"Kira North hates Christmas. Which is unfortunate since she just bought a Christmas tree farm in a town that's too cute for its own good.

Bennett Ellis is on vacation in Dream Harbor taking a break from his life in California. And most importantly, taking a break from his latest run of disastrous dates. 

After a run in with Kira in her fields, Ben has no intentions of offering to help the grumpy owner set up her tree farm, despite the fact she's clearly got no idea what she's doing.

Kira knows she should stop being stubborn, but her farm is not all cute and cozy like people always show on social media, it's borderline dangerous with no heating, and she'd rather no one saw it. 

But somehow fate finds Ben at Kira's farm once more, and as Kira watches him swing an ax at the first tree, she finds herself appreciating his strength and questioning why she refused help in the first place..."

My Rating: 5/5

I absolutely loved this book. I thought that it was going to be a little too cutesy, but it surprised me with its smut, its depth and its ability to maintain the cozy vibes we had in the first two books. I loved it so much, in fact, I ordered a trophy copy immediately to add to my shelf, and forced my husband to start the first book so he can read this one too. If you're looking for cozy vibes, meets comfort show, meets smut, this is a great read.

Thanks for reading

Sidny

Book Review: The Cinnamon Bun Book Store by Laurie Gilmore

Title: The Cinnamon Bun Book Store

Author: Laurie Gilmore

Series/Standalone: Dream Harbor Series (Book #2)

Genre: Romance, Cozy, Contemporary, Adult

Pages: 384

Publisher: Indie Published

Year Published: 2024

Format: Audiobook (Own Physical Copy)

"When a secret message turns up hidden in a book in the Cinnamon Bun Bookstore, Hazel can't understand it. As more secret codes appear between the pages, she decides to follow the trail of clues... she just needs someone to help her out.

Gorgeous and outgoing fisherman, Noah is always up for an adventure. And a scavenger hunt sounds like a lot of fun. Even better that the cute bookseller he's been crushing on for months is the one who wants his help!

Hazel didn't go looking for romance, but as the treasure hunt leads her and Noah around Dream Harbor, their undeniable chemistry might be just as hot as the fresh-out-of-the-oven cinnamon buns the bookstore sells..."

My Rating: 4.5/5

I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook of this. The storyline is so cozy, and the characters are just quirky enough to remind you of either a certain popular comfort show. The dual perspectives, the quirky town characters and the changing seasons so well documented help me to love the series more and more. I found, though, that the struggle the couple faced was too avoidable to be realistic for me (as realistic as a town whose mayor has dream premonitions brought up at town meetings).

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: None of This is True by Lisa Jewell

Title: None of This is True

Author: Lisa Jewell

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Adult Fiction, Thriller, Mystery

Pages: 390

Publisher: Atria Books

Year Published: 2023

Format: Audiobook

"Celebrating her forty-fifth birthday at her local pub, popular podcaster Alix Summers crosses paths with an unassuming woman called Josie Fair. Josie, it turns out, is also celebrating her forty-fifth birthday. They are, in fact, birthday twins. 

A few days later, Alix and Josie bump into each other again, this time outside Alix's children's school. Josie has been listening to Alix's podcast and thinks she might be an interesting subject for her series. She is, she tells Alix, on the cusp of great changes in her life.

Josie's life appears to be strange and complicated, and although Alix finds her unsettling, she can't resist the temptation to keep making the podcast. Slowly, she starts to realise that Josie has been hiding some very dark secrets, and before she knows it, Josie has inveigled her way into Alix's life- and into her home.

But, as quickly as she arrived, Josie disappears. Only then does Alix discover that Josie has left a terrible and terrifying legacy in her wake, and that Alix has become the subject of her own true crime podcast, with her life and her family's lives under mortal threat.

Who is Josie Fair? And what has she done?"

My Rating: 5/5

It's been a long time since I finished an audiobook so quickly. I often listen to audiobooks when I'm driving or doing chores, but I was finding more chores to do to keep reading this book. The twists, the turns, the podcast elements. The time jumps, different perspectives. All of it was doing exactly what I wanted. I loved this. I cannot recommend the audiobook enough.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Trial of the Sun Queen by Nisha J. Tuli

Title: Trial of the Sun Queen

Author: Nisha J. Tuli

Series/Standalone: Artefacts of Ouranos Series (Book #1)

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Adult

Pages: 400

Publisher: Indie Published

Year Published: 2023

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"The Bachelor meets the Hunger Games. Ten women. A deadly contest. Only one can win the Sun King's heart.

Lor has endured twelve long years of torment under the Aurora King's rule. her only desire is to get free and pay him back for every moment of misery.

When a surprise release finds her in the hands of the Sun King, Lor is thrust into the spotlight when she competes against nine other Tributes for the role of queen. If she wins his heart, she'll earn her freedom and finally get her revenge.

But Lor doesn't belong in the Sun Queen Trials. She doesn't understand why she was freed, and she isn't a citizen of the Sun King's court. The other Tributes resent her presence and will stop at nothing to ensure Lor is wiped off the gameboard, permanently.

Now Lor must win, because if she loses, she dies. Or worse, she'll be sent back into the hands of the Aurora King."

My Rating: 3.75/5

I was recommended this book by a friend and had a great time while reading it, it was fun, decently paced and quick. It wasn't the most unique tale I'd ever read, but it had a few turns in it that kept it fun. Some things were left a little heavy-handed, but the characterization of both the Aurorian Prince and Lor was excellent. I love a dual narration. I look forward to continuing the series and seeing where the tales go from here.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

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

Title: A Touch of Malice

Author: Scarlett St. Clair

Series/Standalone: Hades x Persephone Series (Book #3)

Genre: Romance, Adult Fiction, Mythology

Pages: 418

Publisher: Indie Published

Year Published: 2021

Format: Audiobook (Library)

"Persephone and Hades are engaged. In retaliation, Demeter summons a snowstorm that cripples New Greece, and refuses to lift the blizzard unless her daughter calls of her engagement. When the Olympians intervene, Persephone finds her future in the hands of ancient gods, and they are divided. Do they allow Persephone to marry Hades and go to war with Demeter or prohibit their union and take up arms against the God of the Dead? Nothing is certain but the promise of war."

My Rating: 4/5

This was such a great first read-through of this book. I loved the plot lines, the characters and the changes throughout. My only complaint would be that there was almost too much spice. I felt that it seemed to come out of nowhere at points where I thought we would be in a more plot-based storyline for a bit. I look forward to finishing this portion of the series soon.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Score by Elle Kennedy

Title: The Score

Author: Elle Kennedy

Series/Standalone: Off-Campus Series (Book #3)

Genre: Romance, Sports Romance,  Adult Fiction

Pages: 464

Publisher: Indie

Year Published: 2016

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"He knows how to score, on and off the ice...

Allie Hayes is in crisis mode. With graduation looming, she still doesn't have the first clue about what she's going to do after college. To make matters worse, she's nursing a broken heart thanks to the end of her longtime relationship. Wild rebound sex is definitely not the solution to her problems, but gorgeous hockey star Dean Di Laurentis is impossible to resist. Just once, though, because even if her future is uncertain, it sure as heck won't include the king of one-night stands.

It'll take more than flashy moves to win her over...

Dean always gets what he wants. Girls, grade, girls, recognition, girls.... he's a ladies man, all right, and he's yet to meet a woman who's immune to his charms. Until Allie. For one night, the feisty blonde rocked his entire world- and now she wants to be friends? Nope. It's not over until he says it's over. Dean is in full-on pursuit, but when life-rocking changes strike, he starts to wonder if maybe it's time to stop focusing on scoring... and shoot for love."

My Rating: 3.75/5

I enjoyed this volume, but there were a few things that were a miss for me. I find that Elle Kennedy's writing is really fun and great, but the third act conflict/breakup/whatever-the-fuck, is always cleared up too quickly. I feel that if that had happened earlier on by a little bit, then we could have more time to clear up the conflict before getting to the happily-ever-after part. Also, for a story to start out with "kinky" stuff, it seemed to settle down pretty fast (or maybe I've been reading too much dark romance again).

 I am super intrigued by the concept of the next book, and look forward to starting it soon.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny 

Book Review: The Mistake by Elle Kennedy

Title: The Mistake

Author: Elle Kennedy

Series/Standalone: Off-Campus Series (Book #2)

Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Adult Fiction, Sports Romance

Pages: 283

Publisher: Self-Published

Year Published: 2015

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"Get ready for another binge-worthy romance from international bestselling author and TikTok sensation Elle Kennedy. He's a player in more ways than one... College junior John Logan can get any girl he wants. For this hockey star, life is a parade of parties and hook-ups, but behind his killer grins and easygoing charm, he hides growing despair about the dead-end road he'll be forced to walk after graduation. A sexy encounter with freshman Grace Ivers is just the distraction he needs, but when a thoughtless mistake pushes her away, Logan plans to spend his final year proving to her that he's worth a second chance. Now he's going to need to up his game... After a less than stellar freshman year, Grace is back at Briar University, older, wiser, and so over the arrogant hockey player she nearly handed her V-card to. She's not a charity case, and she's not the quiet butterfly she was when they first hooked up. If Logan expects her to roll over and beg like all his other puck bunnies, he can think again. He wants her back? He'll have to work for it. This time around, she'll be the one in the driver's seat.... and she plans on driving him wild. "

My Rating: 4/5

This was a really fun instalment in the series. I'm glad that we got to Logan's book right away after the ending of the first book so it didn't draw out the jealousy factor we read about in book one. I was also grateful that it was about him winning her back and working for her to see him instead of the other way around (sometimes I find in hockey romance it's the women doing all the work). The backstory for Logan was detailed and interesting; my only problem was the way it all cleared up. I wish it had happened a little further from the end of the book, so we could have seen some more good family moments between Logan and his brother. Overall, a great read, and I've already started the next one. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: A False Start by Elsie Silver

Title: A False Start

Author: Elsie Silver

Series/Standalone: Gold Rush Ranch Series (Book #4)

Genre: Romance, Adult Fiction, Contemporary

Pages: 432

Publisher: Self-Published

Year Published: 2022

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"I kissed my best friend's little sister, and the world stood still.

That night we were two perfect strangers, the town's grumpy recluse and a gorgeous girl in the back of a bar. Until we weren't.

Because Nadia Dalca isn't just some girl. She's the girl I can't have. Fourteen years younger than me and completely off-limits.

My plan is to stay away, but the universe keeps pushing us together. It's like some sort of cosmic joke, to give me a taste of something so electric - so real- something that breathed life back into me.

Because I can look, but I can't touch.

Her sinful curves, her light-hearted laughter, her wild side... I'm addicted to every last bit of her.

And when she turns those sultry eyes on me-- the ones so full of longing and so free of judgement? I've always considered myself a strong man. But when she looks at me I'm weak.

To give in to our connection would be a betrayal. My life is beyond complicated, and she has the world at her fingertips. Her brother is the only family she has left, and sad as it sounds, he's also my only friend.

But I kissed her again anyway.

And now I can't stop."

My Rating: 5/5

This was once again Elsie Silver, just writing perfection. The tension between our main characters is excellent. The spicy scenes were wonderful, and the plot was fantastic. I was so grateful for the way the author chose to end this book. She has this way of making each character so unique that I feel like they are real people. This series isn't quite as good as Chestnut Springs in my opinion, but I can't wait to read the Rose Hill Series.

Thank you for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas

Title: Empire of Storms

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Series/Standalone: Throne of Glass Series (Book #5)

Genre: Fantasy, Adult Fiction,

Pages: 693

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Year Published: 2023

Format: Paperback (Own It)

"The long path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius as war looms on the horizon. Loyalties have been broken and bought, friends have been lost and gained, and those who possess magic find themselves at odds with those who don't.

