So I am very behind on my book reviews as you can probably tell from the title of this post. Well its about time I got to some of these and I decided to do a post with short reviews for each of them to get through about a months worth all at once. So let’s just dive right in and talk about all the books I read in January 2021. And don’t be afraid by that title because there are some good books in here!
Delivering Virtue by Brian Kindall
Synopsis: The American West, 1850. Former French dandy Didier Rain’s weakness for saloon girls, money, and whiskey keep derailing his plan to join the pantheon of epic poets. So, when he’s approached by holy men claiming he’s part of a prophecy, he agrees to transport an infant bride for a soul-selling sum of $30,000. But to fulfill his foretold role, he’ll have to succeed at the one task he’s always failed: keeping his pants buttoned.
Unable to resist lustful impulses and outrageously depraved detours, Rain wreaks havoc through his augured misfortunes. Riding the treacherous pioneer landscape, his non-existent survival instincts send him down a trail littered with his own sin and probable doom.
Will Rain’s questionable care deliver the girl to her groom unsullied by his unsavory pursuits?
This book was sent to me by the author to give an honest review. I honestly hated this book. The main character was very unlikable and the plot was pointless. I felt like I wasted my time reading this book and probably should have just put it down. But I kept reading, hoping that the ending would make up for the lack of plot. It didn’t.
The author was trying to use all these big words throughout the book that just made it sound like nonsense. The book justified the act of bestiality due to having a past trauma and had rape scenes included that were not necessary.
I wouldn’t recommend this book.
Book Rating: 1/5
Frozen Beauty by Lexa Hillyer
Synopsis: Everyone in Devil’s Lake knows the three golden Malloy sisters—but one of them is keeping a secret that will turn their little world inside out….
No one knows exactly what happened to Kit in the woods that night—all they have are a constellation of facts: icy blue lips and fingers cold to the touch, a lacy bra, an abandoned pick-up truck with keys still in the ignition. Still, Tessa, even in her fog of grief, is certain that her sister’s killer wasn’t Boyd, the boy next door whom they’ve all loved in their own way. There are too many details that don’t add up, too many secrets still tucked away.
But no matter how fiercely she searches for answers, at the core of that complicated night is a truth that’s heartbreakingly simple.
I was sent this book by Harper Collins in physical format in exchange for an honest review. I think this book is perfect for people wanting to get into thrillers. It’s chilling but not too scary….see what I did there :P.
This was a very atmospheric book and I was loving the wintery setting. I enjoyed that it would switch POV’s a lot which made it feel like you are slowly putting a puzzle together. The teenage characters were written very realistically and actually acted like a teenager would.
The ending of the book touched on a positive message and I was happy about that. I also really enjoyed the portrayal of family and how important it is.
If you want a quick read that will keep you on your toes trying to figure out what happened then this is a good book for you.
Book Rating: 4/5
Not So Pure And Simple by Lamar Giles
Synopsis: Del has had a crush on Kiera Westing since kindergarten. And now, during their junior year, she’s finally available. So when Kiera volunteers for an opportunity at their church, Del’s right behind her. Though he quickly realizes he’s inadvertently signed up for a Purity Pledge.
His dad thinks his wires are crossed, and his best friend, Qwan, doesn’t believe any girl is worth the long game. But Del’s not about to lose his dream girl, and that’s where fellow pledger Jameer comes in. He can put in the good word. In exchange, Del just has to get answers to the Pledgers’ questions…about sex ed.
With other boys circling Kiera like sharks, Del needs to make his move fast. But as he plots and plans, he neglects to ask the most important question: What does Kiera want? He can’t think about that too much, though, because once he gets the girl, it’ll all sort itself out. Right?
I was sent this book by Harper Collins in physical format in exchange for an honest review. I could relate to this book a lot because it was about teens in a church group going through crushes on each other and that was practically my life. I grew up in the church and even though I am not as close to it now, I still found it to be very refreshing to see in a book.
The book had a very positive message and it was a very good example of the power of friendship. It even made you feel like you were young again and had a crush on someone. I read the book pretty quickly because I was pulled right in.
I was definitely a fan of one of the side characters the most because I felt like I went through something very similar to what they were going through in the book. It was a moment of feeling seen and I liked that.
If you like contemporary books and have a religious background (although this is not a requirement), I think you would enjoy this book.
Book Rating: 4/5
A Glimmer Of Hope by Steve McHugh
Synopsis: Layla Cassidy has always wanted a normal life, and the chance to put her father’s brutal legacy behind her. And in her final year of university she’s finally found it. Or so she thinks.
But when Layla accidentally activates an ancient scroll, she is bestowed with an incredible, inhuman power. She plunges into a dangerous new world, full of mythical creatures and menace—all while a group of fanatics will stop at nothing to turn her abilities to their cause.
To protect those she loves most, Layla must take control of her new powers…before they destroy her. All is not yet lost—there is a light shining, but Layla must survive long enough to see it.
This book was sent to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. I think this one was a fun read. It had the superhero undertones to it and it was cool getting to know Layla as a character and learn her origin story.
The dialogue did feel a little bit one dimensional at times but that didn’t really hinder the plot too much. It got gruesome at parts and I was here for it. I also liked the action scenes in this book. I wish they had a bit more detail to them but they highlighted the use of teamwork really well.
It was a good first book to a series and I’m looking forward to finding out where it goes in the next book. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes superheroes or books involving characters with powers.
Book Rating: 3.5/5
The Back Flamingo by Dean Atta
Synopsis: A boy comes to terms with his identity as a mixed-race gay teen – then at university he finds his wings as a drag artist, The Black Flamingo. A bold story about the power of embracing your uniqueness. Sometimes, we need to take charge, to stand up wearing pink feathers – to show ourselves to the world in bold colour.
This book was given to me as a gift. I adored this book so much. Insert all the emojis with heart eyes. It was so cute and I really enjoyed getting to know the main character as they blossomed into the wonderful person they are.
The book was written in verse so it was very poetic and beautiful. I loved that the book talked about coming out on your own terms and no on else’s and the way it dealt with racism and internalized homophobia.
It was a super fast read (finished it the same day I started) and I would definitely read more books by Dean Atta. I recommend this book for anyone that wants to explore self discovery in the LGBTQ+ community and see that there is a place for you in the world.
Book rating: 5/5
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It’s spooky season!!! Here is my October TBR of all the books I will be reading in October. I tried to go for a spooky/thriller theme for the books I chose and am excited to be creeped out this month! Let me know in the comments what spooky books you are reading in October!
Check out the video below:
