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: Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey

Title: Greenlights

Author: Matthew McConaughey

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography

Pages: 289

Publisher: Crown

Year Published: 2020

Format: Audiobook

"I've been in this life for fifty years, been trying to work out its riddle for forty-two and been keeping diaries of clues to that riddle for the last thirty-five. Notes about successes and failures, joys and sorrows, things that made me marvel and things that made me laugh out loud. How to be fair. How to have less stress. how to have fun. How to hurt people less. How to get hurt less. How to be a good man. How to have meaning in life. How to be more me.

Recently, I worked up the courage to sit down with those diaries. I found stories I experienced, lessons I learned and forgot, poems, prayers, prescriptions, beliefs about what matters, some great photographs, and a whole bunch of bumper stickers. I found a reliable theme, an approach to living that gave me more satisfaction, at the time, and still: If you know how, and when, to deal with life's challenges- how to get relative with the inevitable- you can enjoy a state of a success I call "catching greenlights."

So I took a one-way ticket to the desert and wrote this book: an album, a record, a story of my life so far. This is fifty years of my sights and seems, felts and figured-outs, cools and shameful. Graces, truths, and beautifies of brutality. Getting away with, getting caught and getting wets while trying to dance between the raindrops.

Hopefully, it's medicine that tastes good, a couple of aspirin instead of the infirmary, a spaceship to Mars without needing your pilot license, going to church without having to be born again, and laughing through the tears.

It's a love letter to life.

It's a guide to catching more greenlights- and to realizing that the yellows and reds eventually turn green too.

Good luck."

My Rating: 3.5/5

I didn't know what to expect from this memoir, but it was certainly fascinating to hear about how this incredible author a) got his start and b) how he varied in his work while c) what he believes behind it all. In my teens, I mostly watched Matthew McConaughey in romantic comedies, and I had seen him in a few more dramatic roles since then, but hearing about his methods and also how he travelled and is a little bit of a hippy, was surprising. I had a good time reading it, but it wasn't a favourite, I would recommend if you want to know about the man behind the actor, or maybe need a kick in the ass to go and chase your dreams. Fun, entertaining and in some ways inspiring I enjoyed it overall.

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: 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: When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed

Title: When Stars Are Scattered

Author: Victoria Jamieson & Omar Mohamed

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Graphic Novel, Middle Grade, Nonfiction

Pages: 264

Publisher: Dial Books

Year Published: 2020

Format: Hardcover (Library Copy)

"Heartbreak and hope exist together in this remarkable graphic novel about growing up in a refugee camp, as told by a Somali refugee to the Newberry Honor-winning creator of Roller Girl.

Omar and his little brother, Hassan, arrived in Dadaab, a refugee camp in Kenya, seven years ago. Their father was killed the day they left home, and they haven't seen their mother since they joined their neighbours who were fleeing to Dadaab. Now Omar is eleven and Hassan is nine, and Omar has quit school to look after his brother, who has an intellectual disability.

When Omar is given the opportunity to return to school and carve out a future for himself and Hassan, he feels torn. He loves school and could have the opportunity to earn a coveted scholarship to a North American university- and with it a visa for himself and Hassan. But is it worth the risk and heartache of leaving his vulnerable brother for hours each day?

Told in Victoria Jamieson's engaging and accessible graphic-novel style and based on Omar Mohamed's gripping true story, this book is an intimate, important look at day-to-day life in a refugee camp."

My Rating: 5/5

I am currently taking courses to get my library tech diploma, and in one of my classes we were asked to discuss a middle grade age graphic novel, one of my classmates brought forward this one. What an incredibly moving and impactful novel!? For children and adults alike this offers an inside look at what being a refugee in a camp after going through incredibly traumatic life events looks like. I would highly recommend it. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Mistake of Magic by Alex Lidell

Title: Mistake of Magic

Author: Alex Lidell

Series/Standalone: Power of Five Series (Book #2)

Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Adult Fiction

Pages: 218

Publisher: Self-Published

Year Published: 2018

Format:  Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"Three trials stand between Lera and exile. Unless the training kills her first.

Quint magic has never chosen a human before, and the Elders Council is convinced Lera is a mistake.

When the quint refuses to be cleaved apart, the enraged elders give them a choice: exile from Lunos or demotion to the lowest of trainees. Subject again to the humiliations and deadly trials they endured centuries ago, the males now face a new challenge- training Lera to survive.

River, Shade, Coal and Tye will do whatever it takes to keep Lera safe. But Lera will do whatever she must to keep them together- even if it means putting herself in mortal danger."

My Rating: 3.5/5

These are super fun, pretty short romantasy reads. If you are looking for a reverse harem-style read with fae men who will burn the world down for the woman they love (whether or not all of them admit their love), this may be for you. I love picking these up and flying through the story; the smut is also fun. Overall, it was a good time! The only complaint I have is that there isn't a lot of unpredictability in the plot, which is fine if you are ok with that, but I would love just a bit more intrigue. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Beware the Wild by Natalie C. Parker

Title: Beware the Wild    

Author: Natalie C. Parker

Series/Standalone: Beware the Wild Duology (Book #1)

Genre: Young Adult, Magical Realism, Paranormal

Pages: 327

Publisher: HarperTeen

Year Published: 2014

Format: Paperback

First Line: "It's no secret, ours is the meanest swamp in Louisiana."

"It's an oppressively hot and sticky morning in June when Sterling and her brother, Phin, have an argument that compels him to run into the town swamp- the one that strikes fear in all the residents of Sticks, Louisiana. Phin doesn't return. Instead, a girl named Lenora May climbs out, and now Sterling is the only person in Sticks who remembers her brother ever existed.

Sterling needs to figure out what the swamp's done with her beloved brother and how Lenora May is connected to his disappearance- and loenr boy Heath Durham might be the only one who can help her."

My Rating: 2.5/5

This wasn't all I hoped it to be. When I heard about it from someone reading vlogs a while ago, I expected it to be a horror book, but I would consider this more magical realism, rather than horror. I spent a lot of time reading this book trying to see if it was actual magic or an unreliable main character. Along with these factors, I do worry about the way disordered eating was dealt with within the story. I understand that this book was published a decade ago, but for those reasons alone I cannot recommend it. 

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