Book Review: My Killer Vacation by Tessa Bailey

Title: My Killer Vacation

Author: Tessa Bailey

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Adult Fiction, Mystery

Pages: 295

Publisher: Indie Published

Year Published: 2022

Format: Paperback (Own It)

"A brash bounty hunter and an energetic elementary school teacher is the murder-solving team no one asked for, but they're stuck together, come hell or high tide, until a killer is found in this spicy rom-com with a brand new bonus novella from Tessa Bailey, #1 New York Times bestselling author of It Happened One Summer. It was supposed to be a relaxing vacation in sweet, sunny Cape Cod- just Taylor Bassey and her beloved brother- but discovering a corpse in their rental house has really thrown a wrench into their tanning schedule. Now a rude, crude bounty hunter has arrived on the back of his motorcycle to catch the killer and refuses to believe Taylor can be helpful, despite the countless hours she's spent listening to true crime podcasts. Not to mention her fulfilling teaching career of wrangling second graders. Myles Summer is only there to do a job, not babysit an amateur sleuth. Although... it is becoming less and less of a hardship to have Taylor around. Sure, she's stubborn, distracting and can't stay out of harm's way. She's also brave and beautiful and reminds him of home. In other words, the insatiable hunger and protectiveness she's awakening is a threat to his peace of mind. Before Myles sinks any deeper into this dangerous attraction, he needs to solve the murder and get back on the road. Only now there are two threats- and the biggest one is to his heart."

My Rating: 4/5

I finished this read quite a while ago. I liked that the author wasn't just focused on the romance in this book; the mystery played an equal role in the book. In some ways, it reminded me of parts of Finlay Donovan series (the cozy romance aspects). The spicy scenes were well written, and the characters were fun. My only complaint was how long it took the spice to get rolling.

Sidny

Book Review: Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson

Title: Grown

Author: Tiffany D. Jackson

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Young Adult, Thriller, Contemporary

Pages: 384

Publisher: Quill Tree Books

Year Published: 2020

Format: Paperback (Own It)

"Author Tiffany D. Jackson delivers another ripped-from-the-headlines mystery that exposes horrific secrets hiding behind the limelight and embraces the power of a young woman's voice. When legendary R&B artist Korey Fields spots Enchanted Jones at an audition, her dreams of being a famous singer take flight. Until Enchanted wakes up with blood on her hands and zero memory of the previous night. Who killed Korey Fields? Before there was a dead body, Enchanted's dreams had turned into a nightmare. Because behind Korey's charm and star power was a controlling dark side. Now he's dead, the police are at the door, and all signs point to Enchanted."

My Rating: 5/5

Once again, Tiffany D. Jackson comes in with a home run of a book. I have loved every book I've read by her. It's the realness that you can see shining through the mystery/thrilling elements. It's the reality of the characters' lives; it's the twists and turns, etc. It's the storytelling. The ability to show the faults in our society and our current state in a way that gives hope for the future. It's the twists, the turns, and the shock that I'm always left sitting with as I binge-read the last 50 pages. I can't wait to read the next book by this author. 

Sidny

Book Review: Every Summer After by Carley Fortune

Title: Every Summer After

Author: Carley Fortune

Series/Standalone: Barry's Bay (Book #1)

Genre: Adult Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Small Town

Pages: 320

Publisher: Berkley

Year Published: 2022

Format: Paperback Copy (Own It)

"They say you can never go home again, and for Persephone Fraser, ever since she made the biggest mistake of her life a decade ago, that has felt too true. Instead of glittering summers on the lakeshore of her childhood, she spends them in a stylish apartment in the city, going out with friends, and keeping everyone a safe distance from her heart.

Until she receives the call that sends her racing back to Barry's Bay and into the orbit of Sam Florek- the man she never thought she'd have to live without.

For six summers, through hazy afternoons on the water and warm summer nights working in his family's restaurant and curling up together with books- medical textbooks for him and work-in-progress horror short stories for her- Percy and Sam had been inseparable. Eventually that friendship turned into something breathtakingly more, before it fell spectacularly apart.

When Percy returns to the lake for Sam's mother's funeral, their connection is as undeniable as it had always been. But until Percy can confront the decisions she made and the years she's spent punishing herself for them, they'll never know whether their love might be bigger than the biggest mistakes of their past.

Told over the course of six years and one weekend, Every Summer After is a big, sweeping nostalgic look at love and the people and choices that mark us forever."

My Rating: 4/5

Another famous Canadian author. I hadn't read anything else by this author, but when her book was one of the Goodreads challenges, I thought, what a good time to read another popular Canadian romance author. This story follows Percy as she grows alongside Sam summer after summer, while flashing to our current timeline following tragedy. 

Throughout this read, I was impressed by Carley's ability to bring to life Canadian lake life, as well as small town dynamics. I also enjoy a good friends-to-lovers story. The alternating chapters only added to my love of the story. That being said, SAM was aggravating near the end of the book! I found his character was becoming whiny-man-baby. If you've read it you'll understand what portion of the book I'm talking about. The final plot twists were entertaining and interesting, but I wonder where else this author will take her future love stories, and I'm hoping we aren't having a repeated trope moment.  

Sidny

Book Review: The Women by Kristin Hannah

Title: The Women

Author: Kristin Hannah

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Historical Fiction, Adult Fiction

Pages: 471

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Year Published: 2024

Format: Hardcover (Own It)

"Women can be heroes. When twenty-year-old nursing student Frances "Frankie" McGrath hears these words, it is a revelation. Raised in the sun-drenched, idyllic world of Southern California and sheltered by her conservative parents, she has always prided herself on doing the right thing. But in 1965, the world is changing, and she suddenly dares to imagine a different future for herself. When her brother ships out to serve in Vietnam, she joins the Army Nurse Corps and follows his path. 

As green and inexperienced as the men sent to Vietnam to fight, Frankie is overwhelmed by the chaos and destruction of war. Each day is a gamble of life and death, hope and betrayal; friendships run deep and can be shattered in an instant. In war, she meets- and becomes one of- the lucky, the brave, the broken and the lost.

But war is just the beginning for Frankie and her veteran friends. The real battle lies in coming home to a changed and divided America, to angry protestors, and to a country that wants to forget Vietnam.

The Women is the story of one woman gone to war, but it shines a light on all women who put themselves in harm's way and whose sacrifice and commitment to their country has too often been forgotten. A novel about deep friendships and bold patriotism, The Women is a richly drawn story with a memorable heroine whose idealism and courage under fire will come to define an era. "

My Rating: 4/5

As with any time I read Kristin Hannah, I am prepared for an emotional rollercoaster. Her way of writing historical fiction really reminds the reader that while we know the history, what was it really like for the people who lived it. Good, bad and ugly. This novel follows Frances, who goes to Vietnam after being inspired to be a hero, the first female hero from her family (as far as we know). As someone from a deeply patriotic family, she encounters other views, devastation and other factors of war that she might not have considered before heading in-country. Love, friendship and more play out both in-country and back home while we watch her return to a country that doesn't have the same love for veterans that it did in WW II or WW I. 

I don't think when I began reading this book that I understood that over half of the book takes place in America (both before and after Frankie's deployment). While important, I think that more detail of her time in-country may have helped me better understand the personal changes that Frankie experiences and give an even more stark contrast between the world she leaves and the world she reenters.  That being said it was a very informative book. I hadn't read much about the Vietnam War, as I am Canadian, and it isn't a subject touched on often here. 

Sidny

Book Review: Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke

Title: Yesteryear

Author: Caro Claire Burke

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Satire

Pages: 400

Publisher: Knopf

Year Published: 2026

Format: Paperback Copy (Own It)

"My name was Natalie Heller Mills, and I was perfect at being alive.

Natalie lives a traditional lifestyle. Her charming farmhouse is rustic, her husband a handsome cowboy, her six children each more delightful than the last. So what if there are nannies and producers behind the scenes, her kitchen hiding industrial-grade fridges and ovens, her husband the heir to a political dynasty? What Natalie's followers- all 8 million of them- don't know won't hurt them. And The Angry Women? The privileged, Ivy League, coastal elite haters who call her an antifeminist iconoclast? They're sick with jealousy. Because Natalie isn't simply living the good life, she's living the ideal- and just so happens to be building an empire from it. 

Until one morning she wakes up in a life that isn't hers. Her home, her husband, her children- they're all familiar, but something's off. Her kitchen is warmed by a sputtering fire rather than electricity, her children are dirty and strange, and her soft-handed husband is suddenly a competent farmer. Just yesterday Natalie was curating photos of homemade jam for her Instagram, and now she's expected to haul firewood and handwash clothes until her fingers bleed. Has she become the unwitting star of a ruthless reality show? Could it really be time travel? Is she being tested by God? By Satan? When Natalie suffers a brutal injury in the woods, she realizes two things: This is not her beautiful life, and she must escape by any means possible.

