Book Review: Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Title: Carrie Soto is Back

Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid

Series/Standalone: Reidverse (Book #5)

Genre: Historical Fiction, Contemporary, Sports, Adult Fiction

Pages: 384

Publisher: Ballantine Books

Year Published: 2022

Format: Audiobook (Library Copy)

"Carrie Soto is fierce, and her determination to win at any cost has not made her popular.

By the time Carrie retires from tennis, she is the best player the world has ever seen. She has shattered every record and claimed twenty Slam titles. And if you ask her, she is entitled to every one. She sacrificed nearly everything to become the best, with her father as her coach.

But six years after her retirement, Carrie finds herself sitting in the stand of the 1994 US Open, watching her record be taken from her by a brutal, stunning, British player named Nicki Chan.

At thirty-seven years old, Carrie makes the monumental decision to come out of retirement and be coached by her father for one last year in an attempt to reclaim her record. Even if the sports media says that they never liked the 'Battle-Axe' anyways. Even if her body doesn't move as fast as it did. And even if it means swallowing her pride to train with a man she once almost opened her heart to: Bowe Huntley. Like her, he has something to prove before he gives up the game forever. 

In spite of it all: Carrie Soto is back, for one epic final season. In this riveting and unforgettable novel, Taylor Jenkins Reid tells a story about the cost of greatness and a legendary athlete attempting a comeback."

My Rating: 5/5

I love Taylor Jenkins Reid's Reidverse. The way these imagined celebrities feel so real, the way they have such individual personalities, but feel so real to the time and our world. I feel sad sometimes that I can't look up more information about where they would be now. Carrie Soto is far from likeable. That is made clear from the beginning, but as the story goes on, you grow to love her as she is. The determined, unrelenting and resilient athlete she is. The way she copes in her life through all of it, despite what everyone things, inspite what everyone thinks. I hope her next corner is all the better, and I wonder if Taylor Jenkins Reid will add to these stories.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano

Title: Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave

Author: Elle Cosimano

Series/Standalone: Finlay Donovan Series (Book #5)

Genre: Adult Fiction, Cozy, Mystery

Pages: 309

Publisher: Minotaur Books

Year Published: 2025

Format: Audiobook

"Finlay Donovan may have skeletons in her closet... but at least there's not a body in her backyard.

Finlay Donovan and her nanny/partner-in-crime, Vero, have not always gotten along with Finlay's elderly neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, the community busybody and president of the neighborhood watch. But when a dead body is discovered in her backyard, Mrs. Haggerty needs their help. At first a suspect, Mrs. Haggerty is cleared by the police, but her house remains an active crime scene. She has nowhere to go... except Finlay's house, right across the street.

Finlay and Vero have no interest in getting involved in another murder case- or sacrificing either of her bedrooms. After all, they've dealt with enough murders over the last four months to last a lifetime, and they both would much rather share their beds with someone else.

When the focus of the investigation widens to include Finlay's ex-husband Steven, though, Finlay and Vero are left with little choice but to get closer to Mrs. Haggerty and uncover her secrets... before the police start digging up theirs. But who will solve the mystery first?"

My Rating: 5/5

This was by far my favourite book in the series. I have to give most of the credit to Mrs. Haggerty's character and the use of women-led groups. The character growth between books is also noticeable. With a cast of incredibly lovable characters, a mystery that feels intriguing without being terrifying and a toddler who just won't keep his pants on, who could ask for more? 

Sidny

Book Review: A Very Merry Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams

Title: A Very Merry Bromance

Author: Lyssa Kay Adams

Series/Standalone: Bromance Book Club (Book #5)

Genre: Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Romance

Pages: 359

Publisher: Berkley

Year Published: 2022

Format: Paperback (Own It)

"Country music's golden boy Colton Wheeler felt the most perfect harmony when he was with Gretchen Winthrop. But for her, it was a love him and leave him situation. A year later, Colton is struggling to push his music forward in a new direction. If it weren't about to be the most magical time of year and the support of the Bromance Book Club, he'd be wallowing in self-pity.

It's hard for immigration attorney Gretchen not to feel a little Scrooge-ish about the excess of Christmas when her clientsare scrambling to afford their rent. So when her estranged, wealthy family reaches out with an offer that will allow her to better serve the community, she's unable to say no. She just needs to convince Colton to be the new face of her family's whiskey brand. No big deal...

Colton agrees to consider Gretchen's offer in exchange for three dates before Christmas. With the help of the Bromance Book Club, Colton throws himself into the task of proving to her there's a spark between them. But Gretchen and Colton will both need to overcome the ghosts of Christmas past to build a future together."

My Rating: 5/5

I really enjoyed this Bromance Christmas special. It was exactly what I needed this season and included one of my favourite tropes, grumpy fmc and sunshine mmc. I find that as a fellow grumpy women it's annoying that often the woman is always the one cast as sunshine in these tropes, so when we have one that better emulates my husband and I (he is a ball of sunshine and all things good, btw), it's hard to resist.  This was a favourite series for me, and if Lyssa Kay Adams ever decided to put out more, they'd be on the top of my TBR pile.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Carnage by Shantel Tessier

Title: Carnage

Author: Shantel Tessier

Series/Standalone: L.O.R.D.S. (Book #5)

Genre: Dark Romance, Adult

Pages: 628

Publisher: Indie Published

Year Published: 2023

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"A PUPPET

The men in the secret society known as the Lords think they rule the world. And in a way, they do. Each has sold their soul to the devil at a young age in exchange for power and wealth. Like anything else, they have different levels of success. The more they're willing to serve, the more power they have.

Among them are the Spade brothers, who run Carnage. It's where the Lords who have not held up their oath go to live out the rest of their lives in shackles. Tucked away from the world as if they never existed.

I VOW. YOU VOW.  WE VOW.

I once belonged to a Lord- Saint Beckham Carter. Although nothing was holy about him, I still kneeled as if he could grant me eternity in a world where only evil existed.

At the time, I willingly vowed to be his and allowed him to share me with his "brothers." But things changed. And what I thought couldn't get any better got exceptionally worse. So I did the only thing I could and ran from him, knowing I could never return.

Now he's found me and dragged me back to his hell, where he will make me his pet. The world already thinks I'm dead, so no one will miss me. And I'm just another name on a long list of those who will never know freedom.

What he doesn't know is why I ran from him in the first place. A Lord doesn't listen to reason, so it's not like he'd care anyway. Saint was born a Lord, and he will die as one.

If life has taught me anything, it's that we all pay for our sins. And Saint will never let me forget that my place is at Carnage, serving him on my knees until death is granted."

My Rating:5/5

This was so over-the-top, crazy, and intense, as most of the books in this series are. But if you wanted to see Shantal Tessier take the series to a whole new level, I would highly recommend. Seeing what caused Saint to be the character we see in the first half of the series was super interesting, and then getting more context for the subplot that has run through all the other books so far. I'm looking forward to continuing the series soon.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas

Title: Empire of Storms

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Series/Standalone: Throne of Glass Series (Book #5)

Genre: Fantasy, Adult Fiction,

Pages: 693

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Year Published: 2023

Format: Paperback (Own It)

"The long path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius as war looms on the horizon. Loyalties have been broken and bought, friends have been lost and gained, and those who possess magic find themselves at odds with those who don't.

With her heart sworn to the warrior-prince by her side, and her fealty pledged to the people she is determined to save, Aelin will delve into the depths of her power to protect those she loves. But as monsters emerge from the horrors of the past, and dark forces become poised to claim her world, the only chance for salvation will lie in a desperate quest that may mark the end of everything Aelin holds dear."

My Rating: 4.5/5

This was extremely interesting because I began reading this with Tower of Dawn as a tandem read. I ended it by reading the last 100 pages on my own. While I loved reading them interchangeably, it was taking a while. It gave important context, and I'm sure it helped me get through Tower of Dawn quicker than I would have; it slowed down my reading of Empire of Storms. I think the plot of this is excellent. The ever-changing point of view kept me intrigued while reading and had me feeling like there was always someone to root for. I look forward to finishing this series, although I'm ready to sob.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Hopeless by Elsie Silver

Title: Hopeless

Author: Elsie Silver

Series/Standalone: Chestnut Spring Series (Book #5)

Genre: Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Romance

Pages: 486

Publisher: Self-Published

Year Published: 2023

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

First Line: "I thought pissing off my brother and storming away would make me feel something."

"Beau Eaton is the town prince, a handsome military hero with a tortured past.

I'm the outcast bartender, a shy girl from the wrong side of the tracks.

He's thirty-five and all man, and I'm twenty-two and all.... virgin.

He's also my fiance. Correction: my fake fiance.

We start out as a bet. He doesn't believe that anyone holds my last name against me. So he offers his to prove a point.

It's win-win. He gets a break from his concerned family's prying, and I get a chance to shed my family's reputation while I save up to ditch this small town.

He says all I have to do is wear his ring, follow his lead, and pretend I can't keep my hands off of him in public.

But it's what happens between us in private that blurs all those carefully drawn lines.

It's what transpires behind closed doors that doesn't feel like pretending at all.

This engagement was supposed to be for show. This agreement? It has an end date.

He once told me he'd never fall in love.

And yet here I am head over heels for my fake fiance."

My Rating: 4/5

This one wasn't my favourite in the series, but it was still a really great read. It was nice to see the characters all together one more time and it did feel bitter-sweet in a lot of ways. I loved this whole series and all the characters we were introduced to throughout the series. The smut was on point, and this series really has a lot going for it. The romance, the comedy, the characters, the tropes that are done so incredibly well, the plot lines and overall the feeling of family. I was teary-eyed as I finished this final book and I would highly recommend not just this book but the whole series to anyone who is even remotely interested. Elsie Silver builds a family that feels so real you wish you could sit at their table for the Eaton Family Dinner.

Thank you for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: To Sir Phillip, With Love by Julia Quinn

Title: To Sir Phillip, With Love

Author: Julia Quinn

Series/Standalone: Bridgerton Series (Book #5)

Genre: Romance, Historical, Adult

Pages: 372

Publisher: Avon

Year Published: 2003

Format: Audiobook

"Sir Phillip knew from his correspondence with his dead wife's distant cousin that Eloise Bridgerton was a spinster and so he'd proposed, figuring that she'd be homely and unassuming, and more than a little desperate for an offer of marriage. Except.... she wasn't. The beautiful woman on his doorstep was anything but quiet, and when she stopped talking long enough to close her mouth, all he wanted to do was kiss her....

Eloise Bridgerton couldn't marry a man she had never met! But then she started thinking- and wondering- and before she knew it, she was in a hired carriage in the middle of the night, on her way to meet the man she hoped might be her perfect match. Except... he wasn't. Her perfect husband wouldn't be so moody and ill-mannered. And he certainly should have mentioned that he had two young- and decidedly unruly- children, as much in need of a mother as Phillip is in need of a wife."

My Rating: 4.5/5

This is yet another book in the Bridgerton series and they just keep getting better for me. This has got to be one of my favourites. My only complaint is how mental health was dealt with in this book. I think it was likely accurate to the time period but as someone who has struggled with depression the way the author deals with it is not enjoyable. I would recommend if you can get past that fact, but if you or someone you love has had suicidal thoughts or has committed suicide I would NOT recommend. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

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: Party of Two by Jasmine Guillory

Title: Party of Two

Author: Jasmine Guillory

Series/Standalone: The Wedding Date Series (Book #5)

Genre: Adult Fiction, Romance

Pages: 312

Publisher: Berkley Books

Year Published: 2020

Format: Audiobook

"A chance meeting with a handsome stranger turns into a whirlwind affair that gets everyone talking.

Dating is the last thing on Olivia Monroe's mind when she moves to LA to start her own law firm. But when she meets a gorgeous man at a hotel bar and they spend the entire night flirting, she discovers too late that he is none other than hotshot junior senator Max Powell. Olivia has zero interest in dating a politician, but when a cake arrives at her office with the cutest message, she can't resist-- it is chocolate cake, after all.

Olivia is surprised to find that Max is sweet, funny, and noble-- not just some privileged white politician she assumed him to be. Because of Max's high-profile job, they start seeing each other secretly, which leads to clandestine dates and silly disguises. But when they finally go public, the intense media scrutiny means people are now digging up her rocky past and criticizing her job, even her suitability as a trophy girlfriend. Olivia knows what she has with Max is something special, but is it strong enough to survive the heat of the spotlight?"

My Rating: 1.5/5

I think that this author and I just aren't a good fit together. It could be because these are fast-paced romances that usually have people in their mid-30s, and I am currently in my mid-20s. Or it could be the writing style, but these books haven't been hitting me the way they seem to other people. I've decided to call it quits with this author, just not for me. This book really seemed focused on two high-power people working to compromise in a way to be together. The dialogue was ridiculous, the intense interest in food in these never fails to entertain, but is slightly confusing. Not what I hoped for going into the holiday season.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Fever Code by James Dashner

Title: The Fever Code

Author: James Dashner

Series/Standalone: The Maze Runner (Book #5)

Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopian, Young Adult

Pages: 347

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Year Published: 2016

Format: Audiobook

"Once there was a world's end.

The forests burned, the lakes and rivers dried up, and the oceans swelled.

Then came a plague, and fever spread across the globe. Families died, violence reigned, and man killed man.

Next came WICKED, who were looking for an answer. And then they found the perfect boy.

The boy's name was Thomas, and Thomas built a maze.

Now there are secrets.

There are lies.

And there are loyalties history could never have foreseen.

This is the story of that boy, Thomas, and how he built a maze that only he could tear down.

All will be revealed."

My Rating: 3/5

This was an interesting look into the backstory of The Maze Runner series. But it didn't show a ton that I didn't already expect or assume. I was curious about the relationships that the boys had before coming into the maze and whether they knew each other and that was answered. I also thought it was interesting after watching Theresa's entrance into WICKED in the fourth book. If you've finished the series and you are interested in what happened at the conception of WICKED this book is for you. It's fun and an easy read while still hitting with some interesting information.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review:Harry Potter and Order of the Phoenix by J.K Rowling

Title: Harry Potter and Order of the Phoenix
Author: J.K Rowling
Series/Standalone: Harry Potter (Book #5)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Fiction
Pages: 766
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Year Published: 2003
Format: Paperback Copy (Own it)
First Line: "The hottest day of the summer so far was drawing to a close and a drowsy silence lay over the large, square houses of Privet Drive."

"Harry is furious that he has been abandoned at the Dursleys' house for the summer, for he suspects that Voldemort is gathering an army, that he himself could be attacked and that his so-called friends are keeping him in the dark. Finally rescued by wizard bodyguards, he discovers that Dumbledore is regrouping the Order of the Phoenix- a secret society first formed years ago to fight Voldemort. But the Ministry of Magic is against the Order, lies are being spread by the wizards' tabloid, the Daily Prophet, and Harry fears that he may have to take on this epic battle against evil alone."

My Rating: 4.5/5

This is my first time rereading this 5th book in the series and if you've read my other thoughts on the rest of the series this might be surprising. I had attempted to read through the Harry Potter series many times when I was younger and found that after the 4th book I would get stuck and intimidated by the length of the 5th book. That being said, I did complete the whole series once in high school. So it's been a minute. And I have a lot of thoughts. Now when I first read this in high school I would have given it a four. You can tell that this is a point in the series where JK Rowling had deeper plans for the plotline and things start getting intense. Therefore there are some points of information being thrown at us that last for large chapters/ or paragraphs throughout. Now that I am older (and a have a bit more patience) I am able to better grasp the introductions made in this novel. The only reason it is not 5/5 is that at some points I did feel as though the story dragged. Overall excited to finish my reread of the series and see where it takes me.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny