DNF&Y [5]

DNF&Y is used to explain why I gave up on certain books, and what about them just didn't work for me. What I didn't like about something, might be what you love, so it helps to share your thoughts even when they're negative! If you would like additional information, please click on the DNF&Y tab at the top. If you want to join, you can link up at the bottom!

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The Favorite Sister by

Jessica Knoll

Synopsis (via Goodreads): When five hyper-successful women agree to appear on a reality series set in New York City called Goal Diggers, the producers never expect the season will end in murder…

Brett’s the fan favorite. Tattooed and only twenty-seven, the meteoric success of her spin studio—and her recent engagement to her girlfriend—has made her the object of jealousy and vitriol from her cast mates.

Kelly, Brett’s older sister and business partner, is the most recent recruit, dismissed as a hanger-on by veteran cast. The golden child growing up, she defers to Brett now—a role which requires her to protect their shocking secret.

Stephanie, the first black cast member and the oldest, is a successful bestselling author of erotic novels. There have long been whispers about her hot, non-working actor-husband and his wandering eye, but this season the focus is on the rift that has opened between her and Brett, former best friends—and resentment soon breeds contempt.

Lauren, the start-up world’s darling whose drinking has gotten out of control, is Goal Diggers’ recovery narrative—everyone loves a comeback story.

And Jen, made rich and famous through her cultishly popular vegan food line plays a holistic hippie for the cameras, but is perhaps the most ruthless of them all when the cameras are off. 

DNF at 15%

We have choices as women, and there is no right one to make—especially because no matter what you decide, the world will tell you you’re doing it wrong. But when you make the choice to become a mother, it becomes the choice that defines you, fair or not.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Also, the quote I used may have changed or been altered in some way, but I am quoting from what I received.

I really wanted to like this one, but I could not get behind the characters and their story. There was a lot of subtle body-shaming disguised as praise for women with tiny waists and big breasts. These women were supposed to be part of a show about supporting each other and being successful in a world of men; however, they just use each other and look for ways eliminate their competition. I really liked the concept of sisterhood and feminism, but that isn't what we see.

These women are catty, underhanded and cruel people that take advantage of others to benefit themselves. One person even uses her twelve-year-old daughter as a pawn to make herself more desirable. Another woman referred to a mother as "udders," because being a parent isn't good for business. It was appalling what these women would do, and I didn't want to continue reading about them. I felt like this book had the potential to be so much more than it was.

I was also a little confused about who was what, when, where and why. The timelines were a little skewed and I occasionally forgot where I was supposed to be. The wording was weird, too.

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The Lost Path by

Amélie Fléchais

Synopsis (via Goodreads): If you've got the taste for adventure, come join this treasure hunt! Three young boys set off from Camp Happiness, map in hand, determined to be the first to find the treasure before anyone else. But the shortcut they take leads to something far more spectacular and sinister! All manner of magical beasties live in these woods, and the kids find themselves caught between warring Forest Spirits. Will the three boys find their way out of trouble? Get your map and ready, set, go! Amélie Fléchais's incredible artwork combines the best of French illustration with manga influences. A spooky new fairytale, for fans of Over the Garden Wall.

DNF about halfway...

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

I thought this would be a fun book to read with my son, but neither of us were very invested in the characters. The boys picked on each other and didn't get along, but they also seemed oblivious to their surroundings. 

I enjoyed the history behind the forest and the monsters lurking there, but in the end it fell flat. I was bored with the story and their journey. The colorful illustrations were breathtaking, but the black and white didn't appeal to me as much. I'm sure there was an artistic reason for it, but I wish the entire thing had been done in those beautiful, vivid colors.

I only had two DNFs this month! What about you? Was there something you just could not finish?

My Weekly Pull [22]

My Weekly Pull is something I do every Wednesday to show which comics I had pulled for me that week! If you're into comics, or you're looking to start, please join me! If you decide to do your own post, leave a link in the comments. I would love to stop by and check it out!

The Amazing Spider-Man #800 by Dan Slott, Stuart Immonen, Ron Frenz
Amazing Spider-Man Renew Your Vows #19 by Jody Houser, Nathan Stockman, Ryan Stegman
Marvel Two-In-One #6 by Chip Zdarsky, Jim Cheung, Gerald Parel (Deadpool Variant)
X-Men Red Annual #1 by Tom Taylor, Pascal Alixe, Travis Charest
You Are Deadpool #5 (of 5) by Al Ewing, Paco Diaz, Razzah, Salva Espin (RPG Variant)

I have been really bad about posting things on time this week! Summer makes me lazy, haha. It's too hot to do anything, and going outside drains all of my energy. By the time I get the kiddos to sleep at night, I just want to binge-watch Fairy Tail or read. I have to force myself to clean and water the garden.

The Amazing Spider-Man hits #800 this week! Crazy, right? This comic has been ongoing for years. Just think... if they release one new comic every month, that's twelve comics in a year... and this is up to 800! 

Amazing Spider-Man Renew Your Vows is still one of my favorite comics ever.

I almost stopped reading the Marvel Two-In-One, but it started to get really good last month! I actually feel invested in the characters and what they're doing. So happy I stuck with this one! I also really love its Deadpool variant!

I'm actually behind on X-Men Red, but I plan on reading the last two issues back-to-back when I get a chance! See? Summer makes me lazy! 😉

This is the last issue for the You Are Deadpool mini series! It was like a choose your own adventure type book, and I wanted to have them all before I started! I just knew that I wouldn't want to start this one and then have to wait a week before continuing. Now I don't have to! (It had a weekly release instead of a monthly.)

Are you reading anything new this week? Let me know! Also, if you have a comic/graphic novel feature that you do every week/month, leave a link in the comments! I would love to check it out and maybe include my post, too. 

The Kiss Quotient (The Kiss Quotient, #1) by Helen Hoang

Expected Publication: June 5, 2018

Synopsis (via Goodreads): A heartwarming and refreshing debut novel that proves one thing: there's not enough data in the world to predict what will make your heart tick.

Stella Lane thinks math is the only thing that unites the universe. She comes up with algorithms to predict customer purchases--a job that has given her more money than she knows what to do with, and way less experience in the dating department than the average thirty-year-old.

It doesn't help that Stella has Asperger's and French kissing reminds her of a shark getting its teeth cleaned by pilot fish. Her conclusion: she needs lots of practice--with a professional. Which is why she hires escort Michael Phan. The Vietnamese and Swedish stunner can't afford to turn down Stella's offer, and agrees to help her check off all the boxes on her lesson plan--from foreplay to more-than-missionary position...

Before long, Stella not only learns to appreciate his kisses, but to crave all the other things he's making her feel. Soon, their no-nonsense partnership starts making a strange kind of sense. And the pattern that emerges will convince Stella that love is the best kind of logic...

"I like you better than calculus, and math is the only thing that unites the universe."

I received an ARC from Penguin's First to Read in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Also, the quotes I used may have changed or been altered in some way, but I am quoting from what I received.

This is easily one of my favorite reads this year! The Kiss Quotient was everything I wanted and more! Helen Hoang did a remarkable job conveying Stella's personality and how having Asperger's shaped her life. Her routines and methods for getting through a single day seemed exhausting, but she was more frazzled when something was done out of order. This made having a relationship difficult and overwhelming.

Stella's perspective was incredibly interesting to read from. She doesn't want her autism to define her, or be the only thing someone sees when they look at her. She chooses to hide that aspect of herself away from the world, so very few people actually know the real Stella. 

Thank Thor for Michael! I was a little concerned about his motivations for escorting in the beginning, but we quickly learn the reasons behind his actions. He may be an Adonis, but he lacks confidence in himself. His self-deprecating thoughts would crush my heart, because it was obvious how genuinely good he was. He would do anything for his family, even if that meant putting his own dreams on hold and keeping secrets. 

These two were absolutely adorable together! I wish they could have seen what we did, but then the book wouldn't have lasted as long. Stella doesn't think she's good enough because of her Asperger's, and Michael doesn't think he deserves Stella because of his past and the demons that lurk there. Their connection is immediate and consuming, but they both choose to keep their innermost thoughts to themselves instead of sharing them with each other. 

I had to fan my face during some of their more intimate scenes...wow. "Only in his line of work was blindness by nipple assault a true hazard."

The Kiss Quotient is about a beautiful and brilliant econometrician, and a dashing designer that can cook while wrestling with one of his sisters. Their relationship was unconventional and quirky, but immensely enjoyable to watch. I was on the verge of violence a few times (because assholes), but most of the time there was a smile plastered to my face. I really cannot say enough good things about this story or how I felt about it. I'm definitely looking forward to reading it again!

Domino (#1-2) by Gail Simone

Domino (#1-2) by Gail Simone, David Baldeón (Illustrator), Greg Land (Illustrator)

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Impossible curves. Impossible shots. Impossible targets. Marvel's #1 soldier of fortune is back in an explosive new ongoing series! The product of a failed super-soldier program, Neena Thurman always made her own luck as the sharpshooting mercenary known as Domino… but what happens when her own powers betray her? The hunter becomes the hunted as every mercenary in the game smells blood in the water! Plus: A pair of beloved Marvel characters return!

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I was really excited when I saw Marvel was releasing a new Domino comic! I've always thought she was an interesting character, but she's also not someone we see every day. I normally wait until I've read at least three issues of a new volume before commenting or reviewing, but I am loving this!

In the first two issues we see a few familiar faces (Colossus, Hulk, Deadpool and others), and it's nice to read about them outside of their own comics. I guess you could say the entire Marvel Universe overlaps in one way or another, but we don't often see them interacting with Domino and her team. Also, when push comes to shove...these guys will fight for their friends. The majority of them are mercenaries, so it can get a little messy.

I'll be honest when I say I went into this one a little unsure about Domino's powers and general abilities. It's the first time they've been explained (to me) in great detail, so now I have a better understanding of how she uses them how they benefit her. It's not like she can activate her luck to assist her when she fights, but it's there when she needs it. Luck might not always be kind to her, but it makes sure she survives.

Two issues and I'm hooked! The last one left me feeling anxious and angry, which is when waiting a month between issues becomes brutal. The villains are unfamiliar (to me at least), which makes their actions incredibly surprising. I have no idea what they're trying to do.

If you're looking to start something new, I highly recommend this! It's only on the second issue, so it wouldn't take very long to catch up. There's a lot of action, dependable friends, Deadpool, and even an adorable puppy! The story itself is engaging, the artwork is phenomenal, and Domino is a very likeable and complex character. I would like to learn more about her past, but I cannot wait to see what happens next!

Cocktales: A Cocky Collective

Cocktales, a limited-release anthology of original, never before published material, from some of your favorite bestselling authors is available now!

Each story was specifically written for this anthology. The goal of the Cocktales Anthology is to raise funds to fight against obstruction of creative expression. Specifically, what we believe are obstruction attempts through the trademarking of common (single) words for titicular use in books / or as a book series (eBooks, print, and audio).

Cocktales will only be available May 26th-August 26th. 

Download your copy today:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2InBckG 

Amazon Universal: http://mybook.to/Cocktales

Amazon Print: https://amzn.to/2rUn33i

iBooks: https://apple.co/2IoO7CM 

Nook: https://bit.ly/2k0i25J

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2IIixiH 

Google Play: https://bit.ly/2ImisBR

Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/CockTalesGR

Contributing Authors Include:

Nana Malone, USA Today Bestselling author – Foreword
Dylan Allen – 'Cocked and Loaded'
Jana Aston, NYT, WSJ, USA Today Bestselling author – 'Double Cocked'
Whitney Barbetti – 'Cocksure Grin'
Author Sawyer Bennett, NYT, WSJ, USA Today Bestselling author – 'A Wicked, Cocky Plan'

K.f. Breene, USA Today Bestselling author – 'Magical Cock and Bull'
Ruth Clampett, Amazon top 20 Bestselling Author – 'Don’t Get Cocky'
L.H. Cosway, USA Today Bestselling author – 'Illusionist Seeks Neanderthal'
Mariah Dietz – 'Landmines'
Amy Daws, Amazon Top 25 Bestselling author – 'Cock and Balls'

BB Easton, Amazon Top 100 Bestselling author – 'Cocky BB: Two Boys, One Prom.'
Jaymin Eve, USA Today Bestselling author – 'The Cockier the Dragon, the Harder They Fall'
Emma Hart, NYT and USA Today Bestselling author – 'Tricky Bond'
Staci Hart, Amazon Top 10 Bestselling author – 'Cockamamie'
Jessica Hawkins, USA Today Bestselling author – 'Cocky Couture'

Julie Johnson Amazon Top 100 Bestselling author – 'Culinary Cock-Up'
Karpov Kinrade, USA Today Bestselling author – 'Crimson Cocktail'
Adriana Locke, USA Today Bestselling author – 'Swag'
Lex Martin, USA Today Bestselling author – 'Love & Hate at the Stallion Station'
Aly Martinez, USA Today Bestselling author – 'Going Down'

Katyi McGee - USA Today Bestselling author – 'Cocksure Co-Star'
Corinne Michaels, NYT, WSJ, USA Today Bestselling author – 'Cockblocked'
Liv Morris, USA Today Bestselling author – 'Getting It Up'
Red Phoenix, USA Today Bestselling author – 'Her Cocky Russian'
Daisy Prescott, USA Today Bestselling author – 'Confessions of a Cockblocked Wingman'

Jessica Prince – ‘A Cocky Corruption Engagement’
Meghan Quinn, Amazon Top 20 Bestselling Author – 'Fight or Flight'
CD Reiss, NYT and USA Today Bestselling author – 'Cocky Capo'
Penny Reid, WSJ and USA Today Bestselling author – 'Beard and Hen'
Julie Richman, USA Today Bestselling author – 'The Color of Love'

Aleatha Romig, NYT, WSJ, USA Today Bestselling author – 'Aligned'
Kennedy Ryan, Top 40 Amazon Bestselling author – 'All'
Kylie Scott, NYT, WSJ, USA Today Bestselling author – 'Short Story with Mal and Anne from The Stage Dive Series'
Sierra Simone, USA Today Bestselling author – 'Until the Cock Crows'

Tara Sivec, USA Today Bestselling author – 'Chocolate and Cockup'
Kate Stewart, Amazon Top 30 Bestselling author – 'The Golden Sombrero'
Leia Stone, USA Today Bestselling author – 'Cocky Alpha'
Karla Sorensen – 'Tristan & Anna: A Bachelors of the Ridge short story'
Rachel Van Dyken, NYT, WSJ, USA Today Bestselling author – 'Cocky Mafia'
April White, Amazon Top 100 Bestselling author – 'Code of Conduct'

*ALL* net profits will be donated to:

Authors already impacted by creative-obstruction (10%), and Romance Writers of America (RWA) (90%) as a general donation intended for their Advocacy Fund.

*Disclaimer: This anthology is not being conducted on behalf of RWA, nor does RWA endorse this anthology or effort. They have, however, graciously agreed to accept the funds.

For more information, visit: https://www.cockyauthors.com

Do you see any of your favorite authors? What story are you most excited to read? There are so many to choose from, but I think Kylie Scott's short story about Mal and Anne is what I'm looking forward to the most! I really enjoyed the Stage Dive series, and am curious about what's been going on in their lives. Also, Killer (their dog) is adorable! 😁

Mini Reviews [6] We Are Okay, You & Sloppy Takes the Plunge

We Are Okay by Nina LaCour
Narrated by Jorjeana Marie

Synopsis (via Goodreads): You go through life thinking there’s so much you need…

Until you leave with only your phone, your wallet, and a picture of your mother.

Marin hasn’t spoken to anyone from her old life since the day she left everything behind. No one knows the truth about those final weeks. Not even her best friend, Mabel. But even thousands of miles away from the California coast, at college in New York, Marin still feels the pull of the life and tragedy she’s tried to outrun. Now, months later, alone in an emptied dorm for winter break, Marin waits. Mabel is coming to visit, and Marin will be forced to face everything that’s been left unsaid and finally confront the loneliness that has made a home in her heart.

“I wonder if there's a secret current that connects people who have lost something. Not in the way that everyone loses something, but in the way that undoes your life, undoes your self, so that when you look at your face it isn't yours anymore.”

I've been meaning to read this one for a long time, and when I realized the audiobook was short (I think it was around 5 hours) I decided to just go for it! I was pleasantly surprised by the story, although it does start off a little slow. It's a story about loss and betrayal, but also love and hope. It's hard to forgive someone when they've wronged you in the worst way imaginable, but we see Marin's progress as she struggles through her thoughts and feelings surrounding the event.

There are a few flashbacks to the past that give us an idea of Marin's present, but in the end I couldn't make sense of her actions. They seemed too extreme. She essentially dropped everything and did the unthinkable, but her reasoning was... off. Her reaction didn't make sense to me, because I feel like she had so many other options. I'm not sure how this one event was able to change the core of her so drastically. 

We Are Okay deals with loss and the importance of friendship and love. Love doesn't have to come from people you're related to, and sometimes you just need to look a little closer to realize it's something you've had all along.

♡

You (You, #1) by Caroline Kepnes
Narrated by Santino Fontana

Synopsis (via Goodreads): When a beautiful, aspiring writer strides into the East Village bookstore where Joe Goldberg works, he does what anyone would do: he Googles the name on her credit card.

There is only one Guinevere Beck in New York City. She has a public Facebook account and Tweets incessantly, telling Joe everything he needs to know: she is simply Beck to her friends, she went to Brown University, she lives on Bank Street, and she’ll be at a bar in Brooklyn tonight—the perfect place for a “chance” meeting.

As Joe invisibly and obsessively takes control of Beck’s life, he orchestrates a series of events to ensure Beck finds herself in his waiting arms. Moving from stalker to boyfriend, Joe transforms himself into Beck’s perfect man, all while quietly removing the obstacles that stand in their way—even if it means murder.

“I don't say anything. I know the power of silence. I remember my dad saying nothing and I remember his silences more vividly than I remember the things he said.”

A friend recommended this to me before I knew it was going to be a movie, but seeing the trailer just made me want to read it even more! I like Penn Badgley and could easily picture him and his voice as I listened to the audiobook. Side note: the narrator is also Prince Hans from Frozen! I'll never be able to watch that movie the same way again. 

I was really addicted to this book when I first started it! It was crazy (literally) being inside Joe's head and seeing how he viewed the world. He has a skewed sense of right and wrong, and what should be done to "punish" those that fall into the latter category. I'll admit... it was oddly fascinating to watch how his mind worked. 

Beck and her friends annoyed the heck out of me. I never connected with any of the characters and wondered how anyone could be so selfish and vain. They were spoiled, insecure, obnoxious people that behaved one way in public and another in private. I could actually understand Joe's frustrations with society and how fake people appeared to be.

However, about halfway through the book I started to get bored with the story. It felt like the same things were being repeated in a different way with different people. I'm also not a big fan of the way it ended. I was briefly surprised, but that was quickly eclipsed by everything else going on. 

If you're looking for a good mindfuck, this is the book for you. My brain feels tainted just from being inside Joe's head for so long. I think listening to the audiobook made it feel more real, and it was a great audiobook. I just wish the middle had been condensed a lot more!

♡

Sloppy Takes the Plunge by Sean Julian
Expected Publication: September 4, 2018

Synopsis (via Goodreads):

Everyone loves a good hug and a good bath!

Sloppy the tree dragon doesn’t want to take a bath.

“Being mucky is what a tree dragon is all about.” Could it be that getting clean is nearly as fun as getting dirty?

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I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was such a cute book! If your child wants to play in the mud and not take a bath afterward--this might be a book for you!

Dewdrop uses a hug as incentive for Sloppy to take a bath, and it was fun watching this dragon inspect the water with a few ducklings to make sure it was safe.

I also loved the illustrations and how there was a giant plug in the lake making it resemble a bathtub. My son really enjoyed this one, too!

My Weekly Pull [21]

My Weekly Pull is something I do every Wednesday to show which comics I had pulled for me that week! If you're into comics, or you're looking to start, please join me! If you decide to do your own post, leave a link in the comments. I would love to stop by and check it out!

Hunt for Wolverine: Mystery in Madripoor #1 (of 4) by Charles Soule, Jim Zub, David Marquez, Chris Bachalo

Legion #5 (of 5) by Peter Milligan, Wilfredo Torres, Javier Rodriguez
Moon Knight #195 by Max Bemis, Ty Templeton, Greg Smallwood (Deadpool Variant)
Old Man Hawkeye #5 (of 12) by Ethan Sacks, Marco Checchetto

My pull list is going to start looking a lot smaller! I've decided to stop including the comics Jacob and I get together each week, and instead focus only on the comics I'm reading. I've decided to do this for a lot of reasons: a) time commitment, b) I'm not actually reading some of them right now (but I might in the future), and c) it's hard for me to respond to questions about comics I haven't actually read yet.

This week we're continuing with Hunt for Wolverine from a different perspective. I finally read the first issue (!!!) and now know that there are different teams looking for Wolverine, so these different mini series are the different groups that are out looking. I love how it's pulling in a lot of different characters! Daredevil, Iron Man, Spider-Man, Luke Cage, Jessica Jones, etc. This issue is going to focus on a group of women that are looking for him, like Rogue and Storm. 

Legion is on its last issue and I don't know what the flark is going on. I think I've been inside his head for too long, and there is some weirdness going on (if that cover is any indication). 

I love the Deadpool variant for Moon Knight! His speech bubble says, "How in the world am I supposed to keep this outfit clean?!" 🤣 It's a very Deadpool thing to say from a Moon Knight perspective.

As for Old Man Hawkeye...it's getting dark. I'm actually hesitant about reading this newest issue. It might make or break the series for me, to be honest. I've always loved Hawkeye, especially the Kate Bishop version, but I don't know if I can stick with this series for seven more issues. 

Reading any new comics this week? Old?

The Universe Is Expanding and So Am I (Virginia Shreves, #2) by Carolyn Mackler

Expected Publication: May 29, 2018

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Sixteen-year-old Virginia Shreves’ life is finally back on course: she’s accepted who she is inside and out and is rebuilding her relationship with brother Byron, whose date-rape charge shattered everything.

But just as she adjusts to her new normal, her world turns upside down again. Sparks with boyfriend Froggy fade, her best friend bombshells bad news, and then the police arrest Byron. As Virginia struggles to cope, she meets Nate, an artist with his own baggage. The pair vow not to share personal drama. But secrets have a way of coming out, and theirs could ruin everything.

For some girls it’s sexy when a guy bench-presses or throws a football, but he’s slaying me with the book references.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Also, the quote I used may have changed or been altered in some way, but I am quoting from what I received.

I didn't realize this was the second book in a series, but The Universe Is Expanding and So Am I was able to stand on its own. If anything, it makes me more curious about the first book!

I'm relieved Virginia didn't immediately back her brother when he was charged with date-rape. Families tend to do that with their loved ones, because they don't want to see them in pain or in trouble, despite what they've done. Virginia knew Byron's actions were wrong, but she also remembers her brother from before the suspension and charges. She's conflicted over her feelings, but never wants Byron to avoid punishment. It was an interesting perspective to read from, because her head and heart were constantly conflicted.

Virginia was an amazing character. I hated that her parents would body-shame people in front of her, or even hint that she could do better herself. It was awful to view from the outside, and I cannot imagine how someone would feel on the receiving end of those offhanded comments. They destroyed her confidence and made her question herself. Parents: love your children as they are. I never want my children to feel like something about them needs to be changed. Society has dictated what people should look like today, and frankly... it's bullshit. I'm a "curvaceous chick," too. We should respect all body types and love people for who they are.

I wasn't sure where this story was going to go, and I was a little disappointed by the ending. It was similar to being suspended on a roller coaster and waiting for a drop that never happens. There wasn't a cliffhanger, or any indication that things would be continued later on, and maybe an epilogue would have made the story feel more final. Instead, I'm left with questions and feeling like there is more story to be read. Twice I've caught myself going back to pick this book up, only to remember that I've finished it and there's nothing left to read.

Overall, the story was wonderful and I really enjoyed being in Virginia's head. She's an incredibly compassionate person that appreciates people. She makes a point to learn their names, so they're not simply referred to by their job descriptions (example: the tree woman or the lawn man). Her relationship with Sebastian was sweet, and I loved their interactions with each other. The family dynamics were imperfect but realistic. There were little arguments and disagreements, but they did care about each other. They may not have always shown it in the best way, but it was there.

Everything about this book felt authentic, and now I feel like the author purposefully ended the story the way she did. It feels like Carolyn Mackler stopped in the middle of a thought, but that's life. Life is forever flowing around us. Virginia, Sebastian, Bryon, Annie... their lives are going to continue moving forward in one way or another. We get to see a glimpse of what might happen to them, but there are so many different paths they could take. I think we're supposed to be left feeling curious and optimistic about their future.

Q [4] Why are we okay with human voilence but not animal cruelty?

After reviewing The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis, I realized a lot of people weren't going to read it simply because animals get hurt. However, this book includes rape, murder, drugs, etc., but fewer people have an issue with reading about those topics. What is the difference? Why can we read about people getting hurt but not animals?

I've had people tell me that animals are innocent and defenseless, but a drugged teenager in the woods with a group of heroin addicts is also innocent and defenseless. She didn't ask for that to happen to her, she doesn't want to suffer their abuse, but we can read about that and say the book was powerful or highlighted important aspects of society. I'm pretty sure I said similar things in my review, but also mentioned how I wish the animal cruelty had been left out. I can understand its importance and why the author included it, but I don't like to read about it. I don't like to read about people getting hurt either, but I don't seem to have as much trouble with it.

This question has been on my mind since yesterday, so I thought I'd ask and see what everyone else had to say. Why are we okay when we read about human violence and disturbing or dark topics, but we tend to avoid books that hurt animals? If the books are fiction, shouldn't we be able to tolerate reading about both?

Another example would be Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young. It was very violent, but the parts that made me cringe were the animal sacrifices. An owl having its throat slit was worse that a guy being stabbed through the torso. I feel like I should be equally disturbed by both.

The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis

Narrated by Amanda Dolan,
Justis Bolding & Dan Bittner

Synopsis (via Goodreads): A contemporary YA novel that examines rape culture through alternating perspectives.

Alex Craft knows how to kill someone. And she doesn’t feel bad about it.

Three years ago, when her older sister, Anna, was murdered and the killer walked free, Alex uncaged the language she knows best—the language of violence. While her own crime goes unpunished, Alex knows she can’t be trusted among other people. Not with Jack, the star athlete who wants to really know her but still feels guilty over the role he played the night Anna’s body was discovered. And not with Peekay, the preacher’s kid with a defiant streak who befriends Alex while they volunteer at an animal shelter. Not anyone.

As their senior year unfolds, Alex’s darker nature breaks out, setting these three teens on a collision course that will change their lives forever.

“But boys will be boys, our favorite phrase that excuses so many things, while the only thing we have for the opposite gender is women, said with disdain and punctuated with an eye roll.”

We're raised to know the difference between right and wrong, but who actually determines what those are? If your child was murdered, would it be wrong for you to seek your own justice? Would you feel bad about exacting revenge on someone that hurt you or a person you cared about? Where do you draw the line? It's easy to look at someone else's life and judge their decisions based on what we think we know, but we honestly have no idea what another person has lived through.

The Female of the Species was a lot darker than I originally expected it to be. The synopsis alone tells you that Alex killed someone and got away with it, but the reasons behind the murder feel... justified. I know that sounds awful, because killing for any reason should be wrong, but it was hard for me to feel that way when I was so caught up in Alex's thoughts and feelings. What would I have done in her situation? 

Alex was a little off kilter from the beginning. She knew she had issues with rage and controlling her actions. Her best friend over the years was a punching bag her father left behind. She didn't understand what made her this way, and none of her research provided answers. Alex could never accurately identify what she believed to be wrong with her, but she was perceptive, thoughtful, and incredibly protective of others. Alex had a way of appreciating people that she knew very little about. Her worldview may have been a little skewed, but she was able to rationalize everything in a way that made sense. I guess you could say she used her "powers" for good, but that didn't make it any easier to read about. 

Jack and Peekay (thought it was PK while listening to the audiobook because it stands for Preacher's Kid) were interesting perspectives, too. Jack's job at a slaughterhouse was a little too detailed for my liking, and I could have done without that information being included in the book (wish I could erase it out of our reality, too), but I do understand the point the author was trying to make. Sometimes we have to do something we don't like in order to achieve something better. Peekay had the best parents, and not because they were religious. They were understanding and accepting of their daughter, her lesbian friend, and didn't try to invoke the wrath of God just because she drank alcohol and went to a party. 

I thought The Female of the Species raised a lot of important questions about rape, acceptance, and the punishments given to those who are "evil." It also shows us how speaking up or choosing to remain silent can have unforeseeable consequences in life. Not speaking up about an attempted rape allows that person to try again in the future. Could you live with the guilt if they were successful? What if someone else was hurt because you were too afraid to say something? This book also shows a victim's internal conflict between embarrassment, humiliation, anger, resentment, and a wide range of other emotions. Making the decision to call the police may seem simple on the surface, but is a lot more difficult in reality. 

I cannot tell you if you should read this book or not, because I know the content will be hard for a lot of people to stomach, but I do think it delivers an important message. We live in a world where people are raped and murdered. Animals are abused and neglected (Alex and Peekay work at an animal shelter, so there are a few uncomfortable situations involving animals) with little or no consequence. It might not be the easiest thing to talk about, but what happens if we ignore it? It doesn't go away or stop happening. 

This book had me hooked from the very beginning. I enjoyed the alternating perspectives and how honest everyone was with themselves. It was refreshing to read about teenagers that felt authentic. People admitted their flaws and failures, while also expressing their hopes and desires. I thought I knew how this story was going to play out, but I was wrong. This book kept me on the edge of my seat and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. The Female of the Species will leave you feeling raw and conflicted, but also a little hopeful.

"You can love someone down to their core and they can love you right back just as hard, and if you traded diaries you’d learn things you never suspected. There’s a part of everyone deep down inside of them not meant for you. And the sooner you learn that, the easier your life is gonna be."

“There are laws in place that stop us from doing things. This is what we tell ourselves. In truth we stop ourselves; the law is a guideline for how to punish someone who is caught.”

Final Thoughts [4] Rogue & Gambit (#1-5) by Kelly Thompson

Rogue & Gambit (#1-5) by Kelly Thompson, Pere Pérez (Illustrator), Kris Anka (Illustrator) 

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Everybody's favorite X-couple is reunited! And boy, are they not happy about that… Kitty Pryde must send Rogue and Gambit on an undercover mission to find a group of kidnapped mutants. What they discover on this mission will shock them. But will it also bring them closer together…? It's a high-stakes adventure caper that only the two hottest X-Men can deliver! 

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I loved Kelly Thompson's take on Hawkeye (Kate Bishop), so I was thrilled when I saw she would also be writing Rogue & Gambit! I don't think these two get enough attention, and Thompson manages to cram a lot of their past and present into 5 issues. I actually learned a lot of new things about these two. They have a complicated history, but their love is fierce even when they're not together (or Rogue is smooching with Deadpool--ugh).

I would say this comic is romance with a twist! Rogue and Gambit go on a couple's retreat, but it's also their mission. Something hanky has been going on, so they're sent to figure out what it is. They were the best candidates, because their relationship was actually suffering. They needed outside assistance, but they had no idea what would happen once they arrived and started snooping around.

If you're looking for something short and engaging--this is it! These two are so much fun to read about, and you cannot help but fall in love with them, too. Their secret mission was unexpected, and I would love to know more about the baddie (don't want to be spoilery!) and their past. These are also some of my favorite illustrations, both inside and out. I honestly don't think I could pick a favorite cover... maybe #3... but just because we get to see a lot of the previous versions of Rogue and Gambit.

Mini Reviews [5] Birds of a Feather & Ivy in Bloom

Birds of a Feather: A Book of Idioms and Silly

Pictures by Vanita Oelschlager,

Robin Hegan (Illustrator)

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Children are innately curious about words, especially phrases that make them laugh ("Ants in your pants!"), sound silly ("Barking up the wrong tree" or "Goosebumps") or trigger images that tickle a child's sense of the absurd ("Like a bull in a china shop"). Birds of a Feather introduces children to the magic of idioms words that separately have one meaning, but together take on something entirely different. Birds of a Feather introduces idioms with outlandish illustrations of what the words describe literally. The reader then has to guess the "real" meaning of the phrases (which is upside down in the corner of each spread). At the end of the book, the reader is invited to learn more about these figures of speech.

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I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really loved the idea for this! The illustrations were beautiful, but I did have a problem with one: Let the cat out of the bag. It was a little too much. I understand the need to adequately convey the idiom through imagery, but I also think it sends the wrong message to kids. We shouldn't put animals in bags and tie them up, not even as a joke in a children's book. I feel like this could have been depicted in a better way.

My second issue with this book was the captions. They're upside down. Do you know how difficult it was to continuously flip the book over (impossible on an iPad that keeps adjusting the screen), to read the descriptions for the idioms? The idioms themselves were short and to the point, but the upside down portion (explanation and example) were a lot longer. My son was also frustrated because he wanted to look at the pictures, and I had to try and angle the book in a way that would allow me to read the captions. About halfway through I stopped flipping the book over and just gave my own explanations. I think it was a lovely idea that could have been executed better.

♡

Ivy in Bloom: The Poetry of Spring from Great

Poets and Writers from the Past

by Vanita Oelschlager,

Kristin Blackwood (Illustrator)

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Ivy in Bloom captures the weariness of a young girl tired of a long winter. "I stare out the window," she says on the first spread of brown and gray, "looking for birds or flowers / or even warm showers / but I don't see any such thing." But then Spring comes when "March is out of breath snow melting to flowery waters and watery flowers spring rose from its wintry rest." And Ivy's "heart dances with daffodils." As these words also dance across each spread, Ivy's world erupts into a riot of color.

Ivy in Bloom introduces the poetry of Dickinson, Longfellow, Browning, Wordsworth, Frost and others. Excerpts from their writings, as seen through Ivy's eyes, will open up poetry as a way for children to express their own feelings about the changing of seasons. This book includes longer excerpts and brief bios of each author.

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I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

I thought Ivy in Bloom was very clever and creative! The author combines poems from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Charles Dickens, E.E. Cummings, and a few others. Pieces from their individual poems are layered together to create one comprehensive story.

Even though I know why it didn't flow well (people have different writing styles), the book was smooth in some places and choppy in others. I do think the author put a lot of research and work into this book, and the illustrations are gorgeous. They really brought this story to life and kept me turning the pages. There was also an unexpected reference to God at the end that didn't seem to fit in with the rest of the spring theme, but it didn't actually detract from the overall story. 

I enjoyed reading this one, and I like that the author breaks down the individual poems at the end. It shows us where they came from, who wrote them, and how they fit together.

Before I Let You Go by Kelly Rimmer

Synopsis (via Goodreads): The 2:00 a.m. call is the first time Lexie Vidler has heard her sister’s voice in years. Annie is a drug addict, a thief, a liar—and in trouble, again. Lexie has always bailed Annie out, given her money, a place to sleep, sent her to every kind of rehab. But this time, she’s not just strung out—she’s pregnant and in premature labor. If she goes to the hospital, she’ll lose custody of her baby—maybe even go to prison. But the alternative is unthinkable.

As the weeks unfold, Lexie finds herself caring for her fragile newborn niece while her carefully ordered life is collapsing around her. She’s in danger of losing her job, and her fiancé only has so much patience for Annie’s drama. In court-ordered rehab, Annie attempts to halt her downward spiral by confronting long-buried secrets from the sisters’ childhoods, ghosts that Lexie doesn’t want to face. But will the journey heal Annie, or lead her down a darker path?

Both candid and compassionate, Before I Let You Go explores a hotly divisive topic and asks how far the ties of family love can be stretched before they finally break.

Addiction is, in that way, just like love—in the early moments, you don’t see the potential for it to bring you pain—it’s just something you slide into between laughs and smiles and moments of bliss. It’s something that feels like a shield, until you realize it’s actually a warhead, and it’s pointed right at you.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Also, the quote I used may have changed or been altered in some way, but I am quoting from what I received.

Before I Let You Go was really hard for me to read. I don't mind reading books that make me uncomfortable, but there are no words to truly describe how awful child abuse is. Children trust adults to love and take care of them, and they shouldn't have to worry about someone hurting them physically or psychologically. They're impressionable, and if you tell them something long enough, and with enough force, they're likely to believe it themselves.

Kelly Rimmer touches on a lot of difficult subjects that both angered and saddened me. My heart broke for Annie, Lexie, Daisy, their mom, and even Sam. No one was untouched by the addiction and abuse, because they were all connected in some way. It effected the lives of everyone, but some more than others. Daisy is a sweet, innocent child that had no say in how she was born into this world. The fact that a newborn had to suffer through withdrawals killed me. I don't know what I would have done as a parent in that situation, or a relative in Lexie's case.

However, even though I was disgusted with Annie for allowing this to happen to her child, I also know that she suffers from an addiction, which is an illness. Addiction should be treated and people should be offered help instead of condemnation. We can never truly know someone's past, or what happened in their life that started them on a path of self-destruction. They are still people. A lot of states prosecute mothers who test positive for drugs when they are pregnant. It's a felony, and the rights of their child are given to someone else (while the mother is still pregnant). Annie's doctors had to get permission from the baby's guardian to perform an emergency C-section. She had no say over what happened to her own body, and even the medications she was prescribed had to go through someone other than her doctors.

I understand that the law wants to do what's best for the baby, but what about the mother? They only care about the baby while it's in the womb. They stop giving a shit the second it's born and can be placed in foster care. They'll still do whatever they can to punish the mother, but they don't give any more thought to the child or their future. How about putting more money into the foster care system? They could also offer to help the mothers instead of taking them away from their babies. I know this isn't the case for every mother with an addiction, but surely there are better ways for their situations to be handled.

Like I said, this book gave me a lot to think about, and it also challenged my views on addiction and how it affects people. As for the story, it was difficult to get through at times, but it was powerful. There are a lot of important things being said, and it's hard to wish for one specific outcome.

Lexie frequently got on my nerves. She was incredibly stubborn and insisted on doing everything herself. However, she does recognize this about herself, so that made her poor decisions easier to forgive. She was struggling to cope with everything being thrown at her, and she's used to doing it alone. It was easy for her to forget that Sam wanted to help. He also wanted her to be able to ask for it. Their relationship was sweet, but we also see their ups and downs as the story progresses. Taking on a baby, dealing with a relative in rehab, work--the logistics of it all is maddening. They were truly a team, though, especially when it mattered most.

If it were possible for me to reach into the book and pull Lexie's mom out, I would have done it in an instant. I wanted to shake her until she realized how blind and disturbingly obedient she was being. I understand that she was grieving, but your children should always come first. They should always be your main priority, and you should listen when they have something to say.

This book made me shake with anger, cry with helplessness, and wish for the impossible. I cared about all of these characters individually, and I really wanted their lives to work out in the best possible way. Before I Let You Go is a poignant story that makes you view things from a different perspective, feel every emotion imaginable, and appreciate the things in life you may have taken for granted.

My Weekly Pull [20]

My Weekly Pull is something I do every Wednesday to show which comics I had pulled for me that week! If you're into comics, or you're looking to start, please join me! If you decide to do your own post, leave a link in the comments. I would love to stop by and check it out!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #82 by Tom Waltz, Brahm Revel, Kevin Eastman
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Universe #22 by Paul Allor, Mark Torres
Kick-Ass #4 by Mark Millar, John Romita, Mike Mayhew
All-New Wolverine #35 by Tom Taylor, Ramon Rosanas, David Lopez
Daredevil #602 by Charles Soule, Mike Henderson, Mike Perkins (Deadpool Variant)

Hunt for Wolverine Claws of a Killer #1 (of 4) by Mariko Tamaki, Greg Land, Butch Guice
Infinity Countdown Daredevil #1 by Gerry Duggan, Clayton Crain
Punisher #224 by Matthew Rosenberg, Guiu Vilanova, Clayton Crain
X-Men Red #4 by Tom Taylor, Mahmud A. Asrar, Brent Schoonover (Deadpool Variant)
You Are Deadpool #3 (of 5) by Al Ewing, Paco Diaz, Razzah, Salva Espin (RPG Variant)

I don't know what it is about the Hunt for Wolverine comics, but the site I normally use doesn't list an author or an illustrator. I only know the cover artist for this one because it's a variant. I'll do a little research this week and see what I can find out. Maybe it's a collaboration so they decided not to list them all on their website? It's weird that they're also not listed on the cover. (Edit 05/18/18: Ironically it was Goodreads that listed the relevant information, so now my posts are updated to reflect that!)

Marvel has also started changing the way they number their comics! People were getting really confused with the Legacy numbering, because some series have already started back at #1 (like Venom because there is a new writer). Now they list both! Each issue will list the number for the series and it's Legacy number on the cover of the comic. For example, there have been 602 issues of Daredevil as a whole, but this series might only be on its 24th issue. Marvel will now list both numbers to help with the confusion. (I don't actually know what issue this volume of Daredevil is on, so I just made up the number 24.)

The last few weeks we've had a lot of Venom variants, and it looks like they've moved on to Deadpool variants. We're getting two this week! I know you can't see it very well, but the X-Men Red variant says, "Telekinetic Chimichangas."

It's the last issue of All-New Wolverine! Tom Taylor isn't going to be writing it anymore, and the person taking over is changing the name to X-23 or something. UGH. I wanted more Laura and Gabby from Taylor's perspective! I'm so happy they're both in X-Men Red (which he also writes), so I'm not losing them completely. 

There was a massive cliffhanger at the end of the last Kick-Ass and I'm actually nervous about reading the next one... it can't end well. 

What about you lovely people? Have you picked up a comic book this week? Graphic novel? What was it?

Geekerella (Starfield, #1) by Ashley Poston

Narrated by 

Eileen Stevens & Tristan Morris 

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Geek girl Elle Wittimer lives and breathes Starfield, the classic science-fiction series she grew up watching with her late father. So when she sees a cosplay contest for a new Starfield movie, she has to enter. The prize? An invitation to the ExcelsiCon Cosplay Ball and a meet-and-greet with the actor slated to play Federation Prince Carmindor in the reboot. With savings from her gig at the Magic Pumpkin food truck and her dad's old costume, Elle's determined to win - unless her stepsisters get there first.

Teen actor Darien Freeman used to live for cons - before he was famous. Now they're nothing but autographs and awkward meet-and-greets. Playing Carmindor is all he has ever wanted, but Starfield fandom has written him off as just another dumb heartthrob. As ExcelsiCon draws near, Darien feels more and more like a fake - until he meets a girl who shows him otherwise. But when she disappears at midnight, will he ever be able to find her again?

Part-romance, part-love letter to nerd culture, and all totally adorbs, Geekerella is a fairy tale for anyone who believes in the magic of fandom.

“She wears life like Elvis wore sequins, with no apology laced into the seams.”

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Also, the quote I used may have changed or been altered in some way, but I am quoting from what I received.

I just realized that Geekerella is going to be part of a series! This was an amazing Cinderella retelling with a clear ending, so I'm excited to see where the story will go from here.

First of all, the cover for this book is gorgeous! I feel like it encompasses all the best parts of the story. Secondly, I loved the main characters. Elle, Darien and Sage were incredible and I would love to be their friend! Thirdly, the author has created a world within a world. Starfield has a fandom just like Star Wars and Star Trek, and I wish it was something that existed in our reality and not just a fictional one. Ashley Poston really delivers a story you can believe in. Also, she references Firefly! I flarking love that show and was royally pissed when it was cancelled. #bringbackfirefly

I was pretty mad at Elle a few times. She would frequently view situations as hopeless or acted like her dreams weren't worth fighting for. Sage, Darien, Cal--everyone else was quick to come to her defense, but she took the abuse because she felt like she deserved it. I would cringe whenever her stepmother or Chloe would verbally attack her, but she was their punching bag and allowed herself to be pummeled. I really wanted Elle to fight back.

When Chloe lies at the end, why doesn't anyone call her out on it?? It would have been so easy to check! Argh. (This isn't spoilery because Chloe lies a lot and is just a horrible person in general, but you'll know exactly what I mean when you get there...)

Despite Elle's inability to defend herself and what she believes in, I found this book to be incredibly enjoyable. I loved learning about Starfield while also watching Elle and Darien dance around each other for weeks. It was fun to know who they were to each other before they did, and I liked watching everything fall into place. 

I feel like I should say more about this book, but I don't want to give too much away, so if you enjoy retellings, Cinderella, fanfiction, science fiction, cosplay, conventions, or just a fun story--this is definitely for you!

WARNING! If you listen to the audiobook, the narrators read with a southern drawl. This has resulted in my Texas twang making an unwanted appearance in casual conversation. I'll say something and it just slips out! Now I have to retrain my brain. 😱😭

Stacking the Shelves [6]

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga’s Reviews. This meme is for sharing all the books you’ve added to your shelves throughout the week month (because I try not to add too many books during a single week, haha). 

Library:

Bannerless (The Coast Road, #1) by Carrie Vaughn

Warcross (Warcross, #1) by Marie Lu

Cress (The Lunar Chronicles, #3) by Marissa Meyer

I am always happy to continue The Lunar Chronicles! This series is just really, really good. The audiobooks (which is what Cress is) have been stellar! Rebecca Soler is one of my favorite narrators. I've heard a lot of wonderful things about Warcross, too. Bannerless is new to me, but I love Carrie Vaughn.

NetGalley:

Grace and Fury by Tracy Banghart 

Sadie by Courtney Summers

Bring Me Back by B.A. Paris

Tell Me No Lies (Follow Me Back #2) by A.V. Geiger

I'm really excited about all of these! Especially Sadie! I cannot wait to dive into that one. I don't think any of them are going to be an easy read. Based on their blubs, I think the rest of my May books are going to be a tad darker than what I've been reading lately.

Giveaways:

In Her Skin by Kim Savage

Fifty and Other F-Words: Reflections from the Review Mirror by Margot Potter 

Doll Hearts by Colleen Clayton

Baby Teeth by Zoje Stage

I've won a few giveaways over the last few weeks! This never happens! Doll Hearts also came with a Yankee candle that smells divine. It's called Flowers in the Sun and is essentially happiness in a jar. Sniffing it right now for verification! 😉 Fifty and Other F-Words is going to be hilarious! I skimmed the first few pages and can tell that I'll enjoy reading it. I may not be able to relate to everything, but there will be a lot that resonates with me.

Baby Teeth is going to freak me out... "But Mommy stands in her way, and she'll try any trick she can think of to get rid of her. Ideally for good." That's from the synopsis on Goodreads! 😱 In Her Skin sounds like it will be incredibly suspenseful! Can you imagine taking on a missing person's identity just to have a home?

Purchased: 

Fools Rush In by Kristan Higgins

Night After Night (Seductive Nights, #1) by Lauren Blakely 

Prophecy (The Dragon King Chronicles, #1) by Ellen Oh

Mad Love (A Mad Love Story, #1) by Colet Abedi

What's Left of Me (What's Left of Me, #1) by Amanda Maxlyn

Gem & Dixie by Sara Zarr

Most of these were ridiculously good deals on Amazon! They were either $1.99 or free! I've wanted to read Gem & Dixie for ages!

These are my newest additions over the last few weeks! Have you read any of them? Which one would you recommend I read first?