Mad, Bad and Dangerous to Know by Samira Ahmed

Mad, Bad & Dangerous To Know by Samira Ahmed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Soho Press and Soho Teen for the advance reader copy, Mad, Bad & Dangerous to Know, by Samira Ahmed in exchange for an honest review. I have read and loved Samira Ahmed’s Love, Hate and Other Filters and Internment! Ahmed has an authentic writing style that grips the reader with truth and toughness. Khayyam is American, French, Indian, and Muslim spending her summer at her parents’ home in France. Crushed that her essay for college is totally debunked, Khayyam wonders what she will do now that she can’t get into her art history school of choice. It all starts with Khayyam stepping in dog poop when she meets and is rescued by Alexandre Dumas, yes, a direct descendant of THE Alexandre Dumas! As they roam about France, picnic, investigate libraries and break into buildings, Khayyam and Alexandre begin to investigate the existence of a mystery woman in the Delacroix-Dumas family. As they delve deeper and deeper into this woman’s identity, Khayyam will strongly relate to “her” story, her voice, and the oppression she fought throughout her life. The alternating narratives and the original letters really made this an interesting premise; I could not stop turning the pages! Teens will identify with Khayyam and Alexandre’s summer in France but will also be riveted with the 19th century Muslim woman who carves out an interesting life during a restrictive time in history. A must read!

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Captivated By Love (Grangers, Book 4) by Brenda Jackson

Captivated by Love by Brenda Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loved this 4th book in The Grangers series; Shep is out of prison enjoying his life and wife and I totally loved this series!!! I highly recommend any Brenda Jackson series if you love romance, chemistry and family ties!

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The Deep, Deep Snow by Brian Freeman

The Deep, Deep Snow by Brian Freeman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this taut mystery and the police and detective procedural kept me riveted. Narrator January LaVoy was awesome; not only did I love her intonation for the story and all characters; but her honesty as Deputy Shelby Lake held me captive. With the disappearance of a ten year old in her sleepy little town, Deputy Shelby Lake, the townspeople, and the police department are faced with lies, secrets, and the infiltration of the FBI showing just how unprepared the Sheriff and staff are in bringing Jeremiah home quickly. As the years go by and the case remains cold, the town is still haunted but the case continues to throw out new clues and Shelby Lake is on the case with her pointed questions, patience, and determination. I also really loved Shelby's origin story, the dementia dilemma, and her many friendships and family connections. Dear Brian Freeman, this book would also be a great series with Shelby, her cases as sheriff and maybe a future with Lucas or Whalen? Just a thought...but I will definitely be reading your other mysteries as this is my favorite genre!

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Where'd You Go, Bernadette? by Maria Semple

Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I really wanted to like this book but Bea was my only constant strong likable character. But I absolutely love the narration, voices, and awesomeness of the narrator, Kathleen Wilhoite! I can't imagine how Bea turned out normal with her quirky, highly intelligent parents, who let a house run down to being unsafe and awful, working too much, relying on a service to execute your daily life, appointments, and so much else. I liked the ending but it did not do enough to save Bea's parents and what they did to each other, their neighbors, themselves.

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If You Only Knew by Prerna Pickett

If You Only Knew by Prerna Pickett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing group and Swoon Read for the advance reader copy, If You Only Knew, by Prerna Pickett in exchange for an honest review. What a great, thrilling slow burn romantic read! I loved both Corey and Tessa; they both have secrets that stop them from being the people they know they can and should be. Corey broke my heart; his life in the “gang” (plus his year in jail) with X and Vance has totally dominated and torn his life apart. He fears daily for his mother and brother because X and Vance have threatened Corey’s family with harm if he does not continue to carry out their dubious plans. But there is so much more to Corey; he has a soft side, a joking side, and a protective side. Tessa is lucky but plucky; she has a Dad who cares, no money problems (like Corey) and lots of friends. It is the ache of losing her erratic mother years ago that pushed her into destructive behavior and an angry relationship with ex, Jared. I could not stop turning the pages, the many twists and turns kept me riveted as I rooted for Tessa and Corey. Teens will love their adventures; the motorcycle, the race, their date, and the chemistry of their attraction; highly recommended for those who love Katie McGarry and Jennifer L. Armentrout romances. This book will be a hit with teens!

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My Life As An Ice Cream Sandwich by Ibi Zoboi

My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich by Ibi Zoboi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ebony Grace's life is in turmoil; her beloved grandfather who was a NASA engineer since the 1960s and Ebony's best friend (and only friend, since she has trouble making friends) has suddenly disappeared. Her mother will not explain anything except to send Ebony Grace to her father's Harlem home for a week that ends up being the summer. As Ebony Grace struggles, she alienates her friend from times she has visited her father. As Harlem becomes her reality, Ebony Grace keeps immersing herself in the fantasy world of Star Trek and Star Wars. I wished a few things for this book as I read it---the adults had their own agendas- Ebony's mom was an angry, thinks she is better than everyone person---she never tells Ebony to have fun in Harlem but always admonishing her stay away from the junkyard, and the kids. Her grandfather, her hero, does not help at all in keeping Ebony grounded in reality and supporting her visits with her father. Her father had me fooled; I really liked him and thought he was getting a raw deal, but when he deliberately takes Ebony's wired $$$ from her grandfather, I threw up my hands with all these supposed trusted adults and their agendas and the harm it was doing to Ebony Grace. What I did love about this book was the nerd element and how effectively Zoboi's portrayal is of Ebony Grace. I do not think this is a book all middle school kids will read, but the geeks will see themselves in Ebony Grace.

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A Lover's Vow (The Grangers, #3) by Brenda Jackson

A Lover's Vow by Brenda Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dalton Granger is the youngest, most outrageous of the Granger brothers; he was also his mother's favorite and suffered the most with her death and murder. Always one to speak his mind; he chastises his brothers for their romances and mistakes they made (he is a player and feels he knows much more than them and they should listen to his advice---most of the time they want to punch him or laugh at him). When he meets PI, Jules Bradford, he becomes obsessed with finding her and winning her over---but in the Dalton way, that only spells disaster! So much more is going on with Granger Aeronautics, their father's wrongful conviction, and even as the brothers are protected by security; forces are at work to stop them from finding out the truth. I loved the chemistry between Dalton and Jules, the fast forward events happening to all the brothers, and their father's fear for them as he sits in prison. I am already trying to find the final book on interlibrary loan! I highly recommend this series; Jackson does her research and I enjoyed learning about the technology that helps and harms businesses.

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A Man's Promise (The Grangers, #2) by Brenda Jackson

A Man's Promise by Brenda Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I LOVED this 2nd book in the Granger's series; Jackson continues the Brothers' quest to investigate Granger Aeronautics, while Caden deals with his anger and betrayal by his childhood friend and love, Shiloh Timmons. Caden is a world famous sax player who has spent the last 4 years trying to get over Shiloh's betrayal; even when she comes to talk to him about what really happened, Caden refuses to listen and speaks some really awful, hurtful words to her. It is only when her mother comes to see him that Caden's world is rocked--everything he thought he knew---he did not. How will he redeem himself to Shiloh, will she even speak to him? I loved both Caden and Shiloh, their lives and what they had been through was achingly told by Jackson; I could not put down their story and kept turning those pages as betrayal, death threats, and mystery keep plaguing the Granger Brothers.

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A Brother's Honor (The Grangers #1) by Brenda Jackson

A Brother's Honor by Brenda Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love Brenda Jackson romances so I am excited to begin this new series. Jace Granger is the oldest of the Granger boys (Caden is 2nd and Granger is the baby) who has had a tough childhood only because his father Shep was convicted of killing his wife. All 3 boys believe in their father's innocence and have missed him for 15 years as he has become a role model in prison. I really, really liked the writing, the characters, and the plot. Moving back after their grandfather has died the brothers promise to work at the family business, Granger Aeronautics, and also vow to find out who killed their mother and framed their father. I loved the romance of Jace and Shana. Can't wait for the 2nd book!

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Soul of Stars (Heart of Iron #2) by Ashley Poston

Soul of Stars by Ashley Poston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this 2nd and final book in the Heart of Iron series; the relationships and romances between Robb & Jax, the Captain and her wife, and Ana and Di pulled on my heartstrings. The world building was breathtaking, the crazy, awful bad guys and Ana's fiercefamily and friends were central to this human/metal series and even if the world was ending ---all of Ana's family would support her, just like she would support them. A must read, thrilling, I love all of Ashley Poston's books; teens will too!

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My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really liked this book but disagreed with the ending...that said Korede is a strong but conflicted character with a sister, Ayoola, who uses her beauty and personality to fool everyone. Even Korede can't believe the lies her sister tells about her...but on to other parts of the book...I could not put down this slim book because I like to read books about serial killers. But that said I feel the author took Korede's strength of character and used it against her. The reader does not find out far into the book about their family dysfunction, maniacal father with his beatings and perverse thoughts on marriage, family and what people think about him. As Korede has no friends, she confides in a comatose patient in her hospital all that bothers her about her sister, her killings, and her own part in these. She is in love with Tade who has no idea she even exists, until her sister, the serial killer, comes into the hospital and he falls hard for her. What to do, tell Tade about Ayoola or keep silent? You read the book. I just feel Korede standing by her sister is a HUGE mistake! It is taking family love and caring for your sister no matter what too far.

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Guts by Raina Telgemeier

Guts by Raina Telgemeier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Raina T is one of my favorite middle school graphic novel authors! I enjoy all of books whether fiction or nonfiction. She is funny, brings authenticity to her characters, but also knows how to introduce to her young readers troubles (like tummy troubles, friendship dilemmas, bullying, etc) through her graphic novel format, which is truly inspiring! A must read for all- parents, kids, guidance counselors, school nurses)!

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Caterpillar Summer by Gillian McDunn

Caterpillar Summer by Gillian McDunn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a beautiful book! So many of my librarian friends recommended this book; and now I see why; it is so special, absorbing, and important reading. Chicken and his sister, Cat held me captive; their author mother is so busy after the death of her husband and Cat and Chicken's father; she misses that she has heaped even more responsibility on Cat, watching her brother, fearing for his safety and getting in trouble with her mother and giving up many opportunities to be a kid. That changes when a summer trip must be cancelled due to a family emergency; Chicken and Cat will spend three with their grandparents--who they have never met. The beauty of the island, figuring out her grandparents, making friends, and learning so may new things, like fishing are embraced by Cat and Chicken, forever changing them both. This is a MUST READ!

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Rogue Princess by B. R. Myers

Rogue Princess by B.R. Myers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing group and Swoon Read for the advance reader copy, Rogue Princess, by B.R. Myers in exchange for an honest review. I loved this Cinderella retelling from the awesome characters, to the exciting plot, and the beauty of planet, Astor. I was hooked from page one; Aidan is a court servant who has no qualms about taking things (jewels, daggers) in order to escape the meanness of his father and two brothers. I was in love with Aidan; he is smooth, funny and self-confident; when he “runs into” Princess Delia on a palace space ship, his answers to her many questions are hysterical especially saying “it’s classified”; he is able to convince Delia he is a bodyguard for one of the princes who have arrived to seek her hand in marriage. I could not stop reading this exciting science fiction fantasy, the many twists and turns kept me riveted. Also, Delia is not your normal princess; I laughed each time she “saved” Aidan. Delia is sensitive to her subjects, respectful to her mother, the Queen, while also being her own person, honest, trustworthy, and mindful of the political climate dictating she marry to further the kingdom (even if she is not interested in marrying). Teens will love Delia’s adventures with Aidan, the pirates, the mazes, the court intrigue, and a wonderful surprise ending, highly recommended for those who love the Lunar Chronicles and Ashley Poston’s Heart of Iron series.

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The Burning Shadow (Origin #2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

The Burning Shadow by Jennifer L. Armentrout
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OMG I could not stop reading this book!!! Jennifer L. Armentrout's 2nd Origin book was such a heart stopping mystery and thriller---just like all of her books! Evie really doesn't know who she is, her memories of being someone else will just happen and when she and Luc, the Darkest Star Origin get together, there is always anger, passion, questions, and answers that defy description. The ending is OMG, I just can't believe it---if you love urban fantasy and paranormal romance, this book and the series is the BEST! I can't wait for the final book, it is going to kill me...

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This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger

This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I had a very difficult time listening to this book; the narration was stellar by Scott Brick, I was haunted by the treatment (through the whole book) of the 4 vagabonds---hated that they suffered so much at the hands of the Brickmans and MANY others. I always rooted for the 4 kids but time and time again, harsh reality dampened my positive outlook; yes the Depression and all it entailed (racism, brutality, suffering) took over the whole tenor of this book...my first and probably my last William Kent Krueger book. I did not find any hope or inspiration in this book, plot, characters. Even the Epilogue dampened my spirits; as I mentioned to my friend who LOVED this book and recommended it- There is nothing TENDER about This Tender Land!

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Americanized: Rebel Without a Green Card by Sara Saedi

Americanized: Rebel Without a Green Card by Sara Saedi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved Sara Saedi's memoir of her teen years as an undocumented immigrant in the U.S. Teens will enjoy her humor, her family observations, her cultural references but be saddened by the fear she suffers on being deported if anyone finds out she is not a citizen of the United States.

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