Book Review: Tis the Season for Revenge by

Title: Tis the Season for Revenge

Author: Morgan Elizabeth

Series/Standalone: Springbrook Hills (Book #5)

Genre: New Adult, Romance, Smut

Pages: 304

Publisher: Self-Published

Year Publisher: 2022

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

First Line: "The costume is utter perfection."

"Abbie Keller thought that Richard Batholemew Benson the Third would be her forever. In their four years of dating, she never doubted that she wouldn't end up with his grandmother's engagement ring on her finger. Sure, she had to change a few things about herself to fit that mold, like dying her hair, dressing more conservatively, and finding golf enjoyable (honestly the most difficult of the changes), but she was sure that at the end of it all, it would be worth it.

That is until he leaves her crying outside her apartment wearing a Halloween costume, having broken it off with her because she's just not serious enough. She was just fun, he tells her- and now that Richard has becoming a partner at his law firm in his sights, he needs to focus on work.

So she does what every girl does when she's broken with: she calls her friends, gets drunk, dyes her hair, and formulates her plan for revenge. It just so happens that the universe supports her efforts and gives her the perfect match to prove to her ex that he made a huge mistake: his boss.

Abbie starts dating the founding partner of Richard's law firm, Damien Martinez, with one thing in mind: convincing him to invite her to the huge annual Christmas party as his date. 

But when the relationship starts to become something more than casual dating and Abbie sees that the tough New York lawyer has a soft side, will she be able to follow through with her plan of deceit?

Tis the Season for Revenge is a contemporary, grumpy, sunshine, age-gap, Christmas romance."

My Rating: 5/5

This was exactly what I wanted. Spicey as all hell has great characters, a fun plot and is all Christmas-centric without being to cliche around the holiday. This is not a book whose sex scenes are for the slight of heart. They are graphic and some of the steamiest I've read in a while. I plan on reading more by the author as soon as possible.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: By Any Other Name by Lauren Kate

Title: By Any Other Name

Author: Lauren Kate

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Romance, Contemporary, 

Pages: 304

Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group

Year Published: 2022

Format: Audiobook

"What she doesn't know about love could fill a book.

With a successful career as a romance editor, and an engagement to a man who checks off all ninety-nine boxes on her carefully curated list, Lanie's more than good. She's killing it. Then she's given the opportunity of a lifetime: to work with world-renowned author and her biggest inspiration in love and life- the Noa Callaway. All Lanie has to do is cure Noa's writer's block and she'll get the promotion she's always dreamed of. Simple, right?

But there's a reason no one has ever seen or spoken to the mysterious Noa Calloway. And that reason will rock Lanie's world. It will call into question everything she thought she knew. When she finally tosses her ninety-nine expectations to the wind, Lanie may just discover that By Any Other Name can still be as sweet."

My Rating: 4/5

This was such a fun traditionally published Rom-Com. I would definitely recommend it if you like your romance less of the steamy side and more about the characters falling in love. This book is a romance lovers' dream. The main heroine literally publishes romance novels and sets up debut events. What more can we dream of. With a great cast of characters and a sweet set-up, I would highly recommend it.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch

Title: Snow Like Ashes

Author: Sara Raasch

Series/Standalone: Snow Like Ashes (Book #1)

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Pages: 424

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Year Published: 2014

Format: Audiobook

"Sixteen years ago the Kingdom of Winter was conquered and its citizens enslaved, leaving them without magic or a monarch. Now, the Winterians' only hope for freedom is the eight survivors who managed to escape, and who have been waiting for the opportunity to steal back Winter's magic and rebuild the kingdom ever since.

Orphaned as an infant during Winter's defeat, Meira has lived her whole life as a refugee, raised by the Winterians' general, Sir. Training to be a warrior- and desperately in love with her best friend, and future king, Mather- she would do anything to help her kingdom rise to power again.

So when scouts discover the location of the ancient locket that can restore Winter's magic, Meira decides to go after it herself. Finally, she's scaling towers, fighting enemy soldiers, just as she's always dreamed she would. But the mission doesn't go as planned, and Meira soon finds herself thrust into a world of evil magic and dangerous politics- and ultimately comes to realize that her destiny is not, never has been, her own."

My Rating: 2.25/5

This was a book I had on my shelf for so long and it is very stereotypical of the time it was written. I will say that the author did the horrifying and torture scenes well but it is reminiscent of real-life historical events. My main issue with this story is that I knew exactly where we were going, things that were supposed to be twists or turns I saw coming from the beginning. This would be great for someone moving from middle grade to young adult stories.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: A Cross-Country Christmas by Courtney Walsh

Title: A Cross-Country Christmas

Author: Courtney Walsh

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Romance, Adult, Contemporary

Pages: 256

Publisher: Sweethaven Press

Year Published: 2021

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"Lauren Richmond isn't a fan of Christmas.

Which is why she rarely makes the trip home to the Midwest for the holidays. After all, she has plenty to keep her busy- namely, he duties as a set decorator on a TV sitcom.

But this December, Lauren's brother and his wife are expecting a baby, so her brother arranges a ride home for her with his good friend, Will.

Unfortunately for Lauren, she's been trying to forget college baseball coach and childhood crush Will Sinclair for more than ten years.

Now, thanks to her fear of flying, she's stuck in a car with him from California to Illinois.

She's circumspect and organized. He's flirty and spontaneous.

She's convinced that people don't change. He's trying to prove to her (and himself) that he has.

On this cross-country road trip, they'll both discover that history doesn't exactly repeat itself... but like any could Christmas carol it does have a second verse."

My Rating: 3.5/5

This book would have been perfect for me if for one thing. There had been any amount of smut. I would have taken a kiss, some light touching but there isn't a kiss until the end! And that's just not what I was looking for in my kindle Christmas tbr. This book was a hallmark movie and a lot of fun. Would recommend it if you want a no-smut Christmas romance to pick up this year.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Title: Six of Crows

Author: Leigh Bardugo

Series/Standalone: Six of Crows Duology (Book #1)

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Pages: 465

Publisher: Henry Holt & Company

Year Published: 2015

Format: Paperback Copy (Own It)

First Line: "Joost had two problems: the moon and his mustache."

"Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price- and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker. Kaz Is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can't pull it off alone...

A convict with a thirst for revenge

A sharpshooter who can't walk away from a wager

A runaway with a privileged past

A spy known as the Wraith

A Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums

A thief with a gift for unlikely escapes.

Kaz's crew is the only thing that might stand between the world and destruction- if they don't kill each other first."

My Rating: 4.5/5

This book was such a fun read. At the request of a friend (and with her helpful purchase of a boxset) I finally started this duology. And it was excellent. Leigh Bardugo does such an excellent job of setting up character dynamics and giving each character their own distinct voice. It's something I love about her work. I also loved the premise of the story, where it fell a little short for me was the heavy leaning on a relationship that I liked when there was a trope with another relationship that I liked more right beside it. It's just a matter of preference. I do plan on continuing the series and I can't wait to see how the author takes the story after such a strong ending.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Furyborn by Claire Legrand

Title: Furyborn

Author: Claire Legrand

Series/Standalone: Empirium Series

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance

Pages: 501

Publisher: Sourcefirebooks Fire

Year Published: 2018

Format: Audiobook

"The stunningly original, must-read fantasy of 2018 follows two fiercely independent young women, centuries apart, who hold the power to save their world... or doom it.

When assassins ambush her best friend, Rielle Dardenne risks everything to save him, exposing herself as one of a pair of prophesied queens a queen of light, and a queen of blood. To prove she is the Sun Queen, Rielle must endure seven elemental magic trials. If she fails, she will be executed.... unless the trials kill her first.

One thousand years later, the legend of Queen Rielle is a fairy tale to Eliana Ferracora. A bounty hunter for the Undying Empire, Eliana believes herself untouchable-- until her mother vanishes. To find her, Eliana joins a rebel captain and discovers that the evil at the empire's heart is more terrible than she ever imagined.

As Rielle and Eliana fight in a cosmic war that spans millennia, their stories intersect, and the shocking connection between them ultimately determine the fate of their world-- and of each other."

My Rating: 4.5/5

Honestly, this was a great YA fantasy, certainly a series I plan to binge-read. This book on audio was well-acted and so fun to listen to. It held my attention and the dual perspectives were easy to identify (something that can sometimes get tricky with audiobooks) each character felt uniquely themselves. I loved the magic system and the explanations for the different timelines were perfect. The only reason I docked this .5 stars was because there was a sex scenes which I did not anticipate for YA and I wonder what the author might have done if this had been given a new adult or adult title instead. Overall a fun read with great characters and an interesting world.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: From the Roots

Title: From the Roots

Author: Tasha Spillett

Artist(s):Natasha Donovan

Series/Standalone: Surviving the City (Vol. 2)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Young Adult

Pages: 64

Publisher: HighWater Press

Year Published: 2020

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Dez and Miikwan's stories continue in this sequel to Surviving the City.

Dez's grandmother has passed away. Grieving, and with nowhere else to go, she's living in a group home. On top of everything else, Dez is navigating a new relationship and coming into her identity as a Two-Spirit person.

Miikwan is crushing on the school's new kid Riel, but doesn't understand what Dez is going through. Will she learn how to be a supportive ally to her best friend?

Elder Linda is doing her best to be supportive, but she doesn't know how to respond when the gendered protocols she's grown up with that are being thrown into question.

Will Dez be comfortable expressing her full identity? And will her community relearn the teachings and overcome prejudice to celebrate her for who she is?"

My Rating: 5/5

This series has been a great quick read while still staying informative about racism, past and current injustices, and how First Peoples in Canada are reclaiming their culture that was unrightfully taken from them. I think this is a wonderful series and would be interested in reading more from the authors. I hope these novels find youth who felt unseen and help those in need feel witnessed and understood. 

Thank you for reading,

Sidny

Review: Surviving the City Vol. 1

Title: Surviving the City Vol. 1

Author: Tasha Spillet

Artist(s): Natasha Donovan

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

Genre: Graphic Novel, Young Adult, 

Pages: 56

Publisher: HighWater Press

Year Published: 2019

Format: Paperback Copy (Library Copy)

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

My Rating: 5/5

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

I would strongly recommend it. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: If We Were Villains by M.L Rio

Title: If We Were Villains

Author: M.L Rio

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Adult, Mystery

Pages: 354

Publisher: Flatiron Books

Year Published: 2017

Format: Audiobook

"Oliver Marks has just served ten years in jail- for a murder, he may or may not have committed. On the day he's released, he's greeted by the man who put him in prison. Detective Colborne is retiring, but before he does, he wants to know what really happened a decade ago.

As one of the seven young actors studying Shakespeare at an elite arts college, Oliver and his friends play the same roles onstage and off: hero, villain, tyrant, temptress, ingenue, extra. But when the casting changes, and the secondary characters usurp the stars, the plays spill dangerously over into life, and one of them is found dead. The rest face their greatest acting challenge yet: convincing the police, and themselves, that they are blameless."

My Rating: 5/5

I had tried to pick this book up physically. Still, due to the different use of language (Shakespearean quotes thrown throughout), I had a lot of trouble distinguishing who was who and put it down shortly after starting. I saw that my library got an audiobook version and this was the last chance I was giving this novel. Now if you told me that I would have rated this a 5-star book I would not have believed you. I was leaning towards 4.5 stars until the final twist. I wasn't ready for how this was going to finish. I would strongly recommend the audiobook it is EXCELLENT! I hope to read more work by M.L Rio. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood

Title: The Love Hypothesis

Author: Ali Hazelwood

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance

Pages: 356

Publisher: Berkley Books

Year Published: 2021

Format: Audiobook

"As a third-year Ph.D candidate, Olive Smith doesn't believe in lasting romantic relationships-- but her best friend does, and that's what got her into this situation. Convincing Anh that Olive is dating and well on her way to a happily ever after was always going to take more than hand-wavy Jedi mind tricks: Scientists require proof. So, like any self-respecting biologist, Olive panics and kisses the first man she sees.

That man is none other than Adam Carlsen- a young hotshot professor-- and well-known ass. Which is why Olive is positively floored when Stanford's reigning lab tyrant agrees to keep her charade a secret and be her fake boyfriend. But when a big science conference goes haywire, putting Olive's career on the Bunsen burner, Adam surprises her again with his unyielding support and even more unyielding.... six-pack abs.

Suddenly their little experiment feels dangerously close to combustion. And Olive discovers that the only thing more complicated than a hypothesis on love is putting her own heart under the microscope."

My Rating: 4.5/5

This was once again close to being a perfect read for me. So why wasn't it? What went wrong? I'll answer these really quickly. There is a scene where something happens with a breast and for that reason, I had to dock it .5 stars. It was so jarring and took me out of the moment so much that I needed to acknowledge it. This story is such a fun mix of academia and romance. I loved the nerdiness to it, but also the pining was all there. One of my new favourite contemporary romances for sure. Would recommend but try to skim over some parts of the sex scene (aka the boob scene)

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Romancing Mister Bridgerton by Julia Quinn

Title: Romancing Mister

Author: Julia Quinn

Series/Standalone: Bridgertons Series (Book #4)

Genre: Adult, Historical Romance

Pages: 370

Publisher: Avon

Year Published: 2002

Format: Audiobook

"Everyone knows that Colin Bridgerton is the most charming man in London. Penelope Featherington has secretly adored her best friend's brother for... well, it feels like forever. After half a lifetime of watching Colin Bridgerton from afar, she thinks she knows everything about him until she stumbles across his deepest secret.... and fears she doesn't know him at all. 

Colin Bridgerton is tired of being thought nothing but an empty-headed charmer, tired of everyone's preoccupation with the notorious gossip columnist Lady Whistledown, who can't seem to publish an edition without mentioning him in the first paragraph. But when Colin returns to London from a trip abroad he discovers nothing in his life is quite the same- especially Penelope Featherington! The girl haunting his dreams. But when he discovers that Penelope has secrets of her own, this elusive bachelor must decide... is she his biggest threat- or his promise of a happy ending?"

My Rating: 5/5

I love a friends to romance! This is a trope that I just adore. I also think that long-time crushes that pay off in a cute way just make me so happy. It reminds me of my relationship at the beginning with my husband. I think that the author did a great job leading up to this romance. It's one you could see building in the background throughout the past books and their love grew so well over time. I loved, loved, loved this! I can't wait to continue the series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

DNF Review: Eating Her Christmas Cookies by Alina Jacobs

Title: Eating Her Christmas Cookies

Author: Alina Jacobs

Series/Standalone: Frost Brothers Series (Book #1)

Genre: Adult Fiction, Contemporary Romance

Pages: 408 (Made it 35% of the way through)

Publisher: Self-Published

Year Published: 2018

Format: Kindle Unlimited

"Jack

In my perfect world, it would always be winter and never Christmas.

I despise the holiday. I hate carols, shopping and pretending to be a perfect family

I walked away from my family, or rather they walked away from me.

My heart is like ice-

See it creeping up the walls.

Oh, wait, no, that's royal icing.

I never should have allowed the Great Christmas Bake-Off to film in my tower.

And I never, ever, should have agreed to be a judge.

Chloe

I love Christmas! I love sparkly window decorations, heartwarming holiday movies and themed coffee.

Most of all I love Christmas baking.

Even though is company is sponsoring the bake-off show, billionaire Jack Frost claims he hates sweets.

But after he tastes my goods I know he'll come begging for more.

And wouldn't you know it, that night Jack Frost asked me to come up to his penthouse and give him a special taste of my Christmas cookies.

Against my better judgement, I went...

I baked him my signature gingerbread cookies and of course, he ate them up!

It should have been a Christmas miracle, but Jack Frost couldn't have come into my life at a worse time.

Not only am I broke, but this was my first Christmas after my Oma died.

Someone is trying to sabotage me in the Great Christmas Bake-Off.

I'm being stalked by a mall Santa.

Sleeping with one of the judges is a disaster waiting to happen. I needed Jack and his washboard abs about as much as I need that third sticky bun.

But when he says in his deep, sexy voice, "Can you make me some more cookies?" well stick a candy cane in me I'm done."

My Rating: 1/5 (DNF at 35%)

I'm starting this new review series because I can't keep forcing myself to finish things I know I'm not enjoying. Things like this. I normally would have pushed through but I was finding myself not reading because this was putting me off books. I just couldn't handle it. With all respect to the author, this was the worst thing I've ever read. This was far too long for what it was, there were stalkers that were never properly addressed, I didn't buy the romance, it was too cliche and none of it worked for me.  This book is 400 pages of going nowhere as far as I could tell. I made it 35% of the way and that was more than enough for me. Would NOT recommend it.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren

Title: Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating

Author: Christina Lauren

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Adult Fiction

Pages: 309

Publisher: Gallery Books

Year Published: 2018

Format: Audiobook

"Hazel Camille Bradford knows she's a lot to take- and frankly, most men aren't up to the challenge. If her army of pets, and thrill for the absurd don't send them running, her lack of filter means she'll say exactly the wrong thing in a delicate moment. Their loss. She's a good soul ins search of honest fun.

Josh Im has known Hazel since college, where her zany playfulness proved completely incompatible with his mellow restraint. From the first night they met- when she gracelessly threw up on his shoes- to when she sent him an unintelligible email while in a post-surgical haze, Josh has always thought of Hazel more as a spectacle than a peer. But now, ten years later, after a cheating girlfriend has turned his life upside down, going out with Hazel is a breath of fresh air.

Not that Josh and Hazel date. At least, not each other. Because setting each other up on progressively terrible double blind dates means there's nothing between them... right?"

My Rating: 4.5/5

This was almost the perfect romance for me. It had the quirky girl, the type A guy, and their friendship that buds into more. And if you've read this book you'll know the trope that got the .5 stars dinged off. I really enjoyed this and I get why these authors are so well known in the book, especially the romance, and community.

I look forward to reading more of the current works and their backlist. Super fun, with lots of pining, also the humour is magnificent. Would recommend it overall.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Fix the World by Joe Henderson

Title: Fix the World

Author: Joe Henderson

Series/Standalone: Skyward Series (Volume 3)

Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian, Graphic Novel

Pages: 136

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2019

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

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

My Rating: 3.5/5

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

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Flock by Kate Stewart

Title: Flock

Author: Kate Stewart

Series/Standalone: The Ravenhood (Book #1)

Genre: New Adult, Romance, Reverse Harem

Pages: 364

Publisher: Independently Published

Year Published: 2020

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"Can you keep a secret?

I grew up sick

Let me clarify.

I grew up believing that real love stories include a martyr or demand great sacrifice to be worthy.

Because of that, I believed it, because I made myself believe it, and I bred the most masochistic of romantic heart, which resulted in my illness.

When I lived this story, my own twisted fairy tale, it was unbeknownst to me at the time because I was young and naive. I gave into temptation and fed the beating beast, which grew thirstier with every slash, every strike, every blow.

Triple Falls wasn't at all what it seemed, no were the men that swept me under their wing. But in order to keep them, I had to be in on their secrets.

Secrets that cost us everything to keep.

That's the novelty of fiction versus reality. You can't re-live your own love story, because by the time you've realized you're living it, it's over. At least that was the case for me and the men I trusted my foolish heart to.

Looking back, I"m convinced I willed my story into existence due to my illness. 

And all were punished."

Overall Rating: 3/5

Spice Rating: 4/5

I think that this first book was a fun read, but I think it wasn't what I wanted. The plot was just ok for me. I didn't care about where the story was headed or why the characters acted the way they did. I was in it for the smut. It was great fun to read, and I was hoping for things to get messier, but they just never went too crazy. I don't plan on continuing the series, but I would continue reading from the author.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Here There Be Dragonflies

Title: Here There Be Dragonflies

Author: Joe Henderson 

Series/Standalone: Skyward (Volume 2)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Young Adult, Dystopian

Pages: 104

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2019

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

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

My Rating: 4/5

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

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Spoiler Alert by Oliva Dade

Title: Spoiler Alert

Author: Olivia Dade

Series/Standalone: Spoiler Alert Series (Book #1)

Genre: Romance, Adult Fiction

Pages: 416

Publisher: Avon

Year Published: 2020

Format: Audiobook

"Olivia Dade bursts onto the scene in this delightfully fun romantic comedy set in the world of fanfiction, in which a devoted fan goes on an unexpected date with her celebrity crush, who's secretly posting fanfiction of his own.

Marcus Caster-Rupp has a secret. While the world knows him as Aeneas, the star of the biggest show on TV, Gods of the Gates, he's known to fanfiction readers as Book!AneasWouldNever, an anonymous and popular poster. Marcus is able to get out his own frustrations with his character through his stories, especially the ones that feature the internet's favorite couple to ship, Aeneas and Lavinia. But if anyone ever found out about his online persona, he'd be fired. Immediately.

April Whittier has secrets of her own. A hardcore Lavinia fan, she's hidden her fanfiction and cosplay hobby from her 'real life' for years- but not anymore. When she decides to post her latest Lavinia creation on Twitter, her photo goes viral. Trolls and supporters alike are commenting on her plus-size take, but when Marcus, one half of her OTP, sees her pic and asks her out on a date to spite her critics, she realizes life is really stranger than fanfiction.

Even though their first date is a disaster, Marcus quickly realizes that he wants much more from April than a one-time publicity stunt. And when he discovers she's actually Unapologetic Lavinia Stan, his closest fandom friend, he has one more huge secret to hide form her.

With love and Marcus's career on the line, can the two of them stop hiding once and for all, or will a match made in fandom end up prematurely cancelled?"

My Rating: 5/5

This was exactly what I didn't know I need a body-positive, unapologetically nerdy, sex-positive romance that includes fanfic and a made-up set of source material that is so good I would die to read the original source material and watch the less-than-stellar (apparently) show. I loved the way the author focused on each character as individuals as well as a couple. I cannot speak to all of the representation but the character growth, the plot, etc are astounding and I can't wait to read the next installment! Would highly recommend it to nerdy folks looking for a modern romance!

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Y2K-O! by Carly Usdin

Title: Y2K-O!

Author: Carly Usdin

Artist(s): Nina Vakueva

Series/Standalone: Heavy Vinyl (Volume 2)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Young Adult, LGBT

Pages: 112

Publisher: BOOM! Box

Year Published: 2020

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"An all-new original graphic novel follow up to the award-nominated Heavy Vinyl: Riot on The Radio that reunites everyone's favorite girl vigilantes to save the day by stopping Big Music from killing digital music in 1999!

SAVE THE INTERNET, SAVE THE WORLD (OF MUSIC)!

It's 1999 and Chris is living her dream: working at Vinyl Destination by day and fighting for (musical) justice by night (okay, maybe during the day too) in the world's coolest teen girl vigilante fight club. But when the girls of Vinyl Destination enter Battle of The Bands- to investigate and, of course, win - they learn that the shadowy corporate masters of the music industry plan to destroy the fledging world of digital music and blame it on Y2K. Now it's time for Christ and the gang to dial up 56k (or more, pretty please) of justice so they can save the day once again!"

My Rating: 4.5/5

I wish that this series had more volumes, the cliffhanger that this one ends on was not what I needed from the series. Also watching as the characters traverse long-distance relationships, new relationships and crushes. I loved the way this tackled so many things while staying fun and keeping the music involved. I would read anything else this author put out! Anything!

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: As Good As Dead by Holly Jackson

Title: As Good As Dead

Author: Holly Jackson

Series/Standalone: A Good Girl's Guide to Murder (Book #3)

Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Young Adult

Pages: 459

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Year Published: 2021

Format: Audiobook

"The New York Times Bestselling Series The highly anticipated finale to the A Good Girl's Guide to Murder series, the instant bestseller that reads like your favorite true crime podcast or show. By the end of this mystery series, you'll never think of good girls the same way again...

Pip is about to head to college, but she is still haunted by the way her last investigation ended. She's used to online death threats in the wake of her viral true-crime podcast, but she can't help noticing an anonymous person who keeps asking her. Who will look for you when you're the one who disappears?

Soon the threats escalate and Pip realizes that someone is following her in real life. When she starts to find connections between her stalker and a local serial killer caught six year ago, she wonders if maybe the wrong man is behind bars.

Police refuse to act, so Pip has only one choice: find the suspect herself- or be the next victim. As the deadly game plays out, Pip discovers that everything in her small town is coming full circle... and if she doesn't find the answers, this time she will be the one who disappears."

My Rating: 4/5

I was not expecting that this series would have so many ups and downs. I was concerned after the last one about how they would continue this series. I thought that we would be following a far different case and yet the author did an excellent job of tying the stories and town together. There are so many well-written characters and the plot took a turn I was not anticipating. I did anticipate the first twist for the most part but by the end, I was in shock at where the author was taking us. Overall, a tremendous series and I would read anything else the author publishes, especially thrillers/mysteries.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Last Star by Rick Yancey

Title: The Last Star

Author: Rick Yancey

Series/Standalone: The 5th Wave Series (Book #3)

Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Dystopian

Pages: 338

Publisher: GP Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

Year Published: 2016

Format: Audiobook

"The enemy is Other. The enemy is us.

They're down here, they're up there, they're nowhere. They want the Earth, they want us to have it. They came to wipe us out, they came to save us.

But beneath these riddles lies one truth: Cassie has been betrayed. So has Ringer. Zombie. Nugget. And all 7.5 billion people who used to live on our planet. Betrayed first by the Others, and now by ourselves.

In these last days, Earth's remaining survivors will need to decide what's more important: saving themselves... or saving what makes us human."

My Rating: 3/5

This was a really fun series to binge-read. If you are looking for a 2010s dystopian throwback I would recommend picking up the series on audio or physically. It's a fast-paced, alien, dystopia showdown. What isn't there to like? The only reason this book didn't have as high of a rating as the others in the series is that the author took this in a direction I didn't expect or love. It was a fun ride.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Infinite Sea by Rick Yancey

Title: The Infinite Sea

Author: Rick Yancey

Series/Standalone: The 5th Wave Series (Book #2)

Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian

Pages: 320

Publisher: Putnam Juvenile 

Year Published: 2014

Format: Audiobook

"How do you rid the Earth of seven billion humans? Rid the humans of their humanity.

Surviving the first four waves was nearly impossible. Now Cassie Sullivan finds herself in a new world, a world in which the fundamental trust that binds us together is gone. As the 5th Wave rolls across the landscape, Cassie, Ben and Ringer are forced to confront the Others' ultimate goal: the extermination of the human race.

Cassie and her friends haven't seen the depths to which the Others will sink, nor have the Others seen the heights to which humanity will rise, in the ultimate battle between life and death, hope and despair, love and hate."

My Rating: 4/5

I really enjoyed this second volume I think it leant to how diabolical it is. I think that the cliffhanger was amazing and I was glad to continue the series. I've already started the final book in the series. The characters are decently dynamic as well as the plot being fast moving. I thought that it was super fun and would recommend science fiction throwbacks.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

Title: The 5th Wave

Author: Rick Yancey

Series/Standalone: The 5th Wave Series

Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian

Pages: 457

Publisher: GP Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

Year Published: 2013

Format: Audiobook (Own Paperback Copy)

"After the 1st wave, only darkness remains. After the 2nd, only the lucky escape. And after the 3rd, only the unlucky survive. After the 4th wave, only one rule applies: trust no one.

Now, it's the dawn of the 5th wave, and on a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs from Them. The beings who only look human, who roam the countryside killing anyone they see. Who have scattered Earth's last survivors. To stay alone is to stay alive, Cassie believes, until she meets Evan Walker. Beguiling and mysterious, Evan Walker may be Cassie's only hope for rescuing her brother- or even saving herself. But Cassie must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death. To give up or to get up."

My Rating: 4.5/5

I put this book off for so long because I heard from multiple booktubers that the series goes downhill, but now that it's been out for almost 10 years, so I picked this up for nostalgia purposes mainly. It is such a throwback to the 2010s dystopian stories. This one was good. I think that if I had picked it up when it came out I would have been impatiently waiting for the next one, but because I waited for the hype to die down (and then some) I will just be binge-reading these for fun.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny