Playing Catch Up

I've been so busy lately with work, trying to squeeze in as much summer fun as possible, and even a Summer Road Trip with my family.  I suppose it was inevitable that I'd get backlogged.  I've finished 3 books in the past week and I'm trying to catch up with reviews now.  Instead of making three separate posts for these books, I'm going to post them all here.  One great thing is that I loved all of them.  Two five stars and one four.  The only reason for my four star review was length.  I wished the book was a tad longer, given us a bit more information.  In any case, the following are the reviews for my last three reads!

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Love is Beautiful 1 by E.J. Adams

Though quite short, this was a very cute start to what I hope will be a great romance series.  First of all, it's a sweet romance, so there is definitely a slow burn going on.  But the characters themselves are so endearing... at least the main characters.  Amber is troubled and trying to rise above what she's been through in her short life.  Hunter is trying to make real and lasting connections that aren't based on his family or his circumstances.  As a reader, you can tell they could be good for each other and so you're rooting for them from the beginning.

I feel like this was almost a teaser book, though.  I gave it four instead of five stars simply because it wasn't quite enough for the first in a series.  I needed a bit more background and a bit more meat.  It's definitely more like a novella or a mini series at this length.  That being said, I really did enjoy it and I hope to be impressed with where the rest of the series leads.

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Blindsided by Amy Daws

As someone who loves the friends to lovers trope, I was so into this book.  There's definitely a spark noticeable in the two main characters from the start of the book, and yes, you can kind of predict where it's going to go, but the way the author took to get there was so much fun.

The dynamic between the main characters was so fun to witness.  The snark and bickering was so amusing, and you could tell through it all the deep affection they had for one another.  I absolutely loved how Mac was so taken aback any time Freya mentioned her body or her weight and made it seem like she was unworthy of love.  Just his honest shock and the way he went about letting her know that she was beautiful was so touching.

As with any romance of this nature, there's bound to be some kind of difficulty that comes between the couple.  This is no exception, but this time it was so honest, and so heartbreaking that I shed a tear or two.

If you enjoy a good Sport romance, or a friends to lovers romance, I feel like you will really like this book.  I can't wait to read some more by this author.

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 Make Up Break Up by Lily Menon 

This book was everything I never knew I needed in a rom-com.  I hope they end up making some kind of film version of this one.  

First of all, I love a good second chance romance, and that's exactly what we get from this book.  But to add just a little spice to the mix, it's also an enemies to lovers!  You're probably wondering how that could be, but I'm telling you it is!  In addition to that, there is an excellent side romance going on.

I loved that this story brought in app development as a big part of the book.  I also was extremely excited to see a woman run company and a woman developer in this book.  I would love to continue to see such positive role models for younger adults who may be reading this type of book.  Not only that, but the main character stood by her values and morals even when it meant possibly losing the guy.  She didn't just fold on her own beliefs simply to get a relationship.

I think fans of either of the romance tropes I mentioned, fans of rom-coms in general, and fans of movies like How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days would absolutely adore this book.

The Dreaded 3 Star

I don't like leaving less than 4 stars on a book review.  Anyone else?  I feel like, even if I didn't like it that much, someone else might.  Also, the author undoubtedly worked their butts off on this work and just because it might not have been my cup of tea, doesn't mean it wasn't a good book.  So, Astrid, I gave it a 3 star.  In all honesty, if there were half stars, I'd have given it 3 and a half because it did kind of get good toward the end.  But let's dig a little deeper... it was NOT a bad book.  The writing was very well done, and it painted a very clear picture of what the author was trying to portray.  It was deep and poignant and I'm guessing very accurate to the time that was being depicted.  It was simply not my favorite genre, there wasn't enough romance for my liking or possibly even my current reading mood.  It was also a little harsh and kind of tragic.  I think fans of historical fiction, or even fans of more dramatic and less romantic books will probably love it.  I just didn't.  But just because I didn't love it, doesn't mean I didn't like it.  So... the 3 star.  I hate doing it, but it's inevitable at some point.  Do any of you feel the same as me?  In any case, the following was my review for Astrid Sees All.

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Astrid Sees All by Natalie Standiford 

With excellent descriptive writing, Standiford paints a picture of seedy New York in the 80s.  Being just a child in the 80s myself, and never having been to New York, some of the references were lost on me, but the feel of what it was like came pouring through the words.  There is a bit of jumping around that confused me until I got to the end and realized what was happening.  Once it all made sense, I was able to appreciate what Phoebe had been going through.  She's what I would call an unreliable narrator.  Seeing the story through her eyes was jumbled as she processed where she was in life.

One thing that really stood out to me was the creativity of the way the fortunes were told.  I really loved that part and Phoebe's though process while deciphering what she'd pulled.

While not the type of book I normally read, and I'll admit I did struggle to get into it, I did end up liking the story and how it all played out.  The ending was interesting and kind of perfect.

Dystopian Societies

Ever since I first read The Hunger Games, I've been a fan of Dystopian Fiction.  I think a majority of them shed some light on the ways our governments are corrupt and could lead to such futures.  It's scary, but to me it's also a way to make sure I keep my eyes open.  If you, my reader, have any opinions on Dystopian Literature, I'd love to hear it.  

I read this book through Prime Reading and it fits the dystopian profile fantastically.  I was drawn right in and kept intrigued the whole way through.  The following is my review for The Enhanced!

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The Enhanced by T.C. Edge

 What an interesting start to this series.  I'm afraid I may be hooked and it's a 10 book series with what appears to be a spin off series as well.  One thing I will say, however, is that if each book is as good as this first one, I don't think I'll be sorry for starting this journey.

In this Dystopian-esque type world, there are enhanced people and unehanced people and obviously the enhanced seem to rule the roost.  I found it very interesting the divisions of enhanced, as well as the lack of ability to appreciate art or emotion.  I'm sure you can see how this would lead to a very dangerous governmental system.  True to most dystopian books, there is a rebellion factor and I'm eager to learn more about it, since we only get a glimpse of them toward the end of the book.

The main character Brie goes through some things and we find out that she has been kept in the dark about her own heritage and classification for most of her life.  This will lead to an even more explosive story in the 2nd book, I'm sure.

If you enjoy Dystopian Novels, especially those mixed with a bit of sci-fi or paranormal type aspects, I'm sure you'll enjoy this book.  But be prepared for the length of the series, as it seems like it will keep you reading for quite a while.

For the Love of Romance

I'm not ashamed to admit that I read mostly romance.  I love a good romance and how it can take you back to that feeling of first falling in love.  It's also a great form of escape for me.  Instead of thinking about all the negativity in the world, or even my own personal stresses, I can get lost in the story of someone else.  Heck, I can even put myself into the story and live vicariously through the main character or even a side character.  I know some people don't like romance, and even look down on it, or the people who read it.  For me, though, it's not about being intellectual or trying to read deep and meaningful stuff all of the time.  It's about enjoyment and escape.  That being said, here's my review for a romance from a new-to-me author...

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Come Home Again by Nana Malone

 This was a first read by this author for me.  I was not disappointed!  In Come Home Again, I got all the feels of a second chance romance mixed with a friends to lovers type romance or childhood sweetheart romance as well.

I love the back story of how Delilah and Nate.  I especially loved Delilah's family and I am so excited to know that this is the first in a series about them.  I think it really says something when and author can make us feel that strongly about a person or a group of people in their book.  Especially from the first book in the series like this.

Two of the characters creeped me out from the very beginning.  Another one was uncovered after a bit, so there are three characters in the story that really had me wanting to do some violence.  Again, when an author makes you feel that strongly about a character, good or bad, that's a testament to their talents.

The emotions and the heat were consistent through the story.  I was never bored, I was kept intrigued and invested through the whole book.  If you like romance, especially that with a bit of spice, but also a bit of intrigue and action, you're going to enjoy this book! 

Picking Up a Past Series

I used to like to wait to read a book in a series until it was all published.  But at some point, I realized that I was never going to remember every series I wanted to read if I didn't just begin them.  So, sometimes I will read part of a series and then come back to that series way later.  One such example of this is the Peculiar Children books by Ransom Rigg.  I read the first three all in a row, but then waited awhile for book 4 to come out.  While waiting for book 5 I ended up reading so many other things that it slipped my mind and now I have book 5 and I think 6 to read.  The one thing that's great about books that you really enjoy is that they stick with you.  So, after reading for a few pages it's kind of like everything comes flying back to you and you remember things you would have sworn you'd never remember without a re-read.  At least, that's how it is with me.  Not that I don't re-read ever... I actually like to refresh my memory a bit better with some books or depending on time, but it's not an always thing because, to be frank, there's too many good books out there and I know I'll never get to them all.  It's my mission to read as many as I can though!  The following is my review of the fifth book in the Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children series.

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The Conference of the Birds by Ransom Rigg

I have to be honest here, I keep expecting to be disappointed in these books the longer the series goes on.  You know, like when an author tries to drag a series out past it's natural conclusion and it gets kind of lame?  I'm so happy to report that that is not the case in this series.  Here we are at book 5 and I'm just as intrigued and gripped by the story as I was in book 1.

There are more monsters to chase down and fight and more adventures to be had, and new people which was probably the most exciting part for me.  I love learning about the Peculiars and what they can do.  There's a bit of romance in this one as well, it's not necessary to the plot, but I enjoyed it anyway.

I did listen to this book on audio using my Libby app, so I missed out on the pictures and will someday want to check out the book so I can see them.  But  if you're a fan of the first books in the series, I do recommend continuing because it did not get boring or trite.

Follow Up

In the follow up to Dear Martin, the author takes a look at how things are different based on your environment and opportunities.  I am so glad she did this and showed that not everyone could be like Justyce.  We don't all get the same opportunities in life, we don't all have the same support systems or the same experiences.  This is one of the reasons I try my best to never judge another person.  You simply don't know what they've been through to get them to this point in their life.  In addition to all of this, the book shows how racism can play a role in the wrongful accusations and even incarcerations of innocent people.  The following is my review.

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Dear Justyce by Nic Stone

 Another amazingly relevant novel by Nic Stone.  I'm kind of upset with myself for waiting so long to read these.  

Obvious from the title, there is a return appearance of Justyce, but the story isn't about him.  It's about Quan and how his life is affected due to the circumstances that life has thrown him.  It's a very different story from Justyce's, and yet you can see how the environmental factors in a person's life can determine the outcome if we are not careful.  This book also shows how family can play a role in these things.  If Quan's father had been around, or if his mother had not gotten together with that guy, or even if his Aunt had paid more attention to her sister things might have gone differently for Quan.

I would really like to commend this author on her afterward as well.  I love how honest she was about the true stories that led to this book, as well as the things she changed in the name of fiction.  If you liked Dear Martin you're going to truly enjoy Dear Justyce.

Fiction can be Educational

I love how the best fiction novels, especially the YA ones, can be so educational.  This book and I'm hoping the 2nd in the series, which I'm reading right now, was not only educational but eye opening and so important in making awareness for situations that more people need to be aware of.  I have family who has first hand dealt with the consequences of being a person of color and how that still brings out prejudice and ignorance even today.  This book moved me to tears.  Brava to the author for bringing this type of literature to the world.

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 Dear Martin by Nic Stone

This book and books like it are vital reading for our youth and the country at large.  Too many people still can't see how  this type of event, situation and story are still relevant and prevalent in today's society.  Too many people just can't wrap their minds around the fact that others can be this ignorant and hateful.  I was one of them, once upon a time.  I thought we had evolved to a point where the racism and snap judgement were an anomaly and not the rule.  I was wrong.  So very wrong.

Dear Martin takes a look at one young man's journey to find himself and make himself a better person by way of trying to emulate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  Through the letters he writes, he discovers things about himself, society, and even those closest to him and learns to think differently and act differently.  Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to stop the tragedies that he faced.  In moving detail, this book goes through those tragedies and how Justyce reacts and changes because of them.  I think it's amazing how the author was even able to show some of the side character's growth and education in these matters as well.

I was touched and moved and I am already listening to the 2nd book in this universe.  I think I've found a new author to follow in Nic Stone.

TikTok Made Me Read It

TikTok and the BookTok side of it has definitely been influencing my reading choices this year.  I've heard about ACOTAR so much over the past six months or so and I decided to go ahead and put a hold on it in the Libby app.  I didn't expect to love it as much as I did and I'm disappointed that I didn't go ahead and put a hold on book two at the same time.  Now I have some waiting to do for the next in series!!!  Sometimes, everyone likes a book and I just don't for whatever reason.  I was glad that wasn't the case this time.  My BookTok friends did not let me down.  The following is my review.

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A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

 After seeing this book countless times on TikTok, I decided to go ahead and give it a try.  I checked it out with the Libby app from my local library in audio format.  I was excited to find that I truly did enjoy the book and can't wait to read or listen to the sequel.

I got a sort of Beauty and the Beast feeling from the premise of the story, but not so much that I would call it a retelling.  I love that this feeling came from a story set in faerie or with faerie creatures.  It gave a whole new dynamic to the story and made it unique enough to really stand out.

Feyre is a wonderful character.  I love how strong she is and her devotion to honoring her word and taking care of her family or even those less fortunate.  There is a scene in the book in which it's very obvious how much she is affected by the hurt of others, and it's hurt that shouldn't really affect her given her situation.  I loved that scene so much because it showed what kind of a person she truly was.  I tend to think that Tamlin is also a wonderful person.  I think he was dealt a rough hand and is doing the best he can under the circumstances.  I hope to see more of that side of him in future books.

I think that the majority of TikTok/BookTok had it right in recommending this book.  Of course, it won't be for everyone, but if you enjoy fairy tale retellings at all, or fairy type stories I think you will enjoy this book.

Prime and New Authors

I am loving how my selections in Prime Reading (and let's be honest, I'm totally judging these books by their covers,) are expanding my knowledge of authors that I might like.  A majority of the books I've chosen to borrow with this program, I've ended up loving and wanting to read more by the author.  I also love how it can get you into a new series.  If you have Amazon Prime and love to read as much as I do, I highly recommend looking into the Prime Reading program (if you're not already.)  That being said, this was another book that I truly did love.  It took me too long to read it due to real life circumstances, and my inability to stay up all night like I did when I was younger, but I did really enjoy the book.  The following is my review.

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The Trouble With Love by Claire Contreras

 I haven't read anything by this author before, but I can tell you that I will definitely be reading more in the future.  I was instantly drawn into this story, and even though things kept happening IRL that pulled me away, I found it extremely easy to jump right back into the story because of how it stuck with me even when I wasn't reading it consistently.  There was a sweetness and sadness to the back story of each character and how they ended up finding each other despite all odds.  I absolutely loved the dating app aspect and how it played into the story in a quite different way than you might expect.  I was also impressed with the main male character and his ability to see when he was needed and what he needed to do for his love.  The amount of support between the siblings was also impressive and dear to my heart.  I think there is a lot to be said for forgiveness and learning to trust people again and this story showed that very nicely.  If you enjoy contemporary romance, especially a brother's best friend type of story, I think you will very much like this book.

Testimonials

Having actually loved The Handmaid's Tale, in spite of it's horrendous content (I happen to love a good Dystopian book,) I was both excited and nervous to read The Testaments.  As you'll see from my review below, I did end up loving the sequel, regardless of how long it was in between each book.  I wonder from you guys, do you get nervous about things like that?  For example, I've still not read the sequel to To Kill a Mockingbird because I loved it so much and I don't want anything to tarnish that love.  I'd really love to know what you think, so please leave me a comment!

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The Testaments by Margaret Atwood 

After enjoying a book as much as I did The Handmaid's Tale, I get a little nervous when a sequel comes along... especially when it seemed that the original was going to be a stand alone.  I really appreciate the author's decision to answer the questions her fans and readers had by writing another book, though!   I have to say, I was not disappointed in this one.  I like how it was told in "testimonies" and feel like it added a whole new dimension to the story.

What I especially loved, and I can't be sure if this was part of the book or merely because I listened to the audio version, but I loved that there was an afterward showing how Gilead was demolished, and how the author added her thoughts to how a totalitarian government would fall.  I liked hearing how she saw the world she created and how she drew her creativity from real situations.

At the end of The Testaments, I feel like the reader will still have a few questions, but also feel a sense of completion with the series.  I think the book lived up to the hype and I'm very glad to have read it.