Review: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book has been on my to read for the longest time and I finally picked it up to read a banned book for my summer reading challenge.  And I am glad I finally read it.  Junior was extremely brave to decide to go to a school off the rez.  A 14 year old boy did what almost no one does in his town: leave.  Sure he came back every night, but his first true step to change his life started the day he changed schools and I'm sure he went off to do amazing things.  I also hope he inspired other students at the rez to change their life. 

This book is short but very impactful and I'm really glad I decide to finally read it. 

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Review: Bride by Ali Hazelwood

Bride by Ali Hazelwood
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The hype this book has is crazy so I came into it with high expectations.  This is also the first Ali Hazelwood I've read, so I was going on blind with her writing style.  And overall I enjoyed it.  It wasn't the best book I've read.  I kinda got tired of being in Misery's head the whole time.  She definitely grew on me the longer she was with the Weres, but at the beginning she was definitely robotic and it was hard to connect with her. 

I love her dedication to finding Serena and the way she talked and acted with Ana? Literally had me cackling.  Talking to a six year old that way, it was hilarious.  And I like how Misery was very into technology and used her powers for selfish reasons.

Lowe is an interesting character.  He has so much honor and respect for everyone around him.  But I didn't like his secrets and his lying, no matter if he thought he was in the right.  I could see what was happening and wanted to tell Misery what was going on so bad. 

Also?  Misery's name?  Shame on who named her.  Honestly.  I would have legally changed my name once I became an adult. 

So I'm glad I read this.  It was a good story, but thankfully not something I need to own.  I am intrigued to see if a spin off novel happens with Serena and Koen.  That was a nice twist at the end! 

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Review: Taste by Melanie Harlow

Taste by Melanie Harlow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Reading Gianni and Ellies story was as wild as I knew it would be!  I knew these two grew up with each other and had this "hate" towards each other, which really means Gianni was a terrible flirt and made Ellie's life miserable with taunts and teases.  But when they got snowed in?  That tension?  So great to see that unleashed finally. 

Of course they both made claims they didn't mean and kept their true feelings to themselves because it's fears.  But seeing then finally raise what they really want and truly opening up to each other was great to see. 

Also I think my favorite part is when Chip came to the rescue at the very end of the book... if you know, you know, ha!

I'm glad I decided to dive into these two books in this series.  Maybe one day I'll go grab the other books in the series to catch up on the rest of the family! 

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Review: The Ever King by L.J. Andrews

The Ever King by L.J. Andrews
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was an interesting book.  I did enjoy it, but it took a long time for me to get into the groove of things and by that time, I was just meh about it overall.  I liked the premise and I liked that Livia had to go onto a pirate ship to another realm and then she found her true self instead of the pampered princess she has been her whole life.  I love that she befriended Erik when he was a child and then grew to love him as the gruesome pirate he became. 

But I think what my nonchalance is that I felt thrust into this world with little background.  I know it's a spin off series of another one and it's said I can just read this without the prior series, but I think that's untrue as I'm left just not caring about the world.  There were some parts that were overly explained and other parts that were not detailed enough to keep my brain to understand.  

And this book does end on a cliffhanger about a possible brother of Erik's, and..... I just don't care to find out?  I'm never like that, which means I definitely wasn't as engaged into this story as much as I normally am.  I am glad I read it to discover it wasn't for me, so any special editions that come out won't tempt me.  I just wish I loved it as much as other readers did and I'm glad I'm in the minority when it comes to not loving this that much. 

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Review: Ignite by Melanie Harlow

Ignite by Melanie Harlow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was so easy to devour!  I love Winnie.  Her personality is so fun and light and she is such a sweetheart to be around.  Dex stood no chance against her and I loved seeing him fall more and more for her.  She dug herself so far under his skin, it was wonderful to see!

Luna and Hallie are the sweetest things ever and I loved how they were constantly waking up Dex at ridiculous times, haha.  And all of their questions and just being kids. It was adorable.  Dex is surrounded by girls and is always caving into them, even though he acts like a grumpy.

Dex has some issues he's wishing it which causes a lot of frustration and annoyances.  Thank goodness he had these females in his life to straighten him up. 

I'm so glad I decided to finally read this book and I see I have Ellies book on my kindle already so I'm driving into that one next! 

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Review: Reckless Abandon by Ashley Cade

Reckless Abandon by Ashley Cade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was just the rom com I needed in my life to take a break from the fantasy books I've been reading.  I kept forgetting over and over that Brynlee and Macon were still college students when their lives were so full of grown up events.  I loved that they found each other and finally got to the point where they confessed their true feelings rather than just being friends.  Seeing them blossom into a relationship was so sweet and I loved that they were honest with each other for everything.  I'm also glad Sean made a reappearance in this book before things got too intense between Brynlee and Macon so that Bryn really knew how she felt rather than floundering with her feelings between the two guys.  I'm glad I got the chance to read this book!

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Review: Broken Desires by R.G. Angel

Broken Desires by R.G. Angel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received this free eARC novel from the author. This is my honest review. 

While this book, along with the 2 before, go through the same time frame at the beginning, I found myself surprised by so many things in Liam and Vanessa's story and was quite stunned and happy with these new revelations!! I love being able to get Liam and Nessa's story finally and it really did not disappoint in the slightest. I think these two are my favorite, just the way they were around each other, how they connected, how they helped each other in their adventures. It really was an amazing story and I know I won't stop thinking about it any time soon!

Vanessa's family is awful and I'm so glad Nessa was able to get out of that environment and find a new family with Eva and Poppy. She is such an amazing person and I loved seeing her share her love and passion with the ones around her. 

But Liam? LIAM?? I cannot deal with how much I love this man. I don't think I've been this enamoured with a character in such a long time and I loved him so much. The way he treated her family? Fantastic! His secrets? Never saw them coming. But his dedication and love for Nessa? Swoon for eternity, I'm not kidding. I need my own Liam ASAP please!

I'm so glad I got the chance to not only read this book but this whole series! It's one of my favorites and I know I will be revisiting these characters over and over again to see their stories unfold again. 

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