Rainy Day Ramblings

Audiobook Review: The Bride Test (The Kiss Quotient #2) by Helen Hoang

 

 

Khai Diep has no feelings. Well, he feels irritation when people move his things or contentment when ledgers balance down to the penny but not important emotions, like love. His family knows better that his autism means he just processes emotions differently. When he steadfastly avoids relationships, his mother takes matters into her own hands and returns to Vietnam to find him the perfect bride. As a mixed-race girl living in the slums of Ho Chi Minh City, Esme Tran has always felt out of place. When the opportunity arises to come to America and meet a potential husband, she cant turn it down. Seducing Khai, however, doesn't go as planned. She’s hopelessly smitten with a man who is convinced he can never return her affection. 
Audiobook
Published: June 7th 2019 by Dreamscape Media 
Source: Library

Five Stars: A brilliant and unconventional love story with two unique and unforgettable  characters. 

Esme Tran spends her days tidying the bathrooms at a local hotel. It is hard work, but she is grateful to have the job to support her young daughter. Then one day, fate walks in while Esme is cleaning. Several girls rush into the bathroom in tears, followed by an older woman. The woman is drawn to Esme, especially her green eyes. The woman asks her if she wants to go to America and marry her son. Esme refuses, but later when the woman tracks her down and calls her at home, Esme gives in at the insistence of her mother. Soon Esme finds herself in California face to face with Khai Diep, a young Vietnamese man with autism. Khai does not want Esme in his home touching his things and ruining his routine, but then something happens, a friendship forms. Can these two opposites find love?

What I Liked:

• After reading Ms. Hoang’s debut book last year: The Kiss Quotient, I knew I had to get my hands on the Bride Test. This book did not disappoint, in fact, I think it was even better. I love Ms. Hoang’s characters, the emotion and passion and most of all that she brings us characters with autism. A fantastic book!
• I adored both Kwan and Esme. Esme is a young woman born out of wedlock in the slums of Ho Chi Min. She works hard and is determined to prove herself. I loved her strong work ethic, her devotion to her family, and her strong moral compass. She is a go getter, and I adored that about her. I also liked that she wasn’t all about a free ride or taking the easy way out. Then there is Khai. He is fascinating. I loved getting inside his head and understanding how an autistic man processes information and how he controls his emotions. He is a nerd who is set in his ways, but he is also sweet and smart.  Khai has the biggest heart, even though he is afraid to tap into his emotions and experience them. I loved his quirks! 
• The romance is all kinds of adorable. It is hard to explain, it is one you have to experience. It is difficult because the two are thrown together under non conventional circumstances, basically it is kind of a mail order bride. There is awkwardness, bristling and then friendship, and then something more. Things are never straight forward with this romance, and it has plenty of stumbles. It was sweet, satisfying and so darn cute. 
• I loved so much about this book. I adored the characters, the romance and more. I loved how the author tapped into emotions and feelings. She especially does an excellent job with the guys’ points of view. One of my favorite parts in the book was when Khai sought sexual advice from his older brother, Quan, and his cousin, Michael from The Kiss Quotient. This scene was absolutely hilarious as the three try to figure out Esme’s reactions to Khai after their first intimate encounter. I won’t spoil it for you, read it. 
• The supporting cast was terrific. I especially enjoyed Quan, Khai’s older brother. I loved how supportive Quan was to Khai. I hope the author considers writing a book featuring Quan. 
• Even though I struggled at first with Esme’s reason for coming to America, it became so much more. Esme wasn’t about trapping Khai into a marriage, she wanted to make something of herself and prove her worth. She doubts herself time and time again, but she doesn’t give up, and in the end, her efforts pay off. This is a story about immigration, self worth, working hard and making the most of the American Dream.
• The book ends with a sweet, satisfying epilogue down the road. I loved the way it all worked out. A lovely ending. 
• This is a companion novel. You can jump in and reading this without having read the first book as it involves a new set of characters. 
• I listened to the audiobook narrated by Emily Woo Zeller. I have listened to several audiobooks narrated by Ms. Zeller. I think she does a fantastic job with the voices, both male and female. 

And The Not So Much:

• I was disappointed that there wasn’t more scenes with Khais’ mother, Cô Nga. She travels to Vietnam to find a bride for Khai so I expected her to play a big role in the novel, but surprisingly after the first few chapters she fades into the background. She makes appearances here and there, but I expected her to be more involved. I wanted to understand her better. 
• The ending was sweet and satisfying, but I didn’t like that the story took a nice slow pace, and then the ending is rapid fire, and then the epilogue jumps ahead a few years into the future. I wanted to experience more of the parts in between. I thought too much was glossed over. 
• I didn’t quite buy into the sudden appearance of Esme’s father. It comes out of nowhere and I wanted to see how the dots were connected. It felt too happily ever after. 
• I was a tiny disappointed that there wasn’t more from Michael and Stella from the first book. There are only a couple of mentions. 

The Bride Test was an absolute joy. I loved this delightful book. The romance, the characters, the emotions and the story were all outstanding. I especially love that Ms. Hoang continues to develop characters with autism to help us all understand the disorder better. I am overly impressed with Ms. Hoang, and at this point, I will continue to read everything she publishes. Don’t miss this one!

I borrowed a copy of this book from the library. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.

Don't miss the delightful companion novel:

Audiobook Review: Polaris Rising (Consortium Rebellion #1) by Jessie Mihalik

 

 

A space princess on the run and a notorious outlaw soldier become unlikely allies in this imaginative, sexy space opera adventure—the first in an exciting science fiction trilogy. In the far distant future, the universe is officially ruled by the Royal Consortium, but the High Councillors, the heads of the three High Houses, wield the true power. As the fifth of six children, Ada von Hasenberg has no authority; her only value to her High House is as a pawn in a political marriage. When her father arranges for her to wed a noble from House Rockhurst, a man she neither wants nor loves, Ada seizes control of her own destiny. The spirited princess flees before the betrothal ceremony and disappears among the stars.

Ada eluded her father’s forces for two years, but now her luck has run out. To ensure she cannot escape again, the fiery princess is thrown into a prison cell with Marcus Loch. Known as the Devil of Fornax Zero, Loch is rumored to have killed his entire chain of command during the Fornax Rebellion, and the Consortium wants his head. When the ship returning them to Earth is attacked by a battle cruiser from rival House Rockhurst, Ada realizes that if her jilted fiancé captures her, she’ll become a political prisoner and a liability to her House. Her only hope is to strike a deal with the dangerous fugitive: a fortune if he helps her escape. But when you make a deal with an irresistibly attractive Devil, you may lose more than you bargained for . . . 
ebook, 448 pages
Published February 5th 2019 by Harper Voyager
Source: Library

 

 

Four stars: A thrilling space adventure with two kick butt characters. 

Ada Von Hasenburg is a space princess on the run. She gave it all up after witnessing the miserable marriage of her older sister. Ada didn’t want to suffer the same fate, so she fled when she learned that her father had arranged nuptials for her. After two years of being on the run, Ada’s luck runs out. She is captured and thrown into a cell next to Marcus Loch, a man with a deadly reputation. Then the ship Ada is aboard is captured by one of Father’s rivals. Ada does not want to become a political prisoner so she strikes a deal with Loch. Did she bargain with the devil? Will she survive?

What I Liked:

• After reading all the glowing reviews for Polaris Rising, I had to give it a whirl. I wasn’t disappointed. This book is a fast paced, thrilling space adventure with two kick ass lead characters. 
• Ada took a little time to warm up to as she comes across at first as an ice princess. The cold exterior is her public persona, but underneath she is a smart, kind, caring girl who locks down her fear. I loved that she was fierce and capable of getting herself out of numerous dangerous situations. She is tough and smart. Once I got to know her, I was behind her all the way.
• Loch is much the same as Ada. He is presented as a ruthless killer, but underneath the dangerous veneer is a man who is loyal, caring and smart. I loved getting to know him and understanding what drove him. 
• The romance is one that starts out with a hesitant alliance. Slowly, trust and friendship form and then it bursts into heat and passion. I liked watching the relationship find its footing, and then seeing how an unbreakable bond formed. 
• The world building is well done. I enjoyed being thrust into this universe. I can’t resist a good book set in space. I thought the author did an excellent job with the technology and the outer space setting. Not to mention the whole governing body pertaining to the Houses and the Consortium was fascinating. I especially liked that there wasn’t too much detail and it wasn’t difficult to follow. 
• There is rarely a dull moment. Basically from the get go, Ada and Loch are thrust into one dangerous situation after another. I liked the non stop action. 
• The ending was great. The book doesn’t end with a cliffhanger, which was a relief. The story stops in a good spot while leading into the next book. I can’t wait for more. 
• I listened to the audio version narrated by Emily Woo Zeller. Ms. Zeller is an excellent narrator and I thought she did a good job with the voices. 

And The Not So Much:

• Once Bianca, Ada’s sister is introduced, I found myself wanting to know much more about her character. What happened with her marriage? What was bothering her? I hope we get more of her story in the next book. 
• Toward the end, the reader gets a glimpse at the politics going on between the three houses. I wish that more detail was provided about the houses and the leaders. 
• Even though I liked the romance, I felt like it moved lightning fast. 
• What was the deal with Richard? What happened to him, there are hints that something bad happened in his past, but nothing was revealed. 

Polaris Rising was an addictive read. I loved the non stop, fast paced action, the fierce kick butt lead characters and the space setting. This was a fun and thrilling read. The book doesn’t let up! I am eager to dive into this world again. 

I borrowed a copy of this book from the library. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review. 

Audiobook Review: Storm Cursed (Mercy Thompson #11) by Patricia Briggs

 

In this powerful entry in the #1 New York Times bestselling series, Mercy Thompson must face a deadly enemy to defend all she loves...

My name is Mercedes Athena Thompson Hauptman, and I am a car mechanic.

And a coyote shapeshifter.

And the mate of the Alpha of the Columbia Basin werewolf pack.

Even so, none of that would have gotten me into trouble if, a few months ago, I hadn't stood upon a bridge and taken responsibility for the safety of the citizens who lived in our territory. It seemed like the thing to do at the time. It should have only involved hunting down killer goblins, zombie goats, and an occasional troll. Instead, our home was viewed as neutral ground, a place where humans would feel safe to come and treat with the fae.

The reality is that nothing and no one is safe. As generals and politicians face off with the Gray Lords of the fae, a storm is coming and her name is Death.

But we are pack, and we have given our word.

We will die to keep it. 
Audible Audio, Unabridged, 10 pages
Published May 7th 2019 by Penguin Audio
Source: Publisher

 

Four stars: Another riveting installment in Mercy’s world. This time an encounter with some dark and powerful witches. 

Mercy is on a mission. Tonight she and her fellow pack mates along with the local Goblin King, are tracking down a goblin responsible for murder. The group gets the deed done, only to get a call that there are some zombie goats on the loose. Something strange is going on in the pack’s territory, and it is up to Mercy to figure out who is behind the paranormal happenings. It doesn’t take long to find out the culprit. It seems some powerful dark witches have come to town with the intent to take over. These witches can throw some dark spells, and they turn their victims into zombies. Can Mercy and company destroy this foe or will they die trying?

What I Liked:

• Eleven books in and the Mercy Thompson series is still going strong. I love this UF series set in the Pacific Northwest. You never know what to expect when reading a Mercy book, but I promise it will be entertaining. This one doesn’t disappoint. 
• I love the dynamics between Mercy and the pack. It is enjoyable to watch relationships evolve and develop as they all continue to get used to Mercy being the Alpha’s mate. In this one, we see some fun movement in Mercy’s relationship with Honey. I enjoyed the banter between these two who were once at odds. I especially enjoyed watching Mercy’s bond grow with Sherwood Post. 
• Speaking of Sherwood Post, there are some fascinating developments with his character. This time, there are some hints to his back story, and Sherwood is not what he seems. I liked seeing Sherwood step in and help save the day a time or two. I am curious to know more. 
• Zee, Tad and Uncle Mike, all fae residents play big roles in this one. Zee has always been a favorite character of mine, and I was delighted to see him step up and take a big part in this one. 
• The dark witches were downright scary. They are evil and vile and they practice black magic. Shivers!
• There is, as always, plenty of action in this book. Prepare for lots of fight scenes, loads of action and magic and mayhem. 
• I appreciate that Ms. Briggs always manages to throw in some enjoyable down time with the pack letting it loose and hanging out, it adds much needed comic relief. 
• The ending ties up the loose ends, no cliffhangers. I can’t wait for more. 

And The Not So Much:

• One thing about Briggs’ books is that they can be very dark. This one has disturbing scenes of torture and animal abuse that are not for the faint of heart. Sometimes, I think this series gets almost too dark. I am not a fan of the ritualistic killings and abusive scenes that happen in this series. 
• Even though I liked that this book was mostly about Mercy acting on her own with the help of some friends, I missed the pack dynamic. Adam is noticeably missing for a good chunk of the book. What was up with all those mysterious meetings?
• This is a series that you can’t pick up at anytime as so much of it is built on the foundation of the previous books. I get lost at times because it is usually two years in between book releases. 
• I listened to the audiobook version narrated by Lorelei King. Ms. King is one of my all time favorite narrators, but I struggled with her narrating this book. I think mostly because I have read all the other books in this series. Picking up the eleventh on audiobook may not have been the best choice. Lorelei King narrates the Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones. I kept mixing up Mercy for Charley.
• I say this all the time when reviewing a Mercy book, we need more Bran. There was no Bran at all in this one!!

Storm Cursed proved to be another exciting installment in the series. Mercy goes to battle with some dark witches along with the help of some friends. I love watching the characters grow and evolve. Never a dull moment in this series. My one hesitation with this series as a whole is that at times it gets dark, but it is still a fantastic series that I continue to enjoy after eleven books and counting. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review. 

Read the series:

 

Audiobook Review: Wild Country (The World of the Others #2) by Anne Bishop

 

In this powerful and exciting fantasy set in the world of the New York Times bestselling Others series, humans and the shape-shifting Others will see whether they can live side by side...without destroying one another.

There are ghost towns in the world—places where the humans were annihilated in retaliation for the slaughter of the shape-shifting Others.

One of those places is Bennett, a town at the northern end of the Elder Hills—a town surrounded by the wild country. Now efforts are being made to resettle Bennett as a community where humans and Others live and work together. A young female police officer has been hired as the deputy to a Wolfgard sheriff. A deadly type of Other wants to run a human-style saloon. And a couple with four foster children—one of whom is a blood prophet—hope to find acceptance. But as they reopen the stores and the professional offices and start to make lives for themselves, the town of Bennett attracts the attention of other humans looking for profit. And the arrival of the Blackstone Clan, outlaws and gamblers all, will uncover secrets…or bury them. 
Audible Audio
Published 2019 by Penguin Random House Audio
Source: Publisher

 

Four and a half stars: Another exciting and riveting read with a whole new group of The Others. 

The town of Bennett was completely wiped out by The Others after the Humans First and Last Movement murdered members of the Wolfgard. Now the town belongs to The Others, and they have been allowed to resettle it with permission from the Elders. Tolya Sanguinati, the mayor, is in charge of selecting the right humans to fill the roles in the town. He has help from Virgil Wolfgard, the town sheriff, and his brother. Virgil struggles with his role of sheriff and policing the humans. Things get worse when Simon sends a human, Jana Paniccia, to serve as his deputy. Jana and Virgil tangle a few times as they both learn to deal with one another. Meanwhile, the humans outside of town are trying to recover from the devastating decimation. That means thieves and swindlers are hunting for new prey, and one of these gangs decides to make trouble in Bennett. Will this new threat break the fragile alliance between the humans and The Others?

What I Liked:

• I am always thrilled to immerse back into the world of The Others. This new book, The Wild Country, takes place in Bennett after the decimation by the Elders. The events in this book occur simultaneously as the events in Etched in Bone. I loved getting to know the new characters and the town. If you haven’t read this series, what are you waiting for?
• It was fun to see Bennett resettling and reorganizing. I liked seeing who was being let into the town, and what their roles would be. Many of the characters in this book mirrored the characters back in Lakeside. The leaders are a vampire, a wolf and a plague rider, just like in Lakeside. There are also many humans who are willing to work with the Others. I loved the diversity. There was even a male couple with adopted Other children including a young blood prophet. I am excited to watch this town grow, and get to know all the characters. 
• It took a little time for me to recall the time line as it has been two years since I read Etched in Bone, but once I settled in, I had no problems. I would highly recommend reading the first series before delving into this one, I think you would be lost. 
• I loved watching the relationships between the humans and the Others unfold. The working relationship between Virgil and Jana was hilarious. It reminded me of Simon and Meg, except that Jana has much more bite. I loved that Jana always had a chip on her shoulder as she believed she needed to constantly prove herself. She wasn’t afraid to go toe to toe with her big bad wolf boss. There was plenty of struggles, misunderstandings, and then finally a hesitant friendship. I can’t wait for more. 
• Just like with the first series, there is plenty of tension between the Others and the humans. There are humans who are willing to live amongst the Others and learn to work with them, and then there are the bad humans. I love the fragility of the relationships and the tension that arises when things go wrong. 
• The world of the Others is captivating. I can’t get enough of this world. This is a fantastic series. 
• The book ends in a good spot after another cataclysmic human and Other confrontation. After the dust settles, there are losses and setbacks in relationships, but hope for the future. I cannot wait for more!

And the Not So Much:

• I still am on the fence as to how I feel about the town having so many characters similar to the ones in Lakeside. Even though I liked the similarities, I felt like this was Lakeside being reinvented. I am hoping for more diversity as this series progresses. 
• I struggled with the Others letting the evil Blackstone humans come to town in the first place. They knew before they arrived they would cause trouble. Why did they let things get so out of hand? It honestly didn’t make sense to me. The threat should have been eliminated right away. 
• I didn’t like what happened with the wolves. It shouldn’t have gone down that way, especially with the warnings.
• I have to admit, I was a tad disappointed that there wasn’t really any interaction with the Lakeside Courtyard. I wanted Simon and Meg and Vlad.....
• Even though this is a spin off series, I would not recommend trying to read this book without having read the first series of The Others. Several of the characters were first introduced in that series, and several of the plot lines intersect with this book. Start at the beginning and enjoy the ride. 

Wild Country was a new and exciting addition to The Others series. I loved getting to know the new characters as the town resettled. There is plenty of action and tension in this book, just like in the other series. There is so much to love about this series from the characters, the world building and the action and danger. I am a huge fan of this series, and I cannot wait for more! Don’t miss out, read this series!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review. 

Read the series:

Audiobook Review: Little Darlings by Melanie Golding

 

Mother knows best” takes on a sinister new meaning in this unsettling thriller perfect for fans of Neil Gaiman, Grimms’ Fairy Tales, and Aimee Molloy’s The Perfect Mother.
Everyone says Lauren Tranter is exhausted, that she needs rest. And they’re right; with newborn twins, Morgan and Riley, she’s never been more tired in her life. But she knows what she saw: that night, in her hospital room, a woman tried to take her babies and replace them with her own … creatures. Yet when the police arrived, they saw no one. Everyone, from her doctor to her husband, thinks she’s imagining things. A month passes. And one bright summer morning, the babies disappear from Lauren’s side in a park. But when they’re found, something is different about them. The infants look like Morgan and Riley—to everyone else—but to Lauren, something is off. As everyone around her celebrates their return, Lauren begins to scream, “These are not my babies!” Determined to bring her true infant sons home, Lauren will risk the unthinkable. But if she’s wrong about what she saw, she’ll be making the biggest mistake of her life.
Compulsive, creepy, and inspired by some our darkest fairy tales, Little Darlings will have you checking—and rechecking—your own little ones. Just to be sure. Just to be safe. 
Audiobook, Unabridged
Published April 30th 2019 by Blackstone Audio
Source: Publisher

 

Three and a half stars: An edge of your seat read that has the reader questioning mental health or a paranormal twist?

Lauren Tranter is mentally, physically and emotionally exhausted after giving birth to two healthy twin boys. Hovering between reality and sleep, Lauren hears a woman on the other side of the curtain in her hospital room, but the next morning, there is no one there. Things take an even darker turn when Lauren hears the woman again the next night. When she peeks through the curtain, Lauren sees a homeless looking woman with twins bundled in rags. The woman threatens to take Lauren’s boys and swap them with her own. In terror, Lauren locks herself in the bathroom, calling the police for help. Lauren is told she is seeing things, but she can’t let go of that fear. A month goes by, Lauren battles sleepless nights, while caring for her twins. She is depressed, crying, hormonal and struggling to find herself. She finally ventures outside for a walk and then the unthinkable happens. She falls asleep on a park bench and wakes to find the twins gone. The twins are found safely a short time later, but when Lauren glances at the babies, she knows they are not her own. Is Lauren the victim of a fairy switch or is she suffering a mental breakdown?

 

What I Liked:

• Any mother who has gone through the birth process and then the terror of trying to care for a newborn infant can relate to Lauren Tranter as she battles exhaustion, depression, hormones and the fear of failure. I thought the author did an amazing job of conveying Lauren’s fears and emotions. I was immediately sucked into Lauren’s plight and she had my sympathy. 
• It did take a little time for me to get sucked into this book, but once I did, I couldn’t put it down. From the get go, there is something sinister a foot, but is it the result of a mother’s psychical exhaustion and a mental breakdown, or is it the work of fairies? I loved that there is that flicker of doubt throughout, and the reader is unsure as to whether this is a case of something paranormal or a psychological episode. 
• The author peppers in little snippets from old folklore tales about fairies and switchlings throughout the book that added to the suspense. I especially liked the tale that the story centers around. It gives the book a creepy unknown factor. 
• I liked the police detective Joanna Harper. I appreciated that she didn’t immediately dismiss Lauren as mentally ill like everyone else. She took the time to dig and dig on her own to learn the truth. I also found her portion to be a bit of a relief from the heavy drama of Lauren’s point of view. 
• Being inside of Lauren’s head was a trip. It was interesting to see her try and outwit her doctors and nurses in order to gain her freedom. I also admired her courage and her unconditional love for her babies and her willingness to do whatever was necessary. Her mental state at the end was particularly fascinating. I wanted more. 
• The suspense and action in the final chapters of this book is absolutely terrifying and riveting. I was hooked!
• The book ends with an all seems well moment and then there is this little jab that left me wondering......

And The Not So Much:

• After all was said and done I still couldn’t decide whether this was the work of the fey or a mother’s terror and mental anguish as she lost sight of reality while trying to deal with the birth and care of newborn twins. There were hints several times in the book that Lauren had mental illness problems in the past, but they weren’t fully exposed. I didn’t like that it was left for me to decide whether she was suffering from a psychological episode or was it something more diabolical. 
• At first I enjoyed the little sideline story involving the police detective and her love interest. Then there is this scene where the police detective finds her crush in a compromising situation. Later, the confrontation  is later explained, and I didn't think it made sense at all. In the end, this whole story line was a fizzle. 
• What was the deal with Patrick? I was left thinking he was an asshat.
• I listened to the audiobook version, and I thought it was well done, but I hated the voice for the creepy woman, it was unnerving. Yikes!

Little Darlings was a riveting read I couldn’t put down. I was sucked into this story about a woman who is either suffering from a mental breakdown due to the fatigue of birth and caring for newborn twins, or there is something paranormal and evil afoot. Is it the fey or a psychological episode? You decide. 

I received a copy fo this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review. 

Audiobook Review: The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

 

 

Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor neighborhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Khalil was unarmed.

Soon afterward, his death is a national headline. Some are calling him a thug, maybe even a drug dealer and a gangbanger. Protesters are taking to the streets in Khalil's name. Some cops and the local drug lord try to intimidate Starr and her family. What everyone wants to know is: what really went down that night? And the only person alive who can answer that is Starr.

But what Starr does or does not say could upend her community. It could also endanger her life.
Audible Audio, unabridged, 12 pages
Published February 28th 2017 by HarperAudio
Source: Library

 

Five big stars: An emotional, compelling and educational read that everyone should experience. 

 

I must have been living in a cave the last couple of years not to have taken notice of this book. I kept seeing it around, but I don’t think I even paused to read a review. Then the book kept winning awards, and it was even made into a movie and still I didn’t pay attention. Finally seeing it on my library must read feed, I decided to put the audiobook on hold and check it out. I went into this blind. I didn’t read the synopsis, I had no idea what it was even about, which probably made it better. Needless to say, I am kicking myself for not reading this sooner. This was a powerful, emotional and educational read, especially considering the upheaval and prejudice that is going on in our country right now. This is a book that everyone should read, experience and discuss. It is an important book that opens up the potential for conversations and perhaps even the chance to change our perceptions. Just read this book. 

 

I am going to forgo my usual format today share the reasons why you should read this book:

 

Educational: This book was an eye opening experience for me a middle aged, white woman living happily in the suburbs. The story opened my eyes to the uncomfortable topics of racism, prejudice and violence against African Americans. I loved that I experienced the world through Starr’s eyes. Starr’s perspective is unforgettable. Starr is a sixteen year old girl struggling with her identity because she is trapped between two worlds. Starr lives in the hood, but she and her brothers attend a rich school for mostly privileged white kids. At school, Starr must behave a certain way, she can never truly be herself. In the hood, she is constantly on edge, fearing another shooting. Her perspective is vivid, informative and unforgettable. I loved Starr!

 

Racial Discrepancies: We all know there are severe differences in the way minorities, especially African Americans are treated in the United States, yet we continue to deny the truth. White people never have to have the conversation with their children about how to behave around the police, because the police don’t usually pose a danger. In contrast, African American parents school their children on how to act and behave around a cop in hopes of saving their lives. Black lives do matter. Furthermore, the way the public views the victim is shameful. The young man who was shot in this book was made out to be less valuable and important because he was a gang banger or a drug dealer, but no one bothered to learn the truth. Assumptions were made, shots were fired and he was yet another victim to the racist violence that continues to exist in society. Heartbreaking.

 

Outstanding characters: The author did a tremendous job with the characters. Starr is a phenomenal protagonist. I loved her voice, and I appreciated how she was always caught between the white world and the black world. I loved her fierceness, her tenacity and her courage. The rest of Starr’s family is outstanding. So often in YA books, the parents are absentee. Not in this book. Starr’s parents are constantly involved. I absolutely loved the family dynamics in this book. It was probably my favorite part of the book. Her parents were amazing and sometimes downright adorable. I wish more YA books featured families like this one. 

 

Powerful: If this book doesn’t move you or inspire you to look at things from another angle, I feel sorry for you. I learned so much from this book, and it completely changed my perspective. Big props to the author for bringing this story to the mainstream. This book is educational, informative and hopefully it will inspire people to make changes. I hope that one day this book will be required reading for high school kids. 

The Hate U Give is a book that I wish I had read sooner. This is a powerful, emotional and moving read. It taught me so much. I feel like I have my eyes wide open now, and I am ready to help make a change. Read this book, pass it along to others, start a dialogue and push for change.  

I borrowed a copy of this book from the library. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review. 

Review: When We Left Cuba by Chanel Cleeton

 

Beautiful. Daring. Deadly. 

The Cuban Revolution took everything from sugar heiress Beatriz Perez--her family, her people, her country. Recruited by the CIA to infiltrate Fidel Castro's inner circle and pulled into the dangerous world of espionage, Beatriz is consumed by her quest for revenge and her desire to reclaim the life she lost.

As the Cold War swells like a hurricane over the shores of the Florida Strait, Beatriz is caught between the clash of Cuban American politics and the perils of a forbidden affair with a powerful man driven by ambitions of his own. When the ever-changing tides of history threaten everything she has fought for, she must make a choice between her past and future--but the wrong move could cost Beatriz everything--not just the island she loves, but also the man who has stolen her heart... 
Audio CD, 1 page
Published April 9th 2019 by Blackstone Audio
Source: Publisher

 

Five stars: A stirring story of love, intrigue, patriotism and courage as one woman fights for Cuba.  

It is 1960, one year after the wealthy and prestigious Perez family escaped Cuba and Castro’s regime. The family resettled in Florida, trying to carve out a new life and establish themselves. Beatriz is not happy in Florida. She wants to help free Cuba, and more than anything she wants Castro to pay for murdering her twin brother. Revenge drives Beatriz to the CIA where she agrees to help spy for the US government. Soon Beatriz finds herself caught in the fight for Cuba and a battle for her heart. Beatriz is never one to fall for a man. She has already turned down five marriage proposals, but at another social event in Palm Beach, Beatriz meets a handsome senator. Their attraction and chemistry is undeniable, but he is engaged to another. Will Beatriz be able to help free Cuba and be with the man she loves?

What I Liked:

• Next Year in Havana was one of my favorite reads of 2018, so I was eager to grab this companion novel: When We Left Cuba. Once again, Ms. Cleeton delivers a thrilling piece of historical fiction. I loved learning more about Cuba and the political events that headlined the 1960s. 
• I adored Beatriz. She is first introduced in Next Year in Havana, and I was excited to get her story. Beatriz is the wild, unconventional one of the Perez sisters. I loved how fierce and courageous she was. I admired her strong will, her loyalty and compassion for Cuba. The best thing about Beatriz is that she didn’t care about social niceties and she refused to do what was expected of her. She shunned marriage, in favor of being a spy and gaining an education. Loved her ferocity! 
• Even though this is a piece of historical fiction, there are plenty of real life events woven into the fabric of the story. The story takes place during the upheaval of the 1960s. The Cold War is in full swing, and Beatriz soon finds herself working for the American CIA to gain information on the Russians and Cuba. As the book progresses, the reader experiences through Beatriz’s eyes, the Bay of Pigs Invasion, The Cuban Missile Crisis and the Kennedy Assassination.  I thought the author did a brilliant job with the material, and I could tell that she had done plenty of research to make this story come alive.
• There is a romance in this one, and surprisingly I enjoyed it. The romance is an unconventional one indeed. It starts out forbidden, and then it changes over the course of time. Even though the two were often at odds due to their intense political views, their chemistry and passion was undeniable. I loved that there was nothing easy about this relationship, from the raised eyebrows of society to the sacrifice and the disagreements over political views and ambitions. I thoroughly enjoyed it. 
• The book ends in 2016 with Beatriz as an old woman celebrating the death of Castro with her family and friends. I loved catching up with her and seeing what she made of her unconventional and rebellious life. I was satisfied with the end, but still wanted more. I hope the author will consider writing another book from another Perez sister’s point of view as I can’t get enough of this series. 

And The Not So Much:

• I wish the author had included a bit more detail on the Bay of Pigs Invasion and the Cuban Missile Crisis. If you don’t have any prior knowledge of these events, you might feel a little lost. I still don’t completely understand the Bay of Pigs. I also felt like the author didn’t quite capture the fear and terror felt in the US during the Cuban Missile Crisis. I felt like this part of the story missed the mark a tiny bit. 
• The final chapter of the story fast forwards from the mid nineteen sixties to 2016. There is a brief recap of Beatriz’s life between that time, but I was left wanting so much more. There were many things I was left wondering about. As far as I am concerned, the book could have gone on a few more hundred pages. 

When We Left Cuba is a fascinating and riveting novel that plunges the reader into the politics surrounding the fight for Cuba during the turbulent 1960s. Follow sugar heiress Beatriz Perez as she attempts to adapt to life in America while she continues to fight for Cuba. Once again, Ms. Cleeton impressed me, and I hope she will bring us more tales about Cuba. Don’t miss this one or the companion novel: Next Year in Havana. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review. 

Read the companion novel:

Audiobook Review: Grave Witch (Alex Craft #1) by Kalayna Price

 

 

Grave witch Alex Craft can speak to the dead, but that doesn’t mean she likes what they have to say...

As a private investigator and consultant for the police, Alex Craft has seen a lot of dark magic. But even though she’s on good terms with Death himself—who happens to look fantastic in a pair of jeans—nothing has prepared her for her latest case. Alex is investigating a high profile murder when she’s attacked by the ‘shade’ she’s raising, which should be impossible. To top off her day, someone makes a serious attempt on her life, but Death saves her. Guess he likes having her around... 

To solve this case Alex will have to team up with tough homicide detective Falin Andrews. Falin seems to be hiding something—though it’s certainly not his dislike of Alex—but Alex knows she needs his help to navigate the tangled webs of mortal and paranormal politics, and to track down a killer wielding a magic so malevolent, it may cost Alex her life... and her soul. 
Audible Audio, Unabridged
Published April 18th 2011 by Audible 
Source: Library

 

 

Three and a half stars: A good kick to an Urban Fantasy, but it needed more depth and development. 

Alex is barely scraping by. She has very little money to her name and rent is due. Today she is raising a shade in order to help the police investigate a murder in a high profile case. When Alex attempts to raise the shade in front of an audience, the worst happens. The shade attacks her, which shouldn’t be possible. Now her shaky reputation is even further damaged. Things go from worse to worst when she leaves the police station. On the way out, someone tries to shoot her, but she is saved by death and her friend a police detective. Now her police detective friend is in a coma, and Alex is desperate to save him. Alex finds herself teaming up with Falin a no nonsense homicide detective. The further Alex and Falin dig, the more convoluted and dangerous the case becomes. Who is behind the murder and why?

What I Liked:

• Confession: The Alex Craft series has been languishing in my pile for nine years. I have long wanted to read this series, and I am glad I finally took the plunge. I found this first book to be entertaining and interesting, even though I felt lost a time or two and I am not sure it held up well over the nine years since it was released. Still it was fun, and it has been awhile since I read a UF with a witch as the main character. I look forward to more.
• Alex Craft is a feisty little witch who is used to doing things on her own since her dad disowned her as a teenager for having paranormal powers. I liked that Alex had courage and that she was determined to keep digging to get to the truth and to save her friends. She has a lot of gumption. I look forward to watching her develop.
• The rest of the cast of characters proved to be interesting and entertaining. Death is an active player, and he has long been a friend of Alex. He might even have a major crush on her. I want more of the Death character. Then there is Detective Fain. At first he comes across as pushy and nosey, but as the story progressed he proved admirable time and time again. When I learned more about his true identity, I was a fan. I also enjoyed Alex’s roommates and even the little gargoyle that protects her home as well as a ghost who aids Alex.  A fun cast of characters!
• The plot was never dull. There was plenty of action, lots of paranormal intrigue as well as exciting twists and turns. I was stunned by some of the final revelations at the end, especially the one about Alex’s family. 
• The book ends in a good spot. No cliffhanger! The main story line is solved, while plenty of interesting threads are left to follow up on in the next book. 

And The Not So Much:

• First novels in an Urban Fantasy series are tricky. Often times, the reader is thrown into the midst of things and it takes awhile to find your footing. That is the case with this one. Alex’s powers and abilities are tossed at you from the opening pages, and there are many things that she can do that I still don’t fully understand. It always takes a couple of books to get the lay of the land, and I have the feeling that is the case with this series. I am hopeful it will get stronger as it goes. 
• There is romance in this one, and I am not sure how I felt about it. There seems to be the possibility of a love triangle, though I don’t know how one can have a romantic relationship with Death. I was more invested in the other romance, but I felt that it was rushed. One minute the two are at odds, antagonistic and fighting and the next moment lust kicks in and they are in the sack. Moved too fast! I hope the romance improves. 
• The world building was weak. Instead of setting it in the real world, the author chose to make up a city, naming it Nekros. I think the story would have done better in a real life city. 

Grave Witch proved to be an entertaining read even though it had a few little problems. I enjoyed the story, the characters and the paranormal parts. I know with most Urban Fantasy series, it takes awhile to get going, and I think that is the case with this series. I am looking forward to seeing Alex grow, and luckily for me, I have several more books to binge read. If you are looking for a solid UF series, give this a go. 

I borrowed a copy of this book from the library. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review. 

 

Audiobook Review: Lovely War by Julie Berry

 

 

A sweeping, multi-layered romance with a divine twist, by the Printz Honor-winning author of The Passion of Dolssa, set in the perilous days of World Wars I and II.

It's 1917, and World War I is at its zenith when Hazel and James first catch sight of each other at a London party. She's a shy and talented pianist; he's a newly minted soldier with dreams of becoming an architect. When they fall in love, it's immediate and deep--and cut short when James is shipped off to the killing fields.

Aubrey Edwards is also headed toward the trenches. A gifted musician who's played Carnegie Hall, he's a member of the 15th New York Infantry, an all-African-American regiment being sent to Europe to help end the Great War. Love is the last thing on his mind. But that's before he meets Colette Fournier, a Belgian chanteuse who's already survived unspeakable tragedy at the hands of the Germans.

Thirty years after these four lovers' fates collide, the Greek goddess Aphrodite tells their stories to her husband, Hephaestus, and her lover, Ares, in a luxe Manhattan hotel room at the height of World War II. She seeks to answer the age-old question: Why are Love and War eternally drawn to one another? But her quest for a conclusion that will satisfy her jealous husband uncovers a multi-threaded tale of prejudice, trauma, and music and reveals that War is no match for the power of Love. 
Audio CD
Published March 5th 2019 by Listening Library
Source: Library

 

 

Four and a half stars: An enticing story of love and war with a Greek mythology twist. 

World War II is raging across the world, breaking hearts and stealing love. In a hotel room in Manhattan, a trap is laid for a pair of illicit lovers by a jealous husband.  Hephaestus snares Aphrodite and Ares in his trap. Aphrodite in answer to the eternal question of why Love and War are drawn together, and in order to get out of Hephaestus snare, tells a tale of love set against the backdrop of World War I. Will the  lovers find a happy or ending or lose their loves to the flames of war?

What I Liked:

• Lovely War was an addictive story of love and war that I couldn’t put down. I loved this tale of two sets of lovers brought together and then torn apart during World War I, plus the added in twist of having the story told by Greek Gods, made it even more fun. Loved this tale.
• Hazel and James’ tale immediately snagged my heart. The two catch a glimpse of each other at a party in London. Hazel is a shy pianist who has never had a beau. James can’t take his eye off her. The problem is, the two meet one week before James is set to ship out to the trenches of World War I. Their tale is one of fate, love, determination, heartaches and setbacks. I couldn’t help but to cheer for this pair. Would their love survive the first Great War?
• The second set of lovers faced even larger obstacles. Aubrey Edwards is an American musician set across the sea as part of an all African American infantry. Falling in love is the furthest thing from Aubrey’s mind, that is until he meets the lovely Collette. Collette is a young Belgian girl who has already survived terrible heartbreak and loss. When the two meet, a fire is lit, but how can their love weather not only the war but also the hatred and prejudice aimed at a white woman and a black man in love? I liked that the author included this multiracial romance. It was interesting to see the stark contrast in the way the Europeans viewed the African American man as opposed to the way they were viewed in the United States. 
• I was enraptured by both of the love stories. Each character faces harsh circumstances, loss, heartache and setbacks. My heart was in my throat for a good portion of the book as I was completely invested in the characters and romances. 
• This book is set during World War I. I loved learning more about this era. The author does a wonderful job in recreating the turbulence of the period. I especially loved that she included the prejudice the African American soldiers faced. I learned a great deal while reading this story. 
• The inclusion of the Greek Gods added a fun little twist to the story. It was fun to learn more about Aphrodite and Hephaestus and their relationship.
• The ending is perfect. It concludes the story. No cliffhanger or unfinished story lines. It was just right. 
• I highly recommend reading the author’s note at the end of the book. There is plenty of informative information at the end, including the author’s research on the African American soldiers in the war, from their roles and heroism to the backlash and prejudice they faced back home. I also appreciated that she used real life people in some parts of the story.
• I listened to the audiobook version. I thought the audio was very well done. Each character has a different narrator, which adds to the story. I also appreciated the music clips. 

And The Not So Much:

• I was excited when the book opened during WWII. I was expecting to get part of the story told against the backdrop of WWII. Sadly, there is really nothing regarding the second war. I was hoping for storylines set during WWII.
• I wish there was a little more information on the views of Europeans and multiracial relationships. It seemed that these types of romances weren’t taboo like they were in the U.S. I thought this was forward thinking for the time period, and I wished that it had been expanded on more so I could have a better grasp of racial relations in Europe. 
• I finished wanting more on the relationship between Hephaestus and Aphrodite. 

Lovely War was a unique and captivating story set during the tumultuous final portion of World War I. This is a tale of two different couples falling in love during war. There is also a clever twist involving the Greek Gods. If you are on the hunt for something different, this is definitely one to check out. 

 

I borrowed a copy of this book from the library. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review. 

Audiobook Review: Meet Cute: Some People Are Destined to Meet Anthology

 

Whether or not you believe in fate, or luck, or love at first sight, every romance has to start somewhere. MEET CUTE is an anthology of original short stories featuring tales of "how they first met" from some of today's most popular YA authors.

Listeners will experience Nina LaCour's beautifully written piece about two Bay Area girls meeting via a cranky customer service Tweet, Sara Shepard's glossy tale about a magazine intern and a young rock star, Nicola Yoon's imaginative take on break-ups and make-ups, Katie Cotugno's story of two teens hiding out from the police at a house party, and Huntley Fitzpatrick's charming love story that begins over iced teas at a diner. There's futuristic flirting from Kass Morgan and Katharine McGee, a riveting transgender heroine from Meredith Russo, a subway missed connection moment from Jocelyn Davies, and a girl determined to get out of her small town from Ibi Zoboi. Jennifer Armentrout writes a sweet story about finding love from a missing library book, Emery Lord has a heartwarming and funny tale of two girls stuck in an airport, Dhonielle Clayton takes a thoughtful, speculative approach to pre-destined love, and Julie Murphy dreams up a fun twist on reality dating show contestants.
This incredibly talented group of authors brings us a collection of stories that are at turns romantic and witty, epic and everyday, heartbreaking and real.
Audiobook
Published January 2nd 2018 by Listening Library
Source: Library

 

Four stars: A delightful collection of short stories from today’s top selling YA authors. These stories are all about the cute moments at the start of a relationship. 

Anthologies are tricky. More often than not, readers find themselves loving a couple of the stories while the rest are middle of the road, or not great. Surprisingly, this is an anthology that I can say that I enjoyed almost all of the stories. I loved that each and every story was all about the beginning moments of a relationship. There are lots of butterfly feels and swoony moments that will appeal to all romance lovers. I also appreciated that this was an eclectic mix. Some romances are boy meets girl, while others take place in futuristic worlds, and there are a couple of romances between girls. This collection has a bit of something for everyone. I listened to the audiobook version, and I loved that each story had a different narrator. Grab the audiobook if you can. 

Here is the run down:

Siege Etiquette by Katie Cotugno:

This is a story about a boy and a girl hiding in a bathroom at a party that is being busted by the police. The girl is the popular girl, while the boy is someone who is quiet and forgettable. The girl is hiding a painful secret, wanting to be normal for just a moment, and the boy provides that feeling of normal. The ending is abrupt and shocking when the girl’s truth comes out, but yet it is hopeful. My complaint about this one is the ending was too sudden, I wanted more. Three stars

Print Shop by Nina Lacour

This one features Evie who lands her dream job working at a small printing shop. The print shop is run by a genius man, whom the girl has long wanted to meet. Evie’s first day turns out to be unexpected. Instead of working at the print part of the business, she is tasked with setting up social media accounts. To Evie’s dismay, she establishes a Twitter account only to receive tweets from a disgruntled customer. Evie is determined to make it right, and when she does, she meets someone whom she is attracted to. I liked the unexpected direction of the story and how it all played out. I only wished that more of the genius printer was featured. Four stars.

Hourglass by Ibi Zoboi

Cherish is a curvy, tall, African American girl who has spent her teenage life as a sidekick to her popular best friend. Cherish isn’t planning on going to prom, she is more concerned with college acceptances and finally getting out of her small town. When Cherish learns that her friend has been lying to her, she decides to go to the prom by herself, but finding a dress to fit short notice is a tall order, that is until she discovers a small dress shop that tailors to African American girls, better yet, there is a handsome boy who works there who agrees to help her with a dress. Things are suddenly looking up for Cherish. I liked Cherish, and I wanted to see her get her slice of happiness. My big complaint with this story is that it cuts off right when Cherish goes to the shop. Did she get the perfect dress? The guy? What happened with college? I needed more. Three and a half stars.

Click by Katharine Mcgee

This was an adorable story about a couple who meet thanks to an online  app called Click that matches people scientifically with their perfect matches. All the magic of romance is left to data. Except the date doesn’t start off well when the girl leaves her phone in the cab. The guy agrees to help her so the two set off on a mad dash to retrieve her phone. Both are unsure about the other, but they are a match, right? Things take a turn when the phone is recovered. I liked the surprise. Four stars.

The Intern by Sara Shepard:

This is a story about a girl reeling from the death of her mother. She is working as an intern at her father’s record label, doing nothing until she is asked to take an Irish Music star to a psychic reading and then show him around town. This one didn’t work well for me because it didn’t feel genuine. Plus, I was expecting her to get a reading from the psychic. Yes, it ends in a happy spot, but it didn’t work for me. I also was not thrilled that this was the third story so far featuring death of a family member. It started getting depressing. Two stars.

Somewhere That’s Green by Meredith Russo

This was a great story that takes on hot topic issues. Mia is a transgender who recently transformed into a girl. Luckily, Mia has the support of her dad and her best friend. Unfortunately, people at her school are making things difficult for her when it comes to PE locker rooms and bathrooms. Meanwhile, Lexie a shy girl suddenly finds herself in a play with Mia, the very girl her parents have led a crusade against. Mia and Lexie talk, and Lexie finds the courage to take a stand and admit some truths about herself. A powerful story. Four stars. 

The Way We Love Here by Dhonielle Clayton 

I applaud Ms. Clayton for writing a unique story in a different world where soulmates connect thanks to their soulmate bands. This is a very different type of a story. When Sebastian washes up on Viola’s beach, the two talk and decide to clasp hands. This act provides them a glimpse of the future. I won’t go further other than to stay it was clever and interesting. Three and a half stars.

Oomph by Emery Lord 

This is a cute little tale about two girls who bump into each other at an airport. The strike up a conversation and have fun banter. Yet, when it’s time to part, will one of them be brave enough to admit their is an attraction? This one was cute. Four stars.

The Dictionary of You and Me by Jennifer L. Armentrout 

This was my favorite of the bunch. A young girl working at the local library makes a friend in the most unexpected way. She has been calling this guy for four months trying to get him to return a long overdue dictionary. They know very little about one another, but they both enjoy the conversations. Then one day, he returns the book..... so cute! Five stars.

The Unlikely Likelihood Falling In Love by Jocelyn Davies

This is another fun story about a girl named Sam who is all about mathematics and statistical probability. One day, she sees a handsome boy going the other way on an opposite train. Their eyes connect and they have a moment. Sam decides to make her big project all about calculating the probabilities of seeing the boy again. Then fate steps in and changes everything. So adorable. Five stars. 

259 Million Miles by Kass Morgan 

I am still not sure how I feel about this one. This story is about two young teens competing to win a chance to go to Mars. Part of the test is to be locked together in a room for twenty four hours. During that time, they bond, connect and help each other. Then there is a twist. I did not like the twist, I did not like how it ended. Three stars.

Something Real by Julie Murphy 

This one was okay for me. It is about two girls competing on a game show to win a date with a musician whom they admire. One girl established his fan club while the other learned about the star after her sister’s death. I loved seeing the two form a friendship and help each other, but I hated that this one dealt with death again, and that the popstar was an asshole. Luckily, the girls make their own fate and it ends unexpectedly and in a good happy spot. Three and a half stars. 

Say Everything by Huntley Fitzpatrick 

This was a weird one. A cute guy asks a waitress out on a date. Then he takes her to her former home that his father swindled her family out of during a bad business deal. It is weird and awkward, but it ends okay. Two stars.

The Department of Dead Love by Nicola Yoon

This was another creative story. It is either a futuristic story or one set on another world. Basically when a romance ends, people can go to the Department of Dead Love to have their relationship analyzed, when the cause of death is determined and if the participants qualify, they can have their memories erased and do the relationship over. The problem is one of them doesn’t want their memory erased when it’s all said and done. A brilliant concept, entertaining and interesting. Four stars.

 

All in all, Meet Cute is a fun anthology featuring stories all centered around the moment a couple meets. I loved that this collection was all about the cute meet ups. Most of the stories are solid, some are creative and original, and several feature different types of romances. If you want something unique, this is a set of short stories to try. My big complaint about the book was that I got caught up in a story only to have it end, leaving me wanting more. 

I borrowed a copy of this book from the library. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.