Category: Reviews

REVIEW: Capture the Sun by Jessie Mihalik

REVIEW: Capture the Sun by Jessie Mihalik

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Lexi is back on Valovia – a place she promised herself she’d never return to – because the price was just too good to ignore.

But before she can adjust to the double sunrise and sunset on Valovia, she’s on the run from the Empress once again.

Teaming up with Nilo hardly seems like a good idea, considering their history. But at least they both have a vested interest in seeing their friends on Starlight’s Shadow safe and successful in their shared mission to prevent a new war.

But when Starlight’s Shadow goes missing in Valovian space, Lexi will have to trust Nilo if she’s going to have any hope of saving her friends.

Review

This was a satisfying end to the Starlight’s Shadow series. But I’ve noticed that I tend to struggle with the third book in the author’s trilogies. I struggled with the third book in the Consortium Rebellion series, too (although that book has grown on me after subsequent reading).

Lexi was super hard for me to like early on. The trust issues she had make total sense considering the war. And the panic she feels with Nilo’s mental connection has a PTSD-ish quality to it. But instead of making me empathize with her, she came across as difficult and abrasive. Looking back at the whole story, I’m sure that was the point. I just struggled to click with her which made it harder to get into the flow of the story.

I was satisfied with the wrap up of the series-arcing conspiracy. Also I think that because this book had to both tell Lexi’s story AND wrap up the whole series, it made some sections drag at bit while I waited for the action to kick up again. But it all came together in the end.

I might re-read this series again. My re-read of Hunt the Stars and Eclipse the Moon in preparation for reading this was super fun.  I love the Valoffs and the world-building around them. They are my favorite part of this series. But given the choice, I would re-read Polaris Rising and the Consortium Rebellion series first. It was the better fit for me as a reader.

Series fans should definitely pick this up to wrap up the series. I wouldn’t start here. I think there’s too much backstory and worldbuilding that comes in the first two books to read these out of order. And if you’ve never read Polaris Rising, be sure to pick that up when you’ve finished this series – it’s AMAZING! (Language, sex)

Rating: ♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥½ =  Good+

 

REVIEW: What Is the Story of Captain Picard? by David Stabler

REVIEW: What Is the Story of Captain Picard? by David Stabler

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

The Who HQ line of nonfiction books for kids adds the story of Jean Luc Picard to their line which also includes What Is the Story of Captain Kirk? This book includes some basic Trek history – from the timeline for TOS (The Original Series) to side bars about Rodenberry, Trek captains, and Picard’s hobbies – as well as background on the actor who plays Captain Picard, Sir Patrick Stewart. Then Picard’s story is told in highlights from key Next Generation (TNG) episodes.

Review

This is really well done! The author does a great job of synthesizing 7 seasons worth of TNG episodes to build a cohesive biography for Picard. A biography for a fictional character! Something not easy to pull off.

There’s no info dump here – nothing bogs the reader down. Tidbits of info are offered (with some spoilers) while the author moves quickly through highlights of Picard’s journey. (Although I did take issue with one instance where the author’s summary of the captain’s motives in a situation didn’t match the episode in my opinion). The book is current through initial planning and discussions of Picard season two.

I’m impressed by how deftly the author moves between reality – box office numbers, series actors, the larger Trek universe – and fiction with the life of Picard and to a lesser extent that of some of his friends. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and highly recommend it for Star Trek fans and newbies alike.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥♥ = Outstanding!

REVIEW: A Newlywed's Guide to Fortune and Murder by Dianne Freeman

REVIEW: A Newlywed’s Guide to Fortune and Murder by Dianne Freeman

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Kensington in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Frances and George are settling into married life and ready to get back to their respective work. George has recovered from his injury and is taking on a new, secret assignment. And Frances is supposed to be handling a young woman’s presentation to the queen.

Miss Katherine Stover is the niece of Lady Winstead. When Frances goes to meet Miss Stover, she discovers Lady Winstead is very ill. And one of her oldest friends, Lady Esther, finds her friend’s condition alarming – and suspicious.

But before Frances can get a handle on Lady Winstead’s condition – and investigate a couple accusations of theft in the household – someone is murdered, leaving Frances and George with more questions than ever.

Review

This was a fun addition to the Countess of Harleigh mystery series, and the conclusion of the book was excellent. I enjoyed spending time with Frances and George as always, and the set up for this story was great. The middle dragged a bit where everything seemed to just spin in place without any progress forward. Thankfully there was a nice twist toward the end that I enjoyed, and it propelled the rest of the story forward to a fantastic end.

I have enjoyed this historical mystery series since the beginning, and I’m thrilled to keep up with it. This is book 6 in the series, and I think newcomers could start with this book without much difficulty. But for the full Frances and George experience, you’ll want to go back to book 1, A Lady’s Guide to Etiquette and Murder where it all began.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read

 

REVIEW: Invisible by Christina Diaz Gonzales and Gabriela Epstein

REVIEW: Invisible by Christina Diaz Gonzales and Gabriela Epstein

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Five Latino students are dumped together to do community service in their middle school cafeteria. Through their service hours they learn to look past their assumptions about one another while also trying to help someone in need.

Review

This is an excellent, richly layered story! I love how they told so much in both English and Spanish (The author’s note on this is excellent – don’t miss it!) And the storyline of helping someone else both pulled the five individuals into a team, but it also balanced the rest of the story which focuses on the challenges for the five kids.

This would be an excellent addition to a classroom or library graphic novel collection. Also a fun addition to Spanish classes! This would be a fantastic choice for a book group where each reader could read a copy and discuss together the various layers of the story.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read.

REVIEW: The Gay Best Friend by Nicolas DiDomizio

REVIEW: The Gay Best Friend by Nicolas DiDomizio

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Domenic Marino is a man caught in the middle. He and Patrick have been best friends since they were kids. Of course he’s the best man for Patrick’s wedding. And of course that means he’s planning the bachelor party.

When Patrick and Kate got together, Dom and Kate also became best friends. And he’ll be attending her bachelorette party, too.

But there are a couple things casting a pall on the festivities. First, Dom’s break up – and wedding cancellation – is still fresh and painful. On top of that, he’s getting pulled between Patrick and Kate as Patrick is keeping secrets, and Kate expects Dom to act as her spy.

But when Dom hangs out with Bucky – who is a PGA star who can’t afford bad press – in order to avoid the bachelor party shenanigans that would put him in an even more awkward secret-keeping position, it’s a great break from the pressure. Until it leads to even more secrets.

Review

Reading this was a journey. I loved Dom at the start. He has a great “voice” at the start of the book with just the right amount of sass. But as the story goes on and things start to unravel, Dom’s issues become more obvious. And the dynamics in the two parts of the wedding party aren’t much better. I kept thinking, “Dom needs a therapist. All of these people need a therapist.”

By the end, I was pleased with how it all came together. The romance was both sweet and steamy while also being part of the overall mess. The whole middle of the book was something I had to push through because I really wanted to know what would happen. It was a lot at times. But the resolution was super satisfying! Totally worth the middle messes.

If you love a romance where it all falls apart before the characters have to rebuild somewhat from scratch, you should absolutely give this a try! (language, sex)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ – Great!

REVIEW: Flamer by Mike Curato

REVIEW: Flamer by Mike Curato

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

It’s summer break, and Aiden is away at scout camp. When he’s not earning badges and cooking over a campfire, he’s thinking about moving from his Catholic middle school to the public high school in the fall. Aiden’s had his fill of bullies in middle school, mocking him for being half Asian or calling him a “fag.” It might be worse in public school…. He learned all about how bad homosexuality is at Catholic school – and he works really hard to be a good person. So he’s not gay.

Review

Wow. This was good, but at the same time it was a lot in places – direct and gritty. This feels like the sort of book that would scare people into trying to ban it. It includes frank conversation (“locker room talk”), references to homosexuality, pornography, and other sexual references. There’s bigotry, racism, and homophobia as well as domestic violence and bullying.  There’s also a section that deals with suicidal thoughts and feelings.

At the same time it feels completely realistic for the time and context. Aiden’s journey is the journey of a lot of kids. This is the sort of book that could help a kid feel seen – and not feel alone and out of options. Aiden’s story is upsetting and thought-provoking. The artwork is gorgeous.  This should find a home in school and public spaces for teens, especially where folks are looking to add some non-white, non-cisgender perspectives.  (Language, sexual references, racism, bullying,, TW: suicide, domestic violence)

Rating: ♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥½ = Good + (based not on the quality of the book but on my enjoyment of it. This was a hard book for me to like.)

REVIEW: Kitty Katt-Martini Series by Gini Koch

REVIEW: Kitty Katt-Martini Series by Gini Koch

Posted on by Jaymie

This is another vacation/catch up sort of post. I am in this weird reading space this summer where I have a ton of ARCs I should be reading, but I am enjoying books from my TBR and also trying to slow the general pace of life. Part of enjoying that slower pace is returning to my comfort reads. The Kitty Katt-Martini/Touched by an Alien series by Gini Koch is hands down my favorite series of books ever. It’s a perfect blend of science fiction and romance and mystery and action – with lots of snark. I re-read these regularly. I get to a place of craving them. I can rarely go a day where something doesn’t make me think of a character or a moment in this 16-book series. I’ve recently re-read these three books once again, so they are fresh in my mind.

So today, I am going to give a teaser of the first three books in the series. This is how I was introduced to the series back in the spring of 2011. I discovered these three books on a shelf in Barnes and Noble. I bought the first one, read it and loved it, and then went back for the next two and read all three of them back to back to back. From there it was a matter of waiting until the fourth book released in December when I devoured it. From there these have been must-buys, pre-orders, and signed books every year, twice a year, until 2018 when the author hit a snag. We’ve been waiting for book 17 ever since. Thankfully, regular re-reads have kept me happy during the wait. So, here are the summaries along with my first impressions from back in 2011.

Touched by an Alien

Kitty Katt is surprised to discover aliens are on earth when she stops an alien monster that forms right in front of her and starts attacking. Thankfully, the aliens she meets from the Alpha Centauri system are here to help. Smart, strong, and gorgeous, the ACs have been on Earth for decades as both exiles from their home world and as the only force able to stop the parasitic aliens that form monsters like Kitty fought. As Kitty joins the group, she sees and understands things the ACs have been too close (or too naïve) to see before. Working together, Kitty is able to help her new friends, especially the sexy Jeffrey Martini, fight the main fugly who wants to use the ACs to take over the world and remake it in his horrible image.

2011 – ♥♥♥♥♥ – “I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It’s sassy, funny, and sarcastic. Kitty’s love interest is flirty (bordering on too much) and protective. The storyline deals with prejudice, exile, and persecution themes. The author does a fantastic job of world-building without doing a data dump in the beginning of the book. Great example of good ‘voice’ – relatable, believable, comfortable, and engaging. The banter during one of the big battle scenes had me laughing out loud….” (language, sex)

 

Alien Tango

2011 – ♥♥♥♥½ – “Kitty, Martini, and the rest of Alpha team are on their way to Kennedy Space Center to investigate a strange incident with three astronauts who had been on a mission. By the time Kitty figures out what’s going on and gets her team out of Kennedy, she will face an obsessive ex-boyfriend, an anti-alien plot to kill them, bombs (plural), a psycho stalker, and an alien intelligence far more powerful than anything they’ve ever encountered. And those challenges are nothing compared to meeting Martini’s family.

“Another winner from Gini Koch. There were whole chapters I read twice because they were so perfect. Kitty continues to be one of my favorite characters. She’s strong, intuitive, sarcastic, and loyal. Great secondary storyline about alien and human relationships. ” (language, sex)

 

Alien in the Family

Kitty has successfully opened the door to  AC and human marriages. Her own engagement to Jeff, though, gains the attention of the ACs back on the home world. It seems some of the older Earth ACs forgot to share how their families are connected to the Alpha Four monarchy – and that is going to cause galactic-level trouble.

2011 – ♥♥♥♥½ – “Fascinating chess analogy, great new characters, plenty of interesting family dynamics for both Kitty AND Martini, and even some religious references. Terrifically intricate plot pulls the reader from page to page.” (language, sex)

 

REVIEW: Jamie by L. D. Lapinski

REVIEW: Jamie by L. D. Lapinski

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Jamie Rambeau told their best friends first. Then their parents. And eventually people at school. “Non-binary.” They spelled out their preferred pronouns. They pointed out school practices that were gendered (like “boys and girls” to refer to the group as a whole). And things worked out. Some people were more accepting and cooperative than others. But overall things were fine.

But Year 7 students go to secondary school. And in Jamie’s community there are only 2 – one for boys and one for girls. Where is Jamie supposed to go?

Review

This was lovely! I enjoyed Jamie and their friends. And I learned a TON reading this book. I appreciated the emphasis on educating readers – from the between-chapter pages defining terms to the things Jamie and their community learn along the way.

This is exactly the sort of book I think about when I talked to people about how books can help develop empathy. If you had asked me before I read this to anticipate the things that would be hard for Jamie, I would only have been able to scratch the surface. But as I was reading, I was incensed on Jamie’s behalf – over things I never expected. I kept marking moments that caught my attention.

I highly recommend this for anyone who wants to get a sense of the perspective of a non-binary character. (This book was published in the UK, so you may have to hunt a bit for a source.) This would be great for a book club or class read-aloud with discussion, especially if it’s with a group learning about various perspectives – LGBTQ+  experiences or disabilities or race, etc..

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ – Great! Might re-read.

 

REVIEW: The Comeback Summer by Ali Brady

REVIEW: The Comeback Summer by Ali Brady

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Libby and Hannah inherited a PR firm from their beloved grandmother, but they are struggling to keep it afloat. Then Lou, a self-help guru, walks in.

Lou is vetting PR firms for the launch of a new product line. In order to compete, Hannah and Libby have to follow Lou’s system to break out of comfort zones so they can work from that experience if they get the job. Hannah is challenged to go on 12 first dates, and Libby has to do a fitness challenge.

While both women work on their programs – with significant help from one another – the process leads them to revelations, and love, they weren’t expecting.

Review

This was excellent! I usually enjoy dual point-of-view books, and this does an excellent job with the voices and insights of both sisters. And the set up with the 12 week challenges was fantastically done.

I liked both Hannah and Libby and was completely engrossed in their surface stories – the lost love/reconciliation, the physical challenges, the business challenges. But when both women get to the deeper parts of their individual journeys, I was riveted. I didn’t want to put the book down.

This was a delight from start to finish. I loved every bit of it. This was the perfect book to kick off my summer reading season – I recommend you give it a try. (Language, sex)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥♥ = Outstanding!

REVIEW: Conventionally Yours by Annabeth Albert

REVIEW: Conventionally Yours by Annabeth Albert

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Conrad’s not in a great place when the trip first comes up. He’s barely getting by, and his landlord is putting her house up for sale. One of his newer jobs is making cuts, so he’s about to lose that gig too. He’d probably be better off if he scalped the ticket to Massive Odyssey Con West. But he knows if he could go – and win the tournament – it could change the trajectory of his whole life.

Alden also thinks MOCW could change his life. And he needs something. He’s still living in his moms’ carriage house, and since he didn’t get into medical school he’s feeling stuck and aimless. His moms are pressuring him to make a plan. “Win a deck-building tournament” probably isn’t what they had in mind.

Alden and Conrad can’t stand each other. But in order to get to MOCW they’ll have to grit their teeth because this is a cross-country trip. The two of them – and all of their animosity – alone in a car for days.

Review

Enemies to lovers is not a trope I seek out or gravitate toward very often. In fact, several chapters in I wasn’t sure I wanted to stick with this.  Con and Alden were both hard to like from the outside. Thankfully the author gave both of them point-of-view chapters which helped me stick with the book. The gaming angle was the main reason I picked this up – I adore con/convention stories, so I had to give this a try. This is a different sort of convention than what I usually attend, but the gaming and convention vibe worked for me.

I enjoyed watching Con and Alden work through both their assumptions about the other AND their personal challenges as they grew closer. And I appreciated the twists the author threw in to get us to a happy ending. (I also appreciated the lack of panicked shenanigans like lost bags or stolen money on the road trip. Every time they stopped, my anxiety ramped up. And then, happily, nothing like that happened. It was a relief!)

For Pride month, I am trying to focus on reviews of LGBTQ+ titles, and I enjoyed this one. I had no idea there was a sequel, but I found Out of Character recently and immediately picked it up. Check both of these out. If you are looking for other conventions stories, you can explore some other options here.

Rating: ♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥½ = Good +