Review Shots
- Published on
- Shalini
- in Book Posts, Book Reviews, Digital Reads Media, Digital Reads Reviews, Fiction
Review shots are the mini-reviews for the books that I have read over the last two weeks or so.
They range from good to bad to fantastic. What book didn’t work for me might just work for you.
Sandorn's Prison by Thom Bedford
Publication Date: March 2023
Book Links
Blurb
Galactic war has ravaged the cosmos for three months. In an attempt to break the stalemate between the two warring powers, the Alliance launches a perilous mission to liberate thousands of their captured officers from a nearby Union prison.
Disaster strikes, however, and the rescue attempt fails. Distress signals are intercepted by Exeter Station, where Commander Tanic Sandorn and his crew are called upon to do what the first mission couldn’t. Save the tortured prisoners of war.
In order to be a part of this rescue mission, Sandorn and the rest of his crew will need to fall in line behind a corrupt, authoritarian fleet commander, who is willing to get them all killed for the sake of his own reputation. Will this second navy operation succeed, or will the same tragedy befall them, leaving even more lives lost?
Propaganda and discontentment are on the rise. Cracks are beginning to appear in the political horizon. Not everything is as it seems within the Alliance.
My Review
What was it all about
Sandorn’s Prison was the second book of the series, by author Thom Bedford, a space opera that had pulse rocketing thrills, all the while the heart cheering for Sandorn’s success. Book 1 had the intergalactic war between two factors, the Alliance and the Union with losses on both sides.
This book was all about rescuing the prisoners of the galactic war, but in the process, Sandorn lost something precious while finding a lost family member. The story had some favorite characters returning from the previous book.
How it made me feel
Set in the backdrop of space station and political intrigue, the book caught my imagination via the intricacies of the plotline that had Sandorn taking his stand for his crew. I liked the loyalty he displayed.
The book had great battle and rescue scenes that were well detailed along with etching of different characters to bring about the feel of a sci-fi movie. Some good twists were hidden in the book that added to the thrill, followed by political secrets. Had me wondering who the real villain was.
But there were a few niggles. I had read book 1 years ago, and I wished this book told me something about it so that the characters appeared familiar. I felt I was pushed into many of the scenes without giving me the context of what was happening. I didn’t like the confusion that it created in me where I had to scroll continually to get to some known faces, then read back to understand what was happening.
Overall, this was an afternoon spent in space and rescue with Sandorn and his crew.
The Friend Zone Fiasco by Crystal Kaswell
Publication Date: March 2023
Book Links
Blurb
That awkward moment when your best friend asks for a cucumber based demonstration…
Dear Dare,
After all these years, you’re still my best friend. The only guy I trust. Really, who else would respond to my questions about rounding third with a cucumber based demonstration?
That’s what I need now.
Another lesson plan.
But, I want more than a vegetable this time.
I want you.
Think about it.
Love,
Val
P.S. If you’re not into the idea, please disregard this letter. We’re going to be trapped in a hotel room, in Europe, for two weeks, and I don’t want to make things weird.
How it made me feel
OMG OMG OMG What a boring so very boring book
My first book by this author, I chose the book for the color of the book cover. But how was I to know it would have pages and pages of choppy dialogues?
Two best friends stuck in the friend zone when they wanted f*ck each other senseless. So talk it out and get on with it. But nooooo… she wanted to practice s*x on someone and he was being the wingman
More than half the book was gone, and there was zilch romance or any sort of character development. Everything felt to be flat like a pancake. There was no connection between them. I didn’t feel the zing. Sheesh
I didn’t pay good money to read 350pages of this drivel of the story going nowhere. Sighhh…
Not Happy Campers by Ash Keller
Publication Date: 2022
Book Links
Blurb
Lance Blakeman is an up-and-coming literary agent with a chance to represent the biggest horror writer since Stephen King. Unfortunately, the client doesn’t want to work with a bachelor. Lance needs a fiancée—fast.
Lainey Fredrickson is a struggling artist making ends meet by waitressing at a local diner. Or, she had been, until pretty boy Lance got her fired for accidentally spilling a beer on him. The way he carried on, you’d think she had deliberately doused him with radioactive waste. Now, she has exactly $4.23 to her name—not enough for an iced latte, let alone rent.
When Lance offers Lainey cash to pose as his fiancée, she can’t afford to say no, even if it means spending a week in a cramped RV with him. But can they fool the client without fooling themselves? There’s a fine line between love and hate. And with kisses this sweet, the line is bound to get blurred.
How it made me feel
Lance needed a fake fiancé to woo a horror author to represent his books. And he found Lainey to be ideal, though she didn’t really liked him and blamed him for her unemployment. As they got to know each other, there was a gradual melting of the hearts, and love blossomed.
The book was a cute romance on an RV but felt more like insta love. I couldn’t feel the chemistry zinging between the main characters. Barring a couple of humorous scenes and the cutest dog ever, this novella didn’t stand out for me.
I am not sure if I would continue this series of love on an RV, though I liked the new book that had been just released.
Suited For Love by Ash Keller
Publication Date: 2023
Book Links
Blurb
You’d think a town called Friendly would be, well, friendlier.
As a lowly junior buyer for a trendy boutique in NYC, I dream of opening a store that will carry beautiful clothes for women of all body types. So, when I inherit beachfront property from a great-aunt I never knew existed, it’s a dream come true. There’s just one problem: my handsome new neighbor has plans to expand his own business—and he needs my building to do it.
Tuck’s a local. I’m an outsider. With the whole town against me, I may as well pack my bags and leave.
But that’s not my style.
I won’t give up without a fight. But Tuck has a few tricks up his sleeve, too—including spine-melting kisses that I can’t seem to resist.
How it made me feel
A sweet novella that hit the perfect spot in my heart at the right time
Margo, a plus-sized woman like me, stood up for what she believed in. Quitting her job, she moved to the town of Friendly and started her own boutique to dress up women of all sizes.
Enter Tuck whom she fell for in the best meet-cute situation. The town was opposed to the outsider, but Margo had a plan to win them over
The book had the feels that made me love the characters. Margo loved her curves and was comfortable in her own skin even when her boss tried to shame her
Tuck had his heart in the right place and managed to make me swoon. Where can I find my Tuck?
I loved the small town atmosphere kept alive in the whole book. Love and warmth were infused in the words
Houdini the cat added magic to the air around the characters
The book made me believe in it, and the entire credit went to the author
I loved it 😍
I downloaded the digital version of one book from an online retail and was gifted the paperback version of the other from my friend along with a couple of borrowed books, and this is my journey down its pages, straight from the heart. STRICTLY HONEST and UNBIASED.
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One Response
ah, the sweet with the sour.