July in Review
08/01/2023
92. Wild Life by Opal Wei (eArc: Jan 24, contemporary rom, rom com in the right way!, Taiwanese-Canadian MCs,MMC has anxiety/panic attacks)
Mini-Synopsis: A cancer researcher bullies her way on to the private island of former C-pop star-aspiring wildlife rescuer after he accidently ends up with a slide crucial to her researcher. Hi-jinks ensue!
I loved Zoey, how grumpy, snarly and vibrant she is. I fully agree with Davy that she is radiant!
CW: sister had bone cancer, addiction
93. Rogue Protocol by Martha Wells (SF, Murderbot Diaries 3)
Mini-Synopsis: While trying to find more evidence against the corporation that tried to kill him original team, Murderbot ends up trying to keep another group of hapless humans and their pet bot from being killed.
Murderbot just can’t help getting involved and saving people! It is so intense and emotional and comforting!
CWs: betrayal, violence.
94. Exit Strategy by Martha Wells (SF, Murderbot #4).
Mini-Synopsis: While returning to Dr. Mensah and the Preservation crew with evidence against the villanous GreyCris corporation Murderbot realizes that Dr. Mensah is missing!
Reunion/rescue mission, more deadly battles! Love it… did I say was going to space them out… CWs: kidnapping, violence, gore.
95. Network Effect by Martha Wells SF, Murderbot Diaries 5).
Mini-Synopisis: Finally on Preservation, Murderbot is trying to figure out themselves and their relationships and what role they can have or should have in Dr. Mensah's life, when an old frenemy needs their help.
I just love all the sulky growth Murderbot continues to experience and how it doesn’t just transform their life but that of all others around them!
96. Capture the Sun by Jessie Mihalik (SFR, bk3, thief/teleporter)
Mini-Synopsis: Lexi a retrieval expert (thief) is used to working for terrible people but her latest job has lured her back to Valorian space and the betrayals come fast and hard and she has no choice but accept the help of Nilo, who once betrayed her himself. But things get complicated when they realize the Empress might be about to restart the brutal war they sacrificed so much to end.
I think I was in the wrong mood for this. But the tension seemed weak.
Cw: kidnapping, betrayal past trauma: war
97. A Most Agreeable Murder by Julia Seales (Mystery with Rom elements, AM/WW).
Mini-Synopsis: When a most eligible and wealthy bachelor is murdered in the midst of a ball, Beatrice Steele has no choice but to attempt to solve the murder especially since the inspector present is all set to blame her sister.
With a light yet satirical tone, a plot bordering on farce, & diverse cast, it’s MCs charm, amuse & detect! CWs: murder, violence, betrayal, abelism & misogyny
98. Resonance Surge by Nalini Singh (SFR/PNR WW/AM, Bear Changeling/ mentally scarred Psy)
Mixed feelings…wasn’t enjoying the book…took a 3 week break & enjoyed the ending? Wrong mood? Hmmm. CWs: murder, child abuse, serial killer, non-conventual medical procedures, ableism.
Cw: abductions, medical procedures, violence, gore.