Early Book Review: Curves for Days (Big Love from Galway) by Laura Moher

Curves for Days by Laura Moher is the first book in the Big Love from Galway series and is currently scheduled for release on August 22 2023. Rose Barnes feels best when she's invisible—so when she wins the lottery and is suddenly thrust into the spotlight where everyone wants something, hiding out in a small town in North Carolina makes perfect sense. Rose has got curves for days—and to Angus, the big, burly, bearded contractor working on her new house, she's just plum perfect. Rose is surprised to learn that Angus has a sense of humor and a soft heart beneath that gruff exterior. Angus can't help noticing that wacky Rose is smart, funny, and has a sexy underwear stash that leads him to some very unprofessional fantasies. As their unlikely friendship becomes love, Angus becomes determined to help Rose overcome what he believes are financial troubles. But with Angus's need to always give more than he receives, Rose's multi-million secrets could mean the end of a beautiful relationship.

Curves for Days is a engaging read that treats hard topics, like sexual assault and PTSD, with honesty and respect. I understood, sympathized with, and connected with Rose's character. I thought she was realistically written, and while she did not always say or do what I wanted her to she always was true to her history and personality. Similarly, Agnus did not always do what I was hoping for- but always was in character.  I really enjoyed the small town and the characters in it, even thought there were some moments when I thought some of the secondary characters were from other books or stories that apparently do not exist since this is the author's debut book. I thought the slow burn and introduction of the characters, town, and everything was well paced and enjoyable to read. I will be looking for the next book in the series. 

Audiobook Review: Make a Wish (Spark House) by Helena Hunting, Narrated by Jason Clarke; Stella Bloom

Make a Wish by Helena Hunting is the third book in the Spark House series and is narrated by Jason Clarke and Stella Bloom. I did not read the previous books, but was able to enjoy the story fully despite that. Returning readers will have a better grasp on the main character's sisters and some backstory. 

Ever have a defining life moment you wish you could do over? Harley Spark has one. The time she almost kissed the widowed father of the toddler she nannied for. It was so bad they moved across the state and she never saw them again. Fast forward seven years and she’s totally over it. At least she thinks she is. Until Gavin Rhodes and his adorable now nine-year-old daughter, Peyton, reappear at a princess-themed birthday party hosted by Spark House, Harley’s family’s event hotel. Despite trying to avoid the awkwardness of the situation, she can’t help but notice how unbearably sexy he looks in a tutu. Add to that a spontaneous hives breakout, and it’s clear she’s not even remotely over the mortification of her egregious error all those years ago. Except Gavin seems oblivious to her inner turmoil. So much so that he suggests they get together for lunch. For Peyton’s sake, of course. It’s the perfect opportunity to heal old wounds. Or it could just reopen them. This is one of those times Harley wishes she could see the future.

Make a Wish is a solid romance with a single parent, a kind of second chance romance, a smart kid, and plenty of emotion. Lets start with the narration, because honestly that can make or break an audiobook. I greatly enjoyed the dual narrators and think that Jason Clarke and Stella Bloom did a great job bringing these characters- and all of those emotions- to life. They did well conveying grief and stress as needed in the story, and I think I would have been less invested in the story if I had read it instead of listening to it. In the story itself I liked the characters, and think the struggles they faced were very realistic and well portrayed. Harley is dealing with huge changes at work and in her roles and dynamic there with no concrete solutions in sight, adding in the relationship with Gavin and Peyton made everything even more high stakes. Gavin is still struggling with loss, grief, and facing his own emotions making things harder for everyone, but especially himself. I thought the trauma and grief was handled very well, and it felt real as I was listening. As did Harley's frustration and uncertainty about work. I have to say that the biggest downfall of the book for me was Harley herself. I completely understand and commiserate with where she stands and how she rarely asserts herself- but aside for one moment in the book she is almost too perfect, too understanding, too empathetic and it bothered me. She never seemed to even have negative thoughts about people seemed a bit off to me, and she just seemed too perfect to be real. However, I am still glad I read the book, and it was overall an enjoyable read. 

Make a Wish is a good romance, and fans of the author and series will not want to miss it. 

Book Review: Nonverbal (Love Beyond Words) by Raina Ash

Nonverbal (Love Beyond Words) by Raina Ash is a contemporary romance. Paige—a bubbly, autistic woman obsessed with EDM—is lost when it comes to finding a man to connect with. But when she moves in with her best friend's brother, the chemistry is instant. Is there room for love in her fight for independence? Paige yearns for one thing: release. But physical barriers make that wish seem impossible. Thanks to a shattered home life, she also doesn't know how to trust. Especially those she loves. Paige isn't expecting a spark with her bestie's brother, Brody. He's gigantic, protective, and makes her feel something she hasn't felt in a long time: safe. Brody wants to keep his relationship with Paige platonic, but he can't get the troubled woman out of his mind. Maybe it's the way she makes him question his entire stance on relationships. But his sister, Amber, warns him to stay away. He needs to listen. For everyone's sake. As Paige struggles to navigate her tumultuous feelings and legal troubles, words fail her. How can she understand her heart when her past left her damaged? And what if revealing the truth means losing Brody forever?

Nonverbal gives readers a good look at how one nonverbal, autistic woman feels and what she has been through. Her search for a life, and an orgasm, is the foundation of the book. I loved the relationship with Brody, and how organically it is formed. I also love that the book contained honest looks at how addiction and trauma effects people, and how being willing and ready for change is just as important of every other aspect of growth. I felt like Paige, Brody, and Ashley all grew a great deal in this story, and that even secondary characters that we only saw glimpses of are on their own journeys- not just scenery for this one story. There is talk about abuse and trauma, and a great deal of honesty thoughts and conversation about sex. If any of these things are triggers for you, or something you just do not want to read about, then I would skip the read. However, I thought all of the hard topic included in the book are tacked with honesty and respect, which I greatly appreciated. 

Nonverbal is a engaging and emotional read.

Book Review: How Far the Light Reaches: A Life in Ten Sea Creatures by Sabrina Imbler

How Far the Light Reaches: A Life in Ten Sea Creatures by Sabrina Imbler is a collection of essays from a queer, mixed race writer working in a largely white, male field. Science and conservation journalist Sabrina Imbler has always been drawn to the mystery of life in the sea, and particularly to creatures living in hostile or remote environments. Each essay in their debut collection profiles one such creature: the mother octopus who starves herself while watching over her eggs, the Chinese sturgeon whose migration route has been decimated by pollution and dams, the bizarre Bobbitt worm (named after Lorena) and other uncanny creatures lurking in the deep ocean, far below where the light reaches. Fusing genres to create a new kind of essay, Imbler's debut collection weaves the wonders of marine biology with stories of their own family and coming of age, implicitly connecting endangered sea life to marginalized human communities and asking how they and we adapt, survive, and care for each other.

How Far the Light Reaches is a merging of scientific exploration and information with a personal memoir. I thought the essay collection was interesting, and that the book would appeal and resonate with many individual- and would frankly be great for some people to read in order to gain empathy and understand others a bit more. However, I have to admit that I was hoping to learn more about sea life and new discoveries than the author's personal life- although this has nothing to do with the narrative of their life and is more about the book not being what I was looking for or needing to read in that moment. I did think that the book was very well written, with plenty of understanding and heart. I think it will be a very important read for some, and enlightening read for many, and a highly engaging read for all. It is a fantastic book- just not what I was looking for when I read it. 

Early Book Review: The Boy with the Bookstore by Sarah Echavarre Smith

The Boy with the Bookstore by Sarah Echavarre Smith is a contemporary romance that is currently scheduled for release on September 6 2022. Max Boyson looks good, from a distance. But up close and personal, the tattooed hottie Joelle Prima has been crushing on for the past year and half has turned into the prime example of why you shouldn’t judge a book by his delectable cover. When she first learned about the massive renovation to the building they share, Joelle imagined that temporarily combining her Filipino bakery with Max’s neighboring bookstore would be the perfect opening chapter to their happily ever after. In her fantasies they fed each other bibingka and pandesal while discussing Jane Austen and cooing over her pet hamster, Pumpkin. Reality, however...is quite different. Her gallant prince turned out to be a stubborn toad who snaps at her in front of customers, dries his wet clothes in her oven, and helps himself to the yummy pastries in her display case without asking. But beneath Max’s grumpy glares, Joelle senses a rising heat—and a softening heart. And when they discover the real reason for the renovation, they’ll have to put both their business senses and their feelings for each other to the test.

The Boy with the Bookstore has a great premise and some really high points to it, but I have to admit that I had trouble staying engaged. I think that Max and Joelle had great depth of character and I enjoyed getting to know them. Since they had been crushing on each other for a while at the start of the book I feel like I missed a good portion of the getting to know each other and coming to care about each other- which is often my favorite part of any story. I felt like the romance progressed very naturally, and it all felt right, I just missed getting that initial meeting and I think that is why I had so much trouble getting engaged. I have the same problem with other subgenres- like the second chance romance- for the same reason. I thought the crisis and emotional baggage of both Max and Joelle were well done and realistic, and I liked that time passed and was mentioned but unimportant moments and time that made the pair more comfortable with each other were mentioned but not focused on. Overall I liked the book, and I thought there is some great potential here, it just did not grab me the way I was hoping it would. 

The Boy with the Bookstore is a solid, emotional romance with a dose of heat. 

Book Review: Unfinished Business (Wolftown) by Tim Susman

Unfinished Business by Tim Susman is the first book in the urban fantasy series Wolftown. Private Investigator Jae Kim doesn't have a werewolf problem—at least not as long as he can keep clear of his ex-boyfriend Czoltan. But when a suspicious police report hits the streets of Wolftown, Jae suddenly finds himself hunted on the streets he used to freely roam. Dodging bullets from Wolftown vigilantes, he's stuck hiding out with Czoltan while he and his were-bear ghost Sergei search out whoever set him up—and his life isn't the only one at stake.

Unfinished Business had a bit of a slow start for me, but I was quickly caught up in Jae's personal drama and the multilayered world and character building. I thought the mix of adventure, personal growth, mystery, and honesty about mental health all come together perfectly. I liked getting to know Jae, and seeing the complexity of his relationships and how war and family dynamics shape the way he reacts to the world around him. I thought the mystery and crime aspects were handled very well, and even when I thought I was a step ahead I greatly enjoyed the ride. I really liked the way mental health, honesty, and prejudice were approached throughout the book, and I expect it to be handled similarly in future volumes. Honestly, my only complaint is that when the book ended I felt like I had just gotten to fully know and understand some of the characters and I wanted more. I look forward to whatever comes next. 

Unfinished Business is a highly engaging read and the start of a series I will be following.

Book Review: The Immortal (Rise of the Warlords) by Gena Showalter

The Immortal is the second book in the Rise of the Warlords series by Gena Showalter. I do recommend reading the series in order for an understanding of the world and larger story line. 

Halo Phaninon, assassin of gods, is as cold and merciless as a machine. For victory, he crosses any line. When tasked to kill twelve of mythology’s fiercest monsters in twenty-four hours, Halo eagerly accepts. Except, each morning he awakens to the same day, forced to relive new horrors. Only one other person retains their memory—the beauty who threatens his iron control. Ophelia the Flunk Out hates her disaster of a life. She’s the family disappointment, a harpy warrior without a kill and powerless—or is she? Nearly every night she’s doomed to repeat her own murder, but each morning she arises to spar with Halo, the ruthless warlord increasingly determined to save her and lure her to his bed. Halo’s insatiable desire for the stubborn Ophelia drives him wild, and he only craves more. If he remains in the time loop, they stay together. But if he escapes, they lose each other forever.

The Immortal started off good for me. I liked the introduction of Halo and Ophelia and the general set up of this story. I thought the individual issues that each of them have coming into the story were well handled and explored through the story. Similarly, the character and relationship development and growth was done well. I liked the creativity in using a time loop and Hercules's tasks, and the banter and several other aspects of the book really worked for me. However, I have to admit that there were several moments that I just got a little restless and eager to see things move forward quicker. Part of this is on me- like many others in these interesting times- I sometimes have trouble focusing on my reading. Was my trouble focusing on this read and staying engaged a pacing issue, a me issue, or as I suspect a combination of the two. It definitely might hit other readers differently, but for me it just did not meet the high expectations I have for this author. 

The Immortal is a good continuation of this story. 

Audiobook Review: Between Bloode and Stone (Between the Shadows) by Marie Harte, Narrated by Ellis Evans

Between Bloode and Stone is the first book in the Between the Shadows series by Marie Harte. The audiobook is narrated by Ellis Evans. Cursed long ago to check their growing power, vampires can only coexist in small groups. Yet despite their many conflicts, those Of the Bloode possess similar traits. All vampires, no matter from where they come, are male. They can go unnoticed by humans unless they wish otherwise, and they can’t survive sunlight. Mormo, servant of the goddess Hecate, has created a small new bloode clan at her behest. The six vampires he commands are rough, ill-disciplined, and mean, and they fail to follow orders on a daily basis. But they’re needed. Something big and bad is coming. Hecate, goddess of death, magic, and gateways, has a duty to guard the borders of the mortal world. She knows that without a strong force to contain the threat, chaos will come, destroying everything in its wake. Her secret weapons are those Of the Bloode. Though they refuse to worship anything but themselves, she loves their wild ways. In order to battle gods and monsters and survive, they’ll need ferocity, inner strength, and something to fight for.

Between Bloode and Stone is an interesting urban fantasy and series starter. First off, I think Ellis Evans did a great job narrating. I enjoyed the tone variations and inflections they used, and simply enjoyed listening. I also enjoyed the characters and world building. There was a great deal of ground to cover in the world building, and I suspect more important pieces have yet to be revealed about all the varied supernatural creatures living there in future books. I thought the development of the characters, and their relationships with each other, was very well paced and engaging. I liked that I did get different points of view, and that those view changes were clear as I listened. Getting insight to the minds of more than just the romantic leads was great, and gave me a better understanding of the bigger picture and how important certain things might be later in the series. It also made me more invested in the world and secondary characters. There were moments where the amount of world building seemed too much, but sometimes that happens at the beginning of any series to get a full understanding of the moving parts. I was not put off by this and think that I will continue on with this series, only partly because I want to see more of the vampires and see hoe the teasers in the epilogue play out.  

Between Bloode and Stone is a good start to a series, and I am interested to see where the story goes from here. 

Book Review: Heartless (Immortal Enemies) by Gena Showalter

Heartless is the first book in the Immortal Enemies series by Gena Showalter. Kaysar the Unhinged One, fae King of Midnight, can drive anyone to madness with his song. A ruthless warrior forged in hate, he lives to force his enemies to their knees. He will stop at nothing to succeed—even abducting and seducing his foe’s beloved bride to ensure his own child one day sits on the male’s throne. Except, his prize escapes to the mortal realm before the first kiss, her heart transplanted into a human beauty with dangerous secrets. Chantel “Cookie” Bardot is a professional gamer girl great at trash-talking, bad at peopling. After a long-awaited surgery, she begins to morph into a powerful fae princess. Catapulted into a strange land ruled by a cruel but seductive villain, she must battle flesh-and-blood monsters and navigate royal intrigues. But the true danger is Kaysar, whose every wicked touch tempts her beyond reason. Should she run or descend into the darkness with him? 

Heartless is a solid start to another series from Showalter, but I will admit that I still rather expected it to connect with other series that I have read and if it does I missed those connections. I really liked Cookie's character and thought her sass and independence were great. Kaysar is a wounded character, and even when he is being a jerk I did not hate him like I would other characters doing the same things. I did think some of the mayhem and killing was a bit too easily accepted by Cookie, however the flow of the book and give and take between her and Kaysar was great.I also liked the world building and secondary characters. I want more of all the secondary characters, and what happens next in this world. I also want some answer on little bits of information dropped in this book that have my imagination spinning to fill in the gaps. Thankfully, having read a great many of Showalter's books, I have faith that future books will fill in those gaps and entertain quite nicely. 

Heartless is a good start to another series from Showalter.

Early Book Review: Not Your Idol, Vol. 1 by Aoi Makino

Not Your Idol, Vol. 1 by Aoi Makino is a manga style graphic novel currently scheduled for release on June 10 2020. It is a psychological suspense series about a girl who has given up her life as an idol after being assaulted by a fan. After that day, she stopped being a girl. In the wake of an assault, Nina Kamiyama, a former idol in the group Pure Club, shuns her femininity and starts dressing as a boy. At high school she keeps to herself, but fellow student Hikaru Horiuchi realizes who she is. What secrets is she keeping? The shocking drama starts.

Not Your Idol is a well drawn and suspenseful story. I liked the pacing, including the action and the character backstory and development. I really enjoyed the character dynamics of Nina/Karen and how her life and perspectives have changed over time. The issues of sexual assault and related issues are handled very well, and how different people react to them is an issue we all need to think about. The story is very engaging, and kept me turning pages to learn more about the characters and what might happen next. It is not an easy read, as there are a number of tough moments and some things that survivors might find very triggering, and others will find upsetting. However, it is well written and I am very eager to see where the story goes from here, and learn more about the major players as the story continues. My only complaint is the cliffhanger that the volume ends in. Be prepared to be left wondering, and eager for the next volume. 

Not Your Idol is an intense and engaging read. I look forward to seeing what happens next.

Early Book Review: Relationship Material by Jenya Keefe

Relationship Material by Jenya Keefe is currently scheduled for release on August 5 2019.  It's not always possible to meet in the middle. Registered nurse Evan Doyle doesn’t consider himself fit for more than occasional hookups. He has a good life, but the emotional aftermath of a horrific crime makes him feel too damaged to date. So when his sister’s hot bestie, Malcolm Umbertini, comes on to him, he turns him down flat. Mal is Relationship Material: the kind who thinks in the long term. What would Evan do with a man like that? As a prosecuting attorney, Mal’s learned how to read people, and he knows there’s more to Evan than meets the eye. Mal has faced his own hardships since his family kicked him out as a teen, and he respects Evan’s courage and emotional resilience. More than that, he wants Evan—in his bed and in his life. But can he weather another rejection? Both wary, they agree to a no-strings fling. Mal knows that Evan wants things to stay casual, but he’s falling in love a little more with each encounter. With health, happiness, and bruised hearts on the line, Mal and Evan must risk everything for love.

Relationship Material is a great romance about people with serious emotional scars finding a better future. Even has been through hell and is fighting anxiety at every turn. Malcom does not do casual relationships, he tends to care too much too quickly but hide it all behind bluster. Seeing Even reunite with his sister and find his own way toward being in a relationship was beautiful. I loved the honest way trauma, anxiety, and mental illness is discussed and worked with in the story. It is honest and sometimes hard to read, but so well done. I thought that Mal and Evan had very realistic reactions to each other at almost every turn, and I just fell in love with them both. My only complaint is that I want more. I want Caro to find peace, I want to see Evan and Mal's future, I want to see more of Mal's mother and the other residents of the nursing home. Keefe is now on my list of authors to be watching, hoping, for whatever comes next.

Relationship Material left me wanting more, in the very best ways. I was so sad to have the story end, and I hope Keefe writes more about the characters here because I want so much more!