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Historical Fiction
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3.5
Thank you to Alcove Press and NetGalley for the advanced copy. Beginning with Joe and Ronnie’s journey to Fire Island, The Disco Witches of Fire Island is an entertaining book with a lot of heart. My favorite part of this book was the echoes of what it must’ve been like to be queer in the 80s and dealing with the fallout of HIV aids. I appreciated the way Fell approached honoring those who have been lost, but also speaking about the hopefulness that was beginning at the end of the 80s and early 90s when there began some treatments for the crisis. It was clear that the author added some of his lived experiences and I think he did an excellent job honoring those he had lost to the crisis. I also really enjoyed the found family aspect of this book. I was glad everyone was able to truly be themselves. Further, I appreciated that there was almost a mentorship between the older individuals and the young. I struggled a little bit with the pacing at the beginning of the book slow. I wish that there had been perhaps more magical elements or more flashback to what life was like prior to AIDS. Overall, I think this will be well buy those who love a little historical fiction with a little magical realism mixed in. (3-3.5)
Romance
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3.5
I enjoyed several things about Not Safe For Work. Tuli did a great job representing being a woman and a marginalized group in a traditionally white-dominated male field. I appreciated that the author talked about the sacrifices and pressure to perform and how Tris felt constantly overlooked because of her identity. I thought the sexism she faced in the workplace was believable and felt like something I am sure happens to women daily. Additionally, I did appreciate the slow burn in this book. It takes careful crafting not to have the characters jump each other as soon as they’re alone, especially with forced proximity, and this worked well for me. I enjoyed the Indian (Southeast Asian) rep. The author did a good job of displaying both macro and microaggressions. I also appreciated that the MMC, Rafe never commented specifically on her skin tone. Instead, he repeatedly said she was beautiful, attractive, etc., and he was crazy for a dress/ skirt. The spice when we got there was fun, and I am always a fan of stating what you want in the bedroom and a man who wants to please. I prefer it when narrations are a breather during certain parts, but I felt the narration handled it well overall. Where this book didn’t work for me was staying in the main female character’s head the entire time. For example, I thought the emphasis on her being single for a year was a bit silly, and I don’t believe that that should be seen as a character flaw. She was self-shaming for something that felt normal to me, and her friends encouraged her that it was “bad” not to have sex for a year. No thanks. Also, I need to state that alcohol should not be used as a treatment for headaches. And certain forms of hormonal birth control cannot be used in those with migraines. I wish this had been addressed better. Unfortunately, I think the narration by Soneela Nankani made me more irritated at the main female character. Did she feel a bit whiny, maybe? I could not put my finger on the exact thing that was bothering me, as the performance was well done, and I appreciated the touches of emotion. The anger especially was appropriate, and I enjoyed that the narrator explored those emotions. I could feel the effort the narrator put into the story. I would listen to another book narrated by the narrator, perhaps not the same author. I think that this book would appeal to those who love true enemies to lovers and I did enjoy the Hawaii setting. Unfortunately, it just didn’t click for me.
Romance
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5
Thank you, Hachette Audio, for the advanced copy. If you’re looking for a book that will have you squealing in delight and kicking your feet, Audre and Bash Are Just Friends is for you.When her summer plans fall through, Audre decides she needs a bucket list before college applications. Who better to help than the mysterious Bash, with his carefree attitude and handsome face? Get ready for a fun, engaging, and tender teenage summer. Having loved Seven Days in June, I was curious to read more about Audre. From the opening lines, Tia Williams has written a complex and insightful teen. As someone who excelled in high school, I could not help but relate to Audre’s stress.Meanwhile, Bash is seemingly nonchalant with absent parents and spontaneous days. Yet, he is also incredibly giving of his time and truly thinks of others. Yet both are yearning for something a bit more. Williams dives into the hard stuff, not afraid to explore the complicated feelings of separated parents, the pressure of being an elite student/ athlete, and the desire to be independent while still seeking the comfort of your parents. As an adult reader I could not help but appreciate the tension between mother and daughter. I could see myself in both Eva and Audre. Additionally, I enjoyed how Williams expanded on her previous novel without rehashing too much from Seven Days in June.Yet the vast majority of this book had me giddy, and this thoughtful combination of depth and teenage antics will appeal to adults and young readers alike. It was pure joy to watch Bash and Audre sort through their feelings for each other. The audio was so fun to listen to, from the text message exchanges to the highs and lows experienced by these teens. I could not put this charming book down, and I know that the narration enhanced my experience.Jordan Cobb and Torian Brackett’s narration was perfect for teenagers, and the DUET perfectly captured the emotions of a 16-year-old.With outstanding narration, an incredible plot, and brilliant writing, I highly recommend Aubrey and Bash Are Just Friends
Romance
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3
an atmospheric setting on the verge of catastrophe and a family I could not help but love, Wild Dark Shore.
Young Adult
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4.5
Deep and emotional read about discovering your roots, family secrets, and navigating PWI as a biracial queer teen. Loved the friendship and family dynamics and the truthful presentation of a small southern town.
Young Adult
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4
From the opening lines, The Rebel’s Guide to Pride is a wild adventure. I want to preface this with you by saying I’m not the target audience, and I think this would definitely appeal to teenagers. As a mid-30s adult, I was stressed by these teenage antics despite my ability to understand why Zeke was acting the way he was. Hubbard has a unique ability to capture teenage angst, heartbreak, and a generalized feeling of being mad at your parents with ease that felt relatable to the young 16-year-old inside my heart.I appreciated the way he approached divorce and I especially thought Zeke‘s relationship with his mother felt realistic as a parent, I couldn’t help but think about how even when you do the right thing timing matters.I loved Zeke’s growth from a little rebel to finding his purpose and who he wanted to be. I loved his found family with his friends, the bantery text messages, the complex relationships with his parents, and the way he had to learn to communicate with his friends. I definitely would go back and read Hubbard‘s other book and look forward to what he comes out with next.