With her heart sworn to the warrior-prince by her side, and her fealty pledged to the people she is determined to save, Aelin will delve into the depths of her power to protect those she loves. But as monsters emerge from the horrors of the past, and dark forces become poised to claim her world, the only chance for salvation will lie in a desperate quest that may mark the end of everything Aelin holds dear."

My Rating: 4.5/5

This was extremely interesting because I began reading this with Tower of Dawn as a tandem read. I ended it by reading the last 100 pages on my own. While I loved reading them interchangeably, it was taking a while. It gave important context, and I'm sure it helped me get through Tower of Dawn quicker than I would have; it slowed down my reading of Empire of Storms. I think the plot of this is excellent. The ever-changing point of view kept me intrigued while reading and had me feeling like there was always someone to root for. I look forward to finishing this series, although I'm ready to sob.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Chasing The Wild by Elliott Rose

Title: Chasing the Wild

Author: Elliott Rose

Series/Standalone: Crimson Ridge Series (Book #1)

Genre: Romance, Westerns, Contemporary, Adult Fiction

Pages: 444

Publisher: Indie Published

Year Published: 2024

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"What happens when you're snowed in on a mountain ranch, with the one man you definitely should not be fantasizing about?

I've always done what was expected of me, Layla Birch, the good girl.

Forced to grow up too fast. To take care of everything myself. I had a plan.

Only I didn't count on him. Colton Wilder. The cowboy nearly twice my age. 

He's my dream man. One who takes care of me, gives me a job, and makes my pulse thud harder every time he comes near.

My ex-boyfriend's father.

The nights are long and cold on top of this mountain. As the snow grows thicker and the tension builds between us, we're both inching closer to a line we shouldn't cross. 

Each day, it grows harder to resist the man who looks at me with longing in his eyes. 

It's tempting to forget about being the good girl for once.

No one would find out. Would they?"

My Rating: 3.75/5

This book wasn't what I anticipated it to be. First off, calling this an ex-boyfriend dad book is a bit misleading, as the FMC calls it a situationship at best. I also don't think that this book needed to be this long. By the end, I felt like I had reread the same conversations or inner thoughts at least 10 times. Finally, the spicy scenes were fun, but the phrases used to describe genitals were off-putting, to say the least. That being said, the concept was fun, the relationship was interesting and the atmosphere was excellent. I look forward to trying the next one in the series. If it doesn't get any better than this one from the halfway point, I'm uncertain if I will continue.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Front Runner by Elsie Silver

Title: The Front Runner

Author: Elsie Silver

Series/Standalone: Gold Rush Ranch (Book #3)

Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Adult Fiction, Western

Pages: 356

Publisher: Indie 

Year Published: 2021

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"Stefan Dalca is infuriatingly handsome. And annoyingly persistent. We're supposed to hate each other. But apparently, he didn't get the memo, because he's been asking me out for years.

And I always say no. Until today.

Today he has something that I desperately need. Today he's a savior and I'm his prize.

Our time together starts out as a simple transaction. Three dates. No touching. No telling anyone. And definitely no falling in love.

But with ever intimate conversation, and each stolen glance, the tension between us builds.

The way he looks at me gives me butterflies. And when he finally touches me? We sizzle.

Stefan makes me feel seen in a way no other person has before. He cherishes my words as passionately as my body.

He makes me laugh. He makes me blush. He calls me kitten.

He's not the villain he's been made out to be.

And suddenly I find myself longing for him in a way the people closest to me wouldn't approve of or understand.

Giving in to Stefan Dalca is playing with fire.

But with him, I don't even mind the heat."

My Rating: 4/5

Elsie Silver has to be one of my favourite authors. If she writes it, I will read it! I loved the two characters that this book covered and I think that the longing was written so beautifully. Also while there was a miscommunication trope, I felt it wasn't the main plot of the story. I loved the way this story and Stefan tied it to the other characters in the story. I look forward to continuing on with the series and starting the next series soon. Although if anyone else uses the nickname kitten, I might have to knock it down a star as well. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Dragon's Bride by Katee Robert

Title: The Dragon's Bride

Author: Katee Robert

Series/Standalone: A Deal With A Demon (Book #1)

Genre: Fantasy, Monster Romance, Adult Fiction

Pages: 190

Publisher: Indie Published

Year Published: 2022

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)\

"Briar Rose might have a name out of a storybook, but she learned at a very young age that no prince was coming to save her. She'll have to save herself. Unfortunately, even that is an impossible task in her current situation- trapped in a terrifying marriage to a dangerous man.

Desperate times call for desperate measures, which is how she finds herself making a deal with a demon. Freedom from her husband... in return for seven years of service. 

She expects the service to be backbreaking and harsh. She doesn't expect to be put on an auction block in a room full of literal monsters and sold to the highest bidder.

To Sol.

A dragon.

He might seem kinder than his fearsome looks imply, but she knows better than to trust the way he wants to take care of her, or how invested he is in her pleasure. In her experience, if something seems too good to be true, it certainly is.

Falling for Sol is out of the question. She's suffered enough, and she has no intention of staying in this realm... even if she leaves her heart behind when she returns to normal life."

My Rating: 2/5

This was maybe my first foray into monster romance, and I really need someone who is a fan of the genre to tell me if this book is good for the genre or a bad example of the genre. It wasn't for me, it was a little too out of the realm of my comfort zone. Now was I entertained? Yes. Did I get the ick multiple times? Yes. Would I reread it? No, but I might try another one in the series. Anywho all that to say two stars for the two penises. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Butcher and Blackbird by Brynne Weaver

Title: Butcher & Blackbird

Author: Brynne Weaver

Series/Standalone: The Ruinous Love Trilogy (Book #1)

Genre: Adult Fiction, Romance, Dark

Pages: 360

Publisher: Little Brown Book Group

Year Published: 2023

Format: Paperback Copy (Own It)

"Every serial killer needs a friend.

Every game must have a winner.

When a chance encounter sparks an unlikely bond between rival murderers, Sloane and Rowan, the two find something elusive- the friendship of a like-minded, pitch-black soul. From small town West Virginia to upscale California, from downtown Boston to rural Texas, the two hunters collide in an annual game of blood and suffering, one that pits them against the most dangerous monsters in the country. But as their friendship develops into something more, the restless ghosts left in their wake are only a few steps behind, ready to claim more than just their newfound love. Can Rowan and Sloane dig themselves out fo a game of graves? Or have they finally met their match?"

My Rating: 5/5

For me, this was a 5/5 for vibes alone. Somehow Brynne Weaver made a dark romance that gives romantic comedy vibes while giving love to those who enjoyed the premise of Dexter. I'm not sure how she came up with this concept. But this spice was great, the romance was fantastic and the plot was extremely entertaining. I would recommend reading the triggers before reading this book, but if it sounds like it would be for you and you want a good time; go for it!

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano

Title: Finlay Donovan is Killing It

Author: Elle Cosimano

Series/Standalone: Finlay Donovan Series (Book #1)

Genre: Adult Fiction, Cozy Mystery

Pages: 355 

Publisher: Minotaur Books

Year Published: 2021

Format: Audiobook

"Finlay Donovan is killing it... except, she's not really She's a stressed-out single-mom of two and struggling novelist, Finlay's life is in chaos: the new book she promised her literary agent isn't written, her ex-husband fired the nanny without telling her, and this morning she had to send her four-year-old to school with hair duct-taped to her head after an incident with scissors.

When Finlay is overheard discussing the plot of her new suspense novel with her agent over lunch, she's mistaken for a contract killer, and inadvertently accepts an offer to dispose of a problem husband in order to make ends meet.... Soon, Finlay discovers that crime in real life is a lot more difficult than its fictional counterpart, as she becomes tangled in a rea-life murder investigation.

Fast-paced, deliciously witty, and wholeheartedly authentic in depicting the frustrations and triumphs of motherhood in all its messiness, hilarity and heartfelt moment, Finlay Donovan is Killing It is the first in a brilliant new series from YA Edgar Award nominee Elle Cosimano.

My Rating: 4/5

This is such a fun concept. I love the idea that someone gets thrown into a world they know nothing about and watch them figure things out (almost floundering a few times). It has an excellent cozy mystery vibe and if the concept sounds interesting to you it's definitely worth the read. I would also say that the audiobook was excellent. The only reason that it lost a star for me is I felt it lagged a little in the middle.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Savage Lover by Sophie Lark

Title: Savage Lover

Author: Sophie Lark

Series/Standalone: Brutal Birthright Series (Book #3)

Genre: Romance, Adult Fiction, Dark, Mafia

Pages: 338

Publisher: Indie/Self-Published

Year Published: 2020

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"Two people who believe they're unworthy of love.. until they meet each other.

Camille Rivera is drowning. Her father's sick, her brother's in deep with a dirty cop, and her mechanic shop is failing.

Nero Gallo is the neighborhood psychopath. As vicious as he is gorgeous, Camille has watched him burn through every girl in a ten-mile radius, breaking hearts and never, ever getting attached.

Which is why she can't believe it when Nero saves her from a seriously sticky situation. They've lived next to each other all their lives- is it possible she never really knew him at all?

Camille is about to learn that the only thing more dangerous than trusting Nero is falling for him."

My Rating: 4/5

I really enjoyed the start of this book. Sophie Lark does an amazing job of making each character feel unique and different from one another, which is saying something when you're reading a companion series one after another. I liked the smut, I liked the plot, but some parts of the book just felt disjointed to me. There were almost pieces missing, or parts that I thought would be expanded on that just weren't. I look forward to reading the rest of this series, but I am going to take a little break. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Stolen Heir by Sophie Lark

Title: Stolen Heir

Author: Sophie Lark

Series/Standalone: Brutal Birthright Series (Book #2)

Genre: Romance, Adult Fiction, Mafia, Dark

Pages: 430

Publisher: Self-Published

Year Published: 2020

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"They murdered my father, so I stole their daughter....

She's my captive, my little ballerina who dances only for me.

Nessa is sweet and innocent. She doesn't deserve any of this. But that's how our world works- the wolves eat the lambs, no matter how gentle they may be.

I'll use her to get my revenge. Unless I give in to my hunger first..."

My Rating: 3.5/5

This wasn't as good for me as the first one in the series. Sometimes when authors pull out retellings I love them and other times it feels a little too in your face. This one was the later. I found that over and over the author appeared to be saying, "See it's a retelling, look it, did you forget the retelling aspect" and to that, I said woah, let me enjoy it for what it is. I will be continuing the series because the smut is great, the side characters are fascinating and the story overall is fantastic. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Brutal Prince by Sophie Lark

Title: Brutal Prince

Author: Sophie Lark

Series/Standalone: Brutal Birthright Series (Book #1)

Genre: Adult Fiction, Romance, Dark, Mafia

Pages: 376

Publisher: Self-Published

Year Published: 2020

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"He's No Prince Charming....

Callum Griffin is the heir to the Irish Mafia. He's ruthless, arrogant and he wants to kill me. 

We got off on the wrong foot when I set a (very small) fire in his house.

Our families believe a marriage pact is the only thing that will prevent all-out warfare.

I think I might need to murder him while he sleeps.

This would all be a lot easier if Callum wasn't so damned good-looking.

But I've got a lockbox around my heart. Because even if I'm forced to marry him...

I could never love a brutal prince."

My Rating:5/5

I think this is the first romance that I've read that has fallen under the mafia category and I feel like it was a great starting pick. If you want something that lands right between contemporary and dark romance, this is it I think. It still has the shock value, the plot, the intrigue, but without as many triggers I would say it is a dark romance. I LOVED IT! I can't remember the last time I finished a book (that wasn't an audiobook) in such a short amount of time. I immediately resubscribed to Kindle Unlimited to binge this series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Shame: Conception Pt. 1

Title: Shame: Conception: Part 1

Author: Lovern Kindzierski

Artist(s): John Bolton

Series/Standalone: Shame Series (Vol. 1)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Adult Fiction, Horror

Pages: 60

Publisher: Renegade Arts Entertainment

Year Published: 2011

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"When the purest woman on earth allows herself one selfish thought it is enough to conceive the most evil woman the world has ever known.

From the imaginations of award winning creators: Lovern Kindzierski, John Bolton and Todd Klein, is born the dark faery tale trilogy of shame."

My Rating: 1/5

I don't think I realized what this graphic novel was going to be, and after reading it, I'm still not sure I can describe it. The feeling of, "What the hell did I just win?" is still rattling around in my skull. I didn't find it to be in my wheelhouse and for that reason, I won't be continuing on with the series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Pumpkin Spice Cafe by Laurie Gilmore

Title: The Pumpkin Spice Cafe

Author: Laurie Gilmore

Series/Standalone: Dream Harbor Series (Book #1)

Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Smalltown, Adult Fiction

Pages: 286

Publisher: One More Chapter

Year Published: 2023

Format: Audiobook

"A spicy small-town romance and TikTok phenomenon, perfect for fans of Hannah Grace and Stephanie Archer.

When Jeanie's aunt gifts her the beloved Pumpkin Spice Cafe in the small town of Dream Harbor, Jeanie jumps at the chance for a fresh start away from her very dull desk job.

Logan is a local farmer who avoids Dream Harbor's gossip at all costs. But Jeanie's arrival disrupts Logan's routine and he wants nothing to do with the irritatingly upbeat new girl, except that he finds himself inexplicably drawn to her.

Will Jeanie's happy-go-lucky attitude win over the grumpy-but-gorgeous Logan, or has this city girl found the one person in town who won't fall for her charm, or her pumpkin spice lattes...."

My Rating: 4.5/5

This was so much fun! It was exactly what I wanted it to be this was an absolutely excellent time. I finished the audiobook in one day and had an absolute blast with it. If you want a story that is so much set in a place like Star Hollow from Gilmore Girls with the quirk characters, and the small-town vibes, without some of the less savoury plot lines, this is the perfect read for you. Although there is a pretty serious case of Insta-love, it was such a great hallmark-eque read. I can't wait to get into the next one!

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Happy Place by Emily Henry

Title: Happy Place

Author: Emily Henry

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Romance

Pages: 400

Publisher: Berkley

Year Published: 2023

Format: Audiobook (Own Physical Copy)

"Harriet and Wyn have been the perfect couple since they met in college- they go together like salt and pepper, honey and tea, lobster and rolls. Except, now- for reasons they're still not discussing- they don't.

They broke up six months ago. And still haven't told their best friends.

Which is how they find themselves sharing the largest bedroom at the Maine cottage that has been their friend group's yearly getaway for the last decade. Their annual respite from the world, where for one vibrant, blue week they leave behind their daily lives; have copious amounts of cheese, wine and seafood; and soak up the salty coastal air with the people who understand them most.

Only this year, Harriet and Wyn are lying through their teeth while trying not to notice how desperately they still want each other. Because the cottage is for sale and this is the last week they'll all have together in this place. They can't stand to break their friends' hearts, and so they'll play their parts. Harriet will be the driven surgical resident who never starts a fight, and Wyn will be the laid-back charmer who never lets the cracks show. It's a flawless plan (if you look at it from a great distance and through a pair of sunscreen-smeared glasses). After years of being in love, how hard can it be to fake it for one week... in front of those who know you best?"

My Rating: 3.75/5

This was a harder one for me to get into. I do love a good second-chance romance, but something about this one just wasn't for me. Maybe it was the fact that they had been together so long previously, or some of the tropes used within that, but it was hard to not be frustrated with the female main character. While I appreciated the ideas presented throughout, it was just ok for me.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny