Review: Out On a Limb by Hannah Bonam-Young

About the Author

Winnifred "Win" McNulty has always been wildly independent. Not one to be coddled for her limb difference, Win has spent most of her life trying to prove that she can do it all on her own. And, with some minor adjustments, she's done just fine.

That is until she has a one-night stand with the incredibly charming Bo, a perfect stranger. And that one night changes everything.

While Bo is surprisingly elated to step upto the plate, Win finds herself unsure of whether she can handle this new challenge on her own or if she’ll need a helping hand.

Together, Win and Bo decide to get to know one another as friends and nothing more. But, as they both should know by now, life rarely goes according to plan.

Content Warnings:

-graphic sexual content, pregnancy and symptoms of pregnancy, brief discussion of abortion (pro-choice stance, not performed), ableism in reference to a limb difference, verbally abusive ex-partner (no reappearance), death of a parent (past, off page) depression and suicide (past, off page), cancer (past, not reoccurring), amputation (referenced, past)

Review

I remember running across a post that hailed this as one of the best accidental pregnancy stories that they have ever read. I can confidently attest to that. Out On a Limb was incredible. There was so much nuance and great characters. It really stands out amongst trope-y and underdevelopment accidental pregnancy stories that get mainstream.

Bo and Win were perfect. The writing allowed them to shine through and showcase their fears, doubts, and personality. Although the book was only in Win’s POV, Bo’s struggles and character were shown by his actions. His character wasn’t neglected. The author was able to fully round him.

Throughout the book, we are able to see them heal and help each other. They accepted each other for who they were and slowly started to fall for each other. There were so many moments that signified their compatibility. The romance within this book is honest, intimate, and raw. Absolutely perfect. Bo and Win will have me smiling for years. They are too good.

Another thing that I enjoyed about this book was the side characters. I think 99% of the characters within this story were loveable. I adored Sarah and Caleb. Moreover, I adored Sarah and Win’s friendship. It was absolutely friendship goals.

Final Thoughts

Out On a Limb will have most readers enamored from the very first page. It’s that good. Not only that but it’s heartbreaking and pure—a beautiful story of soulmates finding each other.

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Review: War and Me: A Memoir by Faleeha Hassan and William Hutchins (Translator)

War and Me by Faleeha Hasssan is a touching and brave story that unfolds through a tumultuous period in Iraq’s history. Her memoir takes us deep into her life with her close family, navigating the challenges growing up and dealing with the hardships and obstacles during this time. No matter how much she or her family lost or feared, her determination and strength is inspiring and a testament to her faith and resilience.

During this time, her life progresses during the time of a war that was supposed to be short lived but continued. Her memoir captures a story that is often never heard from voices that often seemed silenced. The casualties of the effects of war faced by innocent people that go far beyond just physical injuries. Having to face the trauma of watching her father and brother being taken in war, poverty, and just trying to survive had a tremendous impact on their family. The harsh reality of the impact of everyday life, health and safety, we get a heartbreaking but courageous perspective that in spite of, a courageous spirit and resilience gave her the strength to fight through insurmountable obstacles.

Despite the numerous hardships, her success as a teacher and getting the opportunity to build a life in the US that she deserves, she was able to freely share her voice which deserves to be heard. Her book is a testament to her determination to fight her way through adversity but also share a perspective of life as a Muslim woman from Iraq and/or the Middle East that hopefully will shed certain stereotypes and open hearts for compassion and empathy. Her narrative will give us insight into life trying to survive, loss, love and family.

War and Me overall was a beautifully written book that will captivate you with a story that is honest, compelling and hopefully makes you appreciate the freedom of life we have. Her memoir is a testament of the strength of the human spirit and through the worst of times, the unbreakable bonds and foundation of the love of a great family that can carry you through anything. This is one of the books that will leave a lasting impression, hopefully collectively inspire compassion and empathy for those whose experiences may be similar.

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Review: Inseparable by Siobhan Davis

About the Book

A gritty, angsty, friends-to-lovers stand-alone romance from USA Today bestselling author Siobhan Davis.

A childhood promise. An unbreakable bond. One tragic event that shatters everything.

It all started with the boys next door…

Devin and Ayden were my best friends. We were practically joined at the hip since age two. When we were kids, we thought we were invincible, inseparable, that nothing or no one could come between us.

But we were wrong.

Everything turned to crap our senior year of high school. Devin was turning into a clone of his deadbeat lowlife father—fighting, getting wasted, and screwing his way through every girl in town. I’d been hiding a secret crush on him for years. Afraid to tell him how I felt in case I ruined everything. So, I kept quiet and slowly watched him self-destruct with a constant ache in my heart.

Where Devin was all brooding darkness, Ayden was the shining light. Our star quarterback with the bright future whom everyone loved. But something wasn’t right. He was so guarded, and he wouldn’t let me in.

When Devin publicly shamed me, Ayden took my side, and our awesome-threesome bond was severed. The split was devastating. The heartbreak inevitable.

Ayden and I moved on with our lives, but the pain never lessened, and Devin was never far from our thoughts.

Until it all came to a head in college, and one eventful night changed everything.

Now, I’ve lost the two people who matter more to me than life itself. Nothing will ever be the same again.

A stand-alone new adult contemporary romance with a happy ending. Only suitable for readers aged eighteen and older due to mature content and possible triggers.

Review

It was very apparent what period that Inseparable had been written in. Everything felt very 2010s, and with a deep culture shift this book feels dated. At times, it almost feels dated for the 2010s. For some strange reason, I couldn’t stop reading it because I wanted to know what else would be thrown in. It was like an episode of a CW teenage drama.

Let’s start with the love triangle. It was very clear in the beginning which boy Angie was going to pick. Although said boy, might have been the worst character in the book in the first half, their romance was written in the stars, and it was going to happen regardless of whatever else happens in the story. I personally could not buy into their romance. The boy left a helpless girl in a dangerous situation, and that’s just unforgivable for me.

Another issue I had with the book, was the drama. The amount of drama in this book could fill up multiple television seasons. Every single teenage drama imaginable seemed to happen in this story. Was it well executed? No, and it felt like some revelations were just for shock value. I’m not the person to speak on the LGBTQ+ aspects of the book, so I will leave that to someone who is a member of that community. However, for the other drama and situations, it felt like it was just for shock value and overall terrible plot devices.

Final Thoughts

When I finished Inseparable, I immediately let out a deep sigh and felt like I needed a glass of water. This book is packed with unnecessary and terrible plot devices that don’t aid the romance or the characters. And speaking of the characters, most of them are so unlikable that it’s hard to root for them. In summary, there’s too much going on in this one.

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Review: Big Little Spells: A Witchy Romantic Comedy (Witchlore Book 2) by Hazel Beck

Big Little Spells by Hazel Beck is wonderful addition to the Witchlore series, giving us an enchanting story to add to the witchy romcom genre. I'll be honest, I haven't dove into this genre before but this book has me wanting to stay. This story gives us mix of magic, romance and mystery.

Rebekah Wilde, the protagonist, is one of the characters that grabs your attention right away. She returns to her hometown after a decade of banishment due to the Joywood Coven and their politics. This sets the stage for some page turning drama that will keep your attention as it unfolds. Throw in the fact that The Joywood Coven oversee the magical world which heats up the plot, it actually makes things harder as she faces a death sentence unless she can prove that she and her friends are not a threat to witchkind.

Beyond the intended plot, other elements that blend in make the book more interesting to invest in. The supporting characters, her sister and her friends, their journey grows on you and makes them more likable. In particular, the charm and mystery surrounding Nicholas Frost and Rebekah was something worth rooting for. Considering the fact that he was the only one who knew how to stop the Joywood, the suspense and anticipation brought some fun to the book.

Overall, this was a nice read. Honestly, it was hard to initially get into because I'm not used to the creative elements in this genre but once I did and embraced the magical elements, it became a page turning experience. I enjoyed experiencing something new in this witchy romcom genre. I'm looking forward to catching up with the series and anticipating the third book coming out next year. It was a different but a welcomed experience that I hope to continue reading in the future.

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Review: The Shake Off by Lulu Moore

About the Book

My name is Ace Watson, and I’m having an existential crisis.

I finished last season as one of the league's best pitchers. Baseball’s smooth-talking boy wonder. The future of The New York Lions.

I'm starting this season as the worst.

And I don't want to sound dramatic, but the fault lies entirely with Payton Lopez.

She walked into my life with her mile long legs and dark brown waves, and threw me the curviest of all curve balls. Overnight my ability to pitch disappeared with my ability to charm, and I found myself riding a one way ticket to being the most expensive bench warmer in the M.L.B.

The only solution: to get Payton to fix what she broke, something she agrees to on one very easy condition.

Before long, what started as a way to get my pitch back, soon turns into any excuse I can find for us to spend time together.

Before long, I have everything I didn't even realize I wanted.

Now I just need to prove to her that while I exist without baseball, I can’t live without her.

Payton Lopez might have thrown me a curve ball, but I’m pitching it right back.

The Shake Off is a grumpy / sunshine, friends with benefits, sizzling TikTok sensation. Perfect for fans of Hannah Grace and Elle Kennedy

Review

The Shake Off could have easily been one of my favorite sports romances of the year. Unfortunately, the characters drag this book down. Let’s start with the MMC—Ace. I liked him well enough until too much time was spent with him. He came across as extremely immature, and honestly not a great communicator. After a terrible game, he storms Payton’s apartment and blames her for everything. It left a bad taste in my mouth.

As for Payton, I liked her a lot more than Ace. The problem is her relationship with Ace. Sure, there’s some great chemistry between them; however, the real genuine connection is missing. My feelings could be that way because often I felt Payton to be too good for Ace.

Another issue I had with the book is Payton’s friends— specifically Payton’s friend’s romantic partners. Their dedication to winning came at the expense of Payton. When it eventually came time to apologize, it felt rushed and weak. They said hurtful things to Payton; she should have not forgiven them so easily.

Final Analysis

The Shake Off is entertaining, however; it loses momentum with weak and frustrating characters. There are several apologies directed at the FMC and all of them seemed bland. As for the romance, it feels weak and relies heavily on attraction to sell it.

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Review: For the Gods’ Sake by Rory L. Scott

About the Book

For the Gods' Sake is a fake dating, reluctant allies fantasy romance novel. It is the third book in the Tempt the Gods series and can be read as a standalone, but it is recommended to read the recap at the beginning of the book.

A god and a princess. Working together.

The Greek and Roman gods have co-existed for over two thousand years until the unthinkable happens. Adrian Zeus Jupiter was born from the unexpected, scandalous love affair between his mother, Lady Zeus, and his father, Lord Jupiter. Now, close to three decades later, his birth has forced the gods to combine into one system. While most have accepted the change, there has been a conspiracy brewing—one that threatens Adrian's rule and life.

To save his line, Adrian turns to the one person who could eclipse his fame—Reyna Romulus. As the people's princess and the heir to the most powerful business in the Mediterranean, Reyna is the balm to Adrian's reputation he desperately needs to smooth things over while he dismantles the conspiracy. Little does he know, Reyna needs him just as badly.

As the threat against the gods mounts and their lives are threatened, Adrian and Reyna's arranged relationship will be tested, along with their promise to not fall in love with each other.

Review

Rory L. Scott was so kind to send me an ARC, a review wasn’t required; however, I read this book and knew that I wanted to rave about it. I had previously read the previous installments of this series. I loved them, and I loved For the Gods’ Sake. In fact, I think that Adrian and Reyna might be my favorite couple in this series. This series is the perfect blend of Roman and Greek mythology with entertaining romances. It’s easy to follow; the stakes are high. It has swoony-worthy men and incredible women.

This is Adrian and Reyna’s story, however, the two previous couples do contribute to the main plot within the series. Back to Adrian and Reyna. The two of them enter this fake relationship designed to get them specific results. Of course, along the way they begin to fall in love. Their love is passionate, and their dynamic is especially intriguing. Reyna isn’t a God, but Adrian is the God of Gods. Everyone is interested in their relationship, and it feels like they are the It Couple. I could absolutely read five more books about them.

Final Thoughts

Tempt the Gods is a must-read series. Every book keeps getting better and better. At this time, For the Gods’ Sake is my favorite within the series. There was something so magical about Reyna and Adrian and I very quickly fell in love with them and their dynamic.

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