Hell Bent

This took a minute for me to get back into - but only because it had been two years since I had read the first book and there were a lot of moving parts I had to remember. Once I got all that sorted, I was IN. I love this series - I can't wait for the next one. It's an urban fantasy set on Yale's campus and all the characters are antiheroes that you secretly love even though they are chockfull of issues. In Hell Bent - Alex and Dawes are looking for a portal to hell so they can rescue Darlington who was taken by a demon in the last book. Each attempt into hell is riddled with complications and new horrors - Is saving Darlington worth it? Witty banter, amazing characters, and a fast paced storyline. I need the next book now! 

Black Ball

A detailed look at basketball in the 70s; focusing on the influx and dominance of Black athletes to both the NBA and ABA. Many fans and scholars view the 70s as "the dark ages" because of the cocaine crisis, on court fighting, and players demanding better contracts; but Runstedtler makes the case that this was the decade that shaped the NBA to the empowered and exciting league that it is today. She does an excellent job outlining the rise of Black superstars during an era of widespread resistance to racial desegregation where majority white coaches, owners, media, and fans were more critical then ever of the new style of ball being played. At the time many Black players learned to play basketball in their neighborhood courts; with uneven surfaces, bent rims, and other conditions that gave them an improvisational style filled with razzle dazzle. Now considered a hallmark of the sport, at the time, it was unconventional and viewed negatively because white players and fans were not used to seeing or playing that way. Black Ball also dives deep into labor rights, the war on drugs, and masculinity as they relate to basketball. Flawlessly narrated by Xenia Willacey who intones excitement and enthusiasm onto every syllable. This narrative nonfiction book is perfect not just for sports fans, but for those interested in reading about Black excellence. Sports writing at its finest. 

Wine Witch on Fire

Before picking up this book I had no idea who Natalie MacLean was, but I was so intrigued that I ended up reading this whole book in one day! Natalie MacLean is an award winning Canadian wine writer - which if you're reading this you probably already know - but I know nothing about wine (I am a bottom shelf gal) and I have never read any of her columns, articles, blog, or podcasts. Even though I didn't know of her - I was pretty quickly won over with her engaged and honest writing. Wine Witch on Fire details the years of her divorce and the "scandal" that almost ended her career. The wine industry (like most food and drink industries) is teeming with sexism and "boys club" mentality; which MacLean really goes into towards the end of the book. She recounts with brutal honesty what went down, her reactions and feelings (as well as her ever increasing drinking) and she doesn't come off smelling like a rose, BUT, it humanizes her and makes her story even more compelling. Another aspect I really liked, was learning about different aspects of the wine industry and getting some wine recommendations throughout her biography. I had no idea what went on behind the scenes of wine writing and it was fascinating. Engaging biography - now I want to read her other two books!

The Swindler's Daughter

A society woman's world falls apart when she discovers that her mother kept a HUGE secret from her. Her father had been alive her whole life and had only recently passed away, living her his entire estate. Her mother refuses to answer her questions and forces Lillian to go to his hometown, settle the estate, and bring back the money. When Lillian arrives she discovers that her father's house has already been spoken for by her relative's friends and that her father's business partner seems less than scrupulous. While trying to get to the bottom of everything she starts to get a pang in her heart and wanting to stay. She has new found family, she is loving the independence she has without her overbearing mother, and there is a certain handsome man that has entered the picture. A slow burn historical romance with intrigue. A wholesome inspirational read that will enchant readers and open hearts. 

The Hate U Give

A powerful young adult book that has never been more relevant. Starr Carter too black for her white school and too white for her black neighborhood. She's constantly in the middle, afraid to let be too this or too that in front of certain people. That all begins to change one day when she and her friend are leaving a party and get pulled over. What happens next will haunt Starr forever, the white cop shoots her friend dead AND GETS AWAY WITH IT. Obviously this kind of injustice is in the media a lot which makes this book more timely then ever. Words can't describe how much I love this book and it's empowering message. Starr starts to find her voice not only to the media, but to her friends, family, white boyfriend, and classmates. This should be required reading. It's timely, impossible to put down (I read the book from cover to cover yesterday morning), and gives the disenfranchised youth a voice. Beautiful, haunting, and riveting.

