The Weekly Recap
Well friends, this week was one straight from the pits of hell. The US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, essentially ending safe and legal access to abortion and reproductive healthcare (in some states with pre-existing legislation its now an outright ban overnight). I had a really hard day Friday, sitting down and trying to process the equitable depths of both sadness and rage coursing through my body.
A body that now has very few rights in the eyes of the US courts and legal systems (to say nothing of how many cis-men for centuries have viewed women, and gender non conforming folks as less than). What’s more is that the addendum to this ruling clearly and viciously lays out what these lawmakers are coming for next: contraception, same-sex marriage, and privacy in the bedroom. Add to this the consistent and pervasive laws attacking the LGBTQIA2S+ communities and it seems we’ve all somehow been transported to the bad place.
Call your elected officials, write them, and donate to groups working relentlessly to ensure bodily autonomy and safe access to reproductive healthcare is codified. And may the people, groups and corporations that have done their part in stripping the rights of folks this legislation will hurt: I hope you know not a moment’s peace for the rest of your days.
Also…It feels so immensely stupid that I would then follow this up with all the romances I read this week, but I need some level and measure of f*cking joy right now.
Glow by Raven Kennedy (Free with KU)
Book four of the plated prisoner series finally dropped on KU (after some stress inducing tweets suggesting it might not be), and friends it gave me book three kingdom of flesh and fire vibes where its a lot of talking and hanging out and not a lot of doing until the last 10% when things get certifiable and then end on a heartbreaking cliffhanger.
So Not Meant To Be by Meghan Quinn (Free with KU)
I love Quinn’s romances but this year has felt really hit or miss for her (imho), this one thankfully did not make me question anything. I loved jumping back into the world of Lottie, Huxley, JP and Kelsey. It was great, and the cameo’s of her couples from her other books was a delight! Gave me when harry met sally vibes all day long.
The Sweet Spot by Adriana Locke (ARC)
A cute premise kind of ruined by crappy chronic illness representation and appropriative indigenous culture. Disappointed as I have loved some of Locke’s backlist and small-town romances previously. Full review can be found here.
The Devil in Her Bed by Kerrigan Byrne
The thing I’m coming to realize is that Kerrigan writes pretty much the same story over and over again, and I eat them up every single time. This one, wrapped up the Devil You Know series and finally featured Francesca (aka Pippa) and her relentless search for vengeance. Throw in a little I’ve loved you since childhood, star crossed lovers and spy vibes and you’re in for a good time.
Found by the Lake Monster by Lillian Lark
Monsters, they’re so hot right now. Lillian is a queen and FbtLM is a quick, steamy delicious monster read that will have you hooked from the beginning. Some of her hallmarks found in her matchmaking series show up here, and lord do they work for me. Also lake monster accountant that’s in heat? Okay, yes sign me up.
Shadow’s Claim by Kresley Cole
I’m not saying IAD are break in case of emergency type books, but I’m not, not saying it. I instantly fell in love with Bettina and Trehan, and loved the premise of this immortal fated mates extension of her IAD universe. Trehan is Daddy, that is all.
Titan by Jillian Graves (Free with KU)
Sucked in by Twitter book marketing: the musical. This is a solid monster BDSM Daddy Dom romance between a 400 year old Gargoyle and a former child star turned sugar baby. Great romance and world building will set the rest of this series up nicely, especially excited for Rook and Eden’s story next.