Here’s what I’ve got for you this week–a couple mini reviews AND something that I like to call…

I’ve done this a few times before on Instagram but nothing officially on the blog, so you’re gonna have to let me know if you like it.

Or not. It’s my blog, I do what I want.

A lot of ARCs these days are designed to look like the final copy from the beginning and there isn’t a huge difference. But All the Right Reasons by Bethany Mangle is the best glow-up I’ve seen in awhile. The front stayed mostly the same, but look at that BACK! Back covers are often fairly plain and instead there’s an entire new SCENE and it’s glorious! It was the most fun surprise when I opened my mail and saw this.

And now, on to the mini reviews!

I’m So (Not) Over You, by Kosoko Jackson 
Goodreads ¦ Amazon
Series?: No
Publisher:  Berkley Books
Release Date: February 22, 2022
Length: 368 pages
Source: ARC
Format: Paperback
Rating: 5/5

Mini Review: This is fake dating with no basis in reality, as there is zero reason for Hudson to need Kian to be his date for dinner with his parents. It makes you think that Hudson’s parents really love Kian, or they were really close, something. But they seem to have met maybe once prior to this. They don’t hate him, but they certainly don’t love him or know him well.

Honestly, it does neatly explain Hudson in a nutshell though. He will happily take the stupid way out, knowing that it’s going to negatively affect someone else, as long as it makes things easier for him.

I actually like both of these characters though. Kian can be really introspective, and spends a lot of time thinking about his role in past relationships. Even though Hudson is the one who ended things with him and broke his heart, he doesn’t count himself blameless. For me, the problem is that Kian keeps giving Hudson chances, no matter how many times Hudson shows him who he is.

Here’s the thing though–I fully loved this book anyway. The Boston descriptions were so on point. I lived there for two years (yes it was during the marathon bombing and yes the day the city went on lockdown while the National Guard looked for the bombers was as terrifying as it sounded) and it felt like I was right back in any one of the many bars that line the streets but are still always part of what’s going on outside. And the steam was full-on Blanche Devereaux spray bottle level.

Full Flight, by Ashley Schumacher
Goodreads ¦ Amazon
Series?: No
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Release Date: February 22, 2022
Length: 320 pages
Source: ARC
Format: Paperback
Rating: 4/5 

I was having the loveliest time reading this book. The marching band scenes were just *chef’s kiss*. The author got it so right in her descriptions of how the bus for away games, and calvacades, and parades always goes.

And I was right there with Anna, in the biggest trouble but for no real reason. Knowing I couldn’t trust my own parents.

Weston was so good. The romance was so sweet.

And I admit, I even had an affinity for the author because my maiden name is Shumaker. It’s spelled differently, but I feel an immediate kinship with anyone who grew up hearing “haha do you make shoes?”

Like I said, I was really having the loveliest time.

Then it got to the last quarter of the book. And I WILL NEVER FORGIVE THE AUTHOR FOR WHAT HAPPENS HERE AND NEITHER SHOULD YOU.

She is a beautiful writer and I will read whatever she puts out next, albeit with trepidation. And listen, yes, I read her debut last year and it was also incredibly sad but I do not remember being BLINDSIDED by it at the END for NO REASON THIS WAS NOT NECESSARY AT ALL TO THE STORY ASHLEY.