The Writing Retreat

I'm not sure what I was expecting to read, but this was not it. It was good, but not great - but hell it kept me turning pages so that counts for something. Alex has had writer's block for a year. She hasn't written a single solitary word. But then a golden opportunity lands on her lap. Her big time author friend secured a spot for her at Roza Vallo's exclusive writing retreat, the trip of a lifetime. Roza Vallo is one of the most exclusive and exciting authors of the past few decades and has decided to mentor a few upcoming female authors under the age of 30 for a monthlong writing retreat. When she arrives at the retreat she discovers that her former best friend is also there - what are the odds?! But that's not the only strange thing that's going on. A twisty thriller that is fun - but a bit odd (or flat out unbelievable) at parts. 

Spa

I won't lie.... I don't think I am smart enough for this graphic novel. I was extremely confused throughout the whole book. Was their a plot? Who knows. What I do know is that it was terrifying. Legitimately creepy illustrations and a dark sense of foreboding and unease. The heart of this book is about a spa and the people who are there. The owner, a new employee, some guests, and the sinister creatures/ooze that are slowly infiltrating the spa through it's waters and inhabitants. I have no idea what really happened in this book but it was creepy as fuck and I flew through it. Someone please explain to me what I read!

Spare

I am not one of those Americans who is into British royalty. I've not watched a royal wedding, funeral, or coronation. I think the crown is outdated, antiquated, but also... intriguing - I found myself learning a lot about the chain of command, protocols, and the bubble the royal family find themselves living in. I never paid much attention to the Prince Harry "scandal" when it happened and I didn't watch the Oprah interview or the Netflix series - so reading Spare was really eye opening. I appreciated that this was a true autobiography and not just focused on why he left (although that is a major undercurrent). Prince Harry recounts his childhood, military service and so much more. Overall intriguing. I found myself googling who some of the advisors and relatives were. 

Windswept Way

A charming and inspirational read that makes me want to go back and read the rest of this series. While this can easily be read as a standalone - it's clear that Hope Harbor and cute and quirky residents play bigger roles in other novels. In Windswept Way. Ashley Scott decides to move across the country to take a chance on an old estate. As a historian she loves to showcase old houses and use them as event venues, she is charmed by Edgecliff and convinces the elderly owner to become her partner and open up the grand estate in order to preserve it and its legacy. In the process she finds herself charmed by the beautiful seaside town and a certain landscaper who wants to do nothing more than hide. Jonathon Gray used to be a model, but now he hides behind his shades and scarves. During the war he was badly injured and his scars have a way of scaring people. Rather than get to close to anyone he decides to keep to himself - that is until Ashley. Charming and inspirational - the perfect kind of fluff!

The Nice House on the Lake

Intriguing concept - a group of people in their thirties are all invited to their friend Walter's lake house for a week of fun and merriment. They don't necessarily all know each other - some are friends from high school, college, work etc. but they at least all know Walter so it should be a great time. Except on their first night there they discover that the world is literally ending. Fire is reining down all over the world and people are melting to death. How are they all safe at the lake. What is happening?! They have a lot of hard questions for Walter - but he isn't exactly forthcoming with answers. In fact - he's making himself very scarce. The answers that they seek could be right in front of them - but the truth could be more horrifying than any of them can imagine. A dark graphic novel - I can't wait to see how this series continues. 

Be Frank With Me

A fun read with one of the most unforgettable characters I've read in a long time. When Alice is sent to California to assist the legendary and reclusive author, M. M. Banning in finishing her long awaited sophomore novel - she isn't sure what to expect. One thing she certainly wasn't expecting though, was having to be a full time nanny for the author's eccentric nine year old son. Frank is not like most kids - he dresses like a 1920s/30s movie star and has more knowledge of black and white movies than practically anyone living, has a tendency to steal or snoop through anything that isn't his and has nothing in common with kids his age. Eccentric is putting it mildly. But soon Alice finds herself growing to love Frank and developing feelings for Xander, the random fix it man who enters in and out of the house at will. If only she could get Mimi to like her or discover if she really even is writing behind her closed doors. Deeply real, flawed, and unique characters. The wit in this book is unmatched.