Hello! My name is Krista, and I am a certified medical technologist in the state of New York. I have a lot on my mind and just wanted a way to articulate my thoughts. I also really like dog videos.
Hi there! I’m here with my fifth post in my 2023 Buzzword Reading Challenge series! **And every day we are reminded that discrimination against marginalized communities is still a serious problem, so click here to find a compilation of resources where you can donate your time, money, or whatever you can to support these communities. I still encourage you to research these causes on your own to educate yourself and find the best way to lend your support.**
This is the fifth installment of my Buzzword Reading Challenge series of posts for 2023. In case you’re new here, the Buzzword Reading Challenge (also called Buzzword-a-thon or the Buzzword Readathon) was originally created by Kayla at the YouTube channel booksandlala. It centers around readers choosing books that include specific words or ‘types’ of words. This is the third year where all 12 prompts were selected in advance and it’s being loosely hosted once a month on sites like Goodreads and Storygraph. Each month we search our shelves for books with either specific words in the title, or title words that fit a specific theme. Previous years I’ve done recommendations, or multiple books for each month, but in 2023, I think I’m just going to stick to one book per prompt, as to [hopefully] prevent burn-out later on in the year. This is a reading challenge after all, and it’s supposed to be fun. In May, the theme was “flavors, seasonings, and spices in the title,” and this was probably one of the hardest prompts I’ve had to fulfill but I’d been saving an anticipated 2022 release for this exact reason.
“flavor, seasoning, spice” – A Dash of Salt and Pepper by Kosoko Jackson
Cover art for A Dash of Salt and Pepper. Design by Colleen Reinhart, art by Adriana Bellet
I was familiar with Kosoko Jackson from his debut, a YA sci-fi called Yesterday is History, which I reviewed here on this blog back in 2021 (you can read my thoughts about it here). Since then, he’s published an additional YA sci-fi / dystopian and two adult romances, all of which include queer characters like his first. A Dash of Salt and Pepper has been on my TBR since its release in December of 2022, and I’m glad I was able to read it to fulfill May’s Buzzword prompt. The story follows Xavier Reynolds who, after getting passed over for a prestigious fellowship and dumped by his boyfriend, finds himself back in his home town of Harper’s Cove, Maine. Struggling to find a way to pass the time and earn the money he needs to get back on his feet, the last thing he wants to do is be a prep chef in the town’s top restaurant, The Wharf. The owner, Logan O’Hare, isn’t sure what to make of Xavier, but he needs help in the kitchen as his daughter can only do so much. The two strike up an unexpected connection but when things get tough are they able to handle the heat or will they have to get out of the kitchen? I did enjoy my time with this book. At the beginning we find Xavier resenting his circumstances that led him back to Harper’s Cove, a place he’s been wanting to escape nearly all his life. He runs into high school classmates that stuck around and will most likely stay in town for the rest of their lives, and for a while he thinks himself better than them. It takes a lot for Xavier to really open his eyes and see the errors in his thinking. There is a bit of an age gap, with Logan being a single dad and almost ten years older, so at times it felt a bit weird for me but that’s totally a personal preference thing and there was nothing wrong with their interactions in the book itself. I wish we could have gotten Logan’s perspective as Xavier’s character took some getting used to – there were times when, as a reader, I just wanted him to start taking things seriously instead of treating everything with sarcasm or trying to make a joke. I didn’t fall in love with the characters or the story but there were really important moments and discussions I liked, such as lessons in the kitchen where Xavier had to learn how to work on a team when he’s used to being a solitary worker, when Logan had to pick up his daughter, Annie, from a sleepover early because she had defended her dad from other girl’s mean comments, or how Xavier felt he needed to contain his anger to an extent otherwise people would assume he was dangerous. There were moments that shined through and made this read an enjoyable one, and while I definitely would still recommend you pick this up if it sounds like something you’d enjoy, it won’t be a book I turn back to reread in the future.
In conclusion, not my favorite read for this challenge but still a pretty solid installment. Can’t wait to see what the rest of the year brings.
Hi there! I’m here to compile all the books I’ve read that have asexual or aromantic representation! **And every day we are reminded that discrimination against marginalized communities is still a serious problem, so click here to find a compilation of resources where you can donate your time, money, or whatever you can to support these communities. I still encourage you to research these causes on your own to educate yourself and find the best way to lend your support.**
Happy Pride 2023! I know these days Pride Month is associated with brands changing their logos to rainbow (which change back as midnight hits on July 1st) and fun parades, but as a community we need to remember that its roots stem from honoring the Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan in 1969. Pride started as a riot, and especially in today’s climate of harmful legislation seeking to strip LGBTQ+ individuals of their rights and bigots seeking to target individuals with hurtful rhetoric and/or acts of violence, we need to stick together and fight for those who others seek to silence. As someone who does identify as a part of the LGBTQ+ community, on both the aromantic and asexual spectrums, I wanted to have a list, sorted by genre, highlighting books where I’ve personally felt seen in characters or discussions. I’m always looking for more recommendations, especially diverse ones in genre or representation, so please let me know if there are any I should check out! I plan to add to this list as I read more, so feel free to check back on this post every once in a while to see if there are any new reads and additions. Also, if I have a review on my blog for any of the books, I’ll link it so you can read more of my thoughts!
Combination of aromantic pride flag (left) and asexual pride flag (right). Flag design by Reddit user Eames761.
**All books listed have either a main character (MC) or love interest (LI) that identifies across the asexual and/or aromantic spectrum unless otherwise stated. I did my best to correctly categorize everything into the correct age bracket / genre, but I’m not perfect so there’s a chance something may be out of place. Anything with an asterisk (*) is self-published or from a small press, as I would like to bring more attention to books that may not be talked about / included in lists like these as often**
*Also please note that while I am grouping these two categories together, it is only because I share both of these identities, Please acknowledge that asexuality and aromanticism can exist independently of each other, and the presence of one should not automatically indicate presence of the other*
Hi there! I’m here to talk about a slow-moving character-driven story perfect for readers who imagine themselves planted in their favorite fantastical worlds. **And every day we are reminded that discrimination against marginalized communities is still a serious problem, so click here to find a compilation of resources where you can donate your time, money, or whatever you can to support these communities. I still encourage you to research these causes on your own to educate yourself and find the best way to lend your support.**
Occasionally, if I’ve reviewed titles from specific publishers, their marketing team will reach out about upcoming books I might enjoy based on my reads. So late last year, a marketing manager from Penguin Random House sent me a widget offering the chance to read a book called The Wishing Game, a debut adult contemporary by Meg Shaffer, with the pitch that “it’s perfect for anyone who’s ever dreamed of meeting their favorite author or entering the magical worlds in childhood stories.” I knew next to nothing about it at the time, but past me decided to add it to my NetGalley library, and I decided to pick it up this month since it’s releasing at the end of May. Well, let me just say that I owe past me, and that Penguin Random House marketing manager (hi Megan!) a huge thank you, because I felt like this book was just the perfect read for me.
Cover art for The Wishing Game. Cover design by Cassie Gonzales, cover illustration by Holly Ovenden
Lucy Hart knows better than anyone what it’s like to grow up without parents who loved her. In a childhood marked with loneliness and neglect, she found solace in books, particularly a fantasy series, Clock Island, written by the elusive Jack Masterson. He may have stopped writing the series years ago, but Lucy, now twenty-six and a teacher’s aide, can share the magic of reading with her students, especially seven-year-old Christopher who, now an orphan, deserves to escape reality and dive into a fantasy world more than anyone. Lucy dreams of being able to adopt Christopher, but as the days go by and she’s no closer to the funds and stability necessary to be a mother, it’s starting to seem impossible. Until Masterson comes out of retirement, has written a brand new Clock Island book, and invites four contestants – including Lucy – to his home to compete for possession of the sole copy. Lucy wants more than anything to win, to guarantee a future with Christopher, but to get there she must contend with worthy (and wily) opponents, slimy book collectors, shady publishers, and grumpy Hugo Reese, illustrator of the Clock Island books. And all the while, Masterson “the Mastermind” is planning an ending with enough twists to change all of their lives forever.
**Please be warned that while none of the following occurs on-page in the novel, there are prominent discussions about parental neglect, emotional abuse, death of a parent, death of a sibling, siblings who’s sickness leads them to the hospital, child abuse, miscarriage, and child death. This book is sweet and gentle but does not shy away from having deep and emotional conversations, so please be careful if any of the above may be sensitive or triggering to you**
The Wishing Game is a slow moving character-driven story that I didn’t know I needed in my life. As readers, we all want our favorite author to be like Jack Masterson – a kind-hearted man who gives kids a good world they can go to in order to escape their sometimes bad realities. The four contestants competing for the unpublished manuscripts are individuals who, as children, found their way to Jack’s home, the real Clock Island, for their own personal reasons. Even now they have their own reasons for wanting to win, and it was lovely seeing their interactions with Jack. Lucy is such a headstrong character who will do anything in her power to ensure Christopher is taken care of, and eventually in her care permanently – she has seen him at his worst, on the day he found his parents dead in their beds, and worked to make sure he feels loved and appreciated and supported. The Clock Island series is something that they can bond over, and when Lucy is invited to the island he cheers her on at every turn, and even when Lucy considers giving up all she has to do is think of him and all she’s fighting for. In addition to Lucy and Christopher, I loved seeing how strong other character relationships were, especially between Hugo and Jack, and Lucy and Hugo. Hugo won a contest to be Jack’s illustrator years ago, and remained on the island caring for Jack during his hiatus. Jack acknowledges that Hugo is the closest thing he’s had to a son, and the two understand each other better than anyone else. Lucy is surprised to find Hugo when she arrives on the island, and while he puts up a grumpy front she’s able to break down those walls to reveal the kind man underneath who would do anything for his friend. I loved how throughout the novel, Lucy learns that it’s ok to ask for help, and she doesn’t need to do everything alone – she comes from a childhood of having to rely on herself, as her parents gave all their attention to her sister who was sick, and therefore she doesn’t take anyone’s aide when offered. But asking, or receiving, help is not a sign of weakness.
Most of the narration follows Lucy in third person, but there are skillfully crafted moments when we get to see events unfold through another character’s eyes, including Hugo’s, and other characters I won’t reveal due to spoilers. I appreciated how at the beginning of each of the five parts, there is an excerpt from a Clock Island book, as it almost makes the series feel real. I will acknowledge that there is not a lot of action, and a lot of scenes can be described simply as characters talking to each other – but honestly I need books like sometimes, where I can sit down with my hot chocolate (because they have tea in the book, but I don’t drink tea) and be in the moment with these characters as they learn to overcome their past obstacles and be better than those who told them they’d never amount to anything.
In conclusion, I’m glad I took a chance on this read, because it became one of my favorite reads of the year. It’s beautiful and lyrical in a way that simultaneously warms my heart and brings me to tears. I can’t wait to see how other readers find solace in its pages. The Wishing Game is set to be released on May 30th, 2023, which is the day this post goes live, so please join me in *wishing* it a happy book birthday and consider picking up a copy for yourself if you’re interested! *Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Ballantine Books, for the early copy, all thoughts and opinions are my own.*
Hi there! I’m here to talk about some exciting 2023 releases I’ve won / claimed from BookishFirst in the past few months! **And every day we are reminded that discrimination against marginalized communities is still a serious problem, so click here to find a compilation of resources where you can donate your time, money, or whatever you can to support these communities. I still encourage you to research these causes on your own to educate yourself and find the best way to lend your support.**
I’m usually pretty good at getting these BookishFirst reviews out before release date. But of the three I’m going to be talking about here, I received two of them a few weeks after release (the third comes out a few days after this post goes live!). I’m not faulting BookishFirst for that, publishers and shipping haven’t really recovered since the beginning of the pandemic – on the bright side I did receive finished copies instead of ARCs for those. I was able to read all three in the month of May and decided that instead of individual reviews I’d compile them all into one post, getting to gush about multiple books all at once! BookishFirst is a great site I’ve been using to find some incredible new releases since 2020, and some of the ones I’m talking about here are no exception.
Cover art for Enter the Body, Never Vacation With Your Ex, and Her Good Side. Cover credit [from left to right]: Enter the Body: Jacket design by Theresa Evangelista, jacket images from Alamy & Getty Images, Never Vacation With Your Ex: Jacket design by Theresa Evangelista, jacket art by Monique Aimee, Her Good Side: Cover design by Theresa Evangelista, cover illustration by Poppy Magda
Book 1 – Enter the Body by Joy McCullough (released March 14th, 2023) -In the room beneath the stage’s trap door, four dead teenagers from Shakespeare’s tragedies – Juliet (Romeo and Juliet), Ophelia (Hamlet), Cordelia (King Lear), and Lavinia (Titus Andronicus) – take their own sort of center stage and compare their experiences to retell stories of life, love, and loss, and perhaps along the way allow themselves the ability, for once, to offer support and reclaim a bit of their story that should have rightfully been theirs. -As a theater lover, and an occasional reader of Shakespeare, I found this to be a pretty unique spin in order for the woman, primarily the teen girls, who perish by different means in various tragedies, to speak their minds and take back some agency in their stories. Through a narrative told in three parts, the girls – Juliet, Ophelia, Cordelia, and Lavinia – go on a journey both individually (as each of their stories of pain and sorrow are their own to face) and as a collective unit of characters whose lives were cut short due to decisions and actions *mostly* out of their control. Each get the chance to tell the story of their life (with the exception of Lavinia, who is unable to speak due to her tongue and hands being removed prior to her death) as Shakespeare wrote it but then their is a shift as Juliet acknowledges the others in the room, and the group begins to wonder what it would be like if they’d had more support in their stories. Thus begins a recount of each story in which each teen gives themselves a slightly better hand in helping control their story, with some occasional commentary from the others added in for good measure. It was incredibly interesting getting to see how each girl chose to change their narrative, and how that was shaped by their experiences throughout the rest of the play. For instance, Cordelia and Lavinia are older, more jaded from the hardships and realities of life, while Juliet and Ophelia have a more optimist outlook on their stories, even if death still knocks on their door. The differences between their accounts really highlighted the various ways people can choose to have more agency in their lives, whether it’s relying on other people in their lives when they need help or fighting for something they regret giving up on in the past. Happily ever afters aren’t always realistic, but that doesn’t mean anyone who strives to find one is less important. I also appreciated the inclusion of Lavinia, a character who was terribly abused by men in her life and who is unable to share her own version of the story alongside the other – in my opinion she represents those who have undergone such terrible hardships and who struggle with sharing their story due to trauma or physical inability to do so, but whose existence is still important and they matter to someone, even if it feels like the world is against them. I have a feeling this is a story that is going to stick with me for some time, and I’m glad I got the chance to have a copy and look back on in the future.
Book 2 – Never Vacation With Your Ex by Emily Wibberley & Austin Siegemund-Broka (released April 4th, 2023) -Sixteen-year-old volleyball star Kaylee Jordan has a plan – finish high school and go pro following in her famous mother’s footsteps, while carving out a space to make records of her own. She’s used to the comparisons, and spends most of her free time fitting in extra trainings and carefully curating her social media. Her one break is the two week trip to Malibu her family takes every year. The only problem is the trip is with her childhood best friend, Dean, and his parents (as they’ve been friends since college), and Kaylee just recently unceremoniously dumped Dean after dating for three months. In order to not make things awkward for the entire trip, Kaylee approaches Dean with a plan – she’s going to walk him through all the steps for getting over an ex. When Dean begrudgingly agrees, and they spend time going through her tried and true steps, Kaylee can’t help but feel like she’s starting realize all the reasons they worked so well together, and therefore makes her confront the reasons she broke up with him. As the trip starts to wind down, Kaylee must choose between listening to her heart or letting her head get in the way. -I’ve read a few books from this married writing duo, and I’ll say that Never Vacation With Your Ex is a great summer read for any YA lover. While I do usually prefer dual POV if books are in first person, because it’s always interesting to get the other main character’s / love interest’s perspective on things, I found Kaylee to be an interesting character to follow, specifically in regards to relationships. She’s known around school as a person who is constantly dating different guys, and she acknowledges this fact – to her, she’s having fun, likes being flirty, but when things start to head in a more serious direction she starts to get scared and is the other to break things off because she understands herself well enough to know that she doesn’t want to lead people on. And it was interesting to see her grapple with her feelings for Dean, even after knowing him since childhood. I liked the inclusion of Dean’s bisexuality and how it was just another part of his identity, especially when we often see characters’ bisexuality erased when they seek out a relationship with someone of a different gender. What I will say is that I didn’t appreciate the way the adults discussed Kaylee and Dean’s breakup. Both Kaylee and Dean’s parents put most, if not all, of the responsibility of the awkward aftermath on Kaylee, and while yes, she was the one to break it off, she, as a teenage high school girl, should not be held solely responsible for the feelings of a teenage boy, and Kaylee did not owe Dean a relationship if she no longer felt any romantic attraction to him. And yes, Kaylee’s decision to break up with Dean had more to due with her personal issues with commitment which she needs to work out on her own, but as someone who constantly feels compared to someone else, this is something she feels like she can have some control over. I did really like seeing Kaylee and Dean falling back in love over these two weeks, and while some of the will-they-won’t-they felt a bit repetitive it was nice to see them working through the awkwardness to first build back their friendship, and then, when they realize they both are still attracted to each other, reestablish a relationship with a better foundation. So while Never Vacation With Your Ex isn’t a new favorite, it was a quick read and perfect for any seasoned YA reader to pick up this summer.
Book 3 – Her Good Side by Rebekah Weatherspoon (released May 30th, 2023) -Sixteen-year-old Bethany Greene is confident and self-assured, a valued member of her school’s basketball team, and loved by her friend group. But when she tries asking out her crush to the Homecoming Dance and is rejected due to “inexperience,” she starts to think she’s what other people call a “late bloomer” as she’s never had a boyfriend, went on a date, or had her first kiss. She cautiously agrees to a platonic date with her best friend, Saylor’s boyfriend, Jacob Yeun, and everything seems to be going well – until Saylor breaks up with him. This is the second time this year Jacob’s been broken up with – he secretly curses the glow up he had over the summer. As someone who’s spent years behind his camera, he has no idea how to step up and be someone’s significant other. So after Saylor breaks up with him, Jacob and Bethany decide to make the most of an awkward situation and fake date, helping each other gain the confidence in matters of the heart. But when their plan starts working a little too well, Bethany and Jacob are forced to acknowledge that their perfect match might just be a bit closer than they thought. -This was honestly delightful. I’m glad this book is written in dual POV so we got to see things from both Jacob’s and Bethany’s point of view. Her Good Side is the kind of book that I wish I had when I was in high school, and was trying to navigate being what these characters would constitute a “late bloomer” myself. I think Rebekah Weatherspoon was able to capture the feeling of first love, trying to figure out their place in the world, and staying true to yourself even when others try to lead you astray. It also highlighted how fast news travels around high school, and how fickle the news cycle can be, which really brought me back. I loved that while Bethany and Jacob are exploring different aspects of their relationship, there is always a focus on consent and discussions about how it’s ok to not be ready for certain things, and it’s important to both vocalize those discomforts and respect your partner’s boundaries. Both of these characters are really comfortable around each other, and do their best to build a foundation of friendship even when, to others, they are in a romantic relationship. While I loved the romance, I also really appreciated the discussion of how to tell your parents you might not want to follow in their footsteps, or may want to deviate from the path they expect for you – Bethany’s moms are both WNBA stars, and while she’s extremely talented at basketball she’s grown to dislike the game, and even considers quitting the team mid-season. With the help of Jacob and her friends, she’s able to find a way to open that dialogue with her moms, and express her wishes to follow a new passion. All in all, I had a smile on my face throughout the majority of this book, and these characters truly warmed my heart with every turn of the page.
In conclusion, I’ll always be checking the BookishFirst site for their weekly raffles, because I’ve been able to both find really incredible books that are out of my comfort zone, or able to snag early copy of my most anticipated books of the year that I know I’m going to love. I really do recommend checking out the site, and all three of the books reviewed in this post, and consider picking up a copy if any of them particularly interest you! *Thanks to BookishFirst and the publishers, Dutton Books (Enter the Body), Viking Books (Never Vacation With Your Ex), and Razorbill (Her Good Side), for the finished / early copies, all thoughts and opinions are my own*
Hi there! I’m here to talk about an exciting new romance release from a popular writing duo. **And every day we are reminded that discrimination against marginalized communities is still a serious problem, so click here to find a compilation of resources where you can donate your time, money, or whatever you can to support these communities. I still encourage you to research these causes on your own to educate yourself and find the best way to lend your support.**
I’ll be honest, I didn’t think I would actually be approved to review Christina Lauren’s 2023 romance release, The True Love Experiment. I read their 2021 release, The Soulmate Equation, a few years ago and, as a scientist and a lover of single-parent romances, I really liked Jess and River’s story. So when I heard that Fizzy, Jess’s best friend and romance author, was getting her own story, I was very much intrigued to read about her own happily ever after. I saw that The True Love Experiment was up to request on NetGalley, and after getting denied for a few titles a few days earlier (from a different publisher, but still), I wasn’t holding my breath – I’m a small blog here with not a lot reach, and most of the time it’s just me screaming into the void about books I loved (or maybe didn’t). So let me tell you, I was very surprised – and extremely grateful – to be approved for an early copy. I’m glad I get the chance to share my thoughts with you here!
Cover art for The True Love Experiment. Cover credit to the art team at Gallery Books.
Felicity “Fizzy” Chen may have an incredible career as a romance author with several bestselling books under her belt and an audience just itching for her next release, but she’s lost. It isn’t until she’s invited to give a commencement speech when she realizes that she hasn’t been practicing what she’s preached – she’s never been in love, never had that all-encompassing can’t-live-without-him moment with any guy that’s come her way. So when Connor Prince, a documentary filmmaker and single father, is forced to create a reality T.V. dating show to keep his job and stay close to his daughter, he approaches Fizzy with the chance to be its first contestant, because he knows that showing the queen of romance herself falling in love on his show is sure to bring in views. So what does Fizzy do? She turns him down – or, more accurately, says no unless he complies with her long list of demands she wrote to scare him off. Well, Connor is determined to keep his job and make the most of this situation so, surprising Fizzy, he agrees to everything. Thus, The True Love Experiment is born, and while Connor and Fizzy take chances on living life leading up to filming and the show’s debut, they start to wonder if true love can be in the cards for both of them.
**Before I begin my review, I would like to note that the character of Fizzy is Asian-American – her parents emigrated from Hong-Kong and moved to the United States before Fizzy was born. I do not share this identity, so while my view of this portrayal is not offensive I have to defer to own-voices reviewers for their opinion of this representation, so please seek out those reviewers before reading. It is also important to support marginalized authors writing about their own identities and experiences, as their voices and the stories being told are often overlooked**
While I wasn’t a reader who was itching for Fizzy’s story after finishing The Soulmate Equation, now that it’s written I’m glad to have picked it up. Something I definitely wanted more from The Soulmate Equation was River’s perspective – the entire thing is written in 3rd person from Jess’s point of view. But The True Love Experiment delivers with dual POV, so at all times we understand how Fizzy and Connor are feeling. Fizzy is such an interesting character to me because she is nothing like me yet I want to be her best friend – she understands that people may have perceptions about her because she’s a romance author, but that doesn’t stop her from living her life as truly as possible. She isn’t afraid to speak her mind, have a little fun, and try to go after exactly what she thinks she deserves. Then we have Connor, who moved across the country to be closer to his child (co-parenting with his ex wife) and will do anything in order to make sure he doesn’t lose his job, including making a reality dating show even though he knows nothing about, and doesn’t even like, reality television. And that’s clear to Fizzy from the offset, so she makes sure to put him in his place and only accept his offer to be on the show if he makes the effort to take things seriously, because that, being authentic to herself and to her audience, matters more to her than maybe finding her perfect match. I also loved how Connor’s ex wife, Natalie, definitely talks some sense into him after she senses him looking down on romance books and reality television – then later on in the book, when other people express unsavory opinions towards romance books, and Fizzy as an author of them, he comes to her defense almost instantly and understands how bad a take it is because he used to believe it himself. I wasn’t sure how I would feel about the pacing, since the actual filming of The True Love Experiment doesn’t start until about half-way through, but that first half really built up the chemistry between Connor and Fizzy, and then we see how difficult it is for both of them on set – how Fizzy can’t stop looking towards Connor when on camera, and how strained Connor is to see Fizzy connecting with these men, even though he chose them. I loved Fizzy’s request to have all the guys fulfill their own romance hero trope (I’ll admit I laughed right alongside Fizzy when it came to the vampire), and I really appreciated how drama-free the set was – I’d say the only drama present was that Fizzy and Connor couldn’t be together during filming due to a contract. While not all of the guys clicked with Fizzy and some had more flaws than others, I was never hoping for someone to be eliminated. I just had so much fun getting to see Fizzy and Connor find love after feeling lost in their lives – I laughed, I cried, and had a great time.
*This next paragraph will have slight spoilers about Fizzy’s plot points in The Soulmate Equation, and a bit of her mental struggles towards the end of The True Love Experiment, so please read with caution* I would also like to discuss the aspect of cheating as it appears in these books. At the end of The Soulmate Equation, it is revealed that the man Fizzy had been dating, was actually married. Fizzy is, of course, heartbroken, breaks off their relationship, and has a hard time moving past it emotionally. I won’t explain in what capacity cheating plays into The True Love Experiment, but I am seeing some discussion about it through early reviews and I kind of wanted to say my piece too. I know some people are under the impression that “once a cheater, always a cheater,” and I think in some instances that’s true – if someone makes the choice to be unfaithful once, chances are they are likely to do it again. But I do want to note that, personally, I think there’s a difference between a man who actively chooses to conceal a “side-relationship” from his partner, then, when confronted with the fact he’s been caught, tries to deny it or show no remorse, and a man who, in one moment, is unfaithful, feels terrible about his decision, accepts the consequences of a broken relationship because of it, works out his feelings and emotions in years of therapy, steps up and works to receive forgiveness from the ones he’s hurt (which he has), and vows to be a better person in the future. I don’t think Fizzy is in the wrong for her immediate reactions – in fact I respect that she had to remove herself from the situation so that she could move past the initial thoughts and consider the whole picture. I am not someone who’s ever been in a relationship, so my opinions may not even matter to some people, but I just wanted to be able to note them here.
In conclusion, I’m sure fans of The Soulmate Equation are going to love seeing Fizzy find her man, just like in all her own romance novels. Jess and River, and a few other characters, are sure to make their presence known, so while this isn’t truly classified as a sequel, I would highly recommend reading their story first. Fizzy and Connor’s banter and chemistry lights up the page and their romance is sure to make any reader smile. The True Love Experiment is set to release on May 16th, 2023, which is the day this post goes live, so please join me in wishing it a happy book birthday and consider picking up a copy for yourself if you’re interested! *Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Gallery Books, for the early copy, all thoughts and opinions are my own.*
Hi there! I’m here with my fourth post in my 2023 Buzzword Reading Challenge series! **And every day we are reminded that discrimination against marginalized communities is still a serious problem, so click here to find a compilation of resources where you can donate your time, money, or whatever you can to support these communities. I still encourage you to research these causes on your own to educate yourself and find the best way to lend your support.**
This is the fourth installment of my Buzzword Reading Challenge series of posts for 2023. In case you’re new here, the Buzzword Reading Challenge (also called Buzzword-a-thon or the Buzzword Readathon) was originally created by Kayla at the YouTube channel booksandlala. It centers around readers choosing books that include specific words or ‘types’ of words. This is the third year where all 12 prompts were selected in advance and it’s being loosely hosted once a month on sites like Goodreads and Storygraph. Each month we search our shelves for books with either specific words in the title, or title words that fit a specific theme. Previous years I’ve done recommendations, or multiple books for each month, but in 2023, I think I’m just going to stick to one book per prompt, as to [hopefully] prevent burn-out later on in the year. This is a reading challenge after all, and it’s supposed to be fun. In April, we had to find books with an emotion word in the title, which proved a bit more difficult than I thought, and while I originally planned to choose a book with “love” in its title, I decided to go in a bit of a different direction.
“emotion” – In the Ravenous Dark by A.M. Strickland
Cover art for In the Ravenous Dark. Jacket design by Natalie C. Sousa, jacket art by Rekha Garton / Trevillion Images and Shutterstock
April is also a month to participate in the Spring Equinox portion of Magical Readathon, a readathon created by booktuber G over at the channel Book Roast. Every April and August readers complete prompts to fulfill course requirements that will help us qualify for a calling. There’s so much time and effort she puts into every aspect of the readathon, and I highly recommend checking it out if you’re interested. One of the prompts I needed to complete this April was for the class Spells and Incantations – for the spell “Magic Missles” I needed to read a book between 389 and 415 pages. Luckily for me, A.M. Strickland’s sophomore novel In the Ravenous Dark came in at exactly 390 pages. The story takes place in Thanopolis, where those who wield magical powers are assigned undead spirits tasked with guarding – and controlling – them. Roven, whose father died trying to protect her from this fate, has hidden her magic for years. But when her powers are revealed, she’s thrust into a world of palace intrigue and deception, and bound to an undead spirit of her very own. While searching for answers and daring to attempt escape, Roven finds herself falling for two people she don’t fully trust – Lydia, a rebellious princess, and Ivrillos, the spirit capable of controlling her. Together they uncover a secret that will destroy Thanopolis, and Roven must find a way to start a rebellion in both the mortal and under-world, but that means she just might have to betray the two battling for her heart. I read A.M. Strickland’s debut, Beyond the Black Door, last year after receiving it in a book box, and I really liked the world-building and character work, along with the representation of asexuality. In the Ravenous Dark shares its predecessor’s intricate world, keeps you engaged with court politics and palace intrigue, and has you wondering who will win Roven’s heart in the end (or does anyone truly have to choose?). I listened to this on audio, and I think the narrator did a really great job expressing Roven’s emotion especially in some of the more painful and powerful scenes. We follow Roven while she tries to uncover secrets that, if revealed, have the power to start a war, all while she is trying to protect the ones she loves but understanding that not everyone can be saved. It’s an incredibly solid YA fantasy that will draw in readers with it’s story of betrayal, love, and the power of one’s determination to do what’s right. I highly recommend.
In conclusion, this was a solid installment of the Buzzword Reading Challenge, and since we’re officially done with a third of the year I can’t wait to see what the later two thirds brings.
**A.M. Strickland’s spouse was recently injured in a very serious accident, and their friends have set up a GoFundMe page in order to raise money towards his recovery. Please considering donating here if you are in any way able to do so. Or consider picking up their next novel Court of the Undying Seasons, out just a few weeks after this post goes live.**
Hi there! I’m here today to talk about a m/m romance novel set in NYC and gives all the wedding vibes. **And every day we are reminded that discrimination against marginalized communities is still a serious problem, so click here to find a compilation of resources where you can donate your time, money, or whatever you can to support these communities. I still encourage you to research these causes on your own to educate yourself and find the best way to lend your support.**
As I was scrolling NetGalley, as one daoes sometimes, I came across Best Men, a debut adult romance novel by Sidney Karger, and found the cover intriguing enough to check out the blurb. And what’s funny about this book in particular is that the publisher actually initially denied my request (which is absolutely fair, I am not a large blog with a huge following or busy traffic so some of the bigger publishers don’t allow me to read specific titles early), but then I receive an email from a Berkley publicist with an opportunity to participate in the blog tour for this title’s release. I was a little surprised, and initially thought it might have been an error, but I am always incredibly grateful when publishers reach out and decided to take a chance and read the title since it had been offered to me. So, here is what I thought.
Cover art for Best Men. Cover design by Tal Goretsky
Max Moody was a guy who thought he had everything figured out. He’s moved up to an HR position in his office, has his own [small] apartment in New York City, and sees his best friend, Paige, for brunch, sorry splunch, every Friday. She and Max grew up next door to each other in the suburbs of Chicago, they finish each other’s sentences, and Paige is one of the first people Max came out to as gay in high school. But his world is turned on its side when Paige suddenly announces an engagement to her boyfriend of a few years, Austin, and she wants Max to be her best man. While Max has always been the romantic one, and thought he’d be walking down the aisle before Paige, he doesn’t know the first thing about best man wedding duties. And then there’s Chasten, Austin’s best man and gay younger brother who, as a social butterfly East Coaster, clashes often with Max’s introverted Midwesterner personality. The two must put their differences aside and work together to put the focus back on Paige for her wedding festivities. And as time goes on, and Max and Chasten learn more about each other, they realize a small spark has the possibility to burn brightly.
I will start out by saying I don’t think this romance in particular was for me, but while I am going to point out some issues I had I’m also going to note things I think might work for other readers because I do think there are things to love about this book. The story is written in first person point of view, following Max as the main character, so you’re in his head the entire time – single perspective can be tricky if you don’t connect with the character, and it can feel one sided since you don’t get the perspective of others, especially the love interest. Max is hard on himself, and a lot of his inner monologue can feel like he’s unhappy with where his life is at this point or angry / upset with other people (like Austin, Paige, and Chasten) who seem to have their lives together. I did like the established friendship between Max and Paige – they’ve known each other since childhood, and have tons of inside jokes and memories that they love to share, especially when intoxicated. At times it definitely felt like Max’s jealousy of Chasten was a bit unwarranted, as he was trying to understand what Paige would like for her bachelorette party and share ideas but all Max could see was Paige agreeing with ideas other than his, but sometimes when you feel a friendship is threatened with the introduction of a new person it’s natural to feel a bit overprotective. I can appreciate the growth Max does undergo throughout the course of the novel – besides learning to appreciate Chasten for who he is, Max develops a love for planting and gardening after planning for his office’s Difference Day, he realizes that it may have been unhealthy to continue a sexual relationship with his ex after they broke up, and, most importantly, he learns how to be more than just a “gay best friend.” I found the writing style to be very conversational, as if Max was telling his story directly to the audience and needed to include context and backstory whenever it was needed – this style personally didn’t work for me, but after I finished I researched the author, Sidney Karger, who is primarily a screenwriter for television and film, which does explain a lot about his story and dialogue structure, which may work perfectly for other readers. There were some plot issues I found throughout the story – I didn’t fully understand why it was so important for Max and Chasten to keep their first meeting a secret, I wasn’t fully convinced of their relationship progression from dislike to like to love, and there were moments that I wanted Paige and Max to have more in depth personal conversations and really listen to each other, instead of barely apologizing and moving on because they “knew each other better than anyone.” I also felt like Max’s coworkers were underdeveloped, but that might be commentary on how sometimes people working in an office setting don’t associate with their colleagues and so they’re only known by their name or position – although I did feel a certain scene later on in the novel with Max’s former co-worker was unnecessary.
In conclusion, books, can be incredibly subjective, and Best Men wasn’t personally for me but I can definitely see the appeal for other readers who jive with the writing style, are able to connect to Max on a personal level, and fall in love with these characters and the romance. I can’t wait for the target audience to find this book and rave about it. Best Men is set to be released on May 2nd, 2023, which is the day this post goes live, so please join me in wishing it a happy book birthday and consider picking up a copy if you’re interested. *Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Berkley, for the early copy, all thoughts and opinions are my own.*
Hello! I’m here to talk about another nonfiction I got the chance to read early surrounding the topic of asexuality and aromanticism that releases this year! **And every day we are reminded that discrimination against marginalized communities is still a serious problem, so click here to find a compilation of resources where you can donate your time, money, or whatever you can to support these communities. I still encourage you to research these causes on your own to educate yourself and find the best way to lend your support.**
Towards the end of the last year / beginning of 2023, I went on a bit of a requesting / read now spree on NetGalley whenever I saw a nonfiction book touching on asexuality and aromanticism. The topics are close to my heart, as someone who identifies somewhere on both these spectrums. It’s been interesting seeing the similarities and differences these books bring to the table. Ace and Aro Journeys is the next one on my radar releasing in 2023, written by a collective, The Ace and Aro Advocacy Project (TAAAP), which is an organization dedicated to providing resources on asexuality and aromanticism to the public. I’m glad I got the chance to read their nonfiction release.
Cover art for Ace and Aro Journeys. My advanced copy did not offer any information regarding credit for cover art / design
From the book’s description: “What does it mean to be ace or aro? How should I approach the challenges that come with being ace or aro? How can I best support the ace and aro people in my life? Join the The Ace and Aro Advocacy Project (TAAAP) for a deep dive into the process of discovering and embracing your ace and aro identities. Empower yourself to explore the nuances of your identity, find and develop support networks, explore different kinds of partnership, come out to your communities and find real joy within. Combining a rigorous exploration of identity and sexuality models with hundreds of candid and poignant testimonials – this companion vouches for your personal truth, wherever you lie on the aspec spectrum. You are not invisible! You are among friends.” In the introductory chapter, it’s stated that the goal of the book is to be a stepping stone to understanding the asexual and aromantic identities and communities, including discussing challenges individuals on these spectrums often experience. In my opinion, the book is incredibly successful at achieving its goal. There is a combination of definitions and discussions of community, quotes from a variety of individuals about their personal ace and aro experiences, and a walkthrough of an interpretation of The Asexual Identity Development Model offering advice at each of the seven steps. from What I think is this book’s biggest strength and appeal is its clear audience – there are very specific sections that are aimed towards aspec individuals confident in their identity, sections that offer advice to people who may be questioning if they are asexual or aromantic, and sections that speak directly to the allies who are picking up this book to support any aspecs in their life. There is also a very evident emphasis on the differences between asexuality and aromanticism, and, while acknowledging the possible overlap, makes sure to offer information for individuals identifying on one spectrum but not the other. I will say that at times, this book did feel like reading a textbook, and occasionally I felt like it was focusing too much on negative outcomes or situations. I do appreciate that it didn’t shy away from discussions of negativity, such as explicitly stating that the asexual and aromantic communities are not immune to racism, homophobia, and ableism, it felt a little heavy at times which could be difficult for someone questioning their identity to read. There were also bullet points offering direct advice in the later chapters, but these sometimes felt very repetitive especially if there were multiple sections per chapter. I respected that there was such a big emphasis on trusting yourself in understanding your own identity and relationship with the terminology and community, because words are personal and your own experiences can shape what they are able to mean for you.
Overall I found this to be a really great introduction to the asexual and aromantic communities, as well as advice on evaluating your personal identity and ability to achieve confidence in yourself. I’d recommend it to anyone questioning if they are asexual or aromantic, and for individuals who want to learn about and support the aces and aros in their lives. It’s a rather all-encompassing read, and I feel like everyone who picks it up, no matter how they identify, will learn something important. Ace and Aro Journeys is set to be released on April 21st, 2023, which is the day this post goes live, so please join me in wishing it a happy book birthday, and consider picking up a copy for yourself or someone in your life if you’re interested. *Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Jessica Kingsley Publishers, for the early copy, all thoughts and opinions are my own.*
Hi there! I’m here to talk about an adorable friends-to-lovers YA contemporary romance that features a bachelor-type reality show! **And every day we are reminded that discrimination against marginalized communities is still a serious problem, so click here to find a compilation of resources where you can donate your time, money, or whatever you can to support these communities. I still encourage you to research these causes on your own to educate yourself and find the best way to lend your support.**
So when organizing my advanced copies I need to read for the next quarter (April through June), I noticed that I had requested, and had been approved for Not Here to Stay Friends by Kaitlyn Hill. I remember seeing her debut novel Love From Scratch, around the bookish-sphere when it was released in 2022, but couldn’t quite recall why I had been interested in this one. Re-reading the synopsis, I deduced it was probably because it featured a Bachelor-type show in a YA setting, featured a friends to lovers romance, and that combination sounds like something I would absolutely be on board to read any day. And I’m so glad I gave it a chance!
Cover art for Not Here to Stay Friends. Cover design by Regina Flath and illustration by Monique Aimee
Sloane McKinney and Liam Daniels have been best friends since childhood, but haven’t seen in each other in person in nearly five years. That all changes when Sloane arrives at LAX prepared to spend the summer seeing the sites, and what she finds is that Liam has possibly had a Hot Guy glow-up, fueling just a tiny bit of attraction on her part. Sloane’s plans change, though, when she finds out Liam has been roped into working for his dad as a PA on a reality dating show featuring the main character, Aspen Woods, from their favorite show The Cove. Things take an even bigger turn when a miscalculation leaves the show one contestant short, and Sloane becomes the perfect last-minute addition. When the cameras are rolling, Sloane can’t help to feel the whirlwind of teen heartthrob, Aspen, but when the cameras are off? Well, that’s where the drama really starts to kick in.
I really do love when books have multiple perspectives – so we get to be in the minds of both Sloane and Liam in first person. I think this really helped to highlight the confusing feelings that come with realizing you’re starting to think of your best friend in a more romantic light. Both believe the other don’t feel the same, but we get to see them work out their feelings in their heads in real time. Whenever a friends-to-lovers romance trope is used, or a relationship is already established between characters prior to the start of the novel, it can be hard to sell the already-present chemistry, but with inside jokes and stories of past vacations and trips and just time spent together, both shared in verbal and mental dialogue, I think Sloane and Liam’s friendship was built up really well. They know each other incredibly well, and it’s clear to everyone else that they’d be good for each other, but both are too afraid to risk their friendship, and also things can be pretty confusing when you’re on a dating show, supposed to be falling for the main guy but actually have feelings for a PA. With the reality dating show, Aspen Woods Future Leading Lady, or should I say AWFLL, we don’t get a full exploration of the other contestants all that much, with the exception of Sloane’s roommates, Bree, Alicia, and Hattie, and Peyton, who was set up to be the antagonist contestant. But overall, drama between the other girls was minimal, with the exception of one house becoming too competitive during a game of charades. Even Peyton, who at times was a force against Sloane, knew never to take things too far, and came around in the end with the resolution of the show. I don’t want to say too much in regards to how it all ends, as it’s great to see it all play out in real time, but I will say that the show had a unique ending that I haven’t seen in any books that feature the Bachelor-type show trope (at least the few that I’ve read). People truly came together and it certainly made for a show-stopping conclusion. And speaking as sparsely as I can, I will appreciate that some people who had a hand in some not-great actions did face consequences for them, and they were not brushed under the rug.
I also wanted to highlight the relationship Sloane and Liam have with their parents, and how their interests often were overlooked or ignored, and how throughout the course of the show both find solace in adults who help them strive to achieve their dreams. Sloane is a middle child, between an older class president, homecoming king, soccer star brother and a younger pageant queen sister. Slone loves writing and hates being in the spotlight, which means she tends to blend into the background and is often ignored in her household. On one of her single dates with Aspen, as he takes her on a tour of The Cove set, he introduces her to a writer on the show who answers all her questions, encourages her in many ways, and, after all is said and done, fulfills a promise to introduce her to other writers for the show and in the industry. Liam, on the other hand, is skilled and woodworking, and loves to tinker in his workshop. He wants to open an online shop and sell his wares. But since his parents recent divorce, his mom moved out and has been distant, and his dad makes snarky comments and digs about playing with toys in the attic. While roaming the set, Liam comes across Garrett, a set-builder for The Cove who was called in to help with sets on the reality show as needed. Garrett is someone who doesn’t treat Liam like he’s just a PA, lets him assist with projects (with supervision), invites him to see his garage workshop, and encourages him to start that online business if it’s something he really wants to do. Liam and Sloane both help each other see their true potentials, but it’s always good to have an adult, especially someone in that chosen field, to look to for support. Towards the end of the book it is hinted that both Liam and Sloane’s relationships with their parents improve with communication and therapy, and I think it’s really good to have it mentioned how it’s important to have that open line of communication, even if it isn’t easy at first and things take time to improve.
In conclusion, this was such a sweet YA childhood friends-to-lovers contemporary romance that would be perfect for any teen reader, and especially those who look for Bachelor-type shows in their books. Sloane and Liam both come a long way throughout the course of the book, and that growth, and their growing connection, was truly delightful to see. Not Here to Stay Friends is set to be released on April 4th, 2023, which is the day this post goes live, so please join me in wishing it a happy book birthday and consider picking up a copy for yourself! *Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Delacorte Press, for the early copy, all thoughts and opinions are my own.*
Hi there! I’m here with my third post in my 2023 Buzzword Reading Challenge series! **And every day we are reminded that discrimination against marginalized communities is still a serious problem, so click here to find a compilation of resources where you can donate your time, money, or whatever you can to support these communities. I still encourage you to research these causes on your own to educate yourself and find the best way to lend your support.**
This is the third installment of my Buzzword Reading Challenge series of posts for 2023. In case you’re new here, the Buzzword Reading Challenge (also called Buzzword-a-thon or the Buzzword Readathon) was originally created by Kayla at the YouTube channel booksandlala. It centers around readers choosing books that include specific words or ‘types’ of words. This is the third year where all 12 prompts were selected in advance and it’s being loosely hosted once a month on sites like Goodreads and Storygraph. Each month we search our shelves for books with either specific words in the title, or title words that fit a specific theme. Previous years I’ve done recommendations, or multiple books for each month, but in 2023, I think I’m just going to stick to one book per prompt, as to [hopefully] prevent burn-out later on in the year. This is a reading challenge after all, and it’s supposed to be fun. In March we returned to a direct word prompt, “secret,” which proved a lot harder than I previously thought it would be. But overall I’m really happy with the book I decided to choose.
“secret” – The Secret Sunshine Project by Benjamin Dean
Cover art for The Secret Sunshine Project. Cover illustration by Sandhya Prabhat
I was originally going to read an adult rockstar romance, Our Secret Song, but I wasn’t in the mood to start another series at the moment. Since that was the only book on my TBR with the word “secret” in the title, I had to go searching for books elsewhere. I was looking through Goodreads for some of the booktubers I follow and came across a middle grade contemporary, The Secret Sunshine Project, on Gavin from How to Train Your Gavin’s page. He gave it five stars, so I had a hunch it would be something I’d enjoy. The Secret Sunshine Project follows Bea, her older sister, Riley, and their mom. A year ago, Riley came out to Bea and their parents, and to show their support they attended London Pride. But then their dad got sick and passed away, and now it’s summertime, where they can’t afford their London housing anymore and have to move to the countryside with their Gran for the time being. Bea can tell Riley hasn’t been herself lately, so with the help of a few friends she launches “The Secret Sunshine Project,” a way to bring Pride to the countryside and make Riley feel less alone. There’s only one problem and it comes in the form of a neighborhood grump who will do anything to rain on Bea’s parade. This was so delightful. I loved seeing Bea make friends and form a plan to make her sister happy again, even as she is also feeling grief in her own way since the anniversary of her dad’s passing is approaching. It was sweet that all she wanted to do was see her sister smile again, and that The Secret Sunshine Project, though originally just for Riley’s sake, became more of a movement to help bring the entire community together again. The book had conversations about what it was like to be queer in a way that was appropriate for a middle grade audience, and it showed the support of adults when their child is comfortable to share these thoughts, sometimes confusing ones, with them. It’s so simple to just be accepting in these circumstances, and Riley’s parents were lovely in allowing her to experience a sense of community at Pride. I loved seeing Bea and Riley make the most of their upturned summer and find friends who helped and supported them when confronted with individuals who were less than kind. And can I just say the introduction of a certain character towards the end, and their relationship to the town’s villain, had a smile on my face as I watched the events play out. I would highly recommend this book to all audiences – particularly middle grade readers, as they are the target, but I really feel like anyone can enjoy it while learning some important life lessons along the way.
In conclusion, The Secret Sunshine Project has been my favorite book read for the reading challenge so far. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the year has in store.
Thoughts About Things 