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

Book Review: The Distraction by Morgan Elizabeth

Title: The Distraction

Author: Morgan Elizabeth

Series/Standalone: Springbrook Hills Series (Book # 1)

Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Adult Fiction

Pages: 309

Publisher: Self-Published

Year Published: 2021

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"The last thing he needs is a distraction

Hunter Hutchin's success is due to one thing and one thing only: his unerring focus on Beaten Path, the outdoor recreation company eh built from the ground up after his first business was an utter failure. 

When his dad gets sick, Hunter is forced to go back to his hometown and prove once and for all that his father's belief in him wasn't for nothing. With illness looming, distractions are unacceptable.

Staying with his sister, he meets Hannah, the sexy nanny who has had his head in a frenzy since they met.

When Hunter's dad gets sick, he's forced to leave the city and move back into the small town he grew up in at his sister's house. Ever since he watched Hannah dance into his life, he's finding himself drifting from his goal and purpose- or is he drifting closer to them?

She refuses to make the same mistakes as her mother.

Hannah Keller grew up watching what happens when a family falls apart and lived through those consequences. When it's time, she won't make the same mistake by settling for anyone.

But when the uncle of the kids she nannies comes to stay for the summer, she can't help but find herself drawn to the handsome, standoffish man who is definitely not for her.

Can she get through the summer while protecting her heart? Or will he break through and leave her broken?"

My Rating: 3.75/5

This was a fun little contemporary romance read. The smut was fantastically written, the plot on the other hand was not all I hoped for. I did appreciate Hannah, as a character because I can relate to her a lot. I did appreciate that Hunter has his own issues, but the lack of communication from Hunter to his family members drives me insane. Miscommunication on this level is hard for me to read because I find it drags on for far too long.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Title: Maybe in Another Life

Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Romance

Pages: 342

Publisher: Atria Books

Year Published: 2015

Format: Audiobook

"At the age of twenty-nine, Hannah Martin still has no idea what she wants to do with her life. She has lived in six different cities and held countless meaningless jobs since graduating college. On the heels of leaving yet another city, Hannah moves back to her hometown of los Angeles and takes up residence in her best friend Gabby's guestroom. Shortly after getting back to town, Hannah goes out to a bar one night with Gabby and meets up with her high school boyfriend, Ethan.

Just after midnight, Gabby asks Hannah if she's ready to go. A moment later, Ethan offers to give her a ride later if she wants to stay. Hannah hesitates. What happens if she leaves with Gabby? What happens if she leaves with Ethan?

In concurrent storylines, Hannah lives out the effects of each decision. Quickly, these parallel universes develop into radically different stories with large-scale consequences for Hannah, as well as the people around her. As the two alternate realities run their course, Maybe in Another Life raises questions about fate and true love: Is anything meant to be? How much in our life is determined by chance? And perhaps, most compellingly: Is there such a thing as a soul mate?

Hannah believes there is. And, in both worlds, she believes she's found him."

My Rating: 3.5/5

This was not what I expected when I picked this one up. Taylor Jenkin Reid does a great job of creating the main characters that you root for. Hannah is no different in that regard. I obviously haven't read all of her backlog (I'm working on it). That being said, I found that there were portions of this book where the plot was a little over the top. The well-thought-out changes between the universes were incredible. The friendships we see in both timelines were excellent and overall I really enjoyed my read of it. 

Which book of hers should I read next?

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: A Photo Finish by Elsie Silver

Title: A Photo Finish

Author: Elsie Silver

Series/Standalone: Gold Rush Ranch Series (Book #2)

Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Adult Fiction, 

Pages: 420

Publisher: Self-Published

Year Published: 2021

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"I've seen every square inch of Wiolet Eaton's delectable body and she has no idea who I am.

Until now.

What happened between us online, in our chats, was meant to stay anonymous and in the past.

Until it didn't.

It's a small world, but Ruby Creek is even smaller. When I move to the tiny town, the grumpy, facade I've created slips when we're forced to live under the same roof.

Every flush of her cheeks, every time her eyes flare with what, every time she begs me not to stop, the ice I've encased myself in melts. She has me wanting things I can't want. Things I've been dreaming about since I first laid eyes on her two years ago- things I don't deserve.

But my invisible wounds have the power to ruin us both. As a former soldier, I should have the discipline to walk away, but the more I open up to Violet, the more I want to keep her.

I came back from the war a different man, but my scars are older and deeper than anyone knows- and I planned to keep it that way. I planned to keep my secrets hidden.

Until her."

My Rating: 5/5

This has been my favourite so far. Could it be the grumpy sunshine trope, could it be Elsie Silver's ability to tie together relationships from the current books with previous books, or even other series, or is it because this romance was too damn good. The long-term yearning was excellently written and the characters were unique in a way that wasn't unsettling, but also distinguishable. I look forward to continuing the series soon.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas

Title: Queen of Shadows

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Series/Standalone: Throne of Glass Series (Book #4)

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Pages: 648

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Year Published: 2015

Format: Paperback (Own It)

"Everyone Calaena Sardothien loves has been taken from her. But she's at last returned to the empire- for vengeance, to rescue her once-glorious kingdom, and to confront the shadows of her past...

She has embraced her identity as Aelin Galanthynius, Queen of Terrasen. But before she can reclaim her throne, she must fight.

She will fight for her cousin, a warrior prepared to die for her. She will fight for her friend, a young man trapped in an unspeakable prison. And she will fight for her people, enslaved to a brutal king and awaiting their lost queen's triumphant return.

The fourth volume in the New York Times bestselling series continues Celaena's epic journey and builds to a passionate, agonizing crescendo that might just shatter her world."

My Rating: 4/5

This was such an interesting instalment in this series. It started out really strong for me and the action near the end was well-paced as well. As a part of the series, I was surprised at the turns that the author chose to make and even more surprised that some plot lines were not pushed to go longer in the series. I am curious to see what happens next in the series. I do love the characters and that's what really keeps me going in this series. I look forward to tangent reading the next two, wish me luck.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Because of Miss Bridgerton by Julia Quinn

Title: Because of Miss Bridgerton

Author: Julia Quinn

Series/Standalone: Rokebys Series (Book #1)

Genre: Romance, Historical Romance, Adult Fiction

Pages: 375

Publisher: Avon

Year Published: 2016

Format: Audiobook

"Sometimes you find love in the most unexpected places....

This is not one of those times.

Everyone expects Billie Bridgerton to marry one of the Rokesby brothers. The two families have been neighbours for centuries, and as a child, the tomboyish Billie ran wild with Edward and Andrew. Either one would make a perfect husband... someday.

Sometimes you fall in love with exactly the person you think you should...

Or not.

There is only one Rokesby Billie absolutely cannot tolerate, and that is George. He may be the eldest and her to the earldom, but he's arrogant, annoying and she's absolutely certain he detests her. Which is perfectly convenient, as she can't stand the sight of him, either.

But sometimes fate has a wicked sense of humor...

Because when Billie and George are quite literally thrown together, a whole new sort of sparks begins to fly. And when these lifelong adversaries finally kiss, they just might discover that the one person they can't abide is the one person they can't live without..."

My Rating: 4.5/5

This is not what I expected from this series, but I couldn't be happier. Watching a main character in a historical romance have any degree of power gives me so much joy. The characters in this story are excellent, and I absolutely adored Billie Bridgerton. I also loved the side characters we were introduced to (or at least the ones we were supposed to at the very least. The only reason this book got knocked down .5 stars from five stars was one line that was said during a steamy scene that ruined the spice for me. I look forward to continuing the series on audiobooks soon. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Only Say Good Things by Crystal Hefner

Title: Only Say Good Things

Author: Crystal Hefner

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir

Pages: 240

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Year Published: 2024

Format: Audiobook

"A raw and unflinching look at the objectification and misogyny of the Playboy mansion, a woman’s stolen young adulthood and her journey to self-acceptance, and a rare look inside Hugh Hefner’s final days.

At just twenty-one years old, Crystal Harris’ life changed forever when she attended a party at the notorious Playboy mansion. Picked out of the crowd by Hugh Hefner, she became one of his infamous “girlfriends,” attending glamorous Hollywood parties and traveling the world. Yet this seemingly alluring lifestyle had a dark side. Hef controlled his girlfriends with strict rules regarding everything from their hair and makeup to their curfews, and Crystal was forced to compete with other women for her spot in the highly hierarchal system. Living at the mansion, she felt more like a fixture than a resident. 
 
She quickly rose to the top, but being Hef’s number one girlfriend came at the cost of Crystal’s identity outside her role in the Playboy universe. Her fate seemed sealed when Hef surprised her with a marriage proposal she could not imagine refusing. But as Crystal Hefner, she grew increasingly restless to understand who she truly was away from what she saw as Playboy’s toxic culture.

In ONLY SAY GOOD THINGS, Crystal offers a vulnerable and clear-eyed look at how her experience with Hugh Hefner catalyzed her transformative journey from someone who prized external validation over all else to a person who finally recognizes her true worth. This candid memoir provides a fascinating look behind the scenes at a powerful cultural icon and brand, and an equally empowering perspective on hard-won lessons about who we allow to determine our value."

My Rating: 5/5

I don't particularly like rating memoirs because I don't think that I can rate someone else's life. So I usually rate based on writing style or story telling style. This story is hard to read, and hard to hear but important. Because society has shifted its standpoint on things like Playboy and this kind of misogynistic behaviour we can see the clear shift in society where we speak about how this kind of thing isn't ok. It's not fair to the women, their families or girls and women watching it all happen. I genuinely wish all the best for the author, and I hope that she finds her peace as time gives her healing (along with ya know therapy, etc.). 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Unfortunately Yours by Tessa Bailey

Title: Unfortunately Yours

Author: Tessa Bailey

Series/Standalone: A Vine Mess Duology (Book #2)

Genre: Adult Fiction, Contemporary Romance

Pages: 384

Publisher: Avon

Year Published: 2023

Format: Audiobook

"A down-on-her-luck Napa heiress suggests a mutually beneficial marriage of convenience to a man she can't stand... only to discover there's a fine line between love and hate.

After losing her job and her fiancé in one fell swoop, Natalie Vos returned home to lick her wounds. A few months later, she's sufficiently drowned her sorrows in cabernet and she's ready to get back on her feet. She just needs her trust fund to finance her new business venture. Unfortunately, the terms require she marry before she can have the money. And well, dumped, remember? But Natalie is desperate enough to propose to a man who makes her want to kill him--and kiss him, in equal measure.

August Cates may own a vineyard, but he doesn't know jack about making wine. He's determined to do his late best friend proud, no matter what it takes. Except his tasting room is empty, his wine is disgusting (seriously, he once saw someone gag), and his buddy's legacy is circling the drain. No bank will give him the loan he needs to turn the business around... and then the gorgeous, feisty heiress knocks on his door. Natalie has haunted his dreams since the moment they met, but their sizzling chemistry immediately morphed into simmering insults.

Now, a quickie marriage could help them both. A sham wedding, a few weeks living under the same roof, and then they can go their separate ways--assuming they make it out alive. How hard could it be? There's just one thing they didn't account for: their unfortunate, unbearable, undeniable attraction."

My Rating: 4/5

I really enjoyed this second book in the series. While something I didn't enjoy the idea of a marriage of convenience trope in current times is so entertaining to me. The plot was fantastic. The characters were fun and the setting itself brings me so much joy. But during the spicy scenes, there were certain phrases that I didn't love. And the audiobook wasn't as fun as the ones I'd read in the past. I do plan on continuing to read Tessa Bailey's books as they come out, but I will keep in mind that the vocabulary she uses to describe certain body parts might not be my favourite. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Only Survivors by Megan Miranda

Title: The Only Survivors

Author: Megan Miranda

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Adult Fiction

Pages: 339

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Year Published: 2023

Format: Audiobook

"A decade ago, two vans filled with high school seniors on a school service trip crashed into a Tennesse ravine- a tragedy that claimed the lives of multiple classmates and teachers. The nine students who managed to escape the river that night were irrevocably changed. A year later, after one of the survivors dies by suicide on the anniversary of the crash, the rest of them make a pact: to come together each year to commemorate that terrible night.

To keep one another safe.

To hold one another accountable.

Or both.

Their annual meeting place, a house on the Outer Banks, has long been a refuge. But by the tenth anniversary, Cassidy Bent has worked to distance herself from the tragedy and from the other survivors. She's changed her mobile number. She's blocked the others' email addresses. This year, she is determined to finally break ties once and for all. But on the day of the reunion, she receives a text with an obituary attached: another survivor is gone. Now they are seven- and Cassidy finds herself hurling back toward the group, wild with grief- and suspicion.

Almost immediately, something feels off this year. Cassidy is the first to notice when Amaya, the annual organizer, slips away, overwhelmed. This wouldn't raise alarm except for the impending storm. Suddenly, they're facing the threat of closed roads and surging waters... again. Then Amaya stops responding to her phone. After all they've been through, she wouldn't willfully make them worry. Would she?

And- as they promised long ago- each survivor will do whatever he or she can do to save one another. Won't they?"

My Rating: 5/5

Right after I thought to myself that maybe this author's writing wasn't for me, I picked up this one and I LOVE it! Megan Miranda's ability to write a creepy and unsettling environment is really unmatched by any other author I've read in this genre. It's always the part that ties me in. And this one had the twists and turns to match! It kept me on my toes, it made sense by the end but the differing p.o.v.s, the plot and just the building sense of unease that is worked on throughout the books is what made it a five star for me! Would highly recommend!

Thanks for reading,

Sidny