tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14621185614937351912024-03-14T06:53:33.386-04:00Kayla's Reads and ReviewsKayla Eklundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429489446053227680noreply@blogger.comBlogger710125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462118561493735191.post-10680092140562420132020-05-11T00:00:00.000-04:002020-05-11T00:00:03.775-04:00Poison Kisses Part 1 by Lisa Renee Jones<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6S3bBLVg-lmjMifyUdWeYvLjU_-yqhc-yqdCezHNpvoOF4ov1dVuWLPArMYTq9HYt-YdTkfNrBMx4jo01Zj6ATtzzthmrmyx6p0NUgugzUJpKJYSm96y1sQWxSRAufeHN-kfMrddmYkg/s1600/36454733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="460" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6S3bBLVg-lmjMifyUdWeYvLjU_-yqhc-yqdCezHNpvoOF4ov1dVuWLPArMYTq9HYt-YdTkfNrBMx4jo01Zj6ATtzzthmrmyx6p0NUgugzUJpKJYSm96y1sQWxSRAufeHN-kfMrddmYkg/s320/36454733.jpg" width="221" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Synopsis:</b><br />
<span id="freeText7213026671710323378"></span><br />
Amanda Skye made me
want her. She made me trust her. She made me love her. Then she betrayed
me. And now, a madman brings us together again and before our battle
with him is over, I will make sure that she never forgets my name: Seth
Cage. <i>The Fixer</i> for The Brandon Family Empire, but to a covert CIA operation, I will always be <i>The Assassin</i>. And to Amanda, I will be the man who made her moan, sigh, and beg. And <i>I will </i>make her beg.<br />
<br />
***Note
-- Poison Kisses is part 1 of a 3 part serial: All three parts are
super sexy with an alpha man who has met his match in a kickass female.
There will be naked moments that may or may not include a gun, which may
or may not be his gun. ****<br />
(Synopsis from Goodreads).<br />
<br />
<b>My Thoughts:</b><br />
For years now, I've heard incredible things about Lisa Renee Jones'
books. She's on my list of authors that I want to be able to read
eventually. In fact, she has been for quite a long time. I recently had
the opportunity to read one of her books, Poison Kisses Part 1.
Unfortunately, I DNF'd it halfway through. <br />
<br />
I feel bad for
DNF'ing Poison Kisses Part 1 halfway through. It's such a short book
that Goodreads has it listed at 86 pages. Usually I don't do that with
short books, but it just wasn't holding my interest at all. To me, it
felt like the book was all sex, no plot. Don't get me wrong, I love
smutty books. I read quite a few of them. However, I like them to have a
story line that makes sense too, whether it be serious, or funny. It
still needs to be about something if you were to remove those scenes. <br />
<br />
Unfortunately,
I didn't like Poison Kisses Part 1. In fact, I didn't like it so much
that I ended up DNF'ing it, which is unusual for me. I really do want to
give Lisa Renee Jones' books another chance because I believe opinions
of an author's writing shouldn't be based on one bad experience that
someone has with one of their books. I have a feeling that I might enjoy
one of her series, The Secret Life of Amy Benson. I own those books, so
I think I'm going to try that next.<br />
<br />
<b>I give Poison Kisses Part 1: 1/5.</b><br />
<br />
<b>Want to know more about the author?</b><br />
Website: <a href="https://www.lisareneejones.com/">https://www.lisareneejones.com/</a><br />
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLisaReneeJones/">https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLisaReneeJones/</a><br />
Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/lisareneejones">https://twitter.com/lisareneejones</a><br />
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lisareneejones/">https://www.instagram.com/lisareneejones/</a><br />
Book Bub: <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lisa-renee-jones">https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lisa-renee-jones</a><br />
Goodreads: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/73977.Lisa_Renee_Jones">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/73977.Lisa_Renee_Jones</a><br />
<br />
<b>I received this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review. </b>Kayla Eklundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429489446053227680noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462118561493735191.post-78673804369069487502020-05-10T00:00:00.000-04:002020-05-10T00:00:07.232-04:00The First Girl Child by Amy Harmon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsr3t_a-ifJxloaqUQt3GD_Zzv2qJ0lpI55EtRw5-sCu7VUgC0v4Fi7f2hVq8CqWMtK0PkCrI0C2-XfAJn1w3eiORjHqxXPJRKRlfQOvprm7WOmw5u7PnPxhG0HE3CQXSYtVnl9OEHYIY/s1600/43078423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="297" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsr3t_a-ifJxloaqUQt3GD_Zzv2qJ0lpI55EtRw5-sCu7VUgC0v4Fi7f2hVq8CqWMtK0PkCrI0C2-XfAJn1w3eiORjHqxXPJRKRlfQOvprm7WOmw5u7PnPxhG0HE3CQXSYtVnl9OEHYIY/s320/43078423.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Synopsis:</b><br />
<span id="freeText12499302507585303268"><b>From the New York
Times bestselling author comes a breathtaking fantasy of a cursed
kingdom, warring clans, and unexpected salvation.</b><br /><br />Bayr of
Saylok, bastard son of a powerful and jealous chieftain, is haunted by
the curse once leveled by his dying mother. Bartered, abandoned, and
rarely loved, she plagued the land with her words: From this day
forward, there will be no daughters in Saylok.<br /><br />Raised among the
Keepers at Temple Hill, Bayr is gifted with inhuman strength. But he’s
also blessed with an all-too-human heart that beats with one purpose: to
protect Alba, the first girl child born in nearly two decades and the
salvation for a country at risk.<br /><br />Now the fate of Saylok lies with
Alba and Bayr, whose bond grows deeper with every whisper of coming
chaos. Charged with battling the enemies of their people, both within
and without, Bayr is fueled further by the love of a girl who has defied
the scourge of Saylok.<br /><br />What Bayr and Alba don’t know is that
they each threaten the king, a greedy man who built his throne on lies,
murder, and betrayal. There is only one way to defend their land from
the corruption that has overtaken it. By breaking the curse, they could
defeat the king…but they could also destroy themselves.</span><br />
<span id="freeText12499302507585303268">(Synopsis from Goodreads). </span><br />
<br />
<b><span id="freeText12499302507585303268">My Thoughts:</span></b><span id="freeText12499302507585303268"> </span><br />
<span id="freeText12499302507585303268">I love Amy Harmon's books. Over the past few years, she's become an
insta-buy author for me. As soon as she releases a new book, I but it. I
don't care what it's about because I know as long as she's writing it,
it's going to be good. As soon as the audiobook became available, I knew
I had to binge listen to The First Girl Child, one of her newer
releases. Unfortunately, it's one of the only Amy Harmon books that I
didn't like. <br /><br />At first, The First Girl Child really drew me in. I
greatly enjoyed the prologue, and the first few chapters. After a while
though, the book became incredibly boring. It felt like nothing
significant was happening. At one point, I found myself losing focus. I
had to rewind a few times while listening because I was so bored that I
found my thoughts drifting elsewhere, and wasn't paying attention to
what was going on in the story line. <br /><br />I do have to admit that
towards the end of the book, things did start to get interesting again.
From about the hour and a half left in the book mark on until the end, I
found myself becoming intrigued again, and really getting back into the
story line. I needed to know how things ended. It wasn't enough to make
me love Bayr's story, but it did help increase my enjoyment. <br /><br />Unfortunately,
The First Girl Child just wasn't for me. I found about eighty percent
of the book to be boring, so much so that I found myself day dreaming
while listening. It just felt like nothing was happening, and the story
couldn't hold my interest. Even though I didn't enjoy this book, I will
definitely continue to read Amy Harmon's future releases. I've enjoyed
almost all of the other books she has written. </span><br />
<br />
<b><span id="freeText12499302507585303268">I give The First Girl Child: 2.5/5.</span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span id="freeText12499302507585303268">Want to know more about the author?</span></b><br />
<span id="freeText12499302507585303268">Website: <a href="https://www.authoramyharmon.com/">https://www.authoramyharmon.com/</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText12499302507585303268">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/authoramyharmon">https://www.facebook.com/authoramyharmon</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText12499302507585303268">Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/aharmon_author">https://twitter.com/aharmon_author</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText12499302507585303268">Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/amy.harmon2/">https://www.instagram.com/amy.harmon2/</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText12499302507585303268">Pintrest: <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/authoramyharmon/">https://www.pinterest.com/authoramyharmon/</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText12499302507585303268">YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbxWykpRGYyQOzwhNgtH-QA">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbxWykpRGYyQOzwhNgtH-QA</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText12499302507585303268">Book Bub: <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/authors/amy-harmon">https://www.bookbub.com/authors/amy-harmon</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText12499302507585303268">Goodreads: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5829056.Amy_Harmon">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5829056.Amy_Harmon</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText12499302507585303268"><br /></span>
<span id="freeText12499302507585303268"><b>I received this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review. </b></span>Kayla Eklundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429489446053227680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462118561493735191.post-5146458369262523382020-05-09T14:15:00.001-04:002020-05-09T14:15:11.203-04:00Better When He's Bad by Jay Crownover<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsL4-XM_cJxkwQKi5iAzl9pbnB0uKcijoRsmd6YvlTcxFiFBIXFX_uuU3oREHQ1lR_jvGssTVX391soR21FZ02llsBdR7KjQd42EKQaTSvMTebzXsqgJ3eCCKZZ3Hrmwxv_lUhRkd6o44/s1600/20557510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsL4-XM_cJxkwQKi5iAzl9pbnB0uKcijoRsmd6YvlTcxFiFBIXFX_uuU3oREHQ1lR_jvGssTVX391soR21FZ02llsBdR7KjQd42EKQaTSvMTebzXsqgJ3eCCKZZ3Hrmwxv_lUhRkd6o44/s320/20557510.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Synopsis:</b><br />
<span id="freeText4205850835242501728">Welcome to the Point<br /> <br />There’s a difference between a bad boy and a boy who’s bad . . . meet Shane Baxter.<br /> <br />Sexy,
dark, and dangerous, Bax isn’t just from the wrong side of the tracks,
he is the wrong side of the tracks. A criminal, a thug, and a brawler,
he’s the master of bad choices, until one such choice landed him in
prison for five years. Now Bax is out and looking for answers, and he
doesn’t care what he has to do or who he has to hurt to get them. But
there’s a new player in the game, and she’s much too innocent, much too
soft…and standing directly in his way.<br /> <br />Dovie Pryce knows all
about living a hard life and the tough choices that come with it. She’s
always tried to be good, tried to help others, and tried not to let the
darkness pull her down. But the streets are fighting back, things have
gone from bad to worse, and the only person who can help her is the
scariest, sexiest, most complicated ex-con The Point has ever produced.<br /> <br />Bax terrifies her, but it doesn’t take Dovie long to realize that some boys are just better when they’re bad.</span><br />
<span id="freeText4205850835242501728">(Synopsis from Goodreads). </span><br />
<br />
<b><span id="freeText4205850835242501728">My Thoughts:</span></b><br />
<span id="freeText4205850835242501728">For years, I've heard great things about Jay Crownover's books. Everyone
in the romance book community talks about how incredible the books are.
I decided recently that I wanted to try to binge read her books because
I own quite a few of them. A friend recommended that I start with
Better When He's Bad, the first book in the Welcome to the Point series.
Unfortunately, I didn't like it. <br /><br />I don't even know where to
start with what I didn't like about Better When He's Bad. There are so
many things. First of all, Dovie and Bax have such a toxic relationship.
It's incredibly problematic. There's a certain sex scene that sticks
out in my mind just because of how much it bothered me. There was no
regard for consent whatsoever. Dovie tells Bax no multiple times, and he
continues anyways. It just left me with an icky, gross, uncomfortable
feeling as I was reading it. In addition to that, Bax was also extremely
emotionally and mentally abusive. He was controlling about where Dovie
went, and who she spent time. It set off red flags for abusive signals
in my mind. I thought that Dovie could do so much better than Bax. In
fact, I was rooting for them not to be together because her being alone
would have been better than having to endure that abusive behavior. <br /><br />Unfortunately,
I didn't like Better When He's Bad. Dovie and Bax's extremely toxic
relationship made me severely uncomfortable the whole time I was
reading. In my opinion, Bax was emotionally, mentally, and physically
abusive to Dovie. I do plan on giving other books of Jay Crownover's a
chance because I own a lot of them, and don't like to form opinions on
whether I like an author's writing based on one book. However, I won't
be continuing the Welcome to the Point series. I own most of the books
in her Marked Men series and I've heard it's a lot tamer, so I think
I'll try that next. </span><br />
<span id="freeText4205850835242501728"><br /></span>
<b><span id="freeText4205850835242501728">I give Better When He's Bad: 2/5.</span></b><br />
<span id="freeText4205850835242501728"><br /></span>
<b><span id="freeText4205850835242501728">Want to know more about the author?</span></b><br />
<span id="freeText4205850835242501728">Website: <a href="https://www.jaycrownover.com/about">https://www.jaycrownover.com/about</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText4205850835242501728">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJayCrownover">https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJayCrownover</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText4205850835242501728">Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/jaycrownover">https://twitter.com/jaycrownover</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText4205850835242501728">Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jay.crownover/">https://www.instagram.com/jay.crownover/</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText4205850835242501728">Goodreads: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6875794.Jay_Crownover">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6875794.Jay_Crownover</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText4205850835242501728"><br /></span>
<span id="freeText4205850835242501728"><b>I received this book from the publisher, via Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review. </b></span>Kayla Eklundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429489446053227680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462118561493735191.post-4661985740318162462020-03-03T00:00:00.000-05:002020-03-03T00:00:04.860-05:00The Transfigured Hart by Jane Yolen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkWDjwTqBg2t928-AxUHoSqfRWTDz7H3oEoqf9pgKcNBcdHR6kyDzsbNSkAB_iLfaMgIjDLKmPRWYOL1K_g_oVBxHnh0G-wbKxspDOt4xOrQcSYbSIp_8Zok_tZLqh_UCAKIr8Dzmui4w/s1600/TRANSHART-NW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1530" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkWDjwTqBg2t928-AxUHoSqfRWTDz7H3oEoqf9pgKcNBcdHR6kyDzsbNSkAB_iLfaMgIjDLKmPRWYOL1K_g_oVBxHnh0G-wbKxspDOt4xOrQcSYbSIp_8Zok_tZLqh_UCAKIr8Dzmui4w/s320/TRANSHART-NW.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Synopsis:</b><br />
<span id="freeText14625224317564607659"><strong>Is what Richard saw in the woods really a unicorn?</strong> </span><br />
<br />
<span id="freeText14625224317564607659">Beloved fantasy legend Jane Yolen (<i>The Devil's Arithmetic</i>; <i>Sister Light, Sister Dark</i>) offers an unexpected answer in this perfect jewel of a coming-of-age story. <i>The Transfigured Hart</i> bridges the wondrous in-between world where adults rediscover childhood wonder and children discover new favorite tales.</span><br />
<span id="freeText14625224317564607659">(Synopsis from Goodreads). </span><br />
<br />
<b><span id="freeText14625224317564607659">My Thoughts:</span></b><br />
<span id="freeText14625224317564607659"> </span><span id="freeText14625224317564607659">I have read a few of Jane Yolen's books, and greatly enjoyed them. One
of my reading goals is to eventually make my way through all of her
books. Recently, I decided to pick up The Transfigured Hart by her
because I've owned it for a while. Unfortunately, it was the first book
of hers that I didn't like. <br /><br />It made me sad that I didn't enjoy
The Transfigured Hart. I found the book to be boring. To me, it was
almost pointless to read because it felt like nothing happened
throughout the entire story. All throughout the book, it was leading up
to what felt like an epic finale with a huge plot twist. In reality, the
ending was incredibly underwhelming. It was so disappointing. In fact,
the only reason why I'm giving the book two stars is that I liked
Richard, the male main character. I found his love for books and reading
to be very relatable. <br /><br />I really wish that I loved The
Transfigured Hart, but unfortunately, that wasn't the case. Other than
the male main character, I didn't like the book at all. I still plan on
reading the rest of Jane Yolen's books because I enjoyed the other ones
that I've read. I'll try The Emerald Circus next in hopes that I like it
better. </span><br />
<br />
<span id="freeText14625224317564607659"><b>I give The Transfigured Hart: 2/5</b>.</span><br />
<br />
<b><span id="freeText14625224317564607659">Want to know more about the author?</span></b><br />
<span id="freeText14625224317564607659">Website: <a href="https://www.janeyolen.com/">https://www.janeyolen.com/</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText14625224317564607659">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jane.yolen">https://www.facebook.com/jane.yolen</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText14625224317564607659">Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/janeyolen">https://twitter.com/janeyolen</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText14625224317564607659">Goodreads: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5989.Jane_Yolen">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5989.Jane_Yolen</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText14625224317564607659"><br /></span>
<span id="freeText14625224317564607659"><b>I received this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review. </b></span>Kayla Eklundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429489446053227680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462118561493735191.post-9760150213213725702020-03-02T18:41:00.006-05:002020-03-02T18:41:55.373-05:00Driving Mr. Wrong Home by Shirley Jump<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvoRpH29WCs8-sMTk5Fm3mpBNN2I4848X0pQwf1lJgNHLoAcDkz64aDBjoEstSnnuVqalSaNkZK8n-3vWpoeteNr4OPPKNneDWyh_HFx038Gn4sEeW5ZCO-iq12yoFDarsIlhQ-25vTwg/s1600/20757284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvoRpH29WCs8-sMTk5Fm3mpBNN2I4848X0pQwf1lJgNHLoAcDkz64aDBjoEstSnnuVqalSaNkZK8n-3vWpoeteNr4OPPKNneDWyh_HFx038Gn4sEeW5ZCO-iq12yoFDarsIlhQ-25vTwg/s320/20757284.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Synopsis:</b><br />
<span id="freeTextContainer4532351595984556593"><i>Can a feisty four-legged matchmaker help four best friends find the romance of their dreams?</i></span><br />
<span id="freeTextContainer4532351595984556593"><i> </i><br />When
a handsome man from Gabby's past agrees to a cross-country road trip,
her master plan to re-launch her art career quickly morphs into an
unexpected, romantic reunion.</span><br />
<span id="freeTextContainer4532351595984556593">(Synopsis from Goodreads). </span><br />
<br />
<span id="freeTextContainer4532351595984556593"><b>My Thoughts</b>:</span><br />
<span id="freeTextContainer4532351595984556593">Over the past year or so, I've made it in a main focus in my reading
life to read books that I've owned for a long time. I have books that I
acquired in 2010-2015 that I still haven't read yet. While reading those
books, I've really enjoyed a series of short stories about a dog named
Charlie. I've put off reading the last book for a while now because I
don't want the series to be over. I finally decided to finish the series
with Driving Mr. Wrong Home. After finishing it, I thought it was just
an okay book. <br /><br />There were a few things that I enjoyed about
Driving Mr. Wrong Home. First and foremost, I loved Charlie. He
absolutely cracked me up. I loved how cute he was, and how he kept
finding sneaky ways to bring the two main characters together. <br /><br />However,
there was also quite a bit that I didn't enjoy about the book. There
were quite a few scenes that were over the top cheesy. Typically I don't
mind a little bit of cheesiness in the romance books I read, but these
were just too much. I found myself rolling my eyes quite a bit while
reading this book, just because of how ridiculous some of the things
were. A certain scene with a helicopter sticks out in my mind. It was so
ridiculous. There's no way that type of thing would happen in real
life. <br /><br />Even though I had mixed feelings on Driving Mr. Wrong
Home, I am sad to see this mini series come to an end. I will miss
Charlie, and all of the silly trouble he gets himself into. I will also
miss reading about the way he brings random couples together. Hopefully I
am able to find quick stories like this that have a similar theme
somewhere else.</span><br />
<br />
<b><span id="freeTextContainer4532351595984556593">I give Driving Mr. Wrong Home: 3/5.</span></b><br />
<span id="freeTextContainer4532351595984556593"><br /></span>
<b><span id="freeTextContainer4532351595984556593">Want to know more about the author?</span></b><br />
<span id="freeTextContainer4532351595984556593">Website: <a href="http://shirleyjump.com/">http://shirleyjump.com/</a></span><br />
<span id="freeTextContainer4532351595984556593">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/shirleyjump.author">https://www.facebook.com/shirleyjump.author</a></span><br />
<span id="freeTextContainer4532351595984556593">Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/shirleyjump">https://twitter.com/shirleyjump</a></span><br />
<span id="freeTextContainer4532351595984556593"><br /></span>
<span id="freeTextContainer4532351595984556593"><b>I received this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review. </b></span>Kayla Eklundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429489446053227680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462118561493735191.post-76664071474575404292020-01-16T17:56:00.003-05:002020-01-16T17:56:26.907-05:00My Dad Thinks I’m a Boy?! by Sophie Labelle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizGDHO1eSrAeZnnjC44WnEzhR692zyHsZcemZQs4J7aWJRRLPQkMe6o11nWTewtOY51IzDfb0Ig5oY_BnuizepjnoJKhZgC3ycpIJArENvxj_vMMSklrPpBHpRvusZP1NUkMF6tM53AyQ/s1600/46364228._SX318_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="342" data-original-width="255" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizGDHO1eSrAeZnnjC44WnEzhR692zyHsZcemZQs4J7aWJRRLPQkMe6o11nWTewtOY51IzDfb0Ig5oY_BnuizepjnoJKhZgC3ycpIJArENvxj_vMMSklrPpBHpRvusZP1NUkMF6tM53AyQ/s320/46364228._SX318_.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Synopsis:</b><br />
<span id="freeText8668422674536014491">'My Dad thinks I'm a boy
named Stephen who likes wrestling and fishing. But that's what my Dad
likes.' Stephie is 7 years old. She likes bugs, books and spaghetti.
Also, she's a girl... which should be pretty easy to understand, right?
Well, not for her Dad! He's been mistaking her for a boy since she was
born and struggles to see her for who she is. This powerful and
uplifting comic book for primary age children and their families
humorously portrays a situation that is often too common, where a trans
child is forced to negotiate between their true self and their parents'
love. With amusing illustrations, and a useful guide for adults, it's
the perfect book to help show children that no one else than ourselves
gets to decide who we are.</span><br />
<span id="freeText8668422674536014491">(Synopsis from Goodreads). </span><br />
<br />
<b><span id="freeText8668422674536014491">My Thoughts:</span></b><br />
<span id="freeText8668422674536014491">It is so hard to find LGBTQ+ books for children. Finding books for
children that represent transgender people is almost unheard of. When I
finally found one, My Dad Thinks I'm a Boy, I knew I had to get a copy
to read. I try to keep resources in case someone I know might be
transitioning, or thinking of transitioning, and needed the books to
help with that. I think this is a great resource that will help people
understand what it's like to be transgender. <br /><br />Not only is this
book a great resource for children to understand more about what it's
like to be transgender. I think it's also a great resource for adults as
well. The explanations are incredibly simplified, and straight to the
point. The book makes things incredibly easy to understand, whether the
reader is four years old, or one hundred and four. I think this would
especially be a great resource for a parent that is having a hard time
understanding their child being transgender, and everything that goes
along with that, no matter how old their child is. The discussion guide
in the back of the book could be a great tool to open up a civil
discussion between a child and adult about some misunderstandings they
might have. <br /><br />I really enjoyed My Dad Thinks I'm a Boy. It's a
transgender positive book for children and adults alike. I think it
could really open up a discussion between transgender people, and those
that don't quite fully comprehend what betting transgender means,
whether that be family or friends. I think the book is an incredibly
valuable resource that should be added to libraries everywhere. </span><br />
<span id="freeText8668422674536014491"><br /></span>
<b><span id="freeText8668422674536014491">I give My Dad Thinks I'm a Boy?!: 5/5.</span></b><br />
<b><span id="freeText8668422674536014491"><br /></span></b>
<b><span id="freeText8668422674536014491">Want to know more about the author?</span></b><br />
<span id="freeText8668422674536014491">Website: <a href="https://www.serioustransvibes.com/">https://www.serioustransvibes.com/</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText8668422674536014491">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lasophielabelle/">https://www.facebook.com/lasophielabelle/</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText8668422674536014491">Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/assignedmale">https://twitter.com/assignedmale</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText8668422674536014491">Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/labellesophie/?hl=en">https://www.instagram.com/labellesophie/?hl=en</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText8668422674536014491">Tumblr: <a href="https://assignedmale.tumblr.com/">https://assignedmale.tumblr.com/</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText8668422674536014491"><br /></span>
<span id="freeText8668422674536014491"><b>I received this book from the publisher, via Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review. </b></span>Kayla Eklundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429489446053227680noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462118561493735191.post-9821742706444956022020-01-14T21:54:00.000-05:002020-01-14T21:54:02.165-05:00Come Tumbling Down by Seanan McGuire<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDo3B33dW7xiV0oMP_1NkZTBMZ34aSI3wYNvh3aebvnzb_-xjX5eU3pnxDiNwU-odc-BDQduThDqB5KnCC__S9Z9m5P4osdeZJ6DhWrhyphenhyphenYCxfCAypPXl84fmmFv5aghyphenhyphenvlvQy7p_k5Ti0/s1600/44804083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="297" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDo3B33dW7xiV0oMP_1NkZTBMZ34aSI3wYNvh3aebvnzb_-xjX5eU3pnxDiNwU-odc-BDQduThDqB5KnCC__S9Z9m5P4osdeZJ6DhWrhyphenhyphenYCxfCAypPXl84fmmFv5aghyphenhyphenvlvQy7p_k5Ti0/s320/44804083.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Synopsis:</b><br />
<span id="freeText2796584532749031540"><b>The fifth installment in Seanan McGuire's award-winning, bestselling Wayward Children series, <i>Come Tumbling Down </i>picks up the threads left dangling by <i>Every Heart a Doorway</i> and <i>Down Among the Sticks and Bones</i></b><br /><br />When
Jack left Eleanor West's School for Wayward Children she was carrying
the body of her deliciously deranged sister--whom she had recently
murdered in a fit of righteous justice--back to their home on the Moors.<br /><br />But
death in their adopted world isn't always as permanent as it is here,
and when Jack is herself carried back into the school, it becomes clear
that something has happened to her. Something terrible. Something of
which only the maddest of scientists could conceive. Something only her
friends are equipped to help her overcome.<br /><br />Eleanor West's "No Quests" rule is about to be broken.<br /><br />Again.</span><br />
<span id="freeText2796584532749031540">(Synopsis from Goodreads).</span><br />
<br />
<b><span id="freeText2796584532749031540">My Thoughts:</span></b><br />
<span id="freeText2796584532749031540">From the moment I read Every Heart a Doorway, I have been addicted to
Seanan McGuire's writing. I have read most of her books in a single
sitting because I love her writing so much. I thought for some reason
that her Wayward Children series had ended with the previous book that
was released, In an Absent Dream. Therefore, you can imagine how excited
I was to find out that there was a fifth book in the series that was
recently released. As soon as I found out about Come Tumbling Down, I
knew I had to read it right away. I thought it was an excellent addition
to one of my favorite series. <br /><br />Down Among the Sticks and Bones
was definitely my favorite book in the Wayward Children series. When I
found out that part of Come Tumbling Down took place within the same
door, I was excited. It felt great to be reunited with some of my
favorite characters that I had really missed. It almost felt like coming
home after being gone a really long time. I especially loved that we
got to see more of Jack. She's always been one of my favorite characters
in this series. <br /><br />Another thing I loved about Come Tumbling Down
is that the reader gets to explore more of my favorite door. In this
book, the reader sees a completely new side to this door that's never
been seen before, and I loved every second of it. I don't want to go
into too much detail because I don't want to spoil it for those that
haven't had a chance to read the book yet, but it was something that I
never expected, and it added so much to the world. I hope that Seanan
McGuire does that for other doors in other books in this series too. <br /><br />Come
Tumbling Down was an almost perfect addition to the Wayward Children
series. My only complaint that I have is that I would have liked to see a
little more of Jill, and her perspective on things. Otherwise, I
absolutely loved this book. It held all of the magic and wonder from the
previous books in the series, and was a fantastic display of Seanan
McGuire's addictive writing style. I hope she continues to write even
more books in this series, and expands even more on this universe that I
love so much. </span><br />
<span id="freeText2796584532749031540"><br /></span>
<b><span id="freeText2796584532749031540">I give Come Tumbling Down. 4.5/5.</span></b><br />
<span id="freeText2796584532749031540"><br /></span>
<b><span id="freeText2796584532749031540">Want to know more about the author?</span></b><br />
<span id="freeText2796584532749031540">Website: <a href="http://www.seananmcguire.com/">http://www.seananmcguire.com/</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText2796584532749031540">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/seananmcguire">https://www.facebook.com/seananmcguire</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText2796584532749031540">Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/seananmcguire">https://twitter.com/seananmcguire</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText2796584532749031540">Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/seananmcguire/">https://www.instagram.com/seananmcguire/</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText2796584532749031540">Goodreads: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2860219.Seanan_McGuire">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2860219.Seanan_McGuire</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText2796584532749031540"><br /></span>
<span id="freeText2796584532749031540"><b>I received this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review. </b></span>Kayla Eklundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429489446053227680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462118561493735191.post-13374935156896781132020-01-08T18:12:00.005-05:002020-01-08T18:12:52.070-05:00Her Halloween Treat by Tiffany Reisz<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaPFTgOs_h2qjTIrAc5SnU7kt7p0vFQUTnTcIp5gtufDP-LM1qWLe2Rf8H60OwCTkZ5nL_vsH-a5TcMfmySTFflh3x4GCg-eaO7nubhlLpwFpG7nQGYvPwvEMATtIzvLUnocit1vKQ3o4/s1600/29095423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="301" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaPFTgOs_h2qjTIrAc5SnU7kt7p0vFQUTnTcIp5gtufDP-LM1qWLe2Rf8H60OwCTkZ5nL_vsH-a5TcMfmySTFflh3x4GCg-eaO7nubhlLpwFpG7nQGYvPwvEMATtIzvLUnocit1vKQ3o4/s320/29095423.jpg" width="202" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Synopsis:</b><br />
<span id="freeText10063485347900489923"><b>Trick…or wicked treat!</b> <br /><br />It
was a devastating dirty trick—Joey Silvia just found out her boyfriend
of two years is married. What. A. Dick. Joey knows her best chance to
get over one guy is to get under another. Of course, heading home to her
family's remote cabin in Oregon poses some challenges in the "available
men" department…until she discovers this cabin comes with its own hot
handyman! <br /><br />Holy crap, Chris Steffensen. When did her brother's
best friend turn into a hard-bodied pile of blond-bearded hotness? He's
the perfect Halloween treat—and a surprisingly dirty rebound guy. For a
couple of weeks, anyway. Except that Chris has other ideas…like proving
to Joey that this blast from the past is a whole lot more than a naughty
Halloween hookup.</span><br />
<span id="freeText10063485347900489923">(Synopsis from Goodreads). </span><br />
<br />
<b><span id="freeText10063485347900489923">My Thoughts:</span></b><br />
<span id="freeText10063485347900489923">Over the last few years, I've read quite a few of Tiffany Reisz's books.
I've loved every single one that I've read. I've read all of he Sinners
series, and the spinoffs. Some of her Sinners series I've even read
multiple times. I recently found out that she wrote a few books under
the Harlequin Blaze imprint, so I decided to pick up the first book in
the series, Her Halloween Treat, and read it. I thought it was an
enjoyable, sexy read. <br /><br />When you hear someone talking about
Harlequin books, the first think you probably think about is cliches
that make you wan t to roll your eyes, and a lot of fluffy, non
substance writing. That wasn't the case with Her Halloween Treat at all.
The book was a bit cheesey at times, but in a sarcastic fun way. I
especially enjoyed the banter between the main character, Joey, and her
best friend, Kira. They cracked me up together. The banter between Joey
and the love interest, Chris was also great. They had incredible chemistry that just rolled off of the pages, especially during the
incredibly sexy parts of the book.<br /><br />Sometimes while reading
romance novels, the characters can kinda feel cookie cutteresque, like
they don't have much personality because the book is more about sex than
the plot. That wasn't the case with this book at all. The characters
all had very well fleshed out personalities and backstories. Joey's
brothers backstory was absolutely heartbreaking. Even though he's only a
side character, Tiffany Reisz puts so much detail and emotion behind
everything that he went through as a teenager that the reader feels like
they're experiencing it first hand.<br /><br />All in all, I really loved
Her Halloween Treat. It didn't surprise me that much that I loved the
book, considering how much I've enjoyed the author's other books.
However, it did make me more open minded about reading more Harlequin
books in the future, as it's a genre that's not something I usually pick
up. I definitely plan on binge reading the rest of the Men at Work
series, and reading a few other Harlequin Blaze authors too. </span><br />
<span id="freeText10063485347900489923"><br /></span>
<b><span id="freeText10063485347900489923">I give Her Halloween Treat: 4/5.</span></b><br />
<span id="freeText10063485347900489923"><br /></span>
<b><span id="freeText10063485347900489923">Want to know more about the author?</span></b><br />
<span id="freeText10063485347900489923">Website: <a href="https://www.tiffanyreisz.com/">https://www.tiffanyreisz.com/</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText10063485347900489923">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/littleredridingcrop/">https://www.facebook.com/littleredridingcrop/</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText10063485347900489923">Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/8thcirclepress">https://twitter.com/8thcirclepress</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText10063485347900489923">Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tiffany_reisz/">https://www.instagram.com/tiffany_reisz/</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText10063485347900489923">Goodreads: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4480131.Tiffany_Reisz">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4480131.Tiffany_Reisz</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText10063485347900489923"><br /></span>
<span id="freeText10063485347900489923"><b>I received this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review. </b></span>Kayla Eklundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429489446053227680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462118561493735191.post-2714952524782778412019-12-28T00:00:00.000-05:002019-12-28T00:00:05.546-05:00Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker and Wendy Xu<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqJqlm2_znEnNhawgdG2Hq9_nFIRGbtcLF4Brb62-ToHWoP28cJG5s5Ifs-r1AoCVol6z3RdJyq6qlapj-i2PRg48rfdREAfOHnSrIu-bSjdLTbGOzWXIXIs4DCRJiklYY2HlJ_ZVl2dM/s1600/44774415._SY475_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqJqlm2_znEnNhawgdG2Hq9_nFIRGbtcLF4Brb62-ToHWoP28cJG5s5Ifs-r1AoCVol6z3RdJyq6qlapj-i2PRg48rfdREAfOHnSrIu-bSjdLTbGOzWXIXIs4DCRJiklYY2HlJ_ZVl2dM/s320/44774415._SY475_.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Synopsis:</b><br />
<span id="freeText8040851701375802414">A story of love and demons, family and witchcraft.<br /><br />Nova
Huang knows more about magic than your average teen witch. She works at
her grandmothers' bookshop, where she helps them loan out spell books
and investigate any supernatural occurrences in their New England town.<br /><br />One
fateful night, she follows reports of a white wolf into the woods, and
she comes across the unexpected: her childhood crush, Tam Lang, battling
a horse demon in the woods. As a werewolf, Tam has been wandering from
place to place for years, unable to call any town home.<br /><br />Pursued
by dark forces eager to claim the magic of wolves and out of options,
Tam turns to Nova for help. Their latent feelings are rekindled against
the backdrop of witchcraft, untested magic, occult rituals, and family
ties both new and old in this enchanting tale of self-discovery.</span><br />
<span id="freeText8040851701375802414">(Synopsis from Goodreads). </span><br />
<br />
<b><span id="freeText8040851701375802414">My Thoughts:</span></b><br />
<span id="freeText8040851701375802414">I've been wanting to read more graphic novels this year. It's something
that I love to do, but don't do very often for whatever reason. I heard
quite a few people on booktube talk about how good Mooncakes is so I
decided to check it out. Unfortunately, I ended up not enjoying it as
much as I had hoped I would.<br /><br />Mooncakes had so much potential. The
graphic novel is full of things I usually love reading about, such as
witches, shifters, and LGBTQ+ characters. Unfortunately, the story fell
flat for me. Throughout reading the graphic novel, I was confused
because parts of it didn't seem to make sense. It almost felt like there
was another book in the series that came before it that I should have
read. However, when looking on Goodreads, it appears to be the only book
in the series. There were references to things that had happened to the
characters previously and inside jokes between them that I didn't get
at all.<br /><br />The other thing that I didn't like about Mooncakes was
that the main characters didn't have distinct personalities. They were
just cookie cutter and plain. Other than their physical abilities, there
was nothing to make them stand out from other characters in the graphic
novel, or characters I had read about in other books. In fact, I had to
go slow and keep looking at the art work to remember which character
was which because their personalities were so similar. I had to
backtrack several time in the story line because I kept getting them
confused.<br /><br />I really wanted to love Mooncakes. It has all of the
elements that I usually love in a story line. However, this graphic
novel just wasn't for me. I found it confusing, and hard to distinguish
between the characters. I would like to give this author another try in
the future though because I know a lot of people that did love this
graphic novel.</span><br />
<br />
<b><span id="freeText8040851701375802414">I give Mooncakes: 2/5.</span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span id="freeText8040851701375802414">Want to know more about the authors?</span></b><br />
<b><span id="freeText8040851701375802414"><u>Suzanne Walker</u></span></b><br />
<span id="freeText8040851701375802414">Website: <a href="https://www.suzannewakeenwalker.com/">https://www.suzannewakeenwalker.com/</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText8040851701375802414">Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/suzusaur">https://twitter.com/suzusaur</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText8040851701375802414">Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/suzisaur/">https://www.instagram.com/suzisaur/</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText8040851701375802414">Goodreads: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7008509.Suzanne_Walker">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7008509.Suzanne_Walker</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText8040851701375802414"><br /></span>
<b><span id="freeText8040851701375802414"><u>Wendy Xu</u></span></b><br />
<span id="freeText8040851701375802414">Website: <a href="http://www.artofwendyxu.com/">http://www.artofwendyxu.com/</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText8040851701375802414">Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/angrygirLcomics">https://twitter.com/angrygirLcomics</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText8040851701375802414">Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/artofwendyxu/">https://www.instagram.com/artofwendyxu/</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText8040851701375802414"><br /></span>
<span id="freeText8040851701375802414"><b>I received this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review. </b></span>Kayla Eklundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429489446053227680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462118561493735191.post-66384892950894624022019-12-27T18:00:00.000-05:002019-12-27T18:00:08.464-05:00Regretting You by Colleen Hoover<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqSH4fJWl173V_ml9sfWWinLsj5E6Y4djBmmvwDL0-99_qo7OwFBr4wO_hle-N8PZE9XLq9rEv0LiKqum_iyj8_hTFTK-lgYQV64t-jkdbGP0yzO8dss4E0xm8ARyl08AdiJoR8JOW8hQ/s1600/44582454._SY475_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqSH4fJWl173V_ml9sfWWinLsj5E6Y4djBmmvwDL0-99_qo7OwFBr4wO_hle-N8PZE9XLq9rEv0LiKqum_iyj8_hTFTK-lgYQV64t-jkdbGP0yzO8dss4E0xm8ARyl08AdiJoR8JOW8hQ/s320/44582454._SY475_.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Synopsis:</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="freeText14355608767970512245">Morgan Grant and her sixteen-year-old daughter, Clara, would like nothing more than to be <i>nothing</i> alike.<br /><br />Morgan
is determined to prevent her daughter from making the same mistakes she
did. By getting pregnant and married way too young, Morgan put her own
dreams on hold. Clara doesn’t want to follow in her mother’s footsteps.
Her predictable mother doesn’t have a spontaneous bone in her body.<br /><br />With
warring personalities and conflicting goals, Morgan and Clara find it
increasingly difficult to coexist. The only person who can bring peace
to the household is Chris—Morgan’s husband, Clara’s father, and the
family anchor. But that peace is shattered when Chris is involved in a
tragic and questionable accident. The heartbreaking and long-lasting
consequences will reach far beyond just Morgan and Clara.<br /><br />While
struggling to rebuild everything that crashed around them, Morgan finds
comfort in the last person she expects to, and Clara turns to the one
boy she’s been forbidden to see. With each passing day, new secrets,
resentment, and misunderstandings make mother and daughter fall further
apart. So far apart, it might be impossible for them to ever fall back
together.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="freeText14355608767970512245">(Synopsis from Goodreads).</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="freeText14355608767970512245">My Thoughts:</span></span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="freeText14355608767970512245">Colleen Hoover is one of my favorite authors. I read Hopeless when it
was first released, and have been addicted ever since. Therefore, it was
no surprise to me that I loved her latest novel, Regretting You.<br /><br />Regretting
You is definitely in my top five books of the year. There's so much
that I loved about the book. First of all, I love how Colleen Hoover can
write crazy plot twists. I didn't read the synopsis at all, so what
happens towards the beginning caught me completely by surprise. There
were a few things after that that completely shocked me too. There's a
certain thing that's revealed in the middle that I didn't see coming at
all. I had to stop and re-read that part to make sure I was reading it
right. <br /><br />Also, I love the relationships that she creates between
characters, whether it be a family dynamic or a relationship dynamic.
Morgan and Clara might not always have the perfect relationship with all
of the chaos surrounding their lives, but when it comes down to it,
they have each other's backs. I like that the author shows that real
side to all of the relationships in the book. Love, whether it be family
or romantic, is always messy and complicated, but one hundred percent
worth it in the end. <br /><br />In fact, the only thing that keeps this
from being a five star book is the ending. I found it to be a little
lackluster after all of that build up, especially the way the school
project ended. I just expected more. Other than that, I absolutely loved
Regretting You. Although at this point, I'm pretty sure Colleen Hoover
could re-write the phone book and I'd love it. I can't wait for her next
release. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="freeText14355608767970512245">I give Regretting You: 4.5/5.</span></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="freeText14355608767970512245">Want to know more about the author?</span></span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="freeText14355608767970512245">Website: </span><span id="freeText14355608767970512245"></span><span id="freeText14355608767970512245"> <a href="https://www.colleenhoover.com/">https://www.colleenhoover.com/</a></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="freeText14355608767970512245">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AuthorColleenHoover/">https://www.facebook.com/AuthorColleenHoover/</a></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="freeText14355608767970512245">Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/colleenhoover">https://twitter.com/colleenhoover</a></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="freeText14355608767970512245">Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/colleenhoover/">https://www.instagram.com/colleenhoover/</a></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="freeText14355608767970512245">Snapchat: <a href="https://www.snapchat.com/add/colleenhoover">https://www.snapchat.com/add/colleenhoover</a></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="freeText14355608767970512245">Goodreads: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5430144.Colleen_Hoover">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5430144.Colleen_Hoover</a></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="freeText14355608767970512245"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="freeText14355608767970512245"><b>I received this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review. </b></span></span></span>Kayla Eklundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429489446053227680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462118561493735191.post-11636597738152157162019-11-17T21:18:00.006-05:002019-11-17T21:18:56.954-05:00I'm Fine and Neither Are You by Camille Pagán<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhocED9xaLjdTfC-zX4kLPmMguEo4I4GBAGI5HPLC-ckTUmddTD4tJ6ztQSTIBn4VbKbCWtVoPhS_RtSlFV_8Hwu-uc348FZtHbjzKtDgoNL1wqUrqzcneRUhOIrGm4Xq6dv3fq-6wVWyg/s1600/41451741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhocED9xaLjdTfC-zX4kLPmMguEo4I4GBAGI5HPLC-ckTUmddTD4tJ6ztQSTIBn4VbKbCWtVoPhS_RtSlFV_8Hwu-uc348FZtHbjzKtDgoNL1wqUrqzcneRUhOIrGm4Xq6dv3fq-6wVWyg/s320/41451741.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Synopsis:</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="freeText15390356683094069456">Wife. Mother.
Breadwinner. Penelope Ruiz-Kar is doing it all—and barely keeping it
together. Meanwhile, her best friend, Jenny Sweet, appears to be sailing
through life. As close as the two women are, Jenny’s passionate
marriage, pristine house, and ultra-polite child stand in stark contrast
to Penelope’s underemployed husband, Sanjay, their unruly brood, and
the daily grind she calls a career.<br /><br />Then a shocking tragedy
reveals that Jenny’s life is far from perfect. Reeling, Penelope vows to
stop keeping the peace and finally deal with the issues in her
relationship. So she and Sanjay agree to a radical proposal: both will
write a list of changes they want each other to make—then commit to
complete and total honesty.<br /><br />What seems like a smart idea quickly
spirals out of control, revealing new rifts and even deeper secrets. As
Penelope stares down the possible implosion of her marriage, she must
ask herself: When it comes to love, is honesty really the best policy?</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="freeText15390356683094069456">(Synopsis from Goodreads).</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span id="freeText15390356683094069456">My Thoughts:</span></b><span id="freeText15390356683094069456"></span><br /><span id="freeText15390356683094069456">Lately, I've been trying to get my TBR under control. I have a goal of
reading at least twenty-five of my own books before I buy more, whether
that be print books, or Kindle. Because of this, I decided to go through
some of my NetGalley backlog. I've been loving the women's fiction
books with cartoonish looking covers lately, so I decided to give I'm
Fine and Neither Are You a try. I was surprised how much I loved this
book. <br /><br />I went into I'm Fine and Neither Are You with no
expectations. I'll be honest, if it wasn't for the quirky title and the
fun looking cover, I might not have even had much interest in reading
the book. I thought at most, I might think it was okay. In actuality, It
turned out to be one of my favorite books that I've read this year. I
found the main character to be extremely relatable. I relataed more to
her and what she was going through than any character I've read about in
quite a long time. Most of the things she was thinking about, or
struggling through, I have either been through, or know someone that
has, especially the bits about marriage. Even though the list idea that
Penny and Sanjay agree to was difficult, I think it's a genius idea that
could help a lot of people in their marriage if they took the time to
do it.<br /><br />Not only was the book relatable on a way that I had never
read before, it was also emotional. Maybe part of that is because it was
so relatable. I don't remember the last time I cried so much while
reading a book, especially towards the end. The author wrot ethe
characters in such a way that the reader almost feels like they've known
the characters for years. It feels like the reader is reading about
close personal friends having these experiences, instead of made up
fictional characters. It was easy to put myself in their shoes and feel
every emotion that they're feeling while reading the book. <br /><br />I'm
Fine and Neither Are You was one of my favorite books that I've read
this year. Heck, I have a feeling that it become one of my favorite
books of all time. It was one of the "realest" fiction books that I've
ever read. I loved the author's writing style, and the great job that
she did connecting the reader to the characters. I will definitely be
reading more of her books that she's written as soon as I read enough
books to meet my goal. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="freeText15390356683094069456">I give I'm Fine and Neither Are You: 5/5.</span></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="freeText15390356683094069456">Want to know more about the author?</span></span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="freeText15390356683094069456">Website: <a href="https://camillepagan.com/">https://camillepagan.com/</a></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="freeText15390356683094069456">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CamillePaganBooks/">https://www.facebook.com/CamillePaganBooks/</a></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="freeText15390356683094069456">Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/cnoepagan">https://twitter.com/cnoepagan</a></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="freeText15390356683094069456">Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/camille_pagan/">https://www.instagram.com/camille_pagan/</a></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="freeText15390356683094069456">Goodreads: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4462824.Camille_Pag_n">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4462824.Camille_Pag_n</a></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="freeText15390356683094069456"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="freeText15390356683094069456"><b>I received this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review. </b></span></span></span>Kayla Eklundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429489446053227680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462118561493735191.post-88771852636129638142019-11-10T23:51:00.001-05:002019-11-10T23:51:25.963-05:00To Drink Coffee with a Ghost by Amanda Lovelace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirQiSALC1XtPeFfoG9TP1xhQVmbUm8D04VIy9ET_n5LszMXNfI80ZDdkG2jZFSKjCBbcPeHv_YQ8eyINNNOloz66x1sqUElBLT2SXT0fsfZHyG4k9BdwhsprkRik77h6j4cPkmC7deec0/s1600/43821557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="297" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirQiSALC1XtPeFfoG9TP1xhQVmbUm8D04VIy9ET_n5LszMXNfI80ZDdkG2jZFSKjCBbcPeHv_YQ8eyINNNOloz66x1sqUElBLT2SXT0fsfZHyG4k9BdwhsprkRik77h6j4cPkmC7deec0/s320/43821557.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Synopsis:</b><br />
<span id="freeText13388561125804682625"><i>"You cannot have a funeral for your mother without also having a funeral for yourself." </i>This book poses the ever-lingering question: What happens when someone dies before they're able to redeem themselves?<br /><br />From
the bestselling & award-winning poetess, Amanda Lovelace, comes the
finale of her illustrated duology, "things that h(a)unt." In the first
installment, <i>to make monsters out of girls, </i> Lovelace explored the memory of being in a toxic romantic relationship. In <i>to drink coffee with a ghost,</i> Lovelace unravels the memory of the complicated relationship she had with her now-deceased mother.</span><br />
<span id="freeText13388561125804682625">(Synopsis from Goodreads). </span><br />
<br />
<b><span id="freeText13388561125804682625">My Thoughts:</span></b><br />
<span id="freeText13388561125804682625">Amanda Lovelace is one of my favorite poets. In fact, her books are what
spurned my love of poetry. After reading The Witch doesn't burn in this
one, I quickly devoured all of her books. When I heard that she had a
new book coming out, To Drink Coffee With a Ghost, I knew I had to read
it. It came as no surprise to me that I loved it. <br /><br />To Drink
Coffee With a Ghost was extremely personal to me. It felt like Amanda
Lovelace took a peek into my life over these past few years and wrote my
story. I also had a mother that I had conflicts with. She passed away
two years ago, and I've been struggling to deal with the grief and
emotions that I've had. This book actually helped process those
emotions, and helped deal with some of my grief. Reading Amanda
Lovelace's experiences taught me it's okay to feel the way that I'm
feeling, and most importantly that someone else has had the same
experience AND survived it. I'm not the only one that has gone through
that specific situation.<br /><br />I will always be grateful for Amanda
Lovelace's To Drink Coffee With a Ghost. It was an emotional journey
reading through her poems, but one I desperately needed at a time I
needed it. Thanks to this book, I have begun to heal from my grief and
experiences. This solidified Amanda Lovelace as one of my favorite poets
in my mind. </span><br />
<br />
<b><span id="freeText13388561125804682625">I give To Drink Coffee with a Ghost: 5/5.</span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span id="freeText13388561125804682625">Want to know more about the author?</span></b><br />
<span id="freeText13388561125804682625">Website: <a href="http://amandalovelace.com/index.html">http://amandalovelace.com/index.html</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText13388561125804682625">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/poetessamandalovelace">https://www.facebook.com/poetessamandalovelace</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText13388561125804682625">Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/ladybookmad">https://twitter.com/ladybookmad</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText13388561125804682625">Instagram: h<a href="ttps://www.instagram.com/ladybookmad/">ttps://www.instagram.com/ladybookmad/</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText13388561125804682625"><br /></span>
<span id="freeText13388561125804682625"><b>I received this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review. </b></span>Kayla Eklundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429489446053227680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462118561493735191.post-88356617545944462832019-08-22T21:33:00.002-04:002019-08-22T21:33:19.591-04:00A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifePs-YPTWPF9IryssTmVyG7YQE4KFZbllEOYbJMys0KkjDcRFThcJC8m8Q5A5nMxHR3W6liqtI54SZP7zOm3huLm008rYWwduFrCtXRlLg_47ydqcySji5oY4g1AjcRU6N3E8H3dEom8/s1600/38720939._SY475_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifePs-YPTWPF9IryssTmVyG7YQE4KFZbllEOYbJMys0KkjDcRFThcJC8m8Q5A5nMxHR3W6liqtI54SZP7zOm3huLm008rYWwduFrCtXRlLg_47ydqcySji5oY4g1AjcRU6N3E8H3dEom8/s320/38720939._SY475_.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Synopsis:</b><br />
<span id="freeText385474268155281947">It’s 2002, a year after
9/11. It’s an extremely turbulent time politically, but especially so
for someone like Shirin, a sixteen-year-old Muslim girl who’s tired of
being stereotyped.<br /><br />Shirin is never surprised by how horrible
people can be. She’s tired of the rude stares, the degrading
comments—even the physical violence—she endures as a result of her race,
her religion, and the hijab she wears every day. So she’s built up
protective walls and refuses to let anyone close enough to hurt her.
Instead, she drowns her frustrations in music and spends her afternoons
break-dancing with her brother.<br /><br />But then she meets Ocean James.
He’s the first person in forever who really seems to want to get to know
Shirin. It terrifies her—they seem to come from two irreconcilable
worlds—and Shirin has had her guard up for so long that she’s not sure
she’ll ever be able to let it down.</span><br />
<span id="freeText385474268155281947">(Synopsis from Goodreads). </span><br />
<br />
<b><span id="freeText385474268155281947">My Thoughts:</span></b><span id="freeText385474268155281947"></span><br /><span id="freeText385474268155281947">I love Tahereh Mafi's Shatter Me series. It was one of the first young
adult audiobooks I ever listened to. I ended up listening to the whole
thing in one day because I needed so badly to know what happened next.
When I heard that Tahereh Mafi was releasing a contemporary book, I was
excited, yet skeptical at the same time. I'm not usually a big fan of
contemporaries, so I wasn't sure if I'd like it. Turns out, I had
nothing to worry about. I loved A Very Large Expanse of Sea. <br /><br />I
think A Very Large Expanse of Sea is a book that's desperately needed
with everything currently going on in United States, and throughout the
world. It was one of the most thought provoking, ee opening books I've
ever read. It teaches knowledge and understanding of a culture that can
only be gained through first hand experience of that culture. I think
that if more people read this book there would be a lot less hate of the
Muslim culture, and a lot more love, understanding, and acceptance. It
was absolutely heartbreaking to read about the things that Shirin went
through. Even though the book is set in 2001, the things that happen to
her are still relevant, and still happen to Muslim women all across the
United States today. <br /><br />There was something that was unexpected for
me in A Very Large Expanse of Sea that I absolutely loved. I should
have known it would happen with the year it was set in, but I loved all
of the early 2000s references. This brought brought back so many
feelings of nostalgia from growing up in that era. Hearing about the
music from that time, and the electronics brought a huge smile to my
face. I kind of forgot about text messages being expensive with the way
things used to be back then because we take it for granted now. It's
always interesting to see how much our society is progressed
technologically looking back on it. <br /><br />A Very Large Expanse of Sea
is definitely in my top three books that I've read this year. I couldn't
find one single fault in it. It was a beautiful, heartbreaking, own
voices book. I have a feeling that it's one of those books that will
stick with me for years to come. I really wish it would be put on
required reading lists in high schools. Maybe if it was, the world would
have a little less hate, and a little more love. </span><br />
<br />
<b><span id="freeText385474268155281947">I give A Very Large Expanse of Sea: 5/5.</span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span id="freeText385474268155281947">Want to know more about the author?</span></b><br />
<span id="freeText385474268155281947">Website: <a href="https://www.taherehbooks.com/">https://www.taherehbooks.com/</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText385474268155281947">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/shattermebooks">https://www.facebook.com/shattermebooks</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText385474268155281947">Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/TaherehMafi">https://twitter.com/TaherehMafi</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText385474268155281947">Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/TaherehMafi/">https://www.instagram.com/TaherehMafi/</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText385474268155281947">Pinterest: <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/taherehmafi/">https://www.pinterest.com/taherehmafi/</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText385474268155281947"><br /></span>
<span id="freeText385474268155281947"><b>I received this book from the publisher, via Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review. </b></span>Kayla Eklundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429489446053227680noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462118561493735191.post-17869665590185366642019-08-20T20:45:00.002-04:002019-08-20T20:45:17.927-04:00With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSvsFeGJVrmya9v8s_CsMS2fUnbXI7kxM9cLonXkphmOQb_xRx05ngiamh_YgH2LZXQ0jzemsV0yyQ8uywtmk7gXdDQwQpnv2-GTJaE0MzJlzerMxoxN0KotVNrgO1KFTlQNDtEkyJeXY/s1600/38739562.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSvsFeGJVrmya9v8s_CsMS2fUnbXI7kxM9cLonXkphmOQb_xRx05ngiamh_YgH2LZXQ0jzemsV0yyQ8uywtmk7gXdDQwQpnv2-GTJaE0MzJlzerMxoxN0KotVNrgO1KFTlQNDtEkyJeXY/s320/38739562.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Synopsis:</b><br />
<span id="freeText9637417828085326544">With her daughter to
care for and her abuela to help support, high school senior Emoni
Santiago has to make the tough decisions, and do what must be done. The
one place she can let her responsibilities go is in the kitchen, where
she adds a little something magical to everything she cooks, turning her
food into straight-up goodness. Still, she knows she doesn’t have
enough time for her school’s new culinary arts class, doesn’t have the
money for the class’s trip to Spain — and shouldn’t still be dreaming of
someday working in a real kitchen. But even with all the rules she has
for her life — and all the rules everyone expects her to play by — once
Emoni starts cooking, her only real choice is to let her talent break
free.</span><br />
<span id="freeText9637417828085326544">(Synopsis from Goodreads).</span><br />
<br />
<b><span id="freeText9637417828085326544">My Thoughts:</span></b><br />
<span id="freeText9637417828085326544">Last year, I read The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo. I thought it was a
deeply powerful, moving book. When I heard that she was releasing a new
book, With the Fire on High, this year, I knew I had to read it as soon
as I possibly could. I recently just finished it, and I think I liked it
even more than The Poet X. <br /><br />With the Fire on High was also a
beautifully compelling book. It tackled tough issues such as teenage
pregnancy, falling in love after being hurt, and the challenges of
raising a child with someone that you no longer have a relationship
with. It really drew awareness to these issues, and made me think of
them in ways that I hadn't before. I thought that Elizabeth Acevedo's
writing style was beautiful. She writes in this lyrical way that make
the words come off the page into the reader's heads. The whole time I
was listening to the audiobook, it was like a movie was playing in my
mind. I was picturing Emoni going about her morning routine with baby
girl, or sitting there having important discussion with abuela. The
romance in this was also beautifully written. I love who Emoni ends up
with. He treats her so well, and is exactly what I think of when I think
of the picture perfect book boyfriend. <br /><br />I do have to admit,
there are a couple of things that did bother me about With the Fire on
High. The first one is a particular phrase. This is just a pet peeve of
mine. I don't like the phrase "I let out a breath I didn't know I'd been
holding", or any variation of it. It just feels too cliche to me, and
overused in young adult and romance books. That phrase was in the book
at least three times, if not more. The other thing that bothered me is
that it felt like the book ended abruptly. Maybe it's because I wanted
more of this world and these characters, but I wanted the storyline of
what Emoni and Tyrone argue about (trying to be vague so I don't spoil
the plot for anyone) to be further explored. I felt like there was an
important discussion that could have stemmed from that, and it just
didn't happen.<br /><br />Other than a couple of tiny details, I really
loved With the Fire on High. After reading this book, Elizabeth Acevedo
has become one of my one-click authors. I will buy any book by her
without even having to know what it's about. I am eagerly anticipating
whatever she writes next. I'm sure it will be phenomenal, just like her
other two books. </span><br />
<span id="freeText9637417828085326544"><br /></span>
<b><span id="freeText9637417828085326544">I give With the Fire on High: 4/5.</span></b><br />
<span id="freeText9637417828085326544"><br /></span>
<b><span id="freeText9637417828085326544">Want to know more about the author?</span></b><br />
<span id="freeText9637417828085326544">Website: <a href="http://www.acevedowrites.com/">http://www.acevedowrites.com/</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText9637417828085326544">Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/acevedowrites">https://twitter.com/acevedowrites</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText9637417828085326544">Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/AcevedoWrites/">https://www.instagram.com/AcevedoWrites/</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText9637417828085326544">Goodreads: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15253645.Elizabeth_Acevedo">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15253645.Elizabeth_Acevedo</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText9637417828085326544"><br /></span>
<span id="freeText9637417828085326544"><b>I received this book from the publisher, via Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review. </b></span>Kayla Eklundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429489446053227680noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462118561493735191.post-67664530959589161162019-08-12T00:00:00.000-04:002019-08-12T00:00:06.295-04:00Guardians of the Taiga by Stacy Plays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB8VC1XOp6_Z5vOTflS8DRDa6Ek4odR0k35kq7OdYqtqMmhxPQ_aO3ucjR5Hepg8CEh-z0CPSJbGbFVyr1eTpu8WQzQZMhRYwdYtnKjU1IViNtFoXDzOAAK1B4UyFdwIkEPOZruPa2Kd8/s1600/36381098._SY475_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB8VC1XOp6_Z5vOTflS8DRDa6Ek4odR0k35kq7OdYqtqMmhxPQ_aO3ucjR5Hepg8CEh-z0CPSJbGbFVyr1eTpu8WQzQZMhRYwdYtnKjU1IViNtFoXDzOAAK1B4UyFdwIkEPOZruPa2Kd8/s320/36381098._SY475_.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Synopsis:</b><br />
<span id="freeText2644896505898326238"><strong>From StacyPlays,
creator of the mega-popular YouTube series Dogcraft, comes a thrilling
illustrated novel about a girl raised by a pack of wolves and her quest
to protect their shared forest home. The first in a new
Minecraft-inspired fantasy adventure series!</strong><br /><br />Stacy was
raised by wolves. She’s never needed humans to survive and, from what
she sees of humans, they’re dangerous and unpredictable. For as long as
she can remember, Stacy’s pack of six powerful, playful wolves—Addison,
Basil, Everest, Noah, Tucker and Wink—have been her only family. <br /><br />Together,
Stacy’s pack patrols the forest to keep other animals safe, relying on
her wits and each wolf’s unique abilities to accomplish risky rescue
missions. But as the forest changes and new dangers begin lurking, are
Stacy and the wolves prepared for the perils that await them?</span><br />
<span id="freeText2644896505898326238">(Synopsis from Goodreads). </span><br />
<br />
<b><span id="freeText2644896505898326238">My Thoughts:</span></b><br />
<span id="freeText2644896505898326238">My husband and I both love Minecraft. It's one of our favorite things to
do together. Either we'll play Minecraft together, or I'll watch him
play it while I'm listening to an audiobook or music. Therefore when I
saw that Stacy Plays was writing a Minecraft inspired book series, Wild
Rescuers, I knew I wanted to read it. The first book in the series,
Guardians of the Taiga, was just an okay book. <br /><br />I have to admit,
when first reading the book, I didn't really like it. Maybe it's because
I'm not the age range it's intended for, but it seemed almost silly to
me. There were several times where I had to suspend my disbelief for
things going on. It kept pulling me out of the story. Stacy's wolves are
more human than wolf. They do things like help her with crossword
puzzles, steal newspapers for her, and other things like that. I thought
this was going to be a raised by wolves story, but it didn't feel like
it with all of that going on. That being said, I think the reader will
discover more things about her wolves in Escape to the Mesa that will
explain why those things are happening. <br /><br />However, as I got
farther into the book, I did find Guardians of the Taiga to be a more
enjoyable read than what I was expecting. I loved Stacy's passion for
animals. I've been a huge animal lover all of my life, and could relate
to what she was feeling at times. It's always upset me to see animals
injured. There was a certain scene towards the end of the book where I
wanted to cry along with her. No animal, no matter the situation,
deserves to go through that. The author did a great job of making me
feel every single emotion Stacy was feeling. <br /><br />Even though
Guardians of the Taiga was a hit or miss for me in parts, I did find it
to be a somewhat enjoyable book. I definitely plan on reading the sequel
because I do think it will change my opinion on some of the things that
I didn't like about the first book. I also think it will answer the
questions that I have. There were quite a few things that didn't get
resolved in Guardians of the Taiga that I really want answers to. I also
plan on checking out Stacy Plays' YouTube channel, which I didn't know
about before this book. </span><br />
<b><span id="freeText2644896505898326238"><br /></span></b>
<b><span id="freeText2644896505898326238">I give Guardians of the Taiga: 3/5.</span></b><br />
<b><span id="freeText2644896505898326238"><br /></span></b>
<b><span id="freeText2644896505898326238">Want to know more about the author?</span></b><br />
<span id="freeText2644896505898326238">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/stacyhinojosa">https://www.facebook.com/stacyhinojosa</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText2644896505898326238">Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/stacysays">https://twitter.com/stacysays</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText2644896505898326238">Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/stacyplays/">https://www.instagram.com/stacyplays/</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText2644896505898326238">YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/stacyplays">https://www.youtube.com/stacyplays</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText2644896505898326238">Twitch: <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/stacyplays">https://www.twitch.tv/stacyplays</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText2644896505898326238">Goodreads: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17215894.Stacy_Plays">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17215894.Stacy_Plays</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText2644896505898326238"><br /></span>
<span id="freeText2644896505898326238"><b>I received this book from the publisher, via Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review. </b></span>Kayla Eklundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429489446053227680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462118561493735191.post-394891666974419152019-08-11T18:08:00.000-04:002019-08-11T18:08:00.770-04:00Openly Straight by Bill Konigsberg<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK1EZ92eQGWJjEI9tvcl0stH4BXwk68MoggsskWGEdIqQ4UTlxpHK-r5FV73unOtcEZbYYm6eN3WVTx1-z8J2eNkGKM0BqrRlbOyxMwN3AcqLAXSkhC4LaRw2WXgal-kSYSRtCY_SViFU/s1600/16100972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="313" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK1EZ92eQGWJjEI9tvcl0stH4BXwk68MoggsskWGEdIqQ4UTlxpHK-r5FV73unOtcEZbYYm6eN3WVTx1-z8J2eNkGKM0BqrRlbOyxMwN3AcqLAXSkhC4LaRw2WXgal-kSYSRtCY_SViFU/s320/16100972.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Synopsis:</b><br />
<span id="freeText16392474795436016063">Rafe is a normal teenager from Boulder, Colorado. He plays soccer. He's won skiing prizes. He likes to write.<br /><br />And,
oh yeah, he's gay. He's been out since 8th grade, and he isn't teased,
and he goes to other high schools and talks about tolerance and stuff.
And while that's important, all Rafe really wants is to just be a
regular guy. Not that GAY guy. To have it be a part of who he is, but
not the headline, every single time.<br /><br />So when he transfers to an
all-boys' boarding school in New England, he decides to keep his
sexuality a secret -- not so much going back in the closet as starting
over with a clean slate. But then he sees a classmate break down. He
meets a teacher who challenges him to write his story. And most of all,
he falls in love with Ben . . . who doesn't even know that love is
possible.</span><br />
<span id="freeText16392474795436016063">(Synopsis from Goodreads). </span><br />
<span id="freeText16392474795436016063"><br /></span>
<b><span id="freeText16392474795436016063">My Thoughts:</span></b><br /><span id="freeText16392474795436016063">Lately, I've been trying to catch up on books that I've owned for
several years. It always makes me feel accomplished to get backlist
books off of my TBR, and to be able to clear space for new books. I've
had Openly Straight since it released in 2013, so I decided to give it a
try. I've missed reading LGBTQ+ books lately, and thought it would be
interesting to read one of the first LGBTQ+ books in YA (that I know
of). I loved this book so much. <br /><br />I'm not sure what I loved the
most about Openly Straight. I do have to admit, I was bored for about
the first fifty pages or so of the book. I thought about DNF'ing it. I'm
so glad I continued with it. Iafter those fifty pages, I loved the rest
of the book. I thought Rafe was a great character. Even though he had
his flaws that could be frustrating at times, I enjoyed reading about
his interactions with others. I especially enjoyed his parents. As
someone who is openly bisexual, I wish I would have had the great
support system that he has when I was growing up. <br /><br />Another part
of Openly Straight that I loved was Rafe's friends. I have to admit I
wasn't a big fan of Claire Olivia, although she did become more
tolerable by the end. I did love his roommate Albie, and his friend
Toby. They cracked me up. I especially loved reading about their scanner
pong adventures. The one with the old lady had me losing it laughing
while I was reading about it. Most importantly, I enjoyed Ben as a
character too. Everything that happens between Rafe and Ben was so
emotional that it felt real. The reader could feel everything they were
going through together, including their chemistry. Certain scenes toward
the end of the book between the two of them had me tearing up. <br /><br />After
a rough start, I found myself loving Openly Straight. I think it is one
of the best LGBTQ+ novels that I've ever read, and I've read quite a
few. I can't wait to read the rest of the series. I'll probably start it
as soon as I can. There's a cliffhanger moment for Ben and Rafe towards
the end of the book, and I need to know how it resolves. I also want
more of the wacky and fun side characters. </span><br />
<br />
<b><span id="freeText16392474795436016063">I give Openly Straight: 4.5/5.</span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span id="freeText16392474795436016063">Want to know more about the author?</span></b><br />
<span id="freeText16392474795436016063">Website: <a href="https://billkonigsberg.com/">https://billkonigsberg.com/</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText16392474795436016063">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/billkonigsbergauthor">https://www.facebook.com/billkonigsbergauthor</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText16392474795436016063">Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/billkonigsberg">https://twitter.com/billkonigsberg</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText16392474795436016063"><br /></span>
<span id="freeText16392474795436016063"><b>I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was ni no way compensated for this review. </b></span>Kayla Eklundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429489446053227680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462118561493735191.post-5917734956033589882019-08-08T15:35:00.001-04:002019-08-08T15:35:03.797-04:00Sal and Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEsamB1ii_dS_iZrm0TrmancbER10YBGPWyYZvXjxurEay3DBqcAahxtK8dWgUpmQf-6CP__GQQth8WjHK1hUvesmBtmxhmePrYncE7RU1_MxyQRtcQL0MwfKEapDzETuJd9AHzqROtuo/s1600/36595887._SY475_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="313" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEsamB1ii_dS_iZrm0TrmancbER10YBGPWyYZvXjxurEay3DBqcAahxtK8dWgUpmQf-6CP__GQQth8WjHK1hUvesmBtmxhmePrYncE7RU1_MxyQRtcQL0MwfKEapDzETuJd9AHzqROtuo/s320/36595887._SY475_.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Synopsis:</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span id="freeText9882042212561899337">How did a raw chicken
get inside Yasmany's locker? When Sal Vidon meets Gabi Real for the
first time, it isn't under the best of circumstances. Sal is in the
principal's office for the third time in three days, and it's still the
first week of school. Gabi, student council president and editor of the
school paper, is there to support her friend Yasmany, who just picked a
fight with Sal. She is determined to prove that somehow, Sal planted a
raw chicken in Yasmany's locker, even though nobody saw him do it and
the bloody poultry has since mysteriously disappeared. Sal prides
himself on being an excellent magician, but for this sleight of hand, he
relied on a talent no one would guess . . . except maybe Gabi, whose
sharp eyes never miss a trick. When Gabi learns that he's capable of
conjuring things much bigger than a chicken--including his dead
mother--and she takes it all in stride, Sal knows that she is someone he
can work with. There's only one slight problem: their manipulation of
time and space could put the entire universe at risk. A sassy entropy
sweeper, a documentary about wedgies, a principal who wears a Venetian
bauta mask, and heaping platefuls of Cuban food are just some of the
delights that await in his mind-blowing novel gift-wrapped in love and
laughter.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span id="freeText9882042212561899337">(Synopsis from Goodreads).</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span id="freeText9882042212561899337">My Thoughts:</span></span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span id="freeText9882042212561899337">Rick Riordan is one of my favorite authors. I've read all of his books,
some of them multiple times. When I heard that he was coming out with
his own publishing company, I was so excited. I thought it would be
amazing to read books by other authors that are similar to the genre he
writes in, but with their own unique twist as well. The first book that I
tried from his publishing company was Sal and Gabi Break the Universe.
It ended up not being what I expected at all, but it was still a fun
read. <br /><br />When I first started Sal and Gabi Break the Universe, I
had no idea what to expect. I expected a middle grade book about Cuban
mythology, which isn't what I got at all. However, that's a good thing.
Carlos Hernandez wrote a book unlike anything I could have imagined. It
was definitely different from anything I have ever read before. I loved
the humor in the book. The entire time I was reading the book, it seemed
like I never stopped laughing or smiling at something that Sal did. I
also greatly enjoyed learning about Cuban culture, and being a magician,
both of which were things I knew next to nothing about before I picked
up this book. After reading this book, I definitely want to do more
research on both subjects. I especially find the superstitions around
"brujas" to be fascinating in Cuban culture, and would love to learn
more about that. <br /><br />Even though I enjoyed reading Sal and Gabi
Break the Universe, I did notice a couple of issues while I was reading
the book. Maybe it's because I'm not the age range it was intended for,
but I found the book to be over the top silly at times. The whole time I
was reading the scenes in the hospital, especially the ones with nurse
Sotolongo, I kept thinking to myself there's no way any of this would
happen in a real hospital. Also, the thing with Gabi's dads was just a
little bit over the top crazy, and confusing. When I was reading the
book, it was hard to remember which dad was which, and what they did.
Not even the nicknames helped. It made it harder to take the serious
parts of the book seriously. <br /><br />After finishing Sal and Gabi Break
the Universe, I had mixed emotions. Parts of the book I really loved and
was sad to be done with. Other parts, not so much. I know I definitely
plan on picking up the sequel in March because I want to know what
happens next, especially after the crazy that happened at the end of
this book. I'm looking forward to reading more of Sal's quick wit,
Gabi's bossy humor, and the rest of the crazy cast. I also plan on
definitely reading more of the Rick Riordan Presents books as soon as I
can get my hands on them. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span id="freeText9882042212561899337"><br /></span></span></span>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span id="freeText9882042212561899337">I give Sal and Gabi Break the Universe: 3/5.</span></span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span id="freeText9882042212561899337"><br /></span></span></span>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span id="freeText9882042212561899337">Want to know more about the author?</span></span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span id="freeText9882042212561899337">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Carlos.A.Hernandez">https://www.facebook.com/Carlos.A.Hernandez</a></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span id="freeText9882042212561899337">Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/WriteTeachPlay">https://twitter.com/WriteTeachPlay</a></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span id="freeText9882042212561899337"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span id="freeText9882042212561899337"><b>I received this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review. </b></span></span></span>Kayla Eklundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429489446053227680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462118561493735191.post-5397483841175088842019-08-06T19:18:00.001-04:002019-08-06T19:24:18.594-04:00Darkness on the Edge of Town by Adam Christopher<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYr-tDhpPsb9xOmLPS2Ep2HfbnZdNW1JXLFkNUxoRp_WYM9xnTdSzxUaUUjpmuJ8Gnl0MDksAwcC_GG-thKjrAtPyx9xggmrq2DbL4YanY5JyXH2y-zby_5pQbuOLs6Fi7gpG8ZrbVtNk/s1600/43911586._SY475_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYr-tDhpPsb9xOmLPS2Ep2HfbnZdNW1JXLFkNUxoRp_WYM9xnTdSzxUaUUjpmuJ8Gnl0MDksAwcC_GG-thKjrAtPyx9xggmrq2DbL4YanY5JyXH2y-zby_5pQbuOLs6Fi7gpG8ZrbVtNk/s400/43911586._SY475_.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Synopsis:</b><br />
<span id="freeText10755475592489112836"></span><br />
<b>Chief Jim Hopper
reveals long-awaited secrets to Eleven about his old life as a police
detective in New York City, confronting his past before the events of
the hit show <i>Stranger Things</i>. </b><br />
<br />
<b>Christmas, Hawkins, 1984.</b>
All Chief Jim Hopper wants is to enjoy a quiet first Christmas with
Eleven, but his adopted daughter has other plans. Over Hopper’s
protests, she pulls a cardboard box marked “New York” out of the
basement—and the tough questions begin. Why did Hopper leave Hawkins all
those years ago? What does “Vietnam” mean? And why has he never talked
about New York?<br />
Although he’d rather face a horde of demogorgons
than talk about his own past, Hopper knows that he can’t deny the truth
any longer. And so begins the story of the incident in New York—the last
big case before everything changed…<br />
<br />
<b>Summer, New York City, 1977</b>.
Hopper is starting over after returning home from Vietnam. A young
daughter, a caring wife, and a new beat as an NYPD detective make it
easy to slip back into life as a civilian. But after shadowy federal
agents suddenly show and seize the files about a series of brutal,
unsolved murders, Hopper takes matters into his own hands, risking
everything to discover the truth.<br />
Soon Hopper is undercover among
New York’s notorious street gangs. But just as he's about to crack the
case, a blackout rolls across the boroughs, plunging Hopper into a
darkness deeper than any he’s faced before.<br />
(Synopsis from Goodreads).<br />
<br />
<b>My Thoughts:</b><br />
Stranger Things is one of my favorite tv shows. I'm obsessed with it. In
fact, I binge watched the whole third season the day it came out
because I couldn't get enough of it. Therefore, when I found out there
was a book based on the show, I knew I had to read it. I picked up
Darkness on the Edge of Town as soon as I could get my hands on it. I
thought it was an enjoyable book, even if it had a few flaws. <br />
<br />
At
first, I was a little hesitant going into Darkness on the Edge of Town.
Hopper is without a doubt my favorite character on the show. I wasn't
sure if Adam Christopher was do his character justice. However, I had
nothing to worry about. He wrote the character and the plot so well that
when I was reading the book, I could see it playing out in my head,
almost like it was an actual episode of Stranger Things. I loved hearing
Hopper's backstory, and seeing him thrive in a different setting than
what the viewers of the show are used to. <br />
<br />
There is one major
thing that I didn't enjoy about the book. Towards the middle of the
book, Hopper gets caught up in a situation. I won't go into details
about that situation in this review because I don't want to spoil it for
those that haven't read it. However, after that certain part happens, I
thought that the story became boring. It seems like when he was in that
situation, it took forever for anything to happen. It felt like the
story dragged on and on until about the last 30 pages or so. After that,
it picked up again and became interesting. <br />
<br />
Despite the pacing
issues, I found myself really enjoying Darkness on the Edge of Town. I
thought it was an interesting look into Hopper's life before Stranger
Things begins. I enjoyed it so much that I want more. I would love a
prequel show about Hopper's time as a detective in NYC, and more cases
that he had. I also really want to see more of Delgado. I loved her
character is this, and think it would translate well on a Netflix show.<br />
<br />
<b>I give Darkness on the Edge of Town: 3.5/5.</b><br />
<br />
<b>Want to know more about the author?</b><br />
Website: <a href="http://www.adamchristopher.co.uk/">http://www.adamchristopher.co.uk/</a><br />
Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/ghostfinder">https://twitter.com/ghostfinder</a><br />
Goodreads: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/590743.Adam_Christopher">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/590743.Adam_Christopher</a><br />
<br />
<b>I received this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review. </b>Kayla Eklundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429489446053227680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462118561493735191.post-72043227146948616012019-07-19T09:43:00.001-04:002019-07-19T09:43:22.746-04:00Seth's review of Recursion by Blake Crouch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-WzK6cIdjNtqNimgdyWYX1dvruLGxVziVUCIGWpnlfVgA6-GcwtW-FDPAZEpp80cXckBgV_Zs6H9IvveehbTn-vdW24LMQctrlw3Ddiz014SzD3zk7dUEsZP2kypa4JUjkRW00ivci4Q/s1600/42046112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="296" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-WzK6cIdjNtqNimgdyWYX1dvruLGxVziVUCIGWpnlfVgA6-GcwtW-FDPAZEpp80cXckBgV_Zs6H9IvveehbTn-vdW24LMQctrlw3Ddiz014SzD3zk7dUEsZP2kypa4JUjkRW00ivci4Q/s320/42046112.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Synopsis:</b><br />
<span id="freeText6452124045117600599"><em>Memory makes reality.</em><br /><br />That’s
what New York City cop Barry Sutton is learning as he investigates the
devastating phenomenon the media has dubbed False Memory Syndrome—a
mysterious affliction that drives its victims mad with memories of a
life they never lived.<br /><br />Neuroscientist Helena Smith already
understands the power of memory. It’s why she’s dedicated her life to
creating a technology that will let us preserve our most precious
moments of our pasts. If she succeeds, anyone will be able to
re-experience a first kiss, the birth of a child, the final moment with a
dying parent.<br /><br />As Barry searches for the truth, he comes
face-to-face with an opponent more terrifying than any disease—a force
that attacks not just our minds but the very fabric of the past. And as
its effects begin to unmake the world as we know it, only he and Helena,
working together, will stand a chance at defeating it.<br /><br />But how can they make a stand when reality itself is shifting and crumbling all around them?</span><br />
<span id="freeText6452124045117600599">(Synopsis from Goodreads).</span><br />
<br />
<b><span id="freeText6452124045117600599">Seth's Thoughts:</span></b><span id="freeText6452124045117600599"></span><br /><span id="freeText6452124045117600599">Lately, I've been reading whatever books my wife plops in my lap.
Recursion is no exception to that. I asked what it was about, and she
said science stuff. So, I picked it up and gave it a read through. It
kept my interest most of the way through. The twist at the end is
foreshadowed pretty heavily throughout the book, but it wasn't enjoyably
executed. The thing is, I read a lot of sci-fi, and it wasn't something
that hasn't been explored better by better writers in the past. Not to
say the author didn't write a good story, but I literally have sci-fi
anthology books that stack up as tall as me. I guess I'm just a jaded
sci-fi reader. </span><br />
<br />
<b><span id="freeText6452124045117600599">Seth gives Recursion: 2.5/5.</span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span id="freeText6452124045117600599">Want to know more about the author?</span></b><br />
<span id="freeText6452124045117600599">Website: <a href="http://www.blakecrouch.com/">http://www.blakecrouch.com/</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText6452124045117600599">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/blake.crouch.9">https://www.facebook.com/blake.crouch.9</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText6452124045117600599">Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/blakecrouch1">https://twitter.com/blakecrouch1</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText6452124045117600599">Goodreads: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/442240.Blake_Crouch">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/442240.Blake_Crouch</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText6452124045117600599"><br /></span>
<span id="freeText6452124045117600599"><b>I received this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. Neither Seth nor I were compensated in any way for this review. </b></span>Kayla Eklundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429489446053227680noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462118561493735191.post-59917399356435669042019-06-24T09:54:00.002-04:002019-06-24T09:54:28.632-04:00Seth's review of Artemis by Andy Weir<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUrYsU8Zz-XoUFaCrIIicK3atYzsci8bjvdw4xof4QEPEfWDMJqVwYNRIM8Szu1sgHzWr8_zsl9c2BSNhTUmFuwxiw3Ps_GHj3AQsHF9mkwRAPoyi6tp8TyjgQFR1BYU6b-k7FlmzjgqI/s1600/34928122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="313" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUrYsU8Zz-XoUFaCrIIicK3atYzsci8bjvdw4xof4QEPEfWDMJqVwYNRIM8Szu1sgHzWr8_zsl9c2BSNhTUmFuwxiw3Ps_GHj3AQsHF9mkwRAPoyi6tp8TyjgQFR1BYU6b-k7FlmzjgqI/s320/34928122.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Synopsis:</b><br />
<span id="freeText7167519840752382230">Jazz Bashara is a criminal.<br /><br />Well,
sort of. Life on Artemis, the first and only city on the moon, is tough
if you're not a rich tourist or an eccentric billionaire. So smuggling
in the occasional harmless bit of contraband barely counts, right? Not
when you've got debts to pay and your job as a porter barely covers the
rent.<br /><br />Everything changes when Jazz sees the chance to commit the
perfect crime, with a reward too lucrative to turn down. But pulling off
the impossible is just the start of her problems, as she learns that
she's stepped square into a conspiracy for control of Artemis itself—and
that now, her only chance at survival lies in a gambit even riskier
than the first.</span><br />
<span id="freeText7167519840752382230">(Synopsis from Goodreads).</span><br />
<br />
<b><span id="freeText7167519840752382230">Seth's Thoughts:</span></b><br />
<span id="freeText7167519840752382230">Back in June 2014, I was exposed to Andy Weir with his debut novel The
Martian. I read that book in the space of one or two sittings. His novel
Artemis was the same. It's a page turner of a different sort. Back with
The Martian you follow Mark Watney, an astronaut who gets stranded on
Mars. In Artemis, you follow Jazz, a young woman trying to find her way
on the only established Moon colony. Early on in the book, she's made an
offer that would make her rich enough to not have to worry about
scraping by. What follows is one of the better books I have read in
2019. If it turns out like the last book I read by Andy Weir, it'll be a
great movie. </span><br />
<span id="freeText7167519840752382230"><br /></span>
<b><span id="freeText7167519840752382230">Seth gives Artemis: 4.5/5.</span></b><br />
<span id="freeText7167519840752382230"><br /></span>
<b><span id="freeText7167519840752382230">Want to know more about the author?</span></b><br />
<span id="freeText7167519840752382230">Website: <a href="http://www.andyweirauthor.com/">http://www.andyweirauthor.com/</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText7167519840752382230">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AndyWeirAuthor/">https://www.facebook.com/AndyWeirAuthor/</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText7167519840752382230">Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/andyweirauthor?lang=en">https://twitter.com/andyweirauthor?lang=en</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText7167519840752382230">Goodreads: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6540057.Andy_Weir">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6540057.Andy_Weir</a></span><br />
<b><span id="freeText7167519840752382230"><br /></span></b>
<span id="freeText7167519840752382230"><b>I received this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. Neither Seth nor I were compensated in any way for this review. </b></span>Kayla Eklundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429489446053227680noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462118561493735191.post-11606552366560500972019-06-15T00:00:00.000-04:002019-06-15T00:00:01.920-04:00Jess's review of The Murmurings by Carly Anne West<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1WeuTrXE6micky3bU8P3PDzbdXMcVW-skeI2Shqrfzktl3QwfmbfYI-V9eZNDwPvy4x6kZ5Ujd7heoE1PUh5AIKqQ6QYVZ1Kp_UDZY_2knRuNbJ0xEqKpJ-1R_F11pKe2uRqNPhk_1q8/s1600/13260536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1WeuTrXE6micky3bU8P3PDzbdXMcVW-skeI2Shqrfzktl3QwfmbfYI-V9eZNDwPvy4x6kZ5Ujd7heoE1PUh5AIKqQ6QYVZ1Kp_UDZY_2knRuNbJ0xEqKpJ-1R_F11pKe2uRqNPhk_1q8/s320/13260536.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Synopsis:</b><br />
<span id="freeText3280044819647840909">Everyone thinks Sophie’s
sister, Nell, went crazy. After all, she heard strange voices that
drove her to commit suicide. But Sophie doesn’t believe that Nell would
take her own life, and she’s convinced that Nell’s doctor knows more
than he’s letting on.<br /><br />As Sophie starts to piece together Nell’s
last days, every lead ends in a web of lies. And the deeper Sophie digs,
the more danger she’s in—because now she’s hearing the same haunting
whispers. Sophie’s starting to think she’s going crazy too. Or worse,
that maybe she’s not….</span><br />
<span id="freeText3280044819647840909">(Synopsis from Goodreads). </span><br />
<br />
<b><span id="freeText3280044819647840909">Jess's Thoughts:</span></b><br /><span id="freeText3280044819647840909">If you didn’t know I LOVE scary stories. I am addicted to anything that
is going to freak me out, scare me, and totally make me want to sleep
with the lights on, so this one hit that out of the park!! The
Murmurings is one book that I will not soon forget. It was totally
creepy and had a few twists that I didn’t see coming. Sophie was such a
great character and what she goes through is just mind boggling. This is
one story that would make a fabulous movie or tv show! So, if you're
looking for a new paranormal story check this one out! </span><br />
<br />
<b><span id="freeText3280044819647840909">Jess gives The Murmurings: 5/5.</span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span id="freeText3280044819647840909">Want to know more about the author?</span></b><br />
<span id="freeText3280044819647840909">Website: <a href="https://carlyannewest.com/">https://carlyannewest.com/</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText3280044819647840909">Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/CarlyAnneWest1">https://twitter.com/CarlyAnneWest1</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText3280044819647840909">Goodreads: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5398571.Carly_Anne_West">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5398571.Carly_Anne_West</a></span><br />
<span id="freeText3280044819647840909"><br /></span>
<span id="freeText3280044819647840909"><b>I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review. </b></span>Kayla Eklundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429489446053227680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462118561493735191.post-10560785315766660492019-06-14T17:50:00.002-04:002019-06-14T17:50:51.972-04:00Bummer Summer by Ann. M. Martin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQk_r2x7lcX2ve4CAEphIvwTp1gZEr_rj17jXvgUFDQXr2MXP-o-_2bvPQp8sf9Ck7MDHzYeMBWF0YROPbP5rhW8mO44Xqr6K_lXSqor8lE9S4kK2Ze1aIo10qAkpE7hxE3PIUKMEhZU/s1600/23963127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="308" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQk_r2x7lcX2ve4CAEphIvwTp1gZEr_rj17jXvgUFDQXr2MXP-o-_2bvPQp8sf9Ck7MDHzYeMBWF0YROPbP5rhW8mO44Xqr6K_lXSqor8lE9S4kK2Ze1aIo10qAkpE7hxE3PIUKMEhZU/s320/23963127.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Synopsis:</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="freeText5297449571528467812"><b>With a new stepmom, sister, and baby brother in the house, Kammy’s summer can’t get any worse—until she goes to camp</b><br /><br />Twelve-year-old
Kammy Whitlock had been fine living with just her dad since her mom
died when she was only four. Although she gets along OK with her new
stepmom, the addition of a troublesome toddler and a crying new baby has
pushed her over the edge.<br /><br />Against her wishes, her parents have
decided that Kammy needs a break from home life until her siblings have
settled in. Kammy goes to Camp Arrowhead with the understanding that if
she’s miserable, she can come home after two weeks. If not, she’ll stick
it out the rest of the summer. But surviving even two weeks is going to
be tough—she’s already gotten lost at night and made an enemy of Susie.
Maybe Kammy just doesn’t fit in anywhere.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="freeText5297449571528467812">(Synopsis from Goodreads). </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="freeText5297449571528467812"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span id="freeText5297449571528467812">My Thoughts:</span></b><br /><span id="freeText5297449571528467812">Ann M. Martin's Baby Sitter's Club series was one of my favorite series
when I was a kid. I also really loved the numerous spin-off series that
were created from that series. From the time I was in second grade until
about sixth grade, I was absolutely obsessed. Recently, I got a chance
to read one of her books, Bummer Summer. Even though I was not the
intended audience, I did find it to be a cute, enjoyable book. <br /><br />Reading
Bummer Summer brought back so much nostalgia for me. I did not read the
book when I was a kid, but just reading a book by Ann. M. Martin and
experiencing her writing style all over again brought back great
memories. It reminded me of all the weekends and summers I would sit at
my grandma's house in her black recliner and read one of the BSC books
from front to back in an hour or two because I couldn't put it down. <br /><br />There
were a few problems that I had with Bummer Summer. Some of the phrases
and thoughts that are used made me cringe. For example the main
character, Kammy, uses the word "slave" to describe/compare someone.
That really didn't sit well with me. I know it's probably because it was
more acceptable (although it's never been okay) to make that comparison
in the time this was written (1986), but that should have been changed
for the newer published version (2014), which is what I read. There were
a few other things like that that made me cringe as well, and kind of
took away from the reading experience. <br /><br />Despite having a few
problematic things in it, I thought Bummer Summer was a cute read. Even
though I am not the intended audience, I found myself enjoying it. I
think that it would be a great book for kids, especially kids adjusting
to having new family in their lives, and in their homes. I think this
would be a great tool for kids to relate to, and to get a conversation
started about accepting new family members for who they are, and being
patient as schedules adjust. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span id="freeText5297449571528467812">I give Bummer Summer: 3.5/5.</span></b></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span id="freeText5297449571528467812">Want to know more about the author?</span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="freeText5297449571528467812">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AnnMMartinAuthor">https://www.facebook.com/AnnMMartinAuthor</a></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="freeText5297449571528467812">Twiiter: <a href="https://twitter.com/AuthorAnnMartin">https://twitter.com/AuthorAnnMartin</a></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="freeText5297449571528467812"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="freeText5297449571528467812"><b>I received this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review. </b></span></span></span>Kayla Eklundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429489446053227680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462118561493735191.post-6325618367474609812019-06-08T12:21:00.005-04:002019-06-08T12:21:44.247-04:00Jess's review of Two and Twenty Dark Tales by Various Authors<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWr4WG2u-FzCOFhDIEW4YA_3wsYWiKfunhL_W1Ot2O000il6oEurX5B5gIoZyczigpqh5Id26R4HLhD-Z0xeV0LGGx1s1ZUyT6-sFqf9FfHZKNtpyu89DEjUuC5u3i2TG_AH9T-dG7Hiw/s1600/13594857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="299" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWr4WG2u-FzCOFhDIEW4YA_3wsYWiKfunhL_W1Ot2O000il6oEurX5B5gIoZyczigpqh5Id26R4HLhD-Z0xeV0LGGx1s1ZUyT6-sFqf9FfHZKNtpyu89DEjUuC5u3i2TG_AH9T-dG7Hiw/s320/13594857.jpg" width="201" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Synopsis:</b><br />
<span id="freeText6138228771498952415">In this anthology, 20
authors explore the dark and hidden meanings behind some of the most
beloved Mother Goose nursery rhymes through short story retellings. The
dark twists on classic tales range from exploring whether Jack truly
fell or if Jill pushed him instead to why Humpty Dumpty, fragile and
alone, sat atop so high of a wall. The authors include Nina Berry,
Sarwat Chadda, Leigh Fallon, Gretchen McNeil, and Suzanne Young.</span><br />
<span id="freeText6138228771498952415">(Synopsis from Goodreads).</span><br />
<br />
<b><span id="freeText6138228771498952415">Jess's Thoughts:</span></b><br />
<span id="freeText6138228771498952415">This one was great! I love anthologies, and I could not put this one
down. They are so much fun, and with these authors you just couldn't go
wrong! I do have to say that none of the stories really stood out. They
were all about the same. Each one was interesting, engaging, and I would
love to read full length novels for each one. <br /><br />Big 5 stars for
this one! I love the cover too. It's always interesting to see how they
are going to add all the authors names to the cover, and this way it's
beautiful and doesn't take away from the cover art. Great Job! </span><br />
<span id="freeText6138228771498952415"><br /></span>
<b><span id="freeText6138228771498952415">Jess gives Two and Twenty Dark Tales: 5/5.</span></b><br />
<span id="freeText6138228771498952415"><br /></span>
<b><span id="freeText6138228771498952415">Want to know where to buy this book?</span></b><br />
<ul>
<li><span id="freeText6138228771498952415"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0985029412/ref=x_gr_w_glide_bb?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_glide_bb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0985029412&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2">Amazon</a></span></li>
<li><span id="freeText6138228771498952415"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/two-and-twenty-dark-tales-georgia-mcbride/1111472851;jsessionid=1E9BA725015672463B52217263934865.prodny_store01-atgap08?ean=9780985029418&st=AFF&2sid=Goodreads,%20Inc_2227948_NA&sourceId=AFFGoodreads,%20Inc#/">Barnes and Noble</a> </span></li>
<li><span id="freeText6138228771498952415"><a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Two-and-Twenty-Dark-Tales-Francisco-X-Stork-Georgia-McBride-Michelle-Zink/9780985029418">Book Depository</a> </span></li>
<li><span id="freeText6138228771498952415"><a href="https://www.betterworldbooks.com/product/detail/Two-and-Twenty-Dark-Tales--Dark-Retellings-of-Mother-Goose-Rhymes-9780985029418">Better World Books</a> </span></li>
<li><span id="freeText6138228771498952415"><a href="https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Two-Twenty-Dark-Tales/Nina-Berry/9780985029418?id=7600105721698">Books A Million</a> </span></li>
</ul>
<span id="freeText6138228771498952415"> </span><span id="freeText6138228771498952415"> </span><br />
<span id="freeText6138228771498952415"><b>I received this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. Neither Jess nor I were compensated in anyway for this review. </b></span>Kayla Eklundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429489446053227680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462118561493735191.post-39595925334379527892019-06-05T19:49:00.002-04:002019-06-05T19:49:13.435-04:00Love Unleashed by Jackie Braun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiEsItoIQ4weUEWQFxgDXE4PKLpFNvY-lPR0wnMgg7UiD0HSJqz3_uQIgS-5tPCDBy8IYeGs3-cKSkU756zBMY5d4NeTUk29hD2ggwiXFR_MjGZZetM_Lp9rJABK2frIKC6qRp6GK8s6s/s1600/20818794.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="267" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiEsItoIQ4weUEWQFxgDXE4PKLpFNvY-lPR0wnMgg7UiD0HSJqz3_uQIgS-5tPCDBy8IYeGs3-cKSkU756zBMY5d4NeTUk29hD2ggwiXFR_MjGZZetM_Lp9rJABK2frIKC6qRp6GK8s6s/s320/20818794.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Synopsis:</b><br />
<span id="freeTextContainer16290210289715438447"><i>Can a feisty four-legged matchmaker help four best friends find the romance of their dreams?</i><br />The
last thing Mia wants is a relationship yet the headstrong florist cant
keep her hands off her sexy-as-sin ex-boyfriend. Will she open her heart
before he leaves town for good?</span><br />
<span id="freeTextContainer16290210289715438447">(Synopsis from Goodreads). </span><br />
<br />
<b><span id="freeTextContainer16290210289715438447">My Thoughts:</span></b><br />
<span id="freeTextContainer16290210289715438447">Lately, I've been trying to read more of my smaller books to get them
off of my TBR pile. I've really liked all of the books in a novella
series I've been reading, Billionaire Matchmaker, so I decided to
continue with that series by reading Love Unleashed. I really enjoyed
it. I think it might be my favorite book in the series so far. <br /><br />For
those of you that have been following me as I read this novella series,
you know I've had mixed feelings about them. Some of them can be over
the top cheesy, to the point where it reads like a bad Harlequin novel
and is hard to finish. Others, I've really enjoyed. Fortunately, I loved
Love Unleashed. It's my favorite book in the series so far. I love the
two main characters backstory, and how Charlie brought them together
again when it was almost impossible to do. <br /><br />I really enjoyed the
main character, Mia, in Love Unleashed. This is unusual for me. In the
rest of the books in the series, I've found the main characters to be
over the top, and have annoying personality traits. However, with Mia, I
understand exactly where she's coming from. I don't know if it's
because her story is a lot darker than the other female characters or
what, but there's just something about her that I really relate to. <br /><br />I
greatly enjoyed Love Unleashed. It's definitely my favorite book in the
Billionaire Matchmakers series so far. I enjoyed the main character,
and the way she reconnected with her ex through Charlie, against
insurmountable odds. I have one more book left in this series that I
haven't read. I can't wait to read it, and watch Charlie bring more
people together with his cute puppy shenanigans. </span><br />
<span id="freeTextContainer16290210289715438447"><br /></span>
<b><span id="freeTextContainer16290210289715438447">I give Love Unleashed: 4/5. </span></b><br />
<b><span id="freeTextContainer16290210289715438447"><br /></span></b>
<b><span id="freeTextContainer16290210289715438447">Want to know more about the author?</span></b><br />
<span id="freeTextContainer16290210289715438447">Website: <a href="http://www.jackiebraun.com/">http://www.jackiebraun.com/</a></span><br />
<span id="freeTextContainer16290210289715438447">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/authorjackiebraun">https://www.facebook.com/authorjackiebraun</a></span><br />
<span id="freeTextContainer16290210289715438447">Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/jackie_braun?lang=en">https://twitter.com/jackie_braun?lang=en</a></span><br />
<span id="freeTextContainer16290210289715438447">Goodreads: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/144074.Jackie_Braun">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/144074.Jackie_Braun</a></span><br />
<span id="freeTextContainer16290210289715438447"><br /></span>
<span id="freeTextContainer16290210289715438447"><b>I received this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review. </b></span>Kayla Eklundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429489446053227680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462118561493735191.post-25221446509114136122019-06-03T00:00:00.000-04:002019-06-03T00:00:06.944-04:00Jess's review of Guardian by Heather Burch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXjOFU7EYRsQc0uUiDSlcjTs3ySgESTrSzO9iP6uwMr3QMZlVHIzEdI7T8qEab7A9PxEak6lysGbSuWw9w6xIVgpR2T5Mv8Ybu9qCEKPhwScfjKWH_hlQgKtZJ-Zh9syjUdG9rJPXz1s/s1600/13050865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="302" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXjOFU7EYRsQc0uUiDSlcjTs3ySgESTrSzO9iP6uwMr3QMZlVHIzEdI7T8qEab7A9PxEak6lysGbSuWw9w6xIVgpR2T5Mv8Ybu9qCEKPhwScfjKWH_hlQgKtZJ-Zh9syjUdG9rJPXz1s/s320/13050865.jpg" width="203" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Synopsis:</b><br />
<span id="freeText2886609598788485204">Vigilance. The mission
to safeguard Nikki Youngblood depends on the fragile alliance of two
half-angel, half-human guardians, both struggling with intense feelings
for the girl who has been assigned to their care. Mace, steadfast and
deeply in love, wants to protect Nikki at all costs, while Raven's
loyalty to Nikki finds him advocating for her independence and battling
his own darker inclinations. At the same time, Nikki finds it harder and
harder to choose between the two heavenly beings she may never have.
Dangers intensify, and tensions between Mace and Raven flare as the
purpose of their mission becomes clear. Can their defenses hold up to
master manipulator Damon Vessler and the powerful secret he holds
regarding Nikki's heritage? Can anyone protect Nikki from her true
purpose and destiny?</span><br />
<span id="freeText2886609598788485204">(Synopsis from Goodreads). </span><br />
<br />
<b><span id="freeText2886609598788485204">Jess's Thoughts:</span></b><br />
<span id="freeText2886609598788485204"><span class="_mh6 _wsc" id="cch_f3bd6f44767527c"><span class="_3oh- _58nk">This sequel to the angel series Halflings was out of this world. I loved the world building, and all the characters. It did start out a little slower than I had anticipated but by 15% in I was hooked. This one picks up where book one leaves off and it doesn’t disappoint at all. The love triangle from book one is still going on in this one but by the end the characters pretty much know what needs to happen. It kept me on my toes and I am so happy that I got the chance to read it.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span id="freeText2886609598788485204"><span class="_mh6 _wsc" id="cch_f3bd6f44767527c"><span class="_3oh- _58nk"><b>Jess gives Guardian: 4/5</b>.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<b><span id="freeText2886609598788485204"><span class="_mh6 _wsc" id="cch_f3bd6f44767527c"><span class="_3oh- _58nk">Want to know more about the author?+</span></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<span id="freeText2886609598788485204"><span class="_mh6 _wsc" id="cch_f3bd6f44767527c"><span class="_3oh- _58nk">Website: <a href="https://www.heatherburchbooks.com/home">https://www.heatherburchbooks.com/home</a></span></span></span><br />
<span id="freeText2886609598788485204"><span class="_mh6 _wsc" id="cch_f3bd6f44767527c"><span class="_3oh- _58nk">Facebook:<a href="https://www.facebook.com/heatherburchbooks/">https://www.facebook.com/heatherburchbooks/</a></span></span></span><br />
<span id="freeText2886609598788485204"><span class="_mh6 _wsc" id="cch_f3bd6f44767527c"><span class="_3oh- _58nk">Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/heatherburch">https://twitter.com/heatherburch</a></span></span></span><br />
<span id="freeText2886609598788485204"><span class="_mh6 _wsc" id="cch_f3bd6f44767527c"><span class="_3oh- _58nk">Goodreads: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4983102.Heather_Burch">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4983102.Heather_Burch</a></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span id="freeText2886609598788485204"><b><span class="_mh6 _wsc" id="cch_f3bd6f44767527c"><span class="_3oh- _58nk">I received this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. Neither Jess nor I were compensated in any way for this review. </span></span></b> </span>Kayla Eklundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15429489446053227680noreply@blogger.com0