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