Tag: #contemporary

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January Wrap Up

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Another month has come and gone. And yes, this wrap up is very late. February has hit me hard and I didn’t feel like writing this.

I had a fantastic reading month in January. I enjoyed all of the books, even found some new favourites. I managed nine books. Can you tell I spent most of my month reading?

So let’s talk about the books shall we?

First up I read Here Again Now by Okechukwu Nzelu. There’s no doubt in my mind that this will be in my top 10 books of the year. I just thought it was brilliant. It’s emotional, stunningly written. I’ll have a full review up but I hope you all read this book. Thanks to the publishers for my copy. It’s out March 10th. Preorder this one.

Then I read To Paradise by Hanya Yanagihara. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this one. I think this book goes from strength to strength with each section and by the end I couldn’t put it down. I think it’s pretty spectacular. Thanks to the publishers for my copy. It’s out now.

Up next was A Terrible Kindness by Jo Browning Wroe. This was another enjoyable book for me, and again it made me a bit emotional. It’s a beautiful book and it’s out now. Thanks to the publishers for my copy.

Fourth this month was When We Were Birds by Ayanna Lloyd Banwo. It took me a little while to get into this one, and towards the end I found the story to more cohesive. It was beautifully written and I found myself really savouring the last few pages. Thanks to the publishers for my copy. It’s February 10th.

Fifth this month I read Please Miss by Grace Lavery. This wasn’t my favourite of the month, but it certainly wasn’t bad. It had some brilliant things to say on gender and trans lives and those bits I absolutely loved. The rest I wasn’t to into, but like I said it certainly wasn’t bad. Thanks to the publishers for my copy. It’s out February 10th.

Then I read Brown Girls Daphne Palais Andreades. I really enjoyed this. It’s beautifully written. Such a lyrical prose that make it hard to put down. It’s a love letter to girlhood and I can’t wait to see what this author does next. Thanks to the publishers for my copy. It’s out now.

Up next was The Alpha’s Son by Penny Jessop. The perfect book to get lost in. Lots of fun. Captures that first love feeling brilliantly. I’m excited to see where this series goes. Thanks to the publishers for my copy. It’s out now.

Eighth this month I read Devotion by Hannah Kent. A beautiful sapphic historical fiction book. It took a little twist in the middle that took this book to a whole new level for me. Another beautifully written book. Thanks to the publishers for my copy. It’s out now.

Lastly I read Good Intentions by Kasim Ali. A great book to finish the month on. This book has so much to say and it’s all weaved in beautiful writing and compelling storytelling. It’s out March 3rd.

So that’s it for this month. I really hope you’ll pick some of these up. Let me know.

Until the next review

Jthbooks.

#fiction, #literature, author, blog, book blog, book blogger, book bloggers, book review, books, bookstagram, fantasy, review, Uncategorised, ya, yafantasy

December Wrap Up

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The last month of the year has come and gone. And it was a weird reading month for me. Some I really loved. Really loved. Some I didn’t at all.

I read Seven books in the month of December. That’s not too bad. Of course things get a bit hectic this time of year.

So let’s talk about the books shall we?

First up was The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers. This turned out to be one of my favourite reads of 2022. It’s haunting, it’s heartbreaking. It’s just incredible! I know I’ll be thinking of these characters for a long time. Thanks to the publishers for my copy. It’s out January 20th.

Second was Beasts of a Little Land by Juhea Kim. I really enjoyed this book. I learnt a lot about Korean history that I didn’t know and it’s just captivating and entertaining. Thanks to the publishers for my copy. It’s out February 3rd.

Then I read Violeta by Isabel Allende. I have to say this was a let down for me. I felt no attachment to any of the characters, I didn’t enjoy the story, it had no depth to it. It all felt glazed over and the story didn’t flow. Nah. Didn’t like this at all. Thanks to the publishers for my copy. It’s out in January. Th

Up next I read The Christie Affair by Nina De Garment. Hmmm, I’m not sure about this book. It’s definitely not a bad book, it just felt the like something out of nothing. I just didn’t quite see the point. It’s certainly not one I’m going to remember. Thanks to the publishers for my copy. It’s out January 20th.

Fifth this month I read Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors. I was really surprised how I enjoyed this novel. I couldn’t put it down. I loved the different perspectives and the story. I loved the writing. It’s funny, it’s devastating. I’ll look forward to reading more from this author. Thanks to the publishers for my copy. It’s out February 17th.

Then I read The Girl Who Fell Beneath The Sea by Axie Oh. Yes. Yes to this book. It’s so beautiful, so imaginative. It’s just a great fantasy based on East Asian tales. I love Axie Oh’s writing so much. I could’ve done with the romance being developed a little bit more but I was still into it. Thanks to the publishers for my copy. It’s out February 22nd.

Lastly I read Peach Blossom Spring by Melissa Fu. This wasn’t a bad book at all, in fact at times I think it really shined. But it also sometimes felt a little long. The more I think about this one the more I’d don’t like it. Thanks to the publishers for my copy. It’s out February 2nd.

So that was my reading month for December. Are you going to read any of these? Or have you read any? Let me know.

Until the next review

Jthbooks

author, book blog, book blogger, book bloggers, book review, books, bookstagram, fantasy, fiction, gay, lgbt, literary ficton, queer, Uncategorised, ya, young adult

Anticipated Queer Books for 2022 – Part 1

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It’s that time of year again. We’ve entered the new year and that means we’ve got a whole selection of new queer books coming out this year and I thought I’d share some I’m really looking forward to.

If there’s one thing you’re going to learn from this list is that queer books have some seriously stunning covers! Just wait and see!

So let’s talk about some brilliant queer books shall we?

Here Again Now by Okechukwu Nzelu. Am I lucky enough to have a proof copy of this? Yes. Do I have it preordered? Yes. I loved Okechukwu’s first book and I can’t wait read this new queer book. This is going to be my first read of 2022. That’s how much I’m looking forward to it. It’s out March 10th.

Only on the Weekends by Dean Atta. I absolutely loved The Black Flamingo, I think it’s one of the best books, and I’m eagerly awaiting the publication of this book. Its written in verse once again. I seriously can’t wait. It’s out May 12th.

Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart. I have such a high hopes for this. I loved Shuggie Bain and I have a feeling this one is going to be even better! Have you seen that final UK cover? Stunning. This one is out April 14th.

Flip the Script by Layla Lee. A queer Korean book all about Korean Dramas. Do I need to say anymore to you really? That should literally be enough for you! I can’t wait to read this sapphic book! Once again the cover is stunning! Now I’ve seen on somethings it’s out January 1st, but I’ve preordered from Blackwells and it’s says June 1st. So that when I’ll be receiving mine.

Bolla by Pajtim Statovic. Again, I have high hopes for this. It’s a queer historical fiction that I’ve been lucky enough to be sent a copy of. I feel like this one might be under the radar a little bit so make sure to check this one out. It’s out in April!

Our Wives Under The Sea by Julia Armsfield. Incredibly excited for this one. I’ve heard it’s gothic and sapphic and I know that peaked your interest hasn’t it? Its out March 3rd.

Vagabonds by Eloghosa Osunde. Queer stories all set in Nigeria. I’ve been wanting to read more books set in Nigeria and this one sounds perfect for me. It’s been described as ‘spectacular’ by Akwaeke Emezi and that’s enough for me. It’s out March 31st.

The Secret Sunshine Project by Benjamin Dean. I loved this authors first book and I’m so excited for the second. These queer middle grade books are so important and very excited for this one! It’s out March 31st.

I’m going to add Lavender House by L. C. Rosen. Now I don’t know much about this one. There isn’t a cover for this one. But I will read whatever Rosen writes. You all know how much I love Camp. It’s out October 18th!

This is a very small list I know. There’s many more queer books coming out, some I don’t even know about yet. These are just some I simply can’t wait to read.

If there’s any you think I’d love let me know.

Until the next review

Jthbooks

#contemporary, author, blog, book blog, book blogger, book bloggers, book review, books, bookstagram, fiction, review, Uncategorised, ya, young adult

Arc Book Review: This Is My Truth by Yasmin Rahman

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Title: This Is My Truth

Author: Yasmin Rahman

Publisher: Hot Key Books

Length: 381 pages

Synopsis: Amani’s family is outwardly perfect, but no one must know about the Bad Nights, when her father’s temper rages. Her best friend Huda has grown up with loving foster parents, but what will happen to her now they’re expecting a baby of their own? The two best friends hide their fears even from each other. Then a prank blog starts revealing people’s deepest, darkest secrets. Amani is terrified that her shame will be exposed. How will she survive if everybody finds out her truth?

Yasmin is fantastic at writing characters. Amani, the main character, is so well written. As a reader you instantly warm to her. She’s funny, especially with Huda. She’s personable and real. But every character had such depth, it’s amazing how it all fit in to the book. And their connections with each other are so believable. They all felt real to me.

I have to say my favourite thing about this book Is the friendship between Amani and Huda. It’s so honest and real. It’s so refreshing to see a friendship like this in a book. They talk to each other like me and my friends. It was really lovely to read. Of course, they have their ups and downs but that made it even more realistic. It made me smile.

Now, this book does deal with some incredibly difficult things and it doesn’t shy away from them. These scenes are hard to read at times but they need to be. Yasmin brings honesty to them. They are very real. But I truly think they are handled brilliantly, nothing is there for shock factor. You see the situation escalate until it becomes unbearable for the characters.

I’ve also never read about this situation looking at from a child’s view. This is the young adult genre at its best, when books are dealing with real issues and helping people. So many young readers will unfortunately relate to this situation, but I think they’ll be able to find so solace in this book.

This Is My Truth had me gripped from beginning to end, filled with important storytelling, fantastic relatable characters and brilliant friendships. I couldn’t recommend this book enough.

Thanks to Hot Key Books for my copy of this book in return for an honest, unbiased review. It’s out July 22nd.

Until the next review

Jthbooks

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Books I’m looking forward to in the second half of the year!

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Now, I’ve never done a post like this before mainly because I never, ever know what’s coming out. But I’ve done my research as to what’s coming out later in the year and I’ve found some I’m excited about.

1) The Magician by Colm Tóibín

I crave Queer historical fiction and this one sounds like it could be it. I absolutely loved Brooklyn and I’m excited to see what this author does. Set in the period of WWII and featuring a queer main character. Yes please. I’m also very lucky to have a proof of it, so I will be reading it soon.

2) Gods & Monsters by Shelby Mahurin

This is the conclusion to this epic trilogy. I fell in love with the first book Serpent & Dove, I am so excited to see where this book ends. I’m excited (and a little scared) to see what happens to my beloved characters. This is really the only series I’m a Stan for. I own two copies of the first to books and I’ve already got two copies of this ordered. So yes, I’m very excited. It’s out in August.

3) Redemptor by Jordan Ifueko

I loved Raybearer. Absolutely loved it. It was my favourite fantasy of last year. I could to be more excited for this book. So excited. I can’t wait to see where this book goes and how this brilliant duology wraps up. Please don’t disappoint me. It’s out in August.

3) Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr.

I love All The Light We Cannot See, is a brilliant book and I’ve been looking forward to Anthony Doerrs book for so long and I’m excited. I don’t even really want to know what it’s about. I just want to be taken away in this story. My expectations are very high. It’s out in September.

4) The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak. I am very excited for this one. Elif is a beautiful writer and I’m excited to read more of her lyrical prose. I don’t know much of what this one is about and I’m keeping it that way on purpose. I just want to be swept away. It’s out on August 5th.

5) Aristotle and Dante Dive Into the Waters of the World by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. I need this book. I need it so bad. I’m so looking forward to going back to this world. These characters. It’s out October 12th.

That’s it, these are the novels I’m looking forward to in the second half of 2021. I’m sure there’s going to be more added to this list. My poor bank account.

Let me know if you plan on reading any of these.

Until the next review

Jthbooks

#contemporary, #fiction, author, blog, blogtour, book blogger, book bloggers, book review, books, bookstagram, fiction, review, Uncategorised, ya, young adult

ARC Book Review: Slingshot by Mercedes Helnwein.

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Title: Slingshot

Author: Mercedes Helnwein

Publisher: Panmacmillan

Length: 334 pages

Synopsis: Grace Welles has resigned herself to the particular loneliness of being fifteen and stuck at a third-tier boarding school in the swamps of Florida, when she accidentally saves the new kid in her class from being beaten up. With a single aim of a slingshot, the monotonous mathematics of her life are obliterated forever… because now there is a boy in it that she never asked for. Wade Scholfield. With Wade, Grace discovers a new way to exist. School rules are optional, life is bizarrely perfect, and conversations about wormholes can lead to make-out sessions that disrupt and logical stream if thought. So why does Grace crush Wade’s heart into a million tiny pieces? And what are her options when she finally realises that 1. The universe doesn’t evolve around her, and 2. Wade has been hiding a dark secret? Is Grace the only person unhinged enough to save him?

Look, is this a bad book? No absolutely not. Is it a great book? No absolutely not. Is this book pretty meh? Yes, yes it is.

I need to talk about the main character, Gracie, who in the first 100 pages is so annoying. Extremely annoying. She made me want to put the book down and never pick it up. She’s got such a bad attitude, and I know she’s meant to, and I can tell the other characters find it charming but as a reader I absolutely do not. And I think she’s meant to get better as the book progresses but again, nope.

Now lets talk about the romance or romances? I guess it’s actually a sort of love triangle. And I don’t get it. Why are these two boys in love with the her? One of the romances is actually pretty sweet, but it did happen very quickly. It definitely feels very shallow. And the other one just has no connection for me, it is more of a boy being in love with Gracie and she doesn’t feel the same but I’m still sitting here saying why are they all obsessed with her??

Here’s the thing, there isn’t much of a plot to this book. It’s all about finding your first love and having all those experiences. Maybe it’s because I’m too old for this kind of book, but it needs more! I didn’t believe the romances and the book sort of depends on them.

Like I said this isn’t a totally bad book, I just think to myself am I going to remember anything about this book in two weeks? I won’t, there’s so much brilliant young adult books out there at the moment with fantastic, important messages and this isn’t one of them.

Thank you so much to panmacmillan for my copy of this book in return for an honest, unbiased review, it’s out April 29th.

Until the next review

Jthbooks

#fiction, blog, book blog, book blogger, book bloggers, books, fiction, gay, lgbt, literary ficton, queer, Uncategorised, ya

Book Review: The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle by Matt Cain

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Title: The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle

Author: Matt Cain

Publisher: Headline

Length: 464 pages

You’ll understand the Crunchie when you read the book.

Synopsis: 64-year-old Albert Entwistle has been postie in a quiet town in Northern England for all his life, living alone since the seat of his mam 18 years ago. He keeps himself to himself. He always has. But he’s just learned he’ll be forced to retire at his next birthday. With no friends and nothing to look forward to, the lonely future he faces terrifies him. He realises it’s finally time to be honest about who he is. He must learn to ask for what he wants. And he must find the courage to look for George, the man that, many years ago, he lost – but has never forgot…

The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle is a reminder that it’s never to late to follow our hearts and be who we are.

There’s so much to love about this book. It’s got fantastic characters, a heartwarming story and an important message. It’s full of charm, heart and joy.

We follow Albert who keeps himself to himself and hides who he is from the outside world. Alberts journey is one of my favourite things about this book. To see him come into his own is so wonderful. And I really like how Matt has done it, it’s gradual and subtle. You’ll just fall in love with him. I also loved seeing make connections with other people, especially Nicole.

Nicole was also a great character to follow throughout the book. I loved the friendship that they formed. I also loved how their friendship was based on them both following their hearts.

Oh the romance. I thought it was beautiful. I was longing to Albert to reunited with George. No spoilers here so I won’t say if it happens but the whole thing had a real quality to it. The sections that go into the past so were so sweet but heartbreaking. Matt really captures the atmosphere of the time.

I really like how this novel tackles internalised homophobia, we need more of this in commercial fiction. You can see where Albert still has moments of shame as he is learning to accept himself, and its done so well. You can also see it when Albert meets the gay couple that moves into the village. I also really liked how Matt captures the atmosphere of Alberts childhood and how it stayed with him. It’s something we see so often and I think Matt handles it with real integrity and honesty.

Also, while reading this I couldn’t help but think this will make a brilliant tv series.

The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle really was a wonderful read that you won’t want to put down and one with characters you’ll fall in love with. It’s also pride next month and this is the perfect read for it. Don’t miss this one.

Thank so much to Headline Review for my copy of this book in return for an honest, unbiased review. It’s out May 27th.

Until the next review

Jthbooks

#contemporary, author, blog, book blog, book blogger, book bloggers, book review, books, bookstagram, fiction, gay, lgbt, queer, Uncategorised, ya, young adult

Book Review: Kate In Waiting by Becky Albertalli

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Title: Kate In Waiting

Author: Becky Albertalli

Publisher: Penguin

Length: 387 pages

Synopsis: Contrary to popular belief, best friends Kate and Anderson. Carpooling to and from theatre rehearsal? Environmentally sound and efficient. Consulting each other in every single life decision? Basic good judgment. Pining for the same guys from afar? Shared crushes are more fun anyway. But when their long-distance crush Matt Olsen shows up at their school, everything goes off-script. Turns out, communal crushes aren’t so fun when real feelings are involved. This one might even bring the curtains down on Kate and Anderson’s friendship.

This review is basically just a thank you to Becky Albertalli for writing this wonderful young adult book.

There is just so much to love about Kate in Waiting. The first thing that’s wonderful about this book is all fantastic characters. Kate is a brilliant main protagonist to follow. I loved that it was really about Kate finding herself and her confidence and it really was a joy to read. It was full of fantastic supporting characters to like Anderson, Noah, Brandie, Raina and Matt.

One of the best thing in the book was the relationships between the characters. Becky Albertalli really knows how to right friendships. They all had such a brilliant connections, especially Kate and Anderson. It reminded me of me and my bestie and I loved that.

Of course this is a Becky Albertalli so we had some fantastic representation and inclusivity in this book. Everyone gets there chance to shine and people are just who they are and it’s something Becky does so well.

The book follow Kate and Anderson as the both like the same guy and I’ll be honest and say that I thought it was going to be a little tedious, but it wasn’t! They always put their friendship first and I loved it. There were a few romances in this book, but I don’t want to spoil them for you. Let’s just say they were swoon-worthy.

And I loved that they were working on a musical! It was such a fun part of the book. If you feel like writing more books like this Becky, I definitely won’t complain.

The whole book is extremely sweet, but it never crosses into being to sweet and cliche. Kate in Waiting is just super enjoyable. It’s a super quick read because you never want to put it down.

Thanks to Penguin Random for my copy of this book in return for an honest, unbiased review. It’s out April 22nd.

Until the next review

Jthbooks

#contemporary, author, blog, blogtour, book blog, book blogger, book bloggers, book review, books, fiction, review, Uncategorised

ARC Book Review: The Summer Job by Lizzy Dent

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Title: The Summer Job

Author: Lizzy Dent

Publisher: Viking Books Uk

Length: 320 pages

Synopsis: Have you ever imagined running away from your life? Well Birdy Finch didn’t just imagine it. She did it. Which might’ve been an error. And the life she’s run into? Her best friend, Heather’s. The only problem is, she hasn’t told Heather. Actually there are a few other problems… Can Birdy carry off a summer at a luxury Scottish hotel pretending to be her best friend (who incidentally is a world-class wine expert)? And can she herself from falling for the first man she’s ever actually liked (but who thinks she’s someone else)?

So excited to be on the blog tour for this book. Make sure you check out all the other bloggers to see what they’ve got to say.

Listen, if you’ve read my blog before you know I’m a slow reader, but let me tell you I read this book in a day. That never happens to me. Ever. I just couldn’t put the book down.

Birdy was such a great character to follow. She was funny, relatable and you could tell she was sad and had a heart of gold. I just warmed to her instantly. She was honest. You also meet a lot of other great characters that were fantastic. Irene, James and Roxy. I really just loved them all. I loved the connection that Birdy had with them all.

Here was my favourite thing about the book, I loved the how the characters all came together to try and make the hotel a success. I loved reading it. I was desperately wanted Birdy to help them make it succeed, thats why I couldn’t put the book down because I wanted to know what was going to happen. I also loved that Birdy trained secretly to help. It was so endearing.

Now, I have to be honest and say that I don’t usually enjoy books when the main character is lying to everyone around them. It actually really annoys me. But in The Summer Job, it didn’t annoy me at all. I think it was because Birdy was such a great character. And it was obvious that she really cared about the people around her and the hotel.

There’s a romance, that I’m not going to say who its between because no spoilers, but I was totally into it. It was believable, romantic and well developed and I was excited to see how it was going to end. That’s all I’ll say, you’ll find out more when you read it.

I can’t recommend The Summer Job enough, its a funny, charming and endearing book thats a great read. I’ll look forward to reading whatever Lizzy Dent writes next.

Thanks to Viking Books UK for gifting me with a copy of this book in return for an honest, unbiased review. It’s out April 15th.

Until the next review

Jthbooks

#contemporary, blog, book blog, book blogger, book bloggers, book review, books, bookstagram, fiction, review, thriller, Uncategorised, ya, young adult

ARC book review: Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley

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Title: Firekeeper’s Daughter

Author: Angeline Boulley

Publisher: Rock The Boat

Length: 469 pages

Synopsis: Eighteen-year-old Daunis’s mixed heritage has always made her feel like an outsider, both in her hometown and in the nearby Ojibwe reservation. When she witnesses a shocking murder, she reluctantly agrees to be part of a covert FBI operation into a series of drug-related deaths. In secret, she pursues her own investigation using her knowledge of chemistry and Ojibwe traditional medicine to track down the criminals. However, the deceptions – and deaths – keep piling up and soon the threat strikes to close to home. Now Daunis must decide what it means to a strong Anishinaabe kwe (Ojibwe women), and how far she’ll go to protect her community, even if it tears apart the only world she’s ever known.

As you’re going to read in the rest of this review, I absolutely adored this book. I thought it was just brilliant. From beginning to end. I will say this book definitely deals with some difficult things so definitely check the trigger warnings for sexual assaults, drugs, grief, death. But I will say they are all dealt with honestly and lots of integrity.

The story right from the beginning was extremely intriguing. There were so many ways I could see the story going and it made it exciting to read. And it was all so detailed. Angeline really has written the perfect balance of character development, romance (yes there’s a romance that I thought was totally believable and sweet), mystery and action.

We follow the main character Daunis as she agrees to help the FBI in an an operation of drug related deaths, and she’s a brilliant character. She’s so complex and has such depth. It makes her so interesting to read. I love how smart she is and I love her how proud she was of her tribe and to an Ojibwe women. So great to see this in a YA book and In such a positive way.

Loved learning about Native American culture. Obviously it wasn’t this books job it educate me, but it did. But it never felt like an information dump, it showed us what we needed to know, then it showed us profound things. I loved learning about the traditions and some of them are absolutely beautiful. It was just detailed in the best way. It was brilliant own voices representation that we need more of.

I absolutely loved the ending to Firekeeper’s Daughter. The momentum and story had been building and the intensity had been growing so I just couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. It was also action packed! It had me on the edge of my seat. I also personally didn’t figure out the mystery. It was just so epic.

Listen, if it’s done right, this will make the perfect mini-series. I can see it in my head so clearly. It’s begging to be made. It felt cinematic. Netflix, you need to get on this, but don’t mess it up. This book deserves only the best.

I can’t wait for you to read this book and see all the intricacies of it. You won’t regret reading this brilliant young adult book. I’ll look forward to whatever Angeline Boulley writes next.

Thank you to Rock The Boat for my copy of this book in return for an honest, unbiased review. It’s out April 1st.

Until the next review

Jthbooks