A gripping, electrifying novel that is as darkly funny as it is frightening. Yesteryear is a gimlet-eyed look at tradition, fame, faith, and the grand performance of womanhood."

My Rating: 5/5

This is one of those books that has changed me. We follow our main character, Natalie, who is what most would describe as a Trad Wife Influencer. On her farm, which she definitely paid for by herself and runs only with her family (except for that she doesn't). One day she wakes up in a world she doesn't recognize. Things are similar, but not the same. Her house is hers but also not (all signs of modern technology/advancements). I had heard about this book everywhere: social media, bookstores, my friends on Goodreads. EVERYWHERE. I thought to myself, how good could it really be? It was great, one of those books that you know will change you. I'm gonna be thinking about all the messaging, the uncomfortable and obvious, the hidden and more. 

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: The Secrets We Kept by Lara Prescott

Title: The Secrets We Kept

Author: Lara Prescott

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Historical Fiction, Adult Fiction

Pages: 368

Publisher: Knopf

Year Published: 2019

Format: Audiobook (Own It)

"A thrilling tale of secretaries turned spies, of love and duty, and of sacrifice- the real-life story of the CIA plot to infiltrate the hearts and minds of Soviet Russia, not with propaganda, but with the greatest love story of the twentieth Doctor Zhivago. 

At the height of the Cold War, two secretaries are pulled out of the typing pool at the CIA and given the assignment of a lifetime. Their to smuggle Doctor Zhivago out of the USSR, where no one dares publish it, and help Pasternak's magnum opus make its way into print around the world. Glamorous and sophisticated Sally Forrester is a seasoned spy who has honed her gift for deceit all over the world- using her magnetism and charm to pry secrets out of powerful men. Irina is a complete novice, and under Sally's tutelage quickly learns how to blend in, make drops and invisibly ferry classified documents.

The Secrets We Kept combines a legendary literary love story- the decades-long affair between Pasternak and his mistress and muse, Olga Ivinskaya, who was sent to the Gulag and inspired Zhivago's heroine, Lara- with a narrative about two women empowered to lead lives of extraordinary intrigue and risk. From Pasternak's country estate outside Moscow to the brutalities of the Gulag, from Washington, DC, to Paris and Milan, The Secrets We Kept captures a watershed moment in the history of literature- told with soaring emotional intensity and captivating historical detail. And at the centre of this unforgettable debut is the powerful belief that a piece of art can change the world."

My Rating: 2/5

I didn't hate this book, but I didn't love it. It was so middle of the line. I found parts of it intriguing, but it never really went as far as I hoped it would. It touched on so many things, but then left so much to be desired. I really wish that it had been more nitty-gritty in some areas and less about the mistress's perspective. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Book Lovers by Emily Henry

Title: Book Lovers

Author: Emily Henry

Series/Standalone: Standalone
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Adult Fiction, 

Pages: 377

Publisher: Berkley

Year Published: 2022

Format: Paperback Copy (Own it)

"One summer. Two rivals. A plot they didn't see coming...

Nora Stephen's life is books- she's read them all- and she is not that type of heroine. Not the plucky one, not the laidback dream girl, and especially not the sweetheart. In fact, the only people Nora is a heroine for are her clients, for whom she land enormous deals as a cutthroat literary agent and her beloved little sister Libby.

Which is why she agrees to go to Sunshine Falls, North Carolina, for the month of August when Libby begs her sister for a sisters' trip away- with visions of a small-town transformation for Nora, who she's convinced needs to become the heroine in her own story. But instead of picnics in meadows, or run-ins with a handsome country doctor or bulging-forearmed bartender, Nora keeps bumping into Charlie Lastra, a bookish brooding editor from back in the city. It would be a meet-cute if not for the fact that they've met many times and it's never been cute.

If Nora knows she's not an ideal heroine, Charlie knows he's nobody's hero, but as they are thrown together again and again- in a series of coincidences no editor worth their salt would allow- what they discover might just unravel the carefully crafted stories they've written about themselves."

My Rating: 5/5

I'm slowly working my way through Emily Henry's work and some people are not the biggest fan of this one which is surprising to me. What's not to love, a sibling dynamic that is loving boarding on toxic, a love interest that fully understands the black cat energy. A small town, where they're expected to be excited about, but admit to themselves they love a space that many people don't stick around in. I felt that this is my second favorite of her work, coming in just behidn People We Meet on Vacation. Can't wait to read more.

Sidny

Book Review: I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys

Title: I Must Betray You

Author: Ruta Sepetys

Series/Standalone: Standalone
Genre: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Fiction

Pages: 321

Publisher: Penguin

Year Published: 2022

Format: Hardcover (Own it)

"Romania, 1989. Communist regimes are crumbling across Europe. Seventeen-year-old Cristian Florescu dreams of becoming a writer, but Romanians aren't free to dream; they are bound by rules and force.

Amidst the tyrannical dictatorship of Nicolae Ceaușescu in a country governed by isolation and fear,  Cristian is blackmailed by the secret police to become an informer. He's left with only two choices: betray everyone and everything he loves- or use his position to creatively undermine the most notoriously evil dictator in Eastern Europe. 

Cristian risks everything to unmask the truth behind the regime, give voice to fellow Romanians, and expose to the world what is happening in his country. He eagerly joins the revolution to fight for change when the time arrives. But what is the cost of freedom?

A gut-wrenching, startling window into communist Romania and the citizen spy network that devastated a nation, from the number one New York Times best-selling, award-winning author of Salt to the Sea and Between Shades of Gray."

My Rating: 4/5

It's been a while since I've read a Ruta Sepetys book. This story follows our main character, Cristian, a teen who dreams of a world he's not even sure exists. In communist Romania, human rights are unheard of, and so is trust. Trust in your neighbours, friends and family. Isolation is king, well, that and their leader, Nicolae. But what happens when this teen is recruited to inform and begins to get a deeper look at what his country may lack? 

This was a book my husband and I read together. He chose this one because it wasn't something that either of us knew a lot about. One thing about this author is that she doesn't shy away from reality; she paints it in all its unforgivable light. Which was eye-opening. That being said, I had some issues with the pacing of the book. I felt a lot of the book was a lead-up, and then the main "action" was quick and not even fully over before the epilogue. I was hoping for a little more information in the revolution section of the book. I look forward to reading more from this author and seeing what else I've yet to explore from her. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson

Title: A Dowry of Blood

Author: S.T. Gibson

Series/Standalone: Vampire Companion Series (Book #1)

Genre: Fantasy, Horror, Retelling, Adult

Pages: 292

Publisher: Indie Published (Redhook)

Year Published: 2021

Format: Paperback Copy (Own It)

"S.T. Gibson's sensational novel is the darkly seductive tale of Dracula's first bride, Constanta. 

This is my last love letter to you, though some would call it a confession...

Saved from the brink of death by a mysterious stranger, Constanta is transformed from a medieval peasant into a bride fit for an undying king. But when Dracula draws a cunning aristocrat and a starving artist into his web of passion and deceit, Constanta realizes that her beloved is capable of terrible things.

Finding comfort in the arms of her rival consorts, she begins to unravel their husband's dark secrets. With the lives of everyone she loves on the line, Constanta will have to choose between her own freedom and her love for her husband. But bonds forged by blood can only be broken by death."

My Rating: 5/5

I loved this. I wasn't expecting to absolutely love it! The whole time it's been on my shelf, I was so focused on the fact that it was horror, I wasn't thinking about how well the writing could work. How the story could really grab me, and the parallels it could draw to other abusive relationships. The symbolism was incredible, and the pacing was fantastic. I can't wait to read more by the author.

Thanks for reading,

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: The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

Title: The Handmaid's Tale

Author: Margaret Atwood

Series/Standalone: The Handmaid's Tale Series (Book #1)

Genre: Classics, Dystopian, Science Fiction

Pages: 320

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Year Published: 1985

Format: Paperback (Own It)

"The Handmaid's Tale is an instant classic and eerily prescient cultural phenomenon, from the 'patron saint of feminist dystopian fiction' (New York Times) The Handmaid's Tale is a novel of such power that the reader will be unable to forget its images and its forecast. Set in the near future, it describe life in what was once the United States and is now called the Republic of Gilead, a monotheocracy that has reacted to social unrest and a sharply declining birthrate by reverting to and going beyond, the repressive intolerence of teh original Puritans. The regime takes the Book of Genesis absolutely at its word, with bizarre consequences for the women and men in its population. The story is told through the eyes of Offred, one of the unfortunate Handmaids under the new social order. In condensed but eloquent prose, by turns cool-eyed, tender, despairing, passionate, and wry, she reveals to us the prose, by turns cool-eyed tender despairing, passionate, and wry she reveals to us the dark corners behind the establishment's calm facade, as certain tendencies now in existence are carried to their logical conclusion. The Handmaid's Tale is funny, unexpected, horrifying, and altogether convincing. It is at once scathing satire, dire warning and a tour de force. It is Margaret Atwood at her best."

My Rating: 4/5

This was a bit of a hard read. Not only for the emotional context and how it relates back to our current reality, but also the way it's written is a little confusing. I think though that this lends itself to the fearful and suspenseful telling of tale that feels to close to the world we current live. I'm looking forward to continuing the series, but I'm starting the television show as well.

Thanks for reading,

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: Leather and Lark by Brynne Weaver

Title: Leather and Lark

Author: Brynne Weaver

Series/Standalone: The Ruinous Love Trilogy (Book #2)

Genre: Adult, Fiction, Dark Romance, Rom-Com

Pages: 390

Publisher: Slowburn

Year Published: 2024

Format: Paperback Copy (Own It)

"Contract killer Lachlan Kane wants a quiet life working in his leather studio and forgetting all about his traumatic past. But when he botches a job for his boss's biggest client, Lachlan knows he'll never claw his way out of the underworld. At least, not until songbird Lark Montague offers him a deal: use his skills to hunt down a killer and she'll find a way to secure his freedom. The catch? He has to marry her first.

And they can't stand each other.

Indie singer-songwriter Lark is sunshine and glitter that burns through every cloud and clings to every crevice that Lachlan Kane tries to hide inside. The surly older brother of her best friend's soulmate, Lachlan thinks she's just a privileged princess, but Lark has plenty of secrets hiding in the shadows of her bright light. With her formidable family in a tailspin and her best friend's happiness on the line, she's willing to make a vow to the man she's determined to hate, no matter how tempting the broody assassin might be.

As Lachlan and Lark navigate the dark world that binds them together, it becomes impossible to discern their fake marriage from a real one. But it's not just familiar dangers that haunt them.

There's another phantom lurking on their doorstep.

And this one has come for blood."

My Rating: 3.75/5

I was hoping to love this as much as the first one, and for the first half of the book, I was completely on board. As it went on, I found it was both dragging and racing. I think if the intimate aspects had been introduced earlier in the story, I would have found the romance itself more believable, but because everything seemed to take so long to get to the end, it felt rushed. I'm excited for the next book, but nervous if it'll be on the same trajectory as this one. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Title: Obsidian

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Series/Standalone: Lux Series (Book #1)

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal Romance

Pages: 416

Publisher: Entangled: Teen

Year Published: 2011

Format: Audiobook (Own physical copy)

"Starting over sucks.

When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I'd pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring... until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up. 

And then he opened his mouth.

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something... unexpected happens. 

The hot alien living next door marks me.

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon's touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I'm getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.

If I don't kill him first, that is."

My Rating: 3.75/5

I really enjoyed reading something so fun, and some very 2010s. It's nostalgic in such a fun way, but a little cringeworthy. The alien aspect isn't something I've read a ton of, but what a fun addition. It was pretty obvious what was going on based on all the "hints" about aliens. It was fast-paced, fun and just the right amount of spice. I'm looking forward to continuing on with the series via audiobook soon.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Merciless by Danielle Vega

Title: The Merciless

Author: Danielle Vega

Series/Standalone: The Merciless Series (Book #1)

Genre: Young Adult, Horror

Pages: 279

Publisher: Razorbill

Year Published: 2014

Format: Hardcover (Own It)

"Forgive us, Father, for we have sinned

Brooklyn Stevens sits in a pool of her own blood, tied and gagged. No one outside these dank basement walls knows she's here. No one can hear her scream. 

Sofia Flores knows she shouldn't have gotten involved. When she befriended Riley, Grace and Alexis on her first day at school, she admired them, with their perfect hair and their good-girl ways. They said they wanted to save Brooklyn. They wanted to help her. Sofia didn't realize they believed Brooklyn was possessed.

Now, Riley and the girls are performing an exorcism on Brooklyn- but their idea of an exorcism is closer to torture than salvation. All Sofia wants is to get out of this house. But there is no way out. Sofia can't go against the other girls... unless she wants to be next."

My Rating: 3.5/5

I've had this book on my physical TBR for a while, and I'm glad I got to it. It was an intense read, and for people looking for horror with that 2010s kind of young adult style this was perfect. I was honestly surprised by how intense the body horror was and the horror scenes overall. The characters were interesting, but I don't see myself reaching for the next book in the series at this time.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Title: Mockingjay

Author: Suzanne Collins

Series/Standalone: The Hunger Games Trilogy (Book #3)

Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Dystopian

Pages: 390

Publisher: Scholastic Press Inc. 

Year Published: 2010

Format: Paperback (Own it)

"My name is Katniss Everdeen. 

Why am I not dead?

I should be dead.

Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding.

It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plans- except Katniss.

The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss's willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels' Mockingjay- no matter what the personal cost."

My Rating: 3.75/5

I always have an issue with the end of the story. I'm rarely satisfied with how books end, and I find them hard to get through if I've enjoyed the story at all. This is no different. I enjoyed rereading it and finding new things that were mentioned in the two prequels. It does make you wonder if there will be a third prequel, and if so, what will it be about?

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Strawberry Patch Pancake House by Laurie Gilmore

Title: The Strawberry Patch Pancake House

Author: Laurie Gilmore

Series/Standalone: Dream Harbor Series (Book #4)

Genre: Adult Fiction, Romance, Contemporary

Pages: 361

Publisher: HarperCollins

Year Published: 2025

Format: Paperback (Own it)

"As a renowned chef, single-dad Archer never planned on moving to a small town, let alone running a pancake restaurant. But Dream Harbor needs a new chef, and Archer needs a community to help raise his daughter, Olive.

Iris has never managed to hold down a job for more than a few months. So when Mayor Kelly suggests Archer is looking for a nanny, and Iris might be available, she shudders at the thought. But in need of money she reluctantly agrees. 

As Archer and Iris get used to their new roles, is it possible that they might have more in common than they first thought, or is Olive just determined to play match-maker..."

My Rating: 2/5

I really enjoyed the start of this book. I was having a good time. I could see the miscommunication trope upcoming, but as for most of this series, that is to be expected. But then there were a few tropes used that I didn't love. They weren't used in a way I found believable or understandable for the character. It was already hard to see Iris in this romance after she said that children were terrifying in one of the last books. So while this was fun, it was my least favourite in the series so far by a mile. 

Thank you for reading,

Sidny 

Book Review: The Christmas Tree Farm by Laurie Gilmore

Title: The Christmas Tree Farm

Author: Laurie Gilmore

Series/Standalone: Dream Harbor Series (Book #3)

Genre: Romance, Adult Fiction, Cozy, Contemporary

Pages: 369

Publisher: HarperCollins

Year Published: 2024

Format: Audiobook (Own it Physically)

"Kira North hates Christmas. Which is unfortunate since she just bought a Christmas tree farm in a town that's too cute for its own good.

Bennett Ellis is on vacation in Dream Harbor taking a break from his life in California. And most importantly, taking a break from his latest run of disastrous dates. 

After a run in with Kira in her fields, Ben has no intentions of offering to help the grumpy owner set up her tree farm, despite the fact she's clearly got no idea what she's doing.

Kira knows she should stop being stubborn, but her farm is not all cute and cozy like people always show on social media, it's borderline dangerous with no heating, and she'd rather no one saw it. 

But somehow fate finds Ben at Kira's farm once more, and as Kira watches him swing an ax at the first tree, she finds herself appreciating his strength and questioning why she refused help in the first place..."

My Rating: 5/5

I absolutely loved this book. I thought that it was going to be a little too cutesy, but it surprised me with its smut, its depth and its ability to maintain the cozy vibes we had in the first two books. I loved it so much, in fact, I ordered a trophy copy immediately to add to my shelf, and forced my husband to start the first book so he can read this one too. If you're looking for cozy vibes, meets comfort show, meets smut, this is a great read.

Thanks for reading

Sidny

Book Review: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Title: Catching Fire

Author: Suzanne Collins

Series/Standalone: The Hunger Games Series (Book #2)

Genre: Young Adult, Dystopia, Science Fiction

Pages: 391

Publisher: Scholastic

Year Published: 2009

Format: Paperback Copy (Own it)

"Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safely and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge."

My Rating: 4.5/5

I forgot many parts of this book, which made this reread even more fun. Seeing how this crosses over with both Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, and Sunrise on the Reaping. The ideas in dystopian literature are often so disturbing, but also have an undercurrent of potential in an uncomfortable way. I'm looking forward to rereading Mockingjay and seeing how the two prequels overlay. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny