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Books I Read Feb 2022

This might be a long one so let’s just get to it, shall we?

Title: Jerry the Squirrel: Volume One

Genre: Humor/Middle Grade

Synopsis: Jerry is a Squirrel. Jerry is also an inventor. The problem is that Jerry’s inventions rarely work out the way he wants them to.
Join Jerry the Squirrel on his fun and wacky adventures in the world of Arestana as he deals with annoying neighbors, out-of-control slippers, and a tyrannical Squirrel-boss whose only leadership quality is his amazing hat.
This collection of ten stories is perfect for some fun reading as a family, as bedtime stories, or just to sit back and enjoy a good read!
#bewarethechicken
(more info)

Series: N/A

Author: Shawn P.B. Robinson

Pages: 132

Publisher: Brainswell Publishing

Pub Date: 3/7/2018

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thoughts: This was a delightful book! Surprisingly short, I finished it in less than a day. It was full of adventure and hilarious mishaps, courtesy of Jerry and his very interesting neighbors. I thought that the author adding his own family into part of the story was such a lovely touch as well. And the illustrations were adorable!

Title: Texts From Mittens (The Friends and Family Edition)

Genre: YA/Graphic Novel

Synopsis:

The Internet’s favorite text-happy cat is back at it–with a little help from his friends.Follow along with Mittens as he enjoys hilarious, snark-filled text volleys with his cast of quirky friends and family: Earl (the “filthy hound”), Stumpy (the best friend), Drunky Patty (the usually tipsy next-door neighbor), Grandma (giver of treats), and Fiona (Mitty’s girlfriend). Based on Angie Bailey’s virally popular blog, Texts from Mittens: The Friends and Family Edition is feline humor at its finest. (more)

Series: N/A

Author: Angie Bailey

Pages: 152

Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing

Pub Date: 9/3/2019

Rating: 😹😹😹😹😹

Thoughts: Ahh so cute! It was so funny to read from ”a pets’ perspective”, haha. I thoroughly enjoyed each of their personalities and I think the text messages were such a creative way to write a book revolving around pets. I found myself chuckling many times. So adorable!

Title: Please Return Norbert M. Finklestein

Genre: Middle Grade/Adventure

Synopsis:

Have you ever wondered, “What in the world is my teacher thinking?” You may not know it, but this very journal you now hold in your hands is the key to answering your question once and for all. As long as you can keep a few secrets.

Mr. Finkelstein is your average middle school English teacher…who just happens to moonlight as a professional wrestler. Norbie would like to keep this little part of his life a secret. He’d much rather endure the daily bullying he takes from students like Jimmy Baker, a world-class bubblegum flinger, and perform as the personal gopher for inept colleagues like Coach Seam and Principal Rubrick. It’s easier that way. Out of the spotlight and under the radar: the story of Norbert’s life… (more)

Series: None

Author: Frank Morelli (w/ Frey Alexandra’s illustrations)

Pages: 236

Publisher: INtense Publications

Pub Date: 9/10/2019

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thoughts: I loved it! Norbert is such a sweet guy, so kind and helpful to everyone around him-almost to a fault. I loved his relationship with his mom and the growth that he and his students experienced throughout the story. It also helped that I’m a huge wrestling fan so that was fun to read as well!

Title: The Wacky Wizard Wars

Genre: Children/Adventure

Synopsis:

A power-mad High Born witch forms a new army of wacky wizards and witches who lost the last war. It’s a tough job. This brainless bunch prefers to guzzle gibber juice and clobber each other rather than follow orders.

To boost her army, the witch ensnares covens of modern-day witches, who are innocent, ordinary folk. But Mortor, the worst High Born wizard, reappears and snatches her leadership. Desperate to share power, the witch lures Mortor into a farcical ceremony that ties these two High Borns together for eternity… (more)

Series: None

Author: Christina Clarry & Maxine Alan-Hart

Pages: 214

Publisher: Matador

Pub Date: 7/28/2019

Rating: 🧙🏻‍♀️🧙🏻‍♀️🧙🏻‍♀️

Thoughts: The adventures that the kids got up to were mostly fun to read. Some of it seemed a bit dark for a Children’s read but I liked it! Anything with magic and witches, I’m there!

Title: Locked Box

Genre: Romance/Erotica

Synopsis: What happens when you accidentally get locked in the evidence room with a man you’ve been lusting after for years? Julia Bennett is a good girl. She wouldn’t go near a married man. Especially not one she works with. No matter how handsome he is… (more)

Series: Bennett Sisters

Author: Eve Dangerfield

Pages: 290

Publisher: Eve Dangerfield Books

Pub Date: May 2021

Rating: 💋💋💋💋

Thoughts: Eve never misses, does she? My lord this was hot, angsty and lovely all in one. The characters did get a bit childish at times but, thankfully it wasn’t too overwhelming. I was reeeally rooting for them as the story progressed. The dirty talk was a HUGE bonus but that’s to be expected in an Eve Dangerfield book.

Title: Not Your Shoe Size

Genre: Romance/Erotica

Synopsis: Kate McGrath knows the daddy situation has changed. For one thing her kink’s gone mainstream (what up, internet!) For another, her relationship with Ty, AKA Daddy, has growing pains. After years of protecting herself with faux-girliness, Kate finally feels like a woman. She wants Ty to treat her like a grown up (bedroom excluded, obviously), but emancipation is the first fantasy her daddy doesn’t seem able to fulfil…
Tyler Henderson is happy with things the way they are. And if they have to change, why can’t Kate marry him? That would be nice. And make him look like less of a dirty old man. He’ll fight to keep Middleton where she is, but he isn’t counting on a daddy rival, a man from Kate’s past who would be more than happy to take her off his hands…
Jealousy combines with mistaken identity to throw the status of one of Romancelandia’s top five D/LG couples (at least!) into turmoil. Ty and Kate need to find common ground, but love is a dangerous game, no matter what your age… (more)

Series: Act Your Age

Author: Eve Dangerfield

Pages: 128

Publisher: /Eve Dangerfield Books

Pub Date: 1/21/2020

Rating: 💋💋💋💋💋

Thoughts:

It was so lovely to revisit Ty and Kate’s relationship. It made me sad to see them in such a rocky phase and to see Kate realize what Peterson was doing all those years ago, but still, I really enjoyed this sequel! I loved seeing Kate come into her own and find her voice along with some balance in her life. A beautiful end to this story!

Bonus: the sexy times were… well, sexy! haha!

Title: Ice Planet Barbarians

Genre: Sci-Fi/Romance

Synopsis:

You’d think being abducted by aliens would be the worst thing that could happen to me. And you’d be wrong. Because now, the aliens are having ship trouble, and they’ve left their cargo of human women – including me – on an ice planet.

And the only native inhabitant I’ve met? He’s big, horned, blue, and really, really has a thing for me… (more)

Series: Ice Planet Barbarians, #1

Author: Ruby Dixon

Pages: 188

Publisher: Self Pub

Pub Date: 4/3/2019

Rating: 👽👽

Thoughts: That was an absolute experience. I don’t particularly care for insta- love or for instantly fated mates but, this was fun… except for that outta-nowhere assault scene. I thought it was so out of place and unnecessary.
And I will also say, at times the main female character got on my nerves. She was extremely childish at times and of course, there’s the fact that she’s living it up with a hot alien while her fellow captives are still in trouble.

Title: Barbarian Alien

Genre: Sci-Fi/Romance

Synopsis:

Twelve humans are left stranded on a wintry alien planet. I’m one of them. Yay, me.

In order to survive, we have to take on a symbiont that wants to rewire our bodies to live in this brutal place. I like to call it a cootie. And my cootie’s a jerk, because it also thinks I’m the mate to the biggest, surliest alien of the group.

BARBARIAN ALIEN is a sequel to ICE PLANET BARBARIANS. You do not have to read both in order to understand the plot, but the story will be richer if you do! (more)

Series: Ice Planet Barbarians, #2

Author: Ruby Dixon

Pages: 248

Publisher: Self Pub

Pub Date: 7/24/2015

Rating: 👽👽

Thoughts: I love me a good ole “hate-to-love” romance, but this was a bit much. Liz was so hot and cold and so mean to Raahosh that it made me a little dizzy. I appreciate the fact that she was very strong-willed but, at times it translated as her being incredibly childish and frustrating. I didn’t care for him literally kidnapping her as well and as hot as some of the sex scenes were, this book was severely lacking in the consent department- even if Liz did make it a point to mention it. Raahosh just wasn’t likable during the whole first half of the book, and by the second half, it just felt like I was reading a completely different book.

Another pretty damn good reading month for me! I can’t wait to know if yall have heard of any of these books or if you do end up checking them out!!

XOXO, Gigi.

💋

Categories
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Books I Read In January 2022

Hi, guys! I thought I’d update you all on my reading stats for January 2022. It’s been a minute since I’ve read this much in a month so I’m super happy! Also, I read a TON of Science Fiction… Since I’ve long decided not to have two separate blogs for the genres I read, this is gonna be a mix of Science Fiction, Paranormal Romance, and Middle Grade. I’ll divide the posts into those separate genres.

Science Fiction/Graphic Novel(s):

15704307. sy475


Title: Saga Volume 1

Synopsis: From New York Times bestselling writer BRIAN K.VAUGHAN (Y: THE LAST MAN, EX MACHINA) and critically acclaimed artist FIONA STAPLES (MYSTERY SOCIETY, NORTH 40), SAGA is the sweeping tale of one young family fighting to find their place in the worlds. When two soldiers from opposite sides of a never-ending galactic war fall in love, they risk everything to bring a fragile new life into a dangerous old universe... (more)

Series: Saga, #1

Author: Brian K. Vaughan

Pages: 160

Publisher: Image Comics

Pub Date: 10/3/2012

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

My Thoughts: I would’ve given it 5/5 if it weren’t for some of the language that is used in this book. The story itself and the illustrations are great- I thought the illustrations really made the story come alive. I’ve never seen illustrations that were so creative and imaginative yet incredibly jarring. I really enjoyed it!

17131869. sy475

Title: Saga Volume 2

Synopsis: Collecting the epic second storyline of the smash-hit series Entertainment Weekly called “the kind of comic you get when truly talented superstar creators are given the freedom to produce their dream comic.” Thanks to her star-crossed parents Marko and Alana, newborn baby Hazel has already survived lethal assassins, rampaging armies, and alien monstrosities, but in the cold vastness of outer space, the little girl encounters her family’s greatest challenge yet: the grandparents. (more info)

Series: Saga, #2

Author: Brian K. Vaughan

Pages: 144

Publisher: Image Comics

Pub Date: 7/2/2013

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

My Thoughts: I’m surprised that I enjoyed Vol 2. even more than I enjoyed vol.1! I can see myself growing attached to some of these characters and the world(s) they come across. I’m still absolutely in love with the illustrations as well! They got even weirder which I didn’t think was possible. And I love the social commentary and the conversations about love sprinkled into the story! It tackles a lot of serious topics in a great way.

Science Fiction/Erotica:

58678992. sy475

Title: Morning Glory Milking Farm

Synopsis: Violet is a typical, down-on-her-luck millennial: mid-twenties, over-educated and drowning in debt, on the verge of moving into her parent’s basement. When a lifeline appears in the form of a very unconventional job in neighboring Cambric Creek, she has no choice but to grab at it with both hands… (more info)

Series: Cambric Creek, #1

Author: C.M. Nascosta

Pages: 198

Publisher: Meduas Editoriale

Pub Date: 8/3/2022

Rating: ⭐⭐

My Thoughts: This one definitely skirted a couple lines for me. I’m not one to kink shame but, I had to mentally imagine a more human form for this guy in order for the sex scenes to hit the spot LOL!
2 stars solely because of the really hot dirty talk, though! Definitely an interesting read

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Title: His Human Nanny

Synopsis: My indentured servitude is almost over and freedom is a heartbeat away!

Until some alien guy buys me because he needs a nanny, quick. What the actual f@ck? I’m not even good with kids. I’ve never changed a diaper in my life. But the beings at the employment agency won’t listen. “Hew-mans are hot right now. Everyone wants a hew-man nanny.” Great. And since there isn’t another human available… I’m hired on the spot.

Yay, me. (more info)

Series: Monsters Love Curvy Girls, #1

Author: Michele Mills

Pages: 151

Publisher: Kindle/Self Pub

Pub Date: 5/9/2020

Rating: ⭐⭐

My Thoughts: Not sure what I expected when I found out about this book through a YouTuber.
Aegir is absolutely adorable! I love how much he cares for his children and his family. He’s easily one of the sweetest male love interests I’ve ever read about.
Riley… wasn’t my favorite. The whole “I don’t know how attractive I am” trope isn’t one I really enjoy and it made her come off quite annoying. And there was also the insta-love aspect of it that I didn’t care for along with a lot of repetitiveness in the writing. I would’ve been fine if they were both just perpetually in lust with each other and that’s it.
Two stars just because I loved Aegir so much, haha! 

Paranormal/Erotica:

57957051. sy475

Title: Feed

Synopsis: This monster wants to get under more than just her skin…

Avirin has a dirty little secret.

She hates her fae coworker – but that’s no surprise. Not when Pye’s tattoos and easy-going attitude clash with her pencil skirts and rigid expectations. Those strict rules help her maintain a corporate appearance so no one catches onto the truth of what she is… (more info)

Series: Hunger Duet, #1

Author: Aveda Vice

Pages: 62

Publisher: Bad Bite LLC

Pub Date: 5/28/2021

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

My Thoughts: That was perfection. Aveda has such a way about packing on the heat and I’m SHOOK. It was sexy, very unique and it ticked off all my boxes (BDSM, orgasm denial, breathplay, and more.)
*chefs kiss*

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Title: Skin

Synopsis: The last time Harbinger felt someone’s touch was seven years ago. Cursed with the ability to soak up information through her skin, she focuses on loaning out her services and keeping the world at arm’s length. Easier said than done when she’s partnered with the gargoyle Jasper Flint… (more info)

Series: Fangs With Benefits, #2

Author: Aveda Vice

Pages: 54

Publisher: Bad Bite LLC

Pub Date: 7/16/2021

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

My Thoughts: If you enjoy paranormal creatures, size difference, praise kink, dirty talk & soft doms I think you’ll love this one! There’s heavy touch starvation throughout this story because of the heroine’s abilities, so that adds some extra heat to this story. Loved it!

Middle Grade/Adventure/Humor (graphic novels):

Title: Codigo 7: Descifrando El Codigo Para Una Vida Epica (Code 7: Cracking the Code for an Epic Life)

Synopsis: Life at Flint Hill Elementary School may seem normal, but seven friends find themselves on a path to crack the code for an epic life. Whether they’re chasing their dreams on stage, searching for an elusive monster fish, or running a makeshift business out of a treehouse, can these heroes find a way to work together to change their community? (more info)

Series: This book is a standalone.

Author: Bryan R. Johnson & Cynthea Liu

Pages: 240

Publisher: Candy Wrapper Inc.

Pub Date: 5/26/2019

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

My Thoughts: This was a hit! I thought this book was funny and heartwarming, all the while it gave important life lessons that I think kids of all ages should learn. Confidence and responsibility were just two of the lessons within this book. All in all, it was a super quick and fun read! I read the Spanish version of it and I was not disappointed! (I was approved for this book on Netgalley and my opinions on this book are my own.)

Title: Snug Harbor Stories

Synopsis: The follow up to the Eisner-nominated collection of Wallace the Brave comics, featuring beautifully illustrated scenes of childhood imagination, friendship, outdoor exploration, and adventure.

Think “Peanuts” if Charlie Brown were less of a mope or “Calvin & Hobbes” if Calvin weren’t a bit of a psychopath. “Wallace The Brave” is about a family. There’s Dad, a fisherman, Mom, a gardener, their almost feral young son Sterling, who never met a bug he wouldn’t eat, and his older brother Wallace, a rambunctious, imaginative kid big on exploring. Mostly we see the world of the strip through Wallace’s eyes, a sleepy East Coast beach town called Snug Harbor… (more info)

Series: Wallace the Brave Collections, #2

Author: Will Henry

Pages: 176

Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing

Pub Date: 9/24/2019

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

My Thoughts: Absolutely adorable! This was such a quick and delightful read. I loved the illustrations and the characters- mainly Amelia, her wit was absolutely hilarious. It was a great look into the chaotic ideas and thoughts that run through a child’s head and how far their imagination will take them. Loved it! (this was a Netgalley approval and all my opinions on this book are my own.)

Non-Fiction/Politics:

Title: Juror Number 2: The Story of a Murder, The Agony of a Neighborhood

Synopsis: This riveting memoir recounts the author’s experience on a jury in a murder trial and his subsequent investigation of the conditions in East Harlem that led young people to be involved in drug-selling and criminal activity. Besides the trial itself, the book is the story of the failures in NYCHA housing projects, the schools and the criminal justice system, and the efforts of a handful of educators, nonprofit leaders and criminal justice reformers to find pathways to success for these young people. (more info)

Series: This is a standalone.

Author: Efrem Sigel

Pages: 144

Publisher: The Writers’ Press

Pub Date: 11/16/2020

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

My Thoughts: I don’t usually read memoirs. Those are very few and far between in my TBR, but I enjoyed this one for the most part. I think it raised a very important issue which is that of racial inequality, especially within the economic and justice systems. The statistics given in this book were overwhelming and at times hard to follow, but I think it was a necessary read for anyone looking to learn about these racial inequalities. (This was a Netgalley approval and my opinions on this book are my own.)