Tag: Book Review

Book Review: Counting the Cost by Jill Duggar

GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Non-fiction Memoir
Length: 288 pages
Author: Jill Duggar
Publisher: Gallery Books
Release Date: September 12th, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

For the first time, discover the unedited truth about the Duggars, the traditional Christian family that captivated the nation on TLC’s hit show 19 Kids and Counting . Jill Duggar and her husband Derick are finally ready to share their story, revealing the secrets, manipulation, and intimidation behind the show that remained hidden from their fans.

Jill and Derick knew a normal life wasn’t possible for them. As a star on the popular TLC reality show 19 Kids and Counting , Jill grew up in front of viewers who were fascinated by her family’s way of life. She was the responsible, second daughter of Jim Bob and Michelle’s nineteen kids; always with a baby on her hip and happy to wear the modest ankle-length dresses with throat-high necklines. She didn’t protest the strict model of patriarchy that her family followed, which declares that men are superior, that women are expected to be wives and mothers and are discouraged from attaining a higher education, and that parental authority over their children continues well into adulthood, even once they are married.

But as Jill got older, married Derick, and they embarked on their own lives, the red flags became too obvious to ignore.

For as long as they could, Jill and Derick tried to be obedient family members—they weren’t willing to rock the boat. But now they’re raising a family of their own, and they’re done with the secrets. Thanks to time, tears, therapy, and blessings from God, they have the strength to share their journey. Theirs is a remarkable story of the power of the truth and is a moving example of how to find healing through honesty.

LOVED.

Jill has always been one of my favorites and I remember watching a lot of this show growing up. I loved the way she wrote about her experiences with her family and the show and how that played into so many aspects of her life.

I also loved how she talked about her changes in faith and how much healthier her relationships are and that Jill has found ways to work on the healing she deserves. I loved hearing about her relationship with Derick and that they seem like a strong foundation.

This was an enlightening read that broke my heart a bit and I appreciate the insights and comments to her growing up years and where she is now.

Overall audience notes:

  • Memoir
  • Language: none
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: mentions of past sexual abuse, difficult childbirth (near death experience for baby/mom)

Instagram || Goodreads || The StoryGraph

ARC Book Review: Sadie and the Bad Boy Billionaire (Oakley Island #3) by Emma St. Clair and Jenny Proctor

GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Contemporary Romance
Length: 277 pages
Author: Emma St. Clair and Jenny Proctor
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: January 2024
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

I will NOT fall for the smart-mouthed, pretty-boy billionaire who owns Oakley Island. But his yacht is another story …

Love and happily-ever-after? It’s not for me. I’m much happier keeping everyone at arm’s length, focusing on my government cybersecurity work.

But then I push things a little too far and hack my way into trouble. When I need to lay low and stay off the radar for a bit, what better place to do so than on Oakley Island with my sisters?

With limited housing options, I reluctantly agree to stay on the yacht of the very annoying Benedict King—the billionaire who has been messing—flirting?—with me since we met.

I did NOT agree, however, to a voyage out to sea.

But I wake up to find the yacht that should be docked and empty somewhere in the Atlantic with two government agents tasked with babysitting me and one Benedict King.

Who also lied about being my boyfriend.

Typical rich man—thinking he can take whatever he wants.

But he won’t take my heart. Not even when I see his softer side, see behind his walls, see the real man behind the reputation.

Honestly, this might be more dangerous than any of the other trouble I stirred up. Because if I fall for Benedict King, I’m not sure there’s any hope of rescue.

Thank you to the authors for an eARC.

MY HEART.

Once I started this book I was quickly reminded how much I love this author duo’s writing style. It just sucks me in, makes me feel good, and the story only heightens all of that for me.

I adored this story. It was different, and I love different. I love the complexity of characters and thoughts and trying to find that way to love. There’s reasons and depth and a raw truth that I feel in my bones when reading. Falling in love is hard y’all. And also Benedict King should be protected at all costs.

There were alllll of my favorite kind of moments. The soft, the take care of, the laughter, the swoon, and the amazing kissing scenes. WHY ARE KISSING SCENES ARE UNDERRATED Y’ALL, these were spectacular. I’m sitting here thinking of all the moments that I couldn’t get enough of. This was full of everything I love.

And getting those epilogues? I will not apologize for being an absolute sucker for that kind of stuff. Give me all the glimpses of life in the future.

Overall audience notes:

  • Contemporary Romance
  • Language: very low
  • Romance: make-outs
  • Violence: low
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: very brief gun violence

Instagram || Goodreads || The StoryGraph

Book Review: Unseelie by Ivelisse Housman

GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★★
Audience: YA Fantasy
Length: 432 pages
Author: Ivelisse Housman
Publisher: Inkyard Press
Release Date: January 3rd, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Twin sisters, both on the run, but different as day and night. One, a professional rogue, searches for a fabled treasure; the other, a changeling, searches for the truth behind her origins, trying to find a place to fit in with the realm of fae who made her and the humans who shun her. 

Iselia “Seelie” Graygrove looks just like her twin, Isolde… but as an autistic changeling trying to navigate her unpredictable magic, Seelie finds it more difficult to fit in with the humans around her. When Seelie and Isolde are caught up in a heist gone wrong and make some unexpected allies, they find themselves unraveling a larger mystery that has its roots in the history of humans and fae alike.

 Both sisters soon discover that the secrets of the faeries may be more valuable than any pile of gold and jewels. But can Seelie harness her magic in time to protect her sister, and herself?

I LIKED THIS!

I honestly had no idea what I would think of this one and I consider it a solid young adult read. It leans towards the younger-middle YA range (not bad, just an observance) and I adored the audio production.

The unique core of the plot with the changeling identity really sold me on picking it up. There’s some standard fantasy tropes woven throughout but the characters (especially the main) brought everything up a notch. I liked the world building and magic system with all of the fae elements too. A good ragtag bunch where you’re never quite sure who to trust will keep the pages moving.

Rather than romance, this book focuses on the strong bond of sisters. And with alllll of it’s ups and downs (which is flat out RELATABLE). I liked that they argued, I liked that they disagreed, it all made for a realistic relationship that I loved reading about. Character growth is ever present and I look forward to seeing more of that in the next book.

Overall audience notes:

  • YA Fantasy
  • Language: none
  • Romance: kiss/light flirting
  • Violence: medium
  • Content: autism rep, kidnapping, physical and magical violence, possession

Instagram || Goodreads || The StoryGraph

Book Review: The Takedown by Carlie Walker

GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Contemporary Holiday Romance
Length: 350 pages
Author: Carlie Walker
Publisher: Berkley
Release Date: October 3rd, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

An undercover CIA agent is sent home to investigate her sister’s criminal fiancé but the last thing she expects is to fall in love with his bodyguard along the way in this sexy romantic comedy.

It’s been a long time since Sydney Swift has gone home. An unrelentingly successful CIA field officer, she has spent the last three years pretending to be someone — anyone — other than herself.

But this year, the festive season is coming with some added surprises. Sydney’s beloved little sister has just announced that she’s engaged to Johnny Jones, the heir of an organized crime dynasty. With her built-in cover and her best-in-class reputation, Sydney is approached by the FBI as their way to infiltrate the Jones family at last.

Sydney has until Christmas to gather enough evidence on Johnny to take him down before he pulls off his most dangerous heist yet, all without losing her sister forever. But she hasn’t counted on the challenge of pulling this off right under her family’s nose or the complications of a romantic entanglement with Johnny’s handsome friend and bodyguard, Nick. Sydney always gets her man — but this time love is a target she can’t afford to miss.

Thank you PRHAudio for the gifted audiobook.

LOVED THIS.

I love holiday books that bring a new journey. A CIA agent and a bodyguard? YES PLEASE. I loved this. It had the perfect balance of rom-com vibes with a bit of romantic suspense and I was here for every moment.

I loved the romance between Sydney and Nick. The chemistry was there from the beginning and watching them clash through fantastic banter made me laugh and kick my feet throughout.

The journey for Sydney and her sister was great too. I loved seeing Sydney’s character growth and exploration of her past traumas and how she can move on from them. There were wonderful moments of reconnection with Sydney’s sister and grandmother and those really rounded out the book beautifully.

I am just entirely smitten with this book and will be recommending it to everyone for the holiday season.

Overall audience notes:

  • Contemporary Holiday Romance
  • Language: some strong
  • Romance: 2-3 open door
  • Violence: moderate-high
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: gun violence, parental abandonment

Instagram || Goodreads || The StoryGraph