ARC, Books

Book 983: Unexpecting – Jen Bailey

When someone in the marketing department reached out about this back in December, I wasn’t I was going to read it as I’d had a very stressful fall with a new puppy and school and work, but the blurb stayed in my mind, and after a couple of days deliberation I finally said yes.* I mean I had months to read it so may as well say yes and then plan around my schedule.

Unexpecting was unexpectedly (hardy har har) charming. Was it perfect? No, but that’s okay. It was a fun easy-to-read debut with unique and memorable characters (main and supporting). The book brought a lot of emotions out of me from hating and then understanding Maxie’s parents to my wanting to shake some sense into Ben but also wanting to give him a big hug for trying so hard and finally seeing reality. It was definitely a whirlwind.

Continue reading “Book 983: Unexpecting – Jen Bailey”

ARC, Books

Book 931: Book Boyfriend – Kris Ripper

After this landed in my inbox as part of a larger round-up of upcoming releases by Carina/Harlequin releases I jumped to request it.* Who doesn’t want to read a book about books and falling in love around the publication of a book?! It’s basically catnip for book bloggers 😀

Unfortunately, the premise was better in my head than the execution in reality. That’s not saying Ripper didn’t have two wonderful characters and a decent story, it just was a struggle to get into and stay engaged with until the very end.

Continue reading “Book 931: Book Boyfriend – Kris Ripper”

Books

Book 901: More Happy Than Not – Adam Silvera

So I have talked about gut punches when reading books before, but Silvera took it to a different level with this one—and this was his freakin’ debut novel!

I’ve known about Silvera for some time and even read his co-authored What If It’s Us? with Becky Albertalli, but this is the first time I’ve sought out his work. I came across it on a list of must-reads and so grabbed it when I saw it was available at my library.

Continue reading “Book 901: More Happy Than Not – Adam Silvera”

Books

Book 900: Wuthering Heights – Emily Brontë

What a difference eight-ish years makes between reads. I last read this in November 2013 and had some interesting comparisons to Pride and Prejudice and observations about my own love life.

I’m not planning to reflect on that this time, for a couple of reasons, mainly that this read I really felt that perhaps the better Austen comparison is Fanny Price in Austen’s Mansfield Park rather than Darcy. I mean the whole nature versus nurture argument and how responsible are they for what happens and how much of an impact does their upbringing have? SO. MANY. QUESTIONS (and thoughts).

Continue reading “Book 900: Wuthering Heights – Emily Brontë”

ARC, Books

Book 857: Playing Offside (Sporting Secrets #1) – Jax Calder

I know nothing about rugby other than the fact they wear super short shorts 😀 Apparently, that was enough for me to say yes when this book appeared in my inbox from Gay Romance Reviews* (I mean, let’s be honest, are any of us really surprised by this? I do love a good MM Sports Romance, regardless of the sport).

Playing Offside is the story of Aiden, top of his game  and heading toward the end of his career who is THE starter to beat for the New Zealand National Rugby Team, and Tyler, the young phenom that has everyone talking and will challenge Aiden for the same spot on the starting lineup. (There was another way they referred to it but hell if I can remember it—something about starting 5? I feel like there are more players on the field per team, but who knows).

Continue reading “Book 857: Playing Offside (Sporting Secrets #1) – Jax Calder”