Into the Hurricane by Neil Connolly

GENRE: Action, Coming of Age, YA

This was a very goodcoming of age novel that pitted two teenagers not only againsttheir own anger, guilt and depression but also a hurricane. These two strangers reluctantly at first team up to help each other and in the process find themselves again.

Connelly did a good job of setting the scene and showing us what was inside the characters minds. As a reader you got to see them evolve and grow. It created fairly complex characters. It was a quick and enjoyable read.

The Saint's Rise (Ignifer Cycle, Book 1) By Michael John Grist

GENRE: Science Fiction/Fantasy, Action/Adventure

Michael John Grist is a magnificent story teller. He creates fantastic worlds and weaves them with adventure and intrigue. Science fiction and fantasy fans should not miss out on this book. It would make a really good video game as well. Classic good versus evil.

Gray Skies (WeHo #8) by Sherryl D. Hancock

GENRE: Lesbian Romance

This is a story of love lost and love found, with a few twists. As usual Hancock knocks it out of the park with the characters. She introduces us to new one but just adds them to the mix of the older characters. This is what keeps people coming back to her books. Hoping more people discover them because this is a writer that needs to be noticed.

Anika Takes The Long Way Home Up Soul Mountain By Eliza Andrews

GENRE: Lesbian Romance

This is a follow up to To Loved & Lost and it is awesome. Anika was the best friend to Alexis Woods and helped her pull it together and find love. Now years later she has made mistakes of her own and is in a no mans land in life and love. Time for her to find her own way home.

Eliza Andrews was one of the first lesbian authors I read and I loved the style. She does not shy away from the heard issues that are common in all relationships annd life. She used humor and every day language to make her charachter human and relatable. I hope to read more from her in the future.

The Summer I Wasn't Me by Jessica Verdi

GENRE: LGBTQ, Coming of Age

This book reminded me, in the beginning at least, of the movie But I'm A Cheerleader.  Just this book wasn't a comedy. After Lexi's dad dies her mom finds out she is gay and sends her to a de gayifying program. Lexi goes along hoping not to lose her mom even if she has to lose herself.

This book made me mad. I enjoyed it but the fact that this REALLY does happen to kids is horrible. The growth we see Lexi have throughout the book is incredible. Unfortunately she has to go through so much emotional pain and self hating to get there.

I would recommend this book not only to any LGBTQ person but alsothose family that may not be so accepting.

Granite Mountain by Brendan McDonough

GENRE: Non-Fiction, Memoir

This book has been made into a movie. It is a true account from the one survivor and I recommend you read the book because I hate what Hollywood does to stories like this. These are real people not characters to over dramatize. Getting off my soapbox.

The book told what it really is like to be a wildland fire fighter and the brotherhood that exisits. The author Brendan McDonough had overcame alot to become a fire fighter. You get to see that these hero's have their own demons but still give their all.

I remember hearing about this tragedy when it happened and being very angry. Why were they there protecting property? Were lives worth that? Who dropped the ball with the weather reporting and communication? After reading this book I realize that alot of decisions were made by many people. I still feel this tragic accident could have been prevented but honor the men who died doing what they loved.

Vendetta (WeHo #7) by Sherryl D. Hancock

GENRE: Lesbian Romance

This book you get to know even more characters. The way all the characters are connected isn't too far fetched if you know the six degrees of separation rule. This applies greatly in any lesbian community.

I think this was one of my favorites because of loved the relationship between Lyric and Cody. No, this is not the romantic relationship but I think that is what makes it all the more compelling. It shows a different side of the characters.

I love that Cody is determined to save people the way she was saved. She is the perfect flawed hero that every book needs. When she gives she gives her all.