Reviews: HOW TO LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR, FOURTH DOWN, and BUNS

A collection of mini-reviews, quick thoughts, and books worth mentioning. 

Check them out!

HOW TO LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR by Sophie Sullivan

Publication Date: January 18, 2022

Pages: 352

Source: Publisher | Netgalley

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis (link to Goodreads)

MY THOUGHTS

I want to read more books that make me laugh, and I'm happy to add HOW TO LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR to that growing list.

I was hooked by the cover alone - the crossed out Hate is that one simple thing that made me want to read this book. I just knew that it was going to be a lot of fun. HOW TO LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR is described as an enemies to lovers romantic comedy, but I think it's more like strangers to friends to lovers to friends to so much more. I loved Grace and Noah's game of getting to know each other.

HOW TO LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR was a fun take on Trading Spaces and House Swapping. It was a fun, feel good book about figuring out who is important to us in our lives and making time and space for those people.

"We need to stop trying to prove ourselves to people that aren't even paying attention."

From the acknowledgments:

"To all of the people whp are afraid to jump because the landing is uncertain; I hope you find the courage to take the leap. Even when the landing hurts a bit, it is so incredibly worth it."

I love this so much and it's why I always read the acknowledgments.

FOURTH DOWN by Heidi McLaughlin

(The Portland Pioneers, #1)

Publication Date: August 10, 2021

Pages: 336

Source: Buoni Amici Press | Library

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis (link to Goodreads)

MY THOUGHTS

I was excited when I saw that my library had an audiobook copy of FOURTH DOWN by Heidi McLaughlin and I downloaded it right away. I'm so glad that I listened to the audiobook as my second reading was more enjoyable than the first. To have the story presented in a voice other than my own changed the tone of the book, it added to the humor and flirtatiousness that I didn't necessarily pick up on, and that's what I needed.

FOURTH DOWN is the first book of the new Portland Pioneers series and an enemies-to-lovers sports romance.

What I liked:

• Autumn - she's compassionate and self-assured and she has an ease about her
• Autumn's developing friendship with Peyton, I love reading about women supporting women
• The Beaumont Series connection - it was funny to read the men of 4225 West as the older dudes
• Julius's children - Reggie and Roxy - they are adorable and their presence helped shape the story

Julius wasn't my favorite person. He had a lot of misdirected anger and Autumn definitely has a more forgiving heart than I do. It took me longer to warm up to Julius and understand the pain he was dealing with. I'm just glad that they were able to figure it out and find the love that they both deserve.

I'm looking forward to reading more books in this series.

BUNS by Alice Clayton

Publication Date: May 23, 2017

Pages: 320

Source: Purchased

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis (link to Goodreads)

MY THOUGHTS

My book club knows that we can turn to Alice Clayton when we need a good laugh. The first two books, Nuts and Cream of the Crop, had us rolling so of course we had to read the third book in the Hudson Valley series, Buns.

I loved the idyllic setting and the Dirty Dancing comparison. Luckily we live close to one of the Mountain lodges where the movie was filmed and I'm tempted to take a day trip to relive the story all over again.

I loved reading Archie and Clara working together and falling for each other and the silly situations they got themselves into. And it was fun to fall for Archie who seemed aloof, but was anything but.  

I'm sad to say goodbye to the people of Hudson Valley with the end of this series - but I would love to catch up with them at a wedding or weekend getaway. A bonus story is all I would ask for.   

Reviews: FOLD IN THE CHEESE, HOW TO WIN AT THE CHALLENGE AND LIFE, and ODDBALL

 FOLD IN THE CHEESE: 

An Unofficial Guide to Splendiferous Entertaining for Fans of Schitt's Creek

By Parker Long

Publication Date: October 25, 2022

Pages: 144

Source: Netgalley | Library

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis (link to Goodreads)

My Thoughts

Just like it says on the cover, FOLD IN THE CHEESE is definitely for fans of Schitt's Creek. This book was fun to read because it drew from specific events and scenes from Schitt's Creek - one of my all-time favorite shows. The book shares the hits and misses of being a hospitable host and preparing for events that people will remember.

I read this book while preparing for an annual work event and it was a great reminder that not every event is perfect - don't stress over making it perfect - most people don't notice the little mishaps. Just go with it and have fun.

I loved the various events featured like the housewarming party and the baby shower hosting how-to, but my favorite events focused on food and family especially the chapter BACKYARD BARBECUE. BEYOND THE GRILL provided the absolute best advice - Offering a Smattering of Sides. "The important thing is to have something for everyone and fully embrace the abundance of comfort food. You never know who'll need it." 

FOLD IN THE CHEESE cracked me up and made me want to watch all things David and Alexis.

And best of all, it features my personal favorite meatloaf recipe.

How to Win at The Challenge and Life: A Champion's Guide to Eliminating Obstacles, Winning Friends, and Making That Money

by Sydney Bucksbaum

Publication Date: October 25, 2022

Pages: 256

Source: Netgalley | Library

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis (link to Goodreads)

My Thoughts

The book is definitely for fans of The Challenge and it's likely only for fans of The Challenge. I am a fan of the show,having watching the seasons a ridiculous number of times, and sadly I have to admit that this book left me wanting so much more. With the inclusion of "at Life" in the title, I expected more in depth acknowledgements and revelations.

I did like getting more details from the contestants of the earlier seasons like Cynthia and Landon.

I wanted more photos and behind the scenes details. I would have love to read a book about the other contestants attempts at the big win, but continued to fall short because there is honor in trying.

For readers who are interested in this book, check it out from the library. 

ODDBALL by Sarah Andersen

Publication Date: December 7, 2021

Pages: 105

Source: Netgalley | Library

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis (link to Goodreads)

My Thoughts

ODDBALL is a fun, loveable, and relatable collection of comics about creators, artists, authors

living with pets, anxiety, friendships, and surviving ourselves.

Some of my favorite comics:

"Suddenly Finding a New Obsession"  

The accuracy of loving something or fixating on something that it becomes your whole personality

Another Good One:

"So I didn't do that thing."

"Neither did I"

"Failure Solidarity" with a big hug

The books ends with my favorite comic of the book. "One Year" 

Taking it and making it one baby step at a time.

Another great collection from Sarah Andersen.

Mini-Reviews: ECHOES BETWEEN US, MISTLETOE AND MR. RIGHT, BE STAIGHT WITH ME

 A collection of mini-reviews, quick thoughts, and books worth mentioning. Check them out!

ECHOES BETWEEN US by Katie McGarry

Publication Date: January 14, 2020

Pages: 384

Source: Netgalley| Purchased

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis (link to Goodreads)

My Thoughts

One of my favorite things about Katie McGarry’s books is how she makes readers care about the characters whole-heartedly. It’s easy to get caught up in their lives, care about their struggles, and what happens to them. And this is what happened with Veronica and Sawyer in ECHOES BETWEEN US. They both are dealing with serious, heartbreaking things.

The ghost hunting, hauntings, and the urban legends made it eerie and thrilling. There is this one scene in a graveyard and the moments leading up to it that gave me some awesomely creepy chills.  

I want to know more about Glory. She definitely needs her story told. Fingers crossed, some day.

ECHOES BETWEEN US brought out all the emotions as the characters dealt with love and death, fear and grief. It is a love story and a story about friendship, family, and letting people be there for you when you need them the most. 

I loved it. Just like I knew I would.

MISTLETOE AND MR. RIGHT by Sarah Morganthaler

Publication Date: October 6, 2020

Pages: 400

Source: Netgalley | Purchased Copy

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis (link to Goodreads)

My Thoughts

Traveling to Moose Springs in THE TOURIST ATTRACTION was a lot fun, so I was more than happy to revisit the town and everyone who lives there in MISTLETOE AND MR. RIGHT. 

I loved catching up with the townspeople of Moose Springs as they prepare for the holiday season and try to figure out how to protect their community from the influx of tourists and a mystery moose set on destruction.

I loved reading MISTLETOE AND MR. RIGHT for the laughs and for the romance and all of the unexpected moments of ridiculousness. While this book is set during Christmas, I don't consider it only a Christmas-time read and it can be read and enjoyed any time of the year. 

It was fun to visit Moose Springs and I can’t wait to go back.

BE STAIGHT WITH ME by Emily Dalton

Publication Date: May 19, 2020

Pages: 240

Source: Netgalley | Purchased

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis (link to Goodreads)

My Thoughts

This memoir-in-verse shares the story of college life and all of the experiences of becoming who you are and who you're going to be. It's a story of love and of friendship and living those moments that seem ordinary, but really mean everything.

One thing that is striking about this book that comes across beautifully is the realization that sometimes you are in the midst of a love story that you didn't expect, but it's still real. It's love. And it matters.

BE STRAIGHT WITH ME had me all up in my feelings because it also tells the story of a friendship that's lost when the love is no longer shared.

Before I even finished reading the review copy of BE STRAIGHT WITH ME, I knew this was a book that I had to add to my personal library. It really touched my heart.

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Disclaimer: I requested e-ARCs of these titles from the publisher for review consideration. I was not compensated in any way other than the e-ARC provided. I've purchased finished copies of these three books for my personal library. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

Mini-Reviews: THE REBOUND, THE IDEA OF YOU, and MY OXFORD YEAR

A collection of mini-reviews, quick thoughts, and books worth mentioning. Check them out!

THE REBOUND by J.R. Rogue
Publication Date: June 13, 2019

Pages: 254

Source: Kindle Unlimited | Purchased

Rating: 4.5 of 5

Synopsis (link to Goodreads)

My Thoughts

I've read some pretty incredible books this summer and I've just added THE REBOUND to the list. It's one of those books that kept me reading through the night. I was surprised that it wasn't as scandelous as I'd anticipated. I loved the age-gap storyline of the musician and his muse.

I've read several of Rogue's poetry books and while I have a couple of her novels, this is the first one I've read. Reading the novel felt like reading her poetry. Her style translates well - it's fluid and mesmerizing. As I read THE REBOUND, I kept thinking: I want to write a book like this. One that is touching and telling and giving the reader just enough at the right time to evoke an emotional response.

It's so good! I definitely recommend it.

THE IDEA OF YOU by Robinne Lee

Publication Date: June 13, 2017
Pages: 372
Source: Purchased
Rating: 5 of 5
Synopsis (link to Goodreads)

My Thoughts

I can't believe this book has captured me so completely. I started it late in the night and after waking up at 3:00 in the morning, I couldn't stop reading it until I finished.

What I thought would be just a fun escape - a summer read with the older woman/younger man trope. I didn't expect this overwhelming story of love and all of the life lived in this story.

I loved it. An instant favorite with a permanent place on my bookshelf.

MY OXFORD YEAR by Julia Whelan

Publication Date: April 24, 2018

Pages: 352

Source: Purchased

Rating: 5 of 5

Synopsis (link to Goodreads)

My Thoughts

I really needed to read this book at this time in my life. It's funny how that can happen sometimes with a book. It was as though this book just called to me like "You've had me for a while and you keep passing me over. Now is the time." I didn't read the book summary, so I didn't really know what I was getting into when I started it. I finished it in early August and just thinking about it still leaves me breathless.  It entertained me and helped me get through some tough moments. It's still doing that. I love it.