What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarity

What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh did I love this book!!! Alice's love for Nick just kept me turning those pages and I rooted for her to "find the 10 years" and herself in the process as she takes a bad fall and has a concussion, literally wiping out 10 years, her happy marriage, her 3 children, and a close relationship with her sister. Will Alice have a happily ever after? I loved the way Moriarity had Alice's viewpoints, her sister (letters to her psychiatrist) and her aunt's (letters to a dead beau) gives this an authentic, heart tugging look at what can happen in a marriage with children, without children, and maybe too many friends and too much work. Now I am going to read The Husband's Secret and I can't wait for more of Moriarity's awesome writing!!!

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The Rent Collector by Camron Wright

The Rent Collector by Camron Wright
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thanks to Deb Tarrant for this awesome book title; Narrated by: Diane Dabczynski I could not stop listening to her beautiful voice as she (Sang Ly, a mother and wife) tells the story of life in the garbage dump, Stung Meanchey, in Cambodia. Sang Ly and her husband have a harsh daily existence as they scavenge the dump daily for items of interest that will bring them money to live and pay the rent collector, a dour, mean woman. Also Sang Ly and her husband desperately worry for their son's health; an infant Nisay is always sick, could it be because of life in the dump. I loved Sang Ly's personality; she was honest and wanted out of the dump. When they can't make the rent; the rent collector (Sopeap)threatens to kick them out; but a chance look at a book Sang Ly is going to read to their son, changes everything. There is so much that was beautiful, awful and unexpected in this book, I highly recommend this book that will reveal the beauty of literature, poetry, and the power it gives the individual.

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Moonlight Scandals (de Vincent #3) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Moonlight Scandals by Jennifer L. Armentrout
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Third book in this series with the de Vincent brothers whose family life is so messed up on so many levels but good thing for the Devil Devlin, Rosie walks into his life! Dev is not really likable but as the book progresses the reader finds out why and he grew on me but I really loved all the females in this series who ultimately win the love of these brothers!

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This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel

This is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thanks to Shelly Wall for this awesome book that delves into so much---I loved this family, Claude/Poppy, their fierce love for one another, their honesty (even when Mom and Dad do not listen or see the signs), their friendships and yeah everything about this book! Not just a book about a little boy who wants to be a little girl but so much more and for all the adults who loved this book, I highly recommend these YA books too: Bus 57, If I Was Your Girl, Something Like Gravity, Beyond Magenta, and Blanca and Roja!

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Moonlight Seduction (de Vincent #2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Moonlight Seduction by Jennifer L. Armentrout
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The 2nd in a series and once again I could not put this sizzling romance down; Gabe is supposedly the nicest de Vincent brother, is a fantastic wood-worker, has a dark/sad past and is now confronted with seeing Nik (the butler and cook's daughter who has graduated from college) who has stepped in to do her mother's job since she has cancer and is doing chemo. Gabe and Nik revisit their past and go full speed ahead into a relationship neither can name. I love Nik and her honesty and grit make her just as special as Julie was in the lst book in the series---the women make these brothers better men!

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As Kismet Would Have It (Dimple and Rishe #1.5) by Sandhya Menon

As Kismet Would Have It by Sandhya Menon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this novella as the story of Dimple and Rishi's love continues to bloom but also has some confusion because Dimple hates the confines of the constructs of marriage, etc. The brothers, Rishi and Ashish were great in this book as sounding boards and I loved Sweetie's appearance too!

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With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo

With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just loved Author Elizabeth Acevedo's narration & story of The Fire on High, I grew up in Philly and now live in a suburb close to Philadelphia. I loved Emani, her story, her love of cooking & everything Philly. All librarians need to get this book in their libraries!!! Teens will love teen mom, Emani and her struggles within herself, with her family, and in school. I savored her love of cooking (the title of this book is just perfect), how she describes over and over her love for her daughter, grandmother, Philadelphia, and her friends. This book should be in all high schools; the themes are so important, the characters find strength despite their daily circumstances in urban neighborhoods, and I just wanted to eat all the food Emani cooked, discussed, and made in Spain. A must read; loved this book!!! Thank you so much for this ode to Philly I will be recommending it to all my friends.

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The Deceiver's Heart (The Traitor's Game #2) by Jennifer A. Nielsen

The Deceiver's Heart by Jennifer A. Nielsen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OK I love Jennifer A. Nielsen books, but I am going to say one thing about this 2nd book in the series---Why is Simon the only who loves and believes in Kestra? I was really getting sick of everyone, even her friends, hating on Kestra! I am begging author Nielsen to turn this around in the 3rd book, you can still have all the drama, political intrigue, hatred of Endrick (I think everyone equates Kestra with him!!!) that you want, just turn the tide a little, let Kestra work "things" out (even if it is magic or fighting the good fight) and let some of the major characters HELP her, not lie to her and work against her, and try to find a way she can triumph, but as a champion, not a "Corruption" that must be put down!

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Moonlight Sins (de Vincent #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Moonlight Sins by Jennifer L. Armentrout
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A new series I am going to devour by Jennifer L. Armentrout! I loved empowered female protagonist Julia Hughes (who does not know she is empowered but as the book rolls on, oh boy, did I like her- seems everyone else did too!) as she leaves everything behind in her old life and accepts a live-in nursing position in a new town. But before she does, her last night in town, she meets "Taylor" a beautifully handsome man who seems to pick Julia out of everyone in the bar to be interested in (not everything is as it seems) and her last night is a steamy one. Her next day, in her new position, who does she meet but "Taylor" who is really Lucian de Vincent, a very wealthy guy from a very secretive prominent family. I could not stop turning the pages! Loved this book (like I love all Jennifer L Armentrout books)

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The Rosie Effect (Don Tillman #2) by Graeme Simsion

The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I loved Dan O'Grady's narration of this 2nd Don Tillman book but not much else in this long overly exaggerated pregnancy with Rosie and Don. As I listened I liked Don even more than the lst book, except for his deceit- not telling Rosie about the playground incident which became so much more than 1 thing he did not tell his wife. Don was all about trying to find out how to be a Dad- awful counselor Lydia told him he should never have a child. After other things I learned about her Lydia should never have been a counselor!!! I also did not like Gene's advice; it was still too much not telling Rosie the truth. So as Don works toward keeping things from Rosie, learning how to be a father, attending anger management classes, volunteering at birthing sessions which has a lesbian couple running it, it all spells disaster for Don. I did not like Rosie in this book either; she was up and down with her comments, not being honest with Don, and her character really disappointed me. And when is someone going to come out and talk about Don's autism?!? So I am really not sure I want to listen to/read the third book in the series and that makes me sad bc I really loved the 1st book.

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There's Something About Sweetie (Dimple & Rishi #2) by Sandhya Menon

There's Something about Sweetie by Sandhya Menon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OMG did I love this funny, dynamic female protagonist, and troubled male diverse read! I loved Sandya Menon's voice- she really delves into what Sweetie feels each time her mother torches her with her "fat" comments, how she will be humiliated if she eats or wears something her mother thinks is off limits for a girl Sweetie's size. I loved Sweetie's resolve and her Sweetie project- she is proud, honest, and compelled to move forward (even as she is devastated by her mom's rejection and her Dad's non-support. The characters, teens and parents in this very diverse story, are real, supportive of Sweetie and continue the Dimple & Rishi series. What I really enjoyed was the slow, wonderful way Sweetie dazzled Ashish, changing him into a better person just by accepting him, talking honestly to him, and understanding his qualms about his previous breakup. I loved the unwavering support of her friends, and how Sweetie and Ashish's friends propel the story through their personal interests and involvement in sports. This ia a must read and now I MUST read As Kismet Would Have it (a Dimple & Rishi novella!

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Patron Saints of Nothing by Randy Ribay

Patron Saints of Nothing by Randy Ribay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved Audible's narrator, Ramón de Ocampo! His voice was mesmerizing, heartbreaking and honest as Jay delves into his cousin Jun's murder in the Phillipines as part of President Duterte's war on drugs. Leaving his home and travelling back to his family's birthplace is jarring to Jay as he reads again and again his cousin Jun's letters over the years (and which he stopped answering) while he investigates (against a family that won't discuss Jun) what really happened. I loved Ribay's deft, authentic look at a culture, family, and politics through Jay's eyes and Jay's transformation as a result. I would love to see this book continue in another book as Jay navigates life after the Phillipines. A must read- diverse, compelling, fraught with true introspection!

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Boone (Buckhorn Brothers #12) by Lori Foster

Boone by Lori Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this novella on my kindle since I am totally in love with the Buckhorn series by Lori Foster! I loved both main characters, April and Boone- they were younger years ago and made some mistakes- but they were meant for each other. Now that Boone has moved back, April wants to put the humiliating past behind her and confront Boone-show him who she really is now that she is much more mature. But does it work out for them? Loved this short sexy summer beach read- loved the characters and setting- no games played, just two people who have never really gotten over their feelings for one another. There is another novella in this kindle edition but I already read and loved that one previously:)

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A Date With Darcy (Bookish Boyfriends #1) by Tiffany Schmidt

A Date with Darcy by Tiffany Schmidt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this first in the Bookish Boyfriends series! I love retellings and this book with cheesy, funny book nerd Merilee, her sister, Rory and best friend, Eliza had me turning those pages, laughing, smiling and rooting for Meri's perfect boyfriend. I always enjoy Tiffany Schmist books and this did not disappoint; looking forward to the next book in the series!

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Vow of Thieves (Dance of Thieves #2) by Mary E. Pearson

Vow of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group and Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) for the Advance Reader Copy Vow of Thieves (Dance of Thieves #2) by Mary E. Pearson (writer extraordinaire!!!) in exchange for an honest review. I am so thankful to have received the first book in this duology, Dance of Thieves and NOW I am honored to have read this second awesome romance/fantasy! Teens will LOVE this series (I also recommend they read The Remnant Chronicles series too) there is so much moving this story forward, Jase and Kazi are strong protagonists; they complement each other, love each other deeply, and are their best selves when they are together. From page one the plot moves quickly; excitement thrilled this reader as I rooted for Kazi to outwit the overwhelming evil forces that have imprisoned her. She must constantly call up her “thief” mentality to battle King Montegue and his henchmen to valiantly to save Jase’s family. The settings were stark and also beautiful with Jase and Kazi’s journey to Tor’s Watch holding so much hope (for Jase) and fear (for Kazi). All of the characters (both good and evil) are strong under Pearson’s talented hands; we can hate them one minute but they also redeem themselves too. There was so much political backstabbing and family drama but there was always loyalty and history propelling the Ballenger family to never give up hope. I loved this book; did not want it to end; but oh what an ending! Highly recommended!

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