Hello friends! —- Today’s post is about the 10 most notable books that I’ve read this year. As I’m writing this post, I’ve read 96 books so far this year. That’s a lot. It’s freakin’ June and this honestly proves how much of a social life that I don’t have. Which I’m 50% OK with, because that means that I get to read more books.
So here are the books that had some sort of impact on me, so far this year. In no particular order: Continue reading
I didn’t have a set ‘To Be Read” pile/list for February, but I did want to try and read at least 10 ARC’s that I have. I’m so freakin’ happy to say that I’ve read 11 ARC’s! I DNF’d 3 of them, but I’m counting them as read, since I read enough to get a handle on the story. Continue reading
State of the ARC is a monthly meme at Avalinah’s Books meant to motivate you to finish up all your long overdue ARCs (Advanced or Early Reader Copies). You can track your reading progress and link up with your own post. Most commonly it comes out on the 30th of every month.
I’ve had my eye on this “State of the ARC” meme for a while now. I’ve never wanted to participate, since I myself am shamefully, incredibly behind on quite a few dozen ARC’s that I have. I cringe every time I think of them.
I found myself reading a few ARC’s I had this month, so I’m happy to say that I’m going to try and participate in these every month!
A huge Thank-You to Nine-Star Press, LLC, via NetGalley for allowing me to read Speedbump by Charli Coty in exchange for an honest review.
Trigger Warning:
Mentioning of Self-harm, Mentioning of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, Abuse.
Ezra Cook is sole caregiver to older brother Tray, who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s in his forties. They live outside the small town of Drop, Oregon, on property Tray bought with his Microsoft settlement money. For years, Ezra has been going on and off low doses of testosterone to maintain a comfortable level of androgyny. Ezra spends most days juggling Tray’s needs and the work required to survive in rural Oregon on a small income, ignoring their own needs, especially companionship and sleep.
Ellred “Red” Long escaped Drop at seventeen but returns to his hometown in disgrace after his band dumped him on the streets of LA. Coming back doesn’t seem like such a dead end, though, after he sees a guy walking along the side of the road in the rain and gives him a lift.
Ezra and Red’s chance meeting begins an uncomfortable friendship neither had expected, and both allow fear to keep it from escalating into a hookup, or worse, a romance. Red never meant to return to Drop and doesn’t want to get stuck there again, while Ezra’s protective walls may be too strong to breach, from either side.
All I really knew about Speedbump was that it was listed on NetGalley as a LGBTQIA, Romance. The synopsis was interesting so I thought that I’d check it out.
Speedbump tells the story of two very different individuals who are both queer. Each character has led different lives, and I like that they talk about it when they’re ready. I like that both Ezra and Red are supportive of the other.
The beginning of the book was a little iffy for me. There are two points of view, each 
individual chapter was slow to gain momentum since we’re getting to know everyone and their story from Ezra and Red. During the beginning of the book, I don’t know if it was the awkwardness of the characters, but the writing felt like the author was trying to find their way to write the novel.
Both Ezra and Red are interesting characters. They prove that time and time again. One thing that I like about this book is that we see in Ezra’s mind that they’re having quite a run with how they view them-self.
Speedbump story was never a dull story. Of course there are some really rude characters, but that’s life. And Speedbump certainly pertains to the LGBTQIA crowd. In a way, I kind of wish there were more LGBTQIA+ characters, but Speedbump IS about Ezra and Red. So keeping the focus on them was very important, and the point of this story.
Speedbump pleasantly surprised me. There were many moments in this book where I was legitimately worried for the characters in them. One thing that will stick with me though is that no one died a tragic death (since most of these characters are LGBTQIA+).
I give Speedbump 4 stars!
Happy Reading!
Adele
Hello lovelies! This is my final post for the first month of the new year! The older I get, the faster time seems to fly by and I have no idea how to handle that… As you can see by the title, today’s post is my January 2018 Wrap Up & Book Haul! Like last month, I seem to have gotten quite a few books. February is going to be one heck of a reading month, if I can find the time to read.
I didn’t have a set TBR this month. I wanted to keep things open and be able to Continue reading
Hello everyone! In today’s post I’ll be featuring and talking (somewhat briefly) about the books that I’m most excited for. Now these books could be books that I’ve heard about in passing, or I’ve glimpsed them and then moved on. The books mentioned in this post will be published in the month of February.
If you’ve heard of these books, or there are other books that you’re interested in, tell me about them! I’d love to discover more books. — Enjoy!
Adele Is Reading 