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):
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!
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:
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…
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:
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*
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.)
As Read As A Doornail 