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ICE raids are set to start as soon as tuesday (JAN 21, 2025) in Chigago so make sure you know your rights, your community, and your plan.

ICE MUST have a warrant to search/enter any property. they will lie and manipulate you to allow them on the premises but if they arent holding a valid document in their hands they cannot legally do anything

They may say something like "our warrant is in the truck," tough shit, have them bring it to you, DO NOT FOLLOW THEM ANYWHERE. Do not leave your property if confronted.

If you are taken, say nothing until a lawyer is present. The exception is if there are bystanders present/filming, then you should shout your name and whats happening

If you are witnessing a raid in your community, wait to warn others via phone as the cops may be monitoring nearby communications and may use that to select their next targets. Warn by code or word of mouth

escape if the opportunity presents itself, but dont be stupid.

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Hello Friends! I am starting a journey to pay off my student debt! This blog will still include book reviews, don't you worry! However I will also be discussing my debt journey and how I plan to pay off my debt. One way I am trying is through Amazon affiliate marketing, meaning if you like the things I will be reviewing, please click on the link and if you buy the book or whatever it is I post, then I will get a commission and that will help me toward my debt repayment journey! I am also thinking about starting a YouTube channel but I am unsure if anybody would have any interest in that.

That being said! I want to discuss one way I am saving money this year is by using websites such as bookbub, and freebooksy to invest only in free kindle books to use on my kindle paperwhite! I highly recommend buying a kindle if you have not already and looking into similar websites as well as Libby, an app that connects to libraries and allows you to borrow books for free! My goal for this year is to not spend any money purchasing books!

If you are interested in a kindle here is a handy link to purchase one!

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A Review of Wrong Answers Only by Tobias Madden

I want to start off by saying, as a Hunter I was really hoping for a different Hunter in this book lol, but the character was well written. I loved this story, it had me laughing and crying and wishing to be in Italy sitting in a lemon tree grove. The end of this book had me crying my eyes out so warning there for those who read.

Marco does not have anxiety, he can't right? It was just a blip. When Marco has a panic attack before moving to begin his journey to become a surgeon he feels lost. His parents make him defer a year and sent to his uncle he has never met on a cruise ship in the Mediterranean he tries to find himself once more.

Marco had so much personality and Madden wrote anxiety and queer self-discovery so well in this story. The panic of leaving on your own for the first time not knowing what will happen is a huge fear for so many that it was great to see that representation.

I would love to read more from Tobias Madden now and will have to look into that. This is the perfect summer book in my opinion.

Thank you NetGalley, Tobias Madden and Penguin Australia for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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A Review of Christmas Nights at the Star and Lantern by Helen Rolfe

This was a great, cozy Christmas romance book with a small town warm community feel. While this is the 6th book in the Heritage Cove series, it can be read as a stand alone, as I did. Rolfe has a great writing style that makes me want to read the other works in the series.

Helen Rolfe addresses some harder topics in very sensitive and creative ways. Topics such as not having children.

The main characters have so much growth to do but it is done very tastefully. Quinn wants to make his mark on the small town but not in a negative way. He has been to Heritage Cove before and was looking forward to coming back. Celeste is a kind soul and passionate baker. She has a lovely personality and great support having her sister and niece close by, while also being surrounded by friends and a close community.

Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources, Netgalley and Boldwood Books for a digital arc of this title in exchange for an honest review

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A Review of Tommy's Field by Nikki Marks

This was a fantastic story full of love, grief and family. The story of Tommy is one all too familiar for many unfortunately, a young life gone too soon. As a soccer player who loved the game, it was amazing to see the effort this family and community put into recognizing the dream of a young athlete. Where many families would try to talk their children out of traveling so far to play, they fully supported his dreams.

This is the first non-fiction book I have read in a while, as I tend to stick more with fiction and romance. I saw this story and knew I had to read it as someone who once held big dreams with soccer like Tommy. The TM23 Foundation is amazing and inspiring to so many. The fight this family went through to get the field built in the Lod Angeles Public park was one you often do not see the background of. Seeing the hurdles puts into perspective how much love this family has for not only Tommy, but his dream as well.

Thank you NetGalley, Nikki Mark, and Union Square & Co. - A subsidiary of Sterling Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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A Review of Twins for the Holidays by Jacquelin Thomas

This was a quick and easy read, a feel good story for those who love romance, Christmas, babies and found family. I read this in a day and it only took a few hours.

The story line of this book is great, and I love some of the character growth you can see in many of the characters. There are so many sub characters that for the most part were easy to keep track of but occasionally it got confusing for me. You get almost many different little plots in the main plot with the side characters.

That being said, there was a few things I did not love. Rayne, an amazing mother, was extremely selfish through most of the story. There were times I became so frustrated with her for being selfish and not communicating. She ran from Taylor then kept getting upset when he found out about the babies and not immediately jumping in to help. She kept doing things she thought was best, never considering anyone else and then ignoring those who would be upset about them. There was a little growth at the end but I wished for a little more throughout the story.

Thank you to NetGalley, Jacquelin Thomas, and Harlequin Heartwarming for early access to the ARC for an honest review.

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A Review of A Winter Wedding at Starcross Manor by Christie Barlow

This book is part of the Love Hear Lane series, book number 12 I believe. It is the first book from the series I have read but if the rest are anything like this then they are likely amazing as well. As someone who has not read any of the other books, reading this as a stand alone is perfectly fine! I am sure having other characters past only improves the already beautifully written story.

Starcross Manor is a wonderful-sounding hotel in the Scottish Highlands, a snowy wonderland where the owners Fergus and Julie, create the picture perfect wedding retreat with the help of their staff, volunteers and family. Libby, Fergus' sister and wedding planner for the big event (but professional fashion designer for work), meets grumpy Guy, the videographer who doesn't want to be there. Together they go on a love journey, along with an adorable little puppy who crashes right into your heart like he did the hot tub Libby was using that first night.

As I have said many times, I am a sucker for a Christmas romance book. This book was one that I actually won a free copy of from HarperCollins UK and was sent a physical copy in the mail. I love the opportunities and engagement that HarperCollins UK has with their readers.

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and One More Chapter and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you HarperCollins UK and Christie Barlow for the arc.

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A Review of Snowed In by Catherine Walsh

Rating 4.5 Stars

I have always loved a good Christmas, rom-com, especially set in a little village, this one in Ireland. I love the winter wonderland feel of Christmas rom-coms, especially this one as they are literally snowed in to the cabin. Walsh did a really good job developing the characters to have their own personalities, not cookie cutter versions of each other like some books favor. I do also enjoy a good fake dating book as they usually bring some humor to the story. Christian was not a hard character to fall in love with.

I read this as a stand alone, not fully knowing when I started that it was part of the Holiday Romance book series. I have personally not read Holiday Romance however might because Catherine Walsh has a great writing style.

This book was amazing, however there was one thing that was hard for me. It almost felt as though half way through the book the story line was finished, and then a second one started. I had to take a break in the middle of the book and read another book before continuing.

thank you netgalley, bookouture and catherine walsh for sending me this arc!

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A Review of The Breakup Vacation by Anna Garcia

Three Stars

This book was good however not my favorite. I love a good romance book, especially one easy to read. I also wished for a little bit of soccer, as a former player and lover of soccer romance. (and yes I know that was not at all the main point of the story but still, Daniel was a soccer star who never seemed to be playing at all). The cover, the tile and even the description looked so good. That’s what drew me in but the characters come off as young kids instead of college kids. There seems to be a lack of maturity in all of the characters.

While I did enjoy the plot of this story, I had a hard time with some of the characters. Grace, heartbroken after her ex (of only 6 months) Josh broke up with her, turned stalkerish to try and win him back. While this may be seen as light hearted, it can also be seen as a bit creepy. She followed him to Cancun where he found work on a film, a big dream for him, and dragged her two best friends with her. Enter dreamy Daniel, who while I loved felt very forward right from the beginning. Grace was not afraid to manipulate her friends, scar a random family, and toy with two boys throughout the story.

Thank you Netgalley, Simon and Schuster, and Anna Gracia for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

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A Review of The Prospects by KT Hoffman

This book was absolutely amazing. I couldn't put it down and finished it within two days. Gene is the first transgender man to play professional baseball. I love stories of trans characters achieving their dreams, especially in sports since that is something I gave up when I came out. I grew up on soccer but it is not hard to fall in love with Gene and his drive in this story.

Romance between a cis man and trans man is not often written about in the way Hoffman did. The fact that Gene was comfortable enough with his body was something you do not often see in intimacy. As a trans guy I love the freedom to not be what society wants Gene to be and the acceptance of his team not caring how naked he walks around the locker room.

I love the raw feeling of hope and learning to want more for yourself, while at the same time learning to carve your own path and not the one that is expected of you like Luis did. There are real discussions about topics much as mental health, panic attacks, transphobia, and societal expectations but so much more queer joy, hope, and expression.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Random House Publishing and KT Hoffman for the early access ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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A Review of Hannah Tate, Beyond Repair by Laura Piper Lee

This was a fantastic book that was hard to put down. Hannah Tate is a mess but she is doing her best. When the father of his newborn baby breaks up with her she moved back in with her mother and stepdad Daryl to help them restore the first floor of their cabin for an Airbnb. Along comes neighbor River.

I loved this story, we see a single mother in her 30's who is so busy being a mother everything else feels too big and stressful. Baby Bowie is adorable and I loved that Laura Piper Lee gave him his voice in a way with the expressions we all know babies are all too good at making. Sexy Neighbor River who lives in a treehouse which is every young kids dream swoops in and loves them both for who they are. The transformation we see with Bowie's father Killian into someone who can co-parent well was great.

I also will forever appreciate a queer best friend couple who takes no crap and hates the ex. Daryl was a great character as well and made the story so funny at times.

Thanks to NetGalley, Union Square & Co. and Laura Piper Lee for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

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A Review of The Lonely Book by Meg Grehan

While I am sure this story was fantastic, this style of writing was not for me personally. It is not really poetry but also almost poetry. It took me a while to get used to the style and figure out what is happening in the story. There is four main characters, Mum, Mama, Charlotte (a sixteen-year-old), and Annie, the youngest in the family.

The concept of a book shop that finds the perfect book for each customer with magic makes this story so unique. I wish that was a thing in real life so that I would always have the perfect next book.

The primary focus is on understanding gender identities (especially non-binary individuals) and coming out. It also deals with selective mutism and the positive ways to handle the issue. Gender-identity is introduced about half way though the book, leading to a lot of story until you hit the main topic of discussion. The use of sign-language throughout was also really cool to see.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Little Island Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. I will give this 3.5 stars but rounded down as the style was hard for me to read and stick with.

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A Review of Daniel, Deconstructed by James Ramos

This book had a great grasp on neurodivergence and the reality of having multiple identities. We see Daniel who is autistic and queer who is trying to so hard to understand the world around him he misses a lot of big clues others see about his building relationships. Masking is a huge aspect of many autistic individuals daily life, especially at that age and his past trauma only highlights that.

I loved the character development in this story and the plot was fun to follow as it was not too predictable. The way you use film to show how Daniