Review: Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez

About the Book

A novel of terrible first impressions, hilarious second chances, and the joy in finding your perfect match from "a true talent" (Emily Henry, #1 New York Times bestselling author).

Dr. Briana Ortiz’s life is seriously flatlining. Her divorce is just about finalized, her brother’s running out of time to find a kidney donor, and that promotion she wants? Oh, that’s probably going to the new man-doctor who’s already registering eighty-friggin’-seven on Briana’s “pain in my ass” scale. But just when all systems are set to hate, Dr. Jacob Maddox completely flips the game . . . by sending Briana a letter.

And it’s a really good letter. Like the kind that proves that Jacob isn’t actually Satan. Worse, he might be this fantastically funny and subversively likeable guy who’s terrible at first impressions. Because suddenly he and Bri are exchanging letters, sharing lunch dates in her “sob closet,” and discussing the merits of freakishly tiny horses. But when Jacob decides to give Briana the best gift imaginable—a kidney for her brother—she wonders just how she can resist this quietly sexy new doctor . . . especially when he calls in a favor she can’t refuse.

Review

Yours Truly has two mentions of my all-time favorite television show; that makes this book an automatic five stars from me. In all seriousness, this book was excellent for other reasons as well. This was an incredible follow-up to Part of Your World. Abby Jimenez really knows how to write a captivating, beautiful romance. There’s so much love, great friendship, and character moments in this story.

Briana and Jacob are well fleshed-out characters. Their fears felt real, and they felt written with care. It felt clear the author really understood her characters and understood their romance because they were just perfect. Both main characters worked hard to make each other feel comfortable and show them the love they deserved. They really deserved each other, and it was a beautiful romance.

Final Thoughts

I’m starting to learn that Abby Jimenez knows how to write real and raw characters who come together and have a beautiful romance. Yours Truly is no exception. It’s an excellent book.

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Review: Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez

About the Book

A refreshingly modern fairy tale and instant New York Times bestseller that Love Hypothesis author Ali Hazelwood hails as "an uplifting, feel-good, romantic read." 

After a wild bet, gourmet grilled-cheese sandwich, and cuddle with a baby goat, Alexis Montgomery has had her world turned upside down. The cause: Daniel Grant, a ridiculously hot carpenter who’s ten years younger than her and as casual as they come—the complete opposite of sophisticated city-girl Alexis. And yet their chemistry is undeniable.

While her ultra-wealthy parents want her to carry on the family legacy of world-renowned surgeons, Alexis doesn’t need glory or fame. She’s fine with being a “mere” ER doctor. And every minute she spends with Daniel and the tight-knit town where he lives, she’s discovering just what’s really important. Yet letting their relationship become anything more than a short-term fling would mean turning her back on her family and giving up the opportunity to help thousands of people.

Bringing Daniel into her world is impossible, and yet she can’t just give up the joy she’s found with him either. With so many differences between them, how can Alexis possibly choose between her world and his?

Review

This was easily one of the best books that I’ve read all year. It had to have been laced with magic. It was so good and so entertaining.

Alexis is a workaholic, responsible ER doctor who feels like she’s not good enough to live up to the family name. She left an abusive ex, and her family and most of her friends still prefer him and invite him around. After attending a funeral, she crosses paths with a small-town mayor/ carpenter who is ten years younger than her, but the attraction is real.

Daniel was so sweet, honest, and caring. Literally a walking perfection. He owns a B&B, babysits baby goats. And the most important part, he sees Alexis for who she is and wants nothing more for her to be happy and comfortable.

Their relationship starts as purely physical; however, she has to drive four hours to see him, so he makes it worth her while. He takes her to special places in the town; tells her the history. They meet other special people that can only be found in a small town. And as that happens, they start to develop feelings towards each other. Now enter the emotional heavy stuff of the plot. Obviously, Alexis has family issues, and then there’s the toxic ex. All of those play a part in her being hesitant at letting Daniel see her world.

It's hard not to get emotional while reading those scenes. There were a few moments where I did tear up. Alexis was a great character, and I wanted what was best for her. And she was in a difficult position, and it was so rewarding to see her personal growth and her choose happiness in the end.

Final Thoughts

Part of Your World has lovable main characters, a magical small town, and an emotional journey that warrants tissues nearby. 

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Review: Get Your Book Seen and Sold: The Essential Book Marketing and Publishing Guide by Claudine Wolk and Julie Murkette

About the Book

It is easier than ever to publish a book, but many authors find out too late about the actual work-the book marketing-that needs to be done to achieve sizable book sales. Instead of embracing the opportunities to promote their books, authors are intimidated and shut down. Those days are over. This is the book authors MUST HAVE to give their books the best chance to be seen and sold. In this essential, easy-to-understand guide, authors will work through the graphs, examples and exercises to learn:

• The fundamentals of book marketing: Message, Audience, and Hook

• The breadth of book marketing options and how they work, with examples

• How to create a list of media contacts and develop a pitch that will reach them

• How to develop a doable book marketing plan

• How to develop media kit items for their book publicity efforts: Press Release, Author Bio, Sell Sheet, etc.

• The types of book reviews and how to get them

• The best social media channels for promoting books

• The best places to spend book promotion dollars

• Why book distribution IS a crucial part of book marketing . . . and so much more!

Authors CAN get their books seen and sold!

Review

There are many books out there that give you insight on becoming an author and selling your book. Few are written from the perspective of someone that actually can relate to the process and can give insight from the trials and tribulations of the experiences lost and gained. Get Your Book Seen and Sold packs some great resourceful information and experiences in a small package that will give you a great foundation to begin your journey.

Written by two women through their own experiences and acquired knowledge, they share some fantastic information for those who want to write a book or have one but just don’t know what to do next. The book shares information that includes advice and examples on types of publishing, marketing, developing media and social contacts, publicity and so much more.

Overall, I think this is a really good book that lays down the foundation to help you begin and succeed on your book journey. For those out there who want to get your book seen and sold, this is one that you should consider adding to your reading list.

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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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