Book Review: Educated by Tara Westover

Title: Educated

Author: Tara Westover

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir
Pages: 352

Publisher: Random House

Year Published: 2018

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"One of the most acclaimed books of our time: an unforgettable memoir about a young woman who, kept out of school, leaves her survivalist family and goes on to earn a PhD from Cambridge University.

Born to survivalists in the mountains of Idaho, Tara Westover was seventeen the first time she set foot in a classroom. Her family was so isolated from mainstream society that there was no one to ensure the children received an education, and no one to intervene when on of Tara's older brothers became violent. When another brother got himself into college,  Tara decided to try a new kind of life. Her quest for knowledge transformed her, taking her over oceans and across continents, to Harvard and to Cambridge University. Only then would she wonder if she'd traveled too far, if there was still a way home."

My Rating: 4/5

I had heard about this book when it was first published, but it kept getting pushed back on my TBR, and I was urged to read it after reading Yesteryear. The similarities (not social media-wise) were astounding. The use of language surrounding women, feminism, abuse, etc., was astounding. The gaslighting and manipulation that Tara Westover overcame in her hunt for knowledge and a life outside the one she knew reminds us not to take our ability to learn, research and hunt for information for granted. Her story, while heart-wrenching at times, is an important read, especially in a changing society. I would warn those with past trauma to look into trigger warnings for the book, as it is very forthcoming with her life. Finally, I have heard that her family has spoken out about the book. My simple comment is: if they were willing to gaslight and manipulate their own flesh and blood, what would stop them from doing it to the greater public? 

Sidny

Book Review: Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid

Title: Heated Rivalry

Author: Rachel Reid

Series/Standalone: Game Changers Series (Book #2)

Genre: Sport Romance, LGBT, Adult Fiction

Pages: 372

Publisher: Carina Press

Year Published: 2018

Format: Paperback Copy (Own it)

"Nothing interferes with Shane Hollander's game- definitely not the sexy rival he loves to hate.

Pro hockey star Shane Hollander isn't just crazy talented, he's got a spotless reputation. Hockey is his life. Now that he's captain of the Montreal Voyageurs, he won't let anything jeopardize that, especially the sexy Russian whose hard body keeps him awake at night.

Boston Bears captain Ilya Rozanov is everything Shane's not. The self-proclaimed king of ice, he's as cocky as he is talented. No one can beat him- except Shane. They've made a career on their legendary rivalry, but when the skates come off, the heat between them is undeniable. When Ilya realizes he wants more than a few secret hookup, he knows he must walk away. The risk is too great.

As their attraction intensifies, they struggle to keep their relationship out of the public eye. If the truth comes out, it could ruin them both. But when their need for each other rivals their ambition on the ice, secrecy is no longer an option. "

My Rating:  4/5

I'll be honest, I watched the show and then decided to start reading the books. The first book wasn't all I hoped it would be, and so I didn't understand the hype for the books, but THIS! This book lived up to the hype of the show. The show runners did a great job of following the book (in my opinion). I love a hate-to-love, rivals style romance. Mix that with the deeper elements and the smut, and it was a super fun, spicy read. 

Sidny

Book Review: Game Changer by Rachel Reid

Title: Game Changer

Author: Rachel Reid

Series/Standalone: Game Changers Series (Book #1)

Genre: Adult Fiction, Sports, Romance, LGBT

Pages: 400

Publisher: Carina Press

Year Published: 2018

Format: Paperback (Own It)

"New York Admirals captain Scott Hunter takes his pregame rituals very seriously. In this case, it's not just a lucky smoothie he's craving- it's the man who made it. 

Pro hockey star Scott Hunter knows a good thing when he sees it. So when a smoothie made by a juice bar barista, Kip Grady precedes Scott breaking his on-ice slump, he's desperate to recreate the magic... and to get to know the sexy, funny guy behind the counter.

Kip knew there was more to Scott's frequent visits than blended fruit, but he never let himself imagine being invited back to Scott's penthouse. Or kissed with reckless abandon, never mind touched everywhere all at once. When it happens, it's red-hot, incredible and frequent, but also only on Scott's terms and always behind his closed apartment doors. 

Scott needs Kip in his life, but with playoff season approaching, the spotlight on him is suddenly brighter than ever. He can't afford to do anything that might derail his career... like introducing the world to his boyfriend. Kip is ready to go all-in with Scott- but how much longer will he have to remain a secret?"

My Rating: 3.5/5

I have already watched the Heated Rivalry show before reading this, so I knew a lot of the plot points that were going to be covered in the books. I did enjoy the internal dialogue, though, about how Kip felt during the relationship and how Scott felt about coming out of the closet. I liked the steamy scenes, but I found that there were moments where they were a bit repetitive. This could also just be because I am a cis woman.

Thank you for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Circe by Madeline Miller

Title: Circe

Author: Madeline Miller

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Fantasy, Mythology, Historical Fiction

Pages: 393

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company

Year Published: 2018

Format: Audiobook (Library Copy)

"In the house of Helios, god of the sun and mightiest of the Titans, a daughter is born. But Circe is a strange child- neither powerful like her father nor viciously alluring like her mother. Turning to the world of the mortals for companionship, she discovers that she does possess power: the power of witchcraft, which can transform rivals into monsters and menace the gods themselves.

Threatened, Zeus banishes her to a deserted island, where she hones her occult craft, tames wild beasts, and crosses paths with many of the most famous figures in all of mythology, including the Minotaur, Daedalus and his doomed son Icarus, the murderous Medea, and, of course, wily Odysseus.

But there is danger too, for a woman who stands alone, and Circe unwittingly draws the wrath of both men and gods, ultimately finding herself pitted against one of the most terrifying and vengeful of the Olympians. To protect what she loves most, Circe must summon all her strength and choose, once and for all, whether she belongs with the gods she is born from or with the mortals she has come to love."

My Rating: 3/5

I love the idea of these books, but I find that once I'm reading them, I find them hard to get through. The stories themselves are interesting, and seeing how they relate to the original mythology is so fascinating, but the endings and stories themselves don't capture my attention the way I wished they would. I would certainly read more by the author. I enjoyed this one more than the last one I read by the author. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Asperger's Children: The Origins of Autism in Nazi Vienna by Edith Sheffer

Title: Asperger's Children: The Origins of Autism in Nazi Vienna

Author: Edith Sheffer

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Nonfiction, Historical

Pages: 320

Publisher: W.W. Norton & Company

Year Published: 2018

Format: Audiobook

"Hans Asperger, the pioneer of autism and Asperger syndrome in Nazi Vienna, has been celebrated for his compassionate defense of children with disabilities. But in this groundbreaking book, prize-winning historian Edith Sheffer exposes that Asperger was not only involved in racial policies of Hitler's Third Reich, he was complicit in the murder of children.

As the Nazi regime slaughtered millions across Europe during World War Two, it sorted people according to race, religion, behavior, and physical condition for either treatment or elimination. Nazi psychiatrists targeted children with different kinds of minds- especially those thought to lack social skills- claiming the Reich had no place for them. Asperger and his colleagues endeavored to mold certain "autistic" children into productive citizens, while transferring others they deemed untreatable to Spiegelgrund, one of the Reich's deadliest child-killing centers.

In the first comprehensive history of the links between autism and Nazism, Sheffer uncovers how a diagnosis common today emerged from the atrocities of the Third Reich. With vivid storytelling and wide-ranging research, Asperger's Children will move readers to rethink how societies assess, label and treat those diagnosed with disabilities."

My Rating: 4/5

I don't often foray into nonfiction, but this title was curious to me. As someone who works directly with children, I wasn't familiar with this history of the autism diagnosis and how these factors played into even common-day misconceptions about autism spectrum disorder. It was harrowing to hear about the terrors that took place in these centres. Obviously, the acts during the Third Reich were atrocious and inhumane, and when we examine more aspects, we see how deep the evil continued to run. 

Sidny

Book Review: Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty

Title: Nine Perfect Strangers

Author: Liane Moriarty

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Fiction, Contemporary, Thriller, Adult

Pages: 453

Publisher: Flatiron Books

Year Published: 2018

Format: Audiobook

"Could ten days at a health resort really change you forever?

These nine perfect strangers are about to find out...

Nine people gather at a remote health resort. Some are here to lose weight, some are here to get a reboot on life, some are here for reasons they can't even admit to themselves. Amidst all of the luxury and pampering, the mindfulness and meditation, they know these ten days might involve some real work. But none of them could imagine just how challenging the next ten days are going to be.

Frances Welty, the formerly best-selling romantic novelist, arrives at Tranquillum House nursing a bad back, a broken heart, and an exquisitely painful paper cut. She's immediately intrigued by her fellow guests. Most of them don't look to be in need of a health resort at all. But the person that intrigues her most is the strange and charismatic owner/director of Tranquillum House. Could this person really have the answers Frances didn't even know she was seeking? Should Frances put aside her doubts and immerse herself in everything that Tranquillum House has to offer- or should she run while she still can?

It's not long before every guest at Tranquillum House is asking exactly the same question.

Combining all the hallmarks that have made Liane Moriarty's writing a go-to for anyone looking for wickedly smart, page-turning fiction that will make you laugh and gasp, Nine Perfect Strangers once again shows why she is a master of her craft."

My Rating: 4/5

It had been a while since I had read any other works by the author, so I felt that I was approaching this author's book with fresh eyes. However, it did have a similar ambience to what I remembered of Big Little Lies. The unsettling idea that something isn't quite what it appears, and that we're on the tracks in a train that could derail at any minute. I love how individual each of her characters feels in both of these works that I've read. My only complaint was that I thought there would be a slightly bigger twist at the end of the book, but I understand how we came to the conclusion we did. 

Thank you for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Supernova by Kazu Kibuishi

Title: Supernova

Author/Artist(s): Kazu Kibuishi

Series/Standalone: Amulet Series (Volume 8)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Middle Grade

Pages: 199

Publisher: Scholastic

Year Published: 2018

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Emily has lost control of her Amulet and is imprisoned in the Void, where she must find a way to escape the influence of the Voice. Meanwhile, Emily's brother, Navin travels to Lighthouse One, a space station where the Resistance is preparing to battle the approaching Shadow forces that would drain planet Alledia of all its resources. Emily and Navin must be smarter and stronger than ever to ensure Alledia's survival."

My Rating: 5/5

This installment in the series was such a great turn for the plot. Not only did we expand on the world, but we also expanded on the magic system, which was super interesting. I also love a little foreshadowing, which I can assume was present. Again, the art style is excellent, and I recommend it to both lovers of graphic novels and middle grade students alike. Loved it!

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

Title: The Great Alone

Author: Kristin Hannah

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Historical Fiction, Adult, Contemporary

Pages: 435

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Year Published: 2018

Format: Audiobook

"Alaska, 1974.

Unpredictable. Unforgiving. Untamed.

For a family in crisis, the ultimate test of survival.

Ernt Allbright, a former POW, comes home from the Vietnam war a changed and volatile man. When he loses yet another job, he makes an impulsive decision: he will move his family north, to Alaska, where they will live off the grid in America's last true frontier.

Thirteen-year-old Leni, a girl coming of age in a tumultuous time, caught in the riptide of her parents' passionate, stormy relationship, dares to hope that a new land will lead to a better future for her family. She is desperate for a place to belong. Her mother, Cora, will do anything and go anywhere for the man he loves, even if it means following him into the unknown.

At first, Alaska seems to be the answer to their prayers. In a wild, remote corner of the state, they find a fiercely independent community of strong men and even stronger women. The long, sunlit days and the generosity of the locals make up for the Allbrights' lack of preparation and dwindling resources.

But as winter approaches and darkness descends on Alaska, Ernt's fragile mental state deteriorates and the family begins to fracture. Soon the perils outside pale in comparison to the threats from within. In their small cabin, covered in snow, blanketed in eighteen hours of the night, Leni and her mother learn the terrible truth: they are on their own. In the wild, there is no one to save them but themselves.

In this unforgettable portrait of human frailty and resilience, Kristin Hannah reveals the indomitable character of the modern American pioneer and the spirit of a vanishing Alaska- a place of incomparable beauty and danger. The Great Alone is a daring, beautiful, stay-up-all-night story about love and loss, the fight for survival and the wildness that lives in both man and nature."

My Rating: 4/5

Kristin Hannah, I know that everyone has been reading you forever and I'm late to the party, but damn you've done it again. After reading The Nightingale I was worried about picking up another book by the author, what if it wasn't as good, what if I didn't feel the same? And meanwhile, this book was insanely good. I think the content matter was a little hard to read, but the overall plot was incredible. The characters were dynamic and multi-faceted. The way Kristin Hannah writes is beautiful and filled with emotional impact.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny 

Book Review: Power of Five by Alex Lidell

Title: Power of Five

Author: Alex Lidell

Series/Standalone: Power of Five Series (Book #1)

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, New Adult

Pages: 226

Publisher: Indie Published

Year Published: 2018

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

First Line: "'Lera!' Mimi's voice bounces through the stable, turning horses' heads."

"Four elite fae warriors. One mortal female. A magical bond they can't allow- or resist.

Orphaned and sold to a harsh master, Lera's life is about mucking stalls, avoiding her master's advances, and steering clear of the mystical forest separating the mortal and fae worlds. Only fools venture into the immortal realms, and only dark rumors come out... Until four powerful fae warriors appear at Lera's barn.

River, Coal, Tye and Shade have waited a decade for their new fifth to be chosen, the wounds from their quint brother's loss still raw. But the magic has played a cruel trick, bonding the four immortal warriors to... a female. A mortal female.

Distractingly beautiful and dangerously frail, Lera can only be one thing- a mistake. Yet as the males bring Lera back to the fae lands to sever the bond, they discover that she holds more power over their souls than is safe for anyone.... especially for Lera herself."

My Rating: 3.75/5

This was such an interesting read. I was looking for a reverse harem and I wasn't picky about genre other than that being a trope. I looked through my Goodreads TBR and started from the first books I had put on my want-to-read list that were available on Kindle Unlimited. This was such a short, fun read. The spice is building, the concept is fun and the characters are unique enough that they're all distinguishable from each other. I would recommend if you're looking for a short reverse harem book, that has a slower burn than some others you might read. I look forward to reading the next one soon.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Herding Cats by Sarah Andersen

Title: Herding Cats

Author: Sarah Andersen

Series/Standalone: Sarah Scribbles (Book #3)

Genre: Comic, Coffe Table Book

Pages: 112

Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing

Year Published: 2018

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Adjusting to life as a world-famous cartoonist isn't easy. Terrifying deadlines, piles of junk-food wrappers under a glowing computer screen and an ever-growing horde of pets.... ummm, never mind- it's pretty much the same.

With characteristic wit and charms, Sarah Andersen's third collection of comics and illustrated personal essays offers a survival guide for frantic modern life: from the importance of avoiding morning people, to Internet troll defense 101, to the not-so-life-changing futility of tidying up. But when all else fails and the world around you is collapsing, make a hot chocolate, count the days until Halloween, and snuggle up next to your furry beacon of hope."

My Rating: 5/5

I really enjoyed this. I will say there is something about Sarah's little snippets that makes me feel less alone in this wild world. This very well might be my favourite. Would recommend!

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang

Title: The Prince and The Dressmaker

Author: Jen Wang

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Graphic Novel, Young Adult, Fantasy,

Pages: 277

Publisher: First Second

Year Published: 2018

Format: Paperback Copy (Library)

"Paris, at the dawn of the modern age:

Prince Sebastian is looking for a bride- or rather, his parents are looking for one for him. Sebastian is too busy hiding his secret life from everyone. At night he puts on daring dresses and takes Paris by storm as the fabulous Lady Crystallia- the hottest fashion icon in the world capital of fashion!

Sebastian's secret weapon is his brilliant dressmaker, Frances- his best friend and one of only two people who know the truth: sometimes this boy wears dresses. But Frances dreams of greatness, and being someone's secret weapon means being a secret. Forever. How long can Frances defer her dreams to protect her friend?

Jen Wang weaves an exuberantly romantic tale of identity, young love, are, and family. A fairy tale for any age."

My Rating: 5/5

This was a perfect refresher of a graphic novel for me. It was light, it was fun, but it also had a beautiful coming-of-age story. The way the artist tells the story is beautiful and the ending had me smiling. I would gladly read something else by the author. A perfect palate cleanser for an older audience or a coming-of-age story for young adults. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Blood on the Tracks Vol. 4

Title: Blood on the Tracks Vol. 4

Author: Shuzo Oshimi

Series/Standalone: Blood on the Tracks (Volume 4)

Genre: Manga, Horror, Adult

Pages: 232

Publisher: Vertical Comics

Year Published: 2018

Format: Paperback Copy (Library)

"Unable to process the horrifying events of the past few months, Seiichi's anger, fear, and frustration boil over. But even as he is haunted by the memory of his mother's hands around his throat, he finds his voice again thanks to his classmate Fukiishi. Their puppy love provides a tenderness he has been missing, but it quickly comes under threat from his mother's insane jealousy.

Torn between the two women in his life, Seiichi is forced to make a choice that could bring his whole world crashing down."

My Rating: 4.5/5

Again I binge-read this and it left me unsettled, but wanting to read more as soon as possible. The way the author writes the scenes and lays out the art just adds so much depth to the thrilling aspects of this story. The cliffhangers and the baseline emotions that are seen throughout help the reader remain in suspense. Can't wait to read more. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Blood on the Tracks Vol. 3

Title: Blood on the Tracks Vol. 3

Author: Shuzo Oshimi

Series/Standalone: Blood on the Tracks (Volume 3)

Genre: Manga, Adult, Horror

Pages: 232

Publisher: Vertical Comics

Year Published: 2018

Format: Paperback Copy (Library)

"The last days of summer creep toward a violent climax....

Seichi's family begins to fall apart in the wake of his cousin's "accident," but nothing compares to the mental and emotional torture he undergoes as he tries to maintain some sense of self in the face of his mother's manipulations. Torn by his love for her, Seiichi is pushed to the breaking point and finds himself unable to speak, both literally and figuratively.

The tension continues to build in Shuzo Oshimini's masterwork of understated psychological horror, as Seiichi falls further and further into the abyss of his mother's unravelling psyche."

My Rating: 5/5

Every time I pick up a new volume of this I feel more and more disturbed. I'm enjoying reading manga with a different vibe than the ones I have read in the past. Both the art style and the writing is so well done that it just puts the reader on edge. I look forward to binging the rest of the series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Beneath the Sugar Sky by Seanan McGuire

Title: Beneath the Sugar Sky

Author: Seanan McGuire

Series/Standalone: Wayward Children Series (Book #3)

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Pages: 174

Publisher: Tor

Year Published: 2018

Format: Audiobook

"Beneath the Sugar Sky, the third book in McGuire's Wayward Children series, returns to Eleanor West's Home for Wayward Children in a standalone contemporary fantasy for fans of all ages. At this magical boarding school, children who have experienced fantasy adventures are reintroduced to the 'real' world.

When Rini lands with a literal splash in the pond behind Eleanor West's Home for Wayward Children, the last thing she expects to find is that her mother, Sumi, died years before Rini was even conceived. But Rini can't let Reality get in the way of her quest- not when she has an entire world to save! (Much more common than one would suppose.) If she can't find a way to restore her mother, Rini will have more than a world to save: she will never have been born in the first place. And in a world without magic, she doesn't have long before Reality notices her existence and washes her away. Good thing the student body is well-acquianted with quests...

A tale of friendship, baking and derring-do. Warning: May contain nuts."

My Rating: 2.5/5

This one was not my favorite. I think that I prefer seeing the world when the children first encounter them. This was just ok for me. I liked the main character we were introduced to. I enjoyed the idea of her world, but the sugar world didn't interest me. It wasn't what I anticipated, but I will be continuing with the series. Just ok for me.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Little Moments of Love by Catana Chetwynd

Title: Little Moments of Love 

Author: Catana Chetwynd

Artist(s): Catana Chetwynd

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Graphic Novels, Comics, Romance

Pages: 148

Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing

Year Published: 2018

Format: Hardcover (Library Copy)

"What began as stray doodles on scraps of paper became an internet sensation when Catana Chetwynd's boyfriend shared her drawings online. Now, Catana Comics touches millions of readers with its sweet, relatable humor. Little Moments of Love collects just that- the little moments that are the best parts of being with the person you love."

My Rating: 5/5

Although this coffee table book is short it is so touching. These stories focus on relationships and weirdos which is exactly what I am lucky enough to have with my husband. These made me laugh and I remember when I first discovers these comics on Instagram. I would strongly suggest both the coffee table books and their page. Great to share with your partner.

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

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: My Low-G Life

Title: My Low-G Life

Author: Joe Henderson

Artist(s): Lee Garbett, Antonio Fabela

Series/Standalone: Skyward (Vol. 1)

Genre: Young Adult, Graphic Novels, Science Fiction

Pages: 136

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2018

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"One day, gravity on Earth suddenly became a fraction of what it is now. Twenty years later, humanity has adapted to its new low gravity reality. And to Willa Fowler, a woman born just after G-day, it's well, it's pretty awesome, actually. You can fly through the air! I mean, sure, you can also die if you jump too high. So you don't jump too high. And maybe don't get mixed up in your Dad's secret plan to bring gravity back that could get you killed..."

My Rating: 4.5/5

I really love this concept, it's terrifying but so fascinating. We all know that I love a dystopian universe and to see it done in a graphic novel was fantastic. I love the art style, and I think that this was a great opening volume. I can't wait to see where this series goes. I'm sure it will be an intriguing ride.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Riot on the Radio

Title: Riot on the Radio

Author: Carly Usdin

Artist(s): Nina Vakueva

Series/Standalone: Heavy Vinyl (Volume 2)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Young Adult

Pages: 112

Publisher: BOOM! Box

Year Published: 2018

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"When Christ joins the staff at her local record store, she's surprised to find out that her co-workers share a secret: they're all members of the secret fight club that take on the patriarchy and fight crime!

Starry-eyed Chris has just started the dream job every outcast kid in town wants: working at Vinyl Mayhem. It's as rad as she imagined; her boss is BOSS, her co-workers spend their time arguing over music, pushing against the patriarchy, and endlessly trying to form a band. When Rosie Riot, the staff's favourite singer, mysteriously vanishes the night before her band's show, Chris discovers her co-workers are doing more than just sorting vinyl... Her local indie record store is also a front for a teen girl vigilante fight club!"

My Rating: 2.5/5

This was fun but wasn't all that I expected it to be. I really thought that this would capture more of the Avant-Guards style and friendship motto, and in some ways it did. But it also really felt like Totally Spies to me for some reason. I can't explain to you why exactly.  It was fun, I'll complete the duology but I wouldn't suggest it if you've already read Avant-Guards. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny