Heedless (The Hellbound Brotherhood Book #4) by Shannon McKenna

Heedless by Shannon McKenna
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loved this 4th book in the Hellbound Brotherhood series with Nate Murphy, security expert realizing in Book 3 that Elisa Rinaldi the manager is on the run from something. Loved the mystery and romance in this book as Nate finally breaks down Elisa's walls by continually caring. I can't wait to find out what KImball is after in the 5th book due out summer 2021!

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Among the Beasts & Briars by Ashley Poston

Among the Beasts & Briars by Ashley Poston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book!!! Cerys is one of my fave heroines! She is a gardener's daughter who has lost her mother, her friend the prince and a a guard friend. They all live in Aloriya which has lush vegetation, everyone gets along just don't go near the forest. Which is what they did 7 years ago when ancients took the prince, guard and her mother. This world just kept getting better and better with Poston's world building, the magic, curses, and faeries. Cerys has a pet fox she loves even though she constantly vows to change him into a hat. But fox also has a big part to play in this tale and oh did I love him---he was funny, a coward, yet both Cerys and fox are drawn to each other more and more as the story unfolds. I could not stop turning the pages; there were so many delicious twists and turns which I have come to love from Poston's books!

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Hellbent (The Hellbound Brotherhood #3) by Shannon McKenna

Hellbent by Shannon McKenna
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this 3rd book in the series, getting to know the oldest Trask brother, Anton, and his deep caring and respect for Fiona (a GodsAcre friend he saved 7 years ago before the cult was blown up) who has now come knocking at this door for help. Fi believes Kimball, dead in the destruction is still alive, haunting her and trying to claim something from her; first killing her cousin and now gunning for her. Anton tells Fi he believes her story and will bring her to GodsAcre with his brothers and backup to find out what is going on now and what happened in the past. This story kept me turning the pages. Fi is jittery with fear but no one dictates to her; she has been on the run and on her one for 7 years. It takes all of Anton's inner strength to bring Fi along to try to believe he can end the Kimball assault. Diving right into the 4th book to see what else it going on with the GodsAcre story!

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Possession (Steel Brothers Saga #3) by Helen Hardt

Possession by Helen Hardt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This 3rd in the series delves deeply into Talon's therapy with Dr. Carmichael and the horrors of his abduction but also his memories as he tries to remember things about his masked abductors. Talon and his brothers tell Marjorie about his abduction and she is devastated. Talon also tells Jade about his abduction, fearful that she will spurn him but hopeful (as Dr Carmichael tells Talon Jade needs to know) that Jade will love him despite his trauma. The mystery continues to unfold as Jade's mom visits with her boyfriend who has a phoenix tattoo on his forearm. Also Jade's creepy boss has disappeared as well as her fiancee. What is going on in this small town?!? I can't wait to read #4!

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Obsession (Steel Brothers Saga, #2) by Helen Hardt

Obsession by Helen Hardt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jade and Talon are back and there is more mystery behind Talon's abduction that Talon is determined to uncover with the help of therapy. Talon has banished Jade from the ranch but not from his obsession. Talon realizes he loves Talon and tells his younger brother, then his older brother and then his sister and then his therapist. Meanwhile Jade is working for the district attorney and digging up information about the Steels (information for herself but also information for the DA, which he claims is classified). As with the first book, mystery abounds about Talon's abduction, his abductors, and now people are disappearing. I could not stop turning the pages!!!

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Headlong (The Hellbound Brotherhood #2) by Shannon McKenna

Headlong by Shannon McKenna
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When Otis's death brings the Trask brothers back for his funeral; there are a few mysteries popping up- why did Otis call all 3 sons and leave a cryptic message that they had to come home and he would tells them something about GodsAcre. When a heart attack kills him, it is Demi who finds him. At the funeral the brothers are not welcome and want nothing more than to get out of town. Erik sees Demi and when he finds there is danger for Demi, he abandons thoughts of leaving and warns Demi (who still hates him). What a spine tingling, roller coaster ensues! I could not put this book down as Erik and Demi find out they were set up and against each other, there are people dying of heart attacks for years now, and they are both in danger! I can't wait to read Book 3!

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Hellion (The Hellbound Brotherhood #1) by Shannon McKenna

Hellion by Shannon McKenna
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Erik Trask and his brothers were raised in a cult and when their compound is set on fire with many deaths; the town balks when the sheriff, Otis, decides to raise them. When Erik begins to daily stop into the cafe Demi Vaughn works in, things heat up quickly---between Erik and Demi BUT also in the town. The owner of the cafe raises the alarm to Demi's parents and they freak out. But Demi is used to their stifling commands to stay away from Erik; therefore it only pushes Demi into his arms. There is definitely chemistry between Erik and Demi but there is also an undercurrent of evil and mystery that is just hinted at. Erik knows he wants Demi but when he declares, Demi waffles because she is strong and no one dictates to her. What ensues is Erik being set up for a crime he did not commit, but will anyone believe him? I hate Demi's father (he is definitely into some shady dealings) and did not particularly like Demi's mom (she was erratic in her support for Demi). I loved Eric's brothers and their unwavering loyalty to each other. Fingers crossed for Demi and Erik.

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Craving (Steel Brothers Saga, #1) by Helen Hardt

Craving by Helen Hardt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is my first Helen Hardt book, recommended by a friend (you know who you are) because she knows I like romances. Talon is a tortured adult because of what happened to him as a child. He is broken and has not been able to move on; his brothers (only know part of the story) and his sister, Marjorie, have lived with Talon's issues. It is when Jade, Marjorie's best friend, is jilted at the altar and Marj begs her to come live on their ranch that things get interesting. Talon is a puzzle, doesn't talk much, but when jade can't sleep her first night at the ranch and decides to visit the kitchen she finds Talon staring at a glass of water. What happens next is explosive and continues without any of the family knowing. Talon's all consuming kiss hooks both Jade and Talon. This begins the story of these two strangers finding solace in each other. There is also Talon's back story that is seen through flashbacks, tough to read and mysterious in many ways.

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The Wife He Needs: A Boss Employee Vacation Romance (Westmoreland Legacy: The Outlaws Book 1) by Brenda Jackson

The Wife He Needs: A Boss Employee Vacation Romance by Brenda Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love Brenda Jackson romance series and this first in a new series got my attention right away. Garth is the owner of his father's company, still mourning the loss of his one time love, he decides to enlist some help in moving on. He contracts with an exclusive dating service and is going to Spain to meet his "bride" (if all things work out). When she is a no show, through no fault of her own, Garth is prodded by his sister to stay, rest and ask their friend and his pilot, Regan, to stay with him, this beginning a very enticing series of events as we find Regan has loved Garth from afar and for years. I could not put this book down and loved every moment as Garth and Regan explore new territory as friendship becomes something more. I can't wait for the next book in the series but I think I will read
Breaking Bailey's Rules , where the various members in this book are introduced. For an exotic locale, steamy chemistry, this book will be perfect for romance readers!


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A Sky Beyond the Storm (An Ember in the Ashes, #4) by Sabaa Tahir

A ​Sky Beyond the Storm by Sabaa Tahir
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this last in the 4 book series; I could not put it down! There was such a fight for good (Laia, Helene, Darren, Elias) versus evil (The Nightbringer and The Commandant) and Tahir, deftly wove an exciting read with a redemptive ending!!! Told thru Helene, Laia, Elias, and the Nightbringer viewpoints, the devastation being wrought by the Nightbringer and The Commandant was so daunting but Laia has found a person within herself who foretells a world that will end unless Laia rises to the challenge and the more she finds out, the more the horrors build. Someone is stealing the ghosts and the reasons why is within bringing the Nightbringer and Commandant down. A fantastic series, I highly recommend!

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The Cousins by Karen McManus

The Cousins by Karen M. McManus
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Awesomely narrated by Sarah Skaer , Kate Reinders , David Garelik , Julia Whelan; I loved this narrated mystery!!! McManus is an author who writes mystery books you CAN'T put down! Milly, Jonah and Aubrey are cousins who are invited to work at their grandmother's summer camp. Their parents all hope to be back in the will and find out why they were disinherited with the words, "You Know What You Did!" which they don't. The suspense and thrills drew the reader in with present day and slipping back into the past from Allison's POV. The way the cousins interact after hardly knowing each other was nice to see and believe. The other characters like the demented doctor and his history buff daughter, Hazel, and Uncle Archer really fleshed out the mystery keeping the reading guessing about what is really going on. A spine tingling, thrilling must read!

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Fable (Fable1) by Adrienne Young

Fable by Adrienne Young
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh did I love this book! The character of Fable kept me turning those pages. Despite her father, his ruthlessness, and his 4 rules to live by in order to survive, Fable makes a hardscrabble life in The Narrows and can't wait to leave and make her way back to her rightful place on her father's boat. To get there, Fable pays for passage aboard the Marigold while the helmsman, West, has been buying her pyre for the last 2 years. This boat is different and Fable soon learns more than she should, all the while, trying to prove herself to the 5 members of the Marigold. Young's descriptions of the sea, the storms, boats, diving, kept me turning the pages as I rooted for Fable every page, while life turned against her at every turn. With Covid, sometimes this book was tough to read---Fable and the crew of the Marigold, had enemies at every turn and I ached for this awful world they lived in (and loved, but did they really all love this world, Willa???) and hope the final book, Namesake, is redemptive because the ending of Fable certainly WAS NOT! An intense, thrilling, gripping read!

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Wayward Witch (Brooklyn Brujas Book3) by Zoraida Cordova

Wayward Witch by Zoraida Córdova
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As much as I loved the first 2 books in this series, I really enjoyed Rose's adventures in this 3rd series. On her Deathday, Rose confronts her Dad who has returned after 7 years, remembering nothing (or so he says). They are both captured and taken to the kingdom of ADAS and Rose must make a deal woth the king to get her father back and go home. The problem with this kingdom is that any human who eats or drinks their food forgets everything. Since Rose has on a bracelet with charms she is protected, and she begins as Lady Siphon to help other guardians cure the rot that is destroying their kingdom. you will be biting your nails as Rose valiantly tries to overcome and defeat this black rot that is killing and destroying ADAS. A compulsively great read!!! with nods to the importance of family, customs, food, brujas, and more!

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Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow did I love this audiobook narrated spectacularly by Will Wheaton! Wade Watts is totally into the thrill of virtual games and compulsively following his idol, James Halliday, creator of the OASIS. Wade is not much for life in the real world; his real world is the OASIS and figuring out the puzzles set out after Halliday dies. Good and evil, this story packs alot of punch and takes place in the year 2044. I LOVED this audiobook!!!

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Junk Boy by Tony Abbott

Junk Boy by Tony Abbott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, this book was gripping, intense, and so true. Teens will love so much about this book and be sharing with their friends!!! Tony Abbott's novel in verse about Bobby Lang who is called junk boy because he lives in a house that is definitely a hoarding situation to anyone who sees the cars, junk, thrown out items, strewn throughout and around the yard and house. Bobby's dad is a drinker, doesn't work and belittles his son daily. In school, Bobby tries to be invisible but one day, he is drawn into fighting going on in a classroom. What he finds changes his life; a mother is slapping and yelling at her daughter (because she is gay). Once she leaves, after angrily demeaning him, Bobby helps the girl hang up art posters---thus begins the weird relationship of Bobby and Rachel. Rachel becomes his friend, dragging him to art shows and telling him how much she hates her mother. But things are not always good between them, Rachel has anger issues, lashes out, and Bobby becomes her target too. As their friendship grows, Bobby begins to seek help for himself and Rachel. As both teens experience abuse, will they both be able to rise above and become better? Highly recommended!

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Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson

Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read and love all of Tiffany D. Jackson's books and Grown is a compelling, gripping and essential read! Enchanted loves to sing and attends a mic night (with Mom in tow) to hopefully break into the music scene. In this ripped from the headlines story, Enchanted becomes famous singer, Korey Fields' find and as she dreams of making an album, Korey makes promises to her family as he takes her on the road and they make a good singing duo. But pretty quickly, we all see what Enchanted does not, Korey is insecure, controlling with out of control anger and punishments. I could not stop turning the pages as Enchanted becomes of prisoner of her own thoughts and Korey's awful techniques to control her. Another highly recommended read from Tiffany D. Jackson!

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Juliet Takes a Breath by Gabby Rivera

Juliet Takes a Breath by Gabby Rivera
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved Juliet; she is real, funny, insecure except when she is not; leaving the Bronx for a summer internship with a writer in Portland Oregon who has written a feminist manifesto. Juliet comes out to her family before she leaves and that doesn't go entirely as planned. And when she arrives in Portland, there is a whole lot going on, Juliet's girlfriend broke up with her with a letter, and now that she is in Portland; Juliet is not really sure Harlow Brisbane is all she says she is...as she figures her life, her summer and her internship out, Juliet finds she will be alright, has many staunch friends looking out for her in Portland and don't forget her cousin Ava, and her mom!!! I learned alot as I read about Juliet and was glad I read this book! I loved Juliet's message and you will too!

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Summer at Little Beach Street Bakery by Jenny Colgan

Summer at Little Beach Street Bakery by Jenny Colgan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh did I love this 2nd book in the Little Beach Street Bakery series and this one was awesomely Narrated by: Alison Larkin! Polly and Huckle and Neal once again grace the Cornish town of Mount Polbearne, Polly operating the little Beach Street Bakery for Mrs. Manse and then she retires. Life could not get much better with the cast of characters until it all falls apart. I love Jenny Colgan books and really am enjoying this series--the beauty of Mount Polbearne, Polly's purchase of the Lighthouse, and her descriptions of making bread are down to earth, really yummy, and begin to bring her fame. I can't wait to listen to the last book in the series!

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Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools by Monique W. Morris

Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools by Monique W. Morris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I listened to this hard-hitting nonfiction book detailing how black girls are judged, misunderstood, reacted to, and rejected through research, interviews, and stories and in person interviews, Author Monique Morris has written a must read book. Awesomely narrated by Kristyl Dawn Tift, I could not stop listening to these girls, their lives at home and in school and in jail. We have so much work to do to change the mind set of schools, detention centers, and jails marginalizing black girls. Highlu recommend!

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Dancing at the Pity Party by Tyler Feder

Dancing at the Pity Party by Tyler Feder
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Tyler Feder's graphic novel is a tribute to her mother, who died too young of cancer. With humor, love and grief, Tyler recounts her life with a mother she adored, her family, and how the grief affects her. The illustrations are perfect, teens and adults alike will enjoy this tribute to a life lost too soon.

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Little Beach Street Bakery (Little Beach Street Bakery, #1) by Jenny Colgan

Little Beach Street Bakery by Jenny Colgan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Awfully narrated by Veida Dehmlow; all of the men sounded like they were craggy 90 year olds! I am so glad I did not abandon the audiobook because the story was so good! Polly has a life changing crisis and moves to a small seaside town, sets up a bakery, makes friends, and raises a puffin. she is a great main character who has a sunny disposition but will stick up for herself and others, and makes the most of everything and asks little of others. Just as I fell in love with Polly, so did the residents of this town, she ends up changing many people as well as herself. Listening to the 2nd book and the narrator is much, much better! Loving Polly, Huckle and Neal, wishing them the best in their life together!

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Damage Control by Robert Dugoni

Damage Control by Robert Dugoni
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Narrated by Christopher Lane, this Robert Dugoni stand alone delved into breast cancer, spousal abuse, and grief. Dugoni's mysteries always keep me turning the pages and this book did not disappoint with Dana whose twin brother is murdered, her marriage is falling apart, who just gets better and better as the book evolves. She becomes a kick ass heroine who is not afraid to find out who killed her brother. And I loved just as much, Michael Logan who is the smart detective investigating Dana's brother's murder. Logan is a good, honest detective who is able to talk Dana into being a hero without getting herself killed. I could not stop listening to this awesome audiobook!

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Superman Smashes the Klan by Gene Luen Yang and Gurihiru

Superman Smashes the Klan by Gene Luen Yang
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this graphic novel that takes place in Metropolis in 1946, a Chinese American family moves in and their 2 children become friends with Clark Kent, Jimmy Olsen and Lois Lane and fight racism and evil. This graphic novel will appeal to all who read it, teens and adults with it's new take on kids helping thwart crime and terroristic threats!

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Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton

Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this awesome historical fiction novel for my Albright College Book Club, Cleeton's Cuban world's as seen through Elisa(1958) and her lover, Pablo and her granddaughter, Marisol (2017) and Luis. I loved and hated the difficulties the Perez family endured, separated from their family and friends in Cuba while living in exile in Florida and all the harshness, poverty, and tragedy that is Fidel's Cuba as Marisol visits to spread her grandmother's ashes, reconnect with family and see Cuba's "new reality". This book was beautiful in the many settings of Cuba, the food, the music, the beaches, and the political revolutions.

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Mary-he Adventures of Mary Shelley's Great-Great-Great-Great-Great-Granddaughter by Brea Grant

Mary: The Adventures of Mary Shelley's Great-Great-Great-Great-Great-Granddaughter by Brea Grant
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this graphic novel imagining of 5th Mary Shelley age 16 and not wanting to follow into the family business of writing and how the monsters come looking for her to be healed. She is a teen who knows what she does not want to do and I loved the monsters, especially Adam who come calling! I hope there are more of these graphic novels by Brea Grant in the future!

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The Cyanide Canary: A True Story of Injustice by Robert Dugoni and Joseph Hilldorfer

The Cyanide Canary: A True Story of Injustice by Robert Dugoni
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Narrated by Tom Perkins, this audiobook broke my heart, made me angry, and gave me hope that these Special Agents will not have to continue to fight so hard against the government, businesses, and the courts as they expose through very tedious interviews, research, and court proceedings the way Allen Elias, owner of a fertilizer facility (but really a hazardous waste disposal factory) did not care about his employees, gets away with it for years because he is a lawyer, liar, has people on the inside warning him, and tries to paint the employees as stupid. I love Robert Dugoni and now I love Joseph Hilldorfer, the EPA agent who fought for Scott Dominguez and his family as he becomes "the cyanide canary" as they expose over many years of court cases just how slow the system is. I had a problem with the judge in the case too and disagreed with his bias in favor of Allen Elias. A tough but needed read about the how those who should know and abide by the rules, laws and regulations, of hazardous waste and disposal do not and are not punished, given jail time, or made to pay up to remediate the waste facility.

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Spitting Devil (Jonathan Stride, #5.5) by Brian Freeman

Spitting Devil by Brian Freeman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this audiobook read by Joe Barrett detailing the period between Serena and Maggie as Johnny investigates a creepy mystery happening inside a home, driving the occupants apart and crazy. Another winner by Brian Freeman!

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Before the Ever After by Jacqueline Woodson

Before the Ever After by Jacqueline Woodson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This compelling novel in verse by Jacqueline Woodson can and should be read by all ages! Telling the dramatic story of a son's love for his famous football player father who begins to show the ravages of many years of concussions, My heart ached for ZJ and his mother and most definitely for his father as the life they built for one another was decimated as shakes, anger, memory loss, and moodiness. With memories, songs, music, friends (the Fantastic 4) and family, this 12 year old grows up quickly and lives for those times when his father remembers, calls him Little Man, and hopes for a future that can help his father heal. A must read!

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Sol Invictus (The Eye of Ra, #2) by Ben Gartner

Sol Invictus by Ben Gartner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kudos to the awesomeness of this 2nd book in The Eye of Ra series, written by Ben Gartner. The pulse pounding momentum of John and Sarah's adventures continue with the siblings landing in ancient Rome given the daunting task of bringing enemies together and saving the world. Readers will love the Roman gladiators in the ring, fighting with swords and spears. John still wears the pendant of Ra around his neck but others want that pendant and try to steal it. Gartner's new characters comprise the many peoples of ancient Rome; slaves, gods, venatores, gladiators, soldiers, barbarians, kings and princesses. A young boy, Crocus, saves them from becoming slaves of the Emperor Constantius and then oh do the adventures begin! I loved this second book so much and will be waiting in suspense to see where Joan and Sarah's travels take them!

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The Beauty in Breaking: A Memoir by Michele Harper

The Beauty in Breaking: A Memoir by Michele Harper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Many thanks to my friend and librarian, Mary Alice, for giving me her copy of this debut by Dr. Michele Harper, a memoir about her adolescent life and her life as an emergency room doctor. Michele's compassion and love for her work as a doctor helping those seeking emergency room services was far reaching, humbling, and so moving. This is a must read and I for one am so glad we have the many doctors who valiantly care for patients in their care!

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The 7th Canon by Robert Dugoni

The 7th Canon by Robert Dugoni
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Awesomely narrated by James Patrick Cronin, I listened to this detective thriller, lawyer mystery on Hoopla. Peter Donley was totally awesome as Father Thomas Martin's attorney. Initially Peter does not believe Father but as time, stories, and Peter's horrific past are revisited, Peter becomes Father's staunch ally as he tries to defend this priest from a heinous murder of a gay street hustler who has come to the priest's refuge. He has to fight a ruthless DA and his father who is as crooked as they come and a politician to boot and his own demons. I loved this book as I love everything Robert Dugoni writes. I could not stop reading/listening to it! For murder mystery lovers!

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Disappearing Earth by Julia Phillips

Disappearing Earth by Julia Phillips
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Narrated by Ilyana Kadushin, I thought this book would be a mystery and police investigation and it was not! I did not like the way the author crafted the ending either, so I am very disappointed with all the time I put into listening to this book.

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Retribution Rails (Vengeance Road, #2) by Erin Bowman

Retribution Rails by Erin Bowman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this 2nd book in the Vengeance Road series! Awesomely narrated by Amy Melissa Bentley and Eric Michael Summerer this takes place 10 years after Vengeance Road and Kate and Jesse Colton appear (I was so so happy) but the main characters are 16 year old Charlotte Vaughn and Reese Murphy (known as the Rose kid). Charlotte is on her way to do a story for the newspaper about the railroad when the Rose Riders Gang, headed by Luther (brother), holds up the train. I was thrilled with Bowman's plot, bad boy Reece try to find redemption, after being forced into the gang and Charlotte yearns to be a reporter like Nelly Bly. There was drama galore, the gang is downright awful, Kate and Jesse are less than forthcoming, Charlotte distrusts Reece and Reece just wants out of the gang. How Bowman manages this kept me turning the pages, rooting for Kate and Charlotte and her mom and hoping against hope those Rose Riders get caught. A thrilling read!



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Wilder Girls by Rory Power

Wilder Girls by Rory Power
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was voted YALSA TOP 10 for Teens 2020. I found it disjointed, scary, and how adults let down teens in their care. No wonder the teens love it!!! There are girls at a school that have been infected by the Tox which manifests itself all kinds of horrible mutations, pain, and body changes. Hetty tells the story but Byatt her best friend is also a narrator. Why these girls are under quarantine with no food, no cure, and no family is creepy and awful. What Hetty and Reese find out about this Tox is strange and horror-filled. Horror is my least favorite genre and this one turned my stomach, so I guess that is why teen readers love it.

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We Hunt the Flame (We Hunt the Flame, #1) by Hafsah Faizal

We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OMG, loved this book! It is also the YALSA/HUB Top Ten chosen by teens for the year 2020. The worldbuilding was lavish, the characters deep and elaborate, and the plot was mesmerizing. I loved the Huntress/Hunter, Zafira and rooted for her as she embarks on a dangerous, thrilling quest when she receives an invitation to retrieve the lost artifact that will return magic, but she could also die too. I also liked her struggle---women are looked down upon by the rulers, hence her title Hunter---she clothes herself as a boy to help her people. The evil in this book was tough, thankfully there were characters that counteract it, so the reader is compulsively turning the pages, as each chapter flies by. Highly recommended for teens and adults who love fantasy and so exciting, the 2nd book will be available in Jan 2021, I can't wait!!!

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Vengeance Road (Vengeance Road, #1) by Erin Bowman

Vengeance Road by Erin Bowman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Awesomely narrated by Amy Rubinate, this audiobook has a kick ass heroine, Kate, who arrives home to their ranch to find her father hung. She sets off to get vengeance for those who killed her father, but she has always been told if anything happens to her father, she must go to Abe in Wickersham and he will protect her. She is given a letter by Abe's family, since he passed on 2 years ago and what she reads totally upends her world. I loved the 2 boys, Jesse and Will, the brothers who go with Kate to exact vengeance on her father's killers, the dastardly Rose gang. Taking place in the wild west, Bowman does a great job with the mining, gold, Indians, and characters affected by these times. Amy Rubinate's voices were spot on--she did Kate, an Apache girl, the two brothers all with different twangs and I loved her narration so much. You will root for Kate and not be able to stop turning those pages!!!

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Dear Justyce by Nic Stone

Dear Justyce by Nic Stone
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Just wow! I have read and loved everything Nic Stone writes, and this book is a must read by all, very ripped from the headlines, and even though fiction, so true in depicting LaQuan's life, his friendship with Justyce, his "bond" with his "brothers" in the Martel Organization, and his dysfunctional family and school life problems.
Just as I loved Dear Martin, so did Quan tear up my heart as I read his letters to Justyce, and followed his time in jail. The depth of all the characters is powerful, honest and kept me rooting for Quan --- I could not stop turning those pages! Adults and teens must read this book! Highly recommended!

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The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Spoilers will be in this review! I loved this book so much, as always with any V.E. Schwab book, this book was compulsive reading, and courageous in plot, theme and characters! Addie LaRue is a favorite character for me; she was strong yet vulnerable, passionate about music and art, determined to live life (learning languages and also more about her curse as time dragged on) while being doomed to never being remembered by anyone. What disappointed me about Addie was learning late in the book about her sexual relations with Luc. I thought Addie and I were on the same page with our hatred of Luc and his despicability. It bothered me to learn this after her relationship with Henry was threatened. I guess if I want to give her a pass I have to understand just how lonely she was all those years and she gave in to her insecurity and Luc's abusive dominance- because let's face it---he is the god of darkness and one she should have never made her bargain with...
There was so much beauty in the places Addie travels to throughout her life, even if she can't thrive always looking for lodging, food, money, books, etc I loved Schwab's worldbuilding and her characters---one of my favorites was Estele and her oneness with nature. I loved Henry and his band of friends.
I will be thinking about this awesome, compelling book---Addie and Henry and Luc (him unfortunately) for a long long time--highly recommended!

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The Scourge by Jennifer A. Nielsen

The Scourge by Jennifer A. Nielsen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved Ani and her best friend, Weevil's, unwavering support of one another in Nielsen's crossover book (teens and middle grade) that has them being captured, sent to an island where only scourge victims go, and seeing firsthand the abuse of power that an out of control governor wields against unsuspecting victims and the people she governs. This book reminds me of some of the overwhelming feelings that people are grappling with during Covid; but Ani is an unstoppable force and I rooted for Ani, Weevil and their constant striving to find out what was going on on this island! Also, Nielsen keeps prominent throughout this book that these kids have families who care about them, that Ani ad Weevil (and prisoners on the island) are proud of their heritage---river people are not GRUBS and that all people deserve to be seen- even the wardens! This book is another winner from Jennifer A. Nielsen---highly recommended!!!

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Swamp Thing: Twin Branches by Maggie Stiefvator and illustrated by Morgan Beem

Swamp Thing: Twin Branches by Maggie Stiefvater
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Maggie Stiefvater along with brilliant illustrator, Morgan Beem has crafted a gripping graphic novel about opposite twin brothers visiting down south before college. I particularly liked shy but steady Walker who loves plants and has ideas for experimenting. It has all the feels, magical realism, mystery, creepy woods, and complex. I am hoping the brothers' adventures will be continued in a 2nd book!

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Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant by Roz Chast

Can't We Talk about Something More Pleasant? by Roz Chast
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Many thanks to Milly Neff for recommending Roz Chast's awesome, compelling graphic novel about her life with her parents as they age (so does Roz!!!) I have passed it on to my mother, who is 84 years old, living in a continuing care facility with my father---she will see some parallels and the laughs Roz generates with her illustrations and conversations!

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The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult

The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book as part of my Albright College book club and this was chosen by Sue Murphy Bonnewell. As much as I am drawn to Holocaust books, during this time of Covid, I found myself putting the book down because it was so horrific hearing Mika's hellish story of her life in the concentration camps. It was interesting reading her book she was writing and reading to her best friend about a devil... I think Sage is a very flawed human being but I liked her and wanted her to find happiness and not settle because she thought so little of herself. I LOVED Leo and his passion for Nazi hunting, his interest in Sage and her story, then her grandmother's story; it was all so mesmerizing, but devastating! Jodi Picoult wrote novel I very much wanted to put down but could not; very thoroughly researched!!!

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Turn to Stone (Jonathan Stride, 5.6) by Brian Freeman

Turn to Stone by Brian Freeman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Awesomely narrated by Joe Barrett, this novella kept me hooked as a 5.6 mystery claims Jonathan Stride as he visits his hometown where his mother is buried (he is broken up with Serena) and sees a policeman kill himself in the cemetery. Needless to say he gets drawn in, the town cop hates his involvement but there are other bodies turning up, women who have been abused, and teens with secrets. Another awesome read in the Jonathan Stride series by Brian Freeman!

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BenBee and the Teacher Griefer by K.A. Holt

BenBee and the Teacher Griefer: The Kids Under the Stairs by K.A. Holt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

K.A. Holt has done it again; a superior middle grade novel in verse about kids who have summer school and their awesome teacher (---she wins them over!) Labeling them divergent learners rather than struggling students required to pass a state assessment test, they meet under the stairs and through all of their efforts and the computer game of Sandbox, begin to read and play sandbox...will it work? Recommended reading, you will laugh, love the novel in verse, illustrations as a summer changes kids and their teacher!

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Summer of L.U.C.K. by Laura Segal Stegman

Summer of L.U.C.K. by Laura Segal Stegman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to #BookJunkies, @Laura Stegman, @maestraw for recommending Summer of L.U.C.K by debut author, Laura Segal Stegman. Oh did I love this book and I know middle grade students will absolutely enjoy Darby, Naz, and Justin as they become friends, allies, and sleuths at summer camp. The fantasy/magic elements were mesmerizing and sucked me in. It seems only Darby, Naz and Justin hear the music playing, they are transported in flying carnival rides, and best yet, they can send each other mind messages! And the mystery of who Leroy Usher is and what he wants from the children spur them to become their best selves. Laura Stegman has crafted a superior debut novel that had me turning the pages, falling in love with these kids, and best of all, finding out there will be another book of their adventures, I am so excited and can’t wait. Highly recommended!


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The Bookshop on the Shore (Scottish Bookshop, #2) by Jenny Colgan

The Bookshop on the Shore by Jenny Colgan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I LOVED this 2nd book I have read by Jenny Colgan and in the Scottish Bookshop series awesomely narrated by Eilidh Beaton!!!! Zoe is a mess, a single parent living with a selectively mute son in London barely making ends meet while his father, Jaz, does his own thing (not around and not helping pay for Hari's needs) and worse yet, Hari adores his father who calls his son, Bro! When things look really bleak Zoe gets 2 job offers in Scotland by way of Jaz's sister, Surinder (from the first book, Bookshop on the Corner). But as Zoe dares to hope things will get better she realizes the family she is the 7th Nanny for and live on the shores where the Loch Ness monster is sighted has many failings- an absent father, angry daughter, and 2 sons who all eat cereal with a mean maid who has lived and worked there all her life. But the reason you have got to love Zoe is because she has empathy, pluck and a can do attitude; there was lots of humor, sadness, and mystery in this book and I could not put it down. Even during Covid, this book kept me hopeful and rooting for Hari, Zoe and the kids! A must read!

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Troubles in Paradise (Paradise, #3) by Elin Hilderbrand

Troubles in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this whole series and Troubles in Paradise raced along exposing mystery, murder, romance, and drama. Irene and Huck are the perfect couple but they have their problems in this book and oh did I love the way Huck resisted all his natural instincts (because of his previous 2 wives---independent!) and just waited (and hoped and pined) for Irene. There was much going on with Ayers, Baker, Maia, and Cash and I enjoyed FBI agent Vasco too! I finished this book in a day and will now be passing this along as a must read and totally enjoyable series to my daughter-in-law, Alicia.

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Lilac Girls (Lilac Girls, #1) by Martha Hall Kelly

Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Awesomely narrated by Cassandra Campbell , Kathleen Gati , Kathrin Kana ,and Martha Hall Kelly, I loved this book but had to stop listening also because it was so gripping and upsetting with the horrors exacted upon Kasia, her family and friends at Ravensbrück during WWII. Mesmerizing were the voices of Caroline and Kasia and I hated Dr. Herta Oberheuser as she changed from a caring person to a German supporter of the Third Reich. The research was meticulous by Martha Hall Kelly and I will certainly be listening to or reading the 2nd in the series, The Lost Girls. For those interested in knowing more about WWII, the Holocaust, and a very dark period of history, this is a must read!

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Summer Bird Blue by Akemi Dawn Bowman

Summer Bird Blue by Akemi Dawn Bowman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Akemi Dawn Bowman's main character Rumi Seto struggles with grief after her sister dies and her mom sends her to live with Aunt in Hawaii. Grief manifests itself in many many ways and with Rumi she is angry, combative, mean (she is like this normallytoo) unlike her sweet sister Lea. In Hawaii, challenged by why her mother sent her away to suffer her sister's loss alone, Rumi meets an irascible next door neighbor and a teen her age, Kai (Half Korean/Half Japanese) and begins her journey to finish the last song she and Lea were composing. I ached for Rumi's loss, her sorrow over how she treated her sister in life and how she wished she died rather than Lea. But I rooted for her and so will the reader as she "tries" music (words and instruments), makes friends, questions her personality as well as her "romantic" feelings.

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Darius the Great Deserves Better by Adib Khorram

Darius the Great Deserves Better by Adib Khorram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This 2nd in the series is just as awesome as the first book!!! Darius has it all; a boyfriend, a place on the soccer team with friends who look out for him and a job at the tea shop he loves, until things begin to change. As Darius continues to struggle with his depression, he finds his dad is depressed again, he can sense tension in the house and doesn't know why. He is still be being bullied by Trent but his best friend, Chip is being nice to him now. Author Adib Khorram does such a stellar job with his characters, the plot and of course a high school setting. I really love Darius, his cousin Sohrab, his friends on the soccer team who understand he is gay and stand up to bullies. But in this book, the family struggles while his father has to travel, his mother is working long hours and Darius grandmothers are staying with Darius and he questions if they even like him! I look forward to more Darius books, BUT if there are no more, I will certainly read any Adib Khorram book because he gets teens, their drama, their mental and physical struggles. This book is a must read but also a must is Darius the Great Is Not Okay!!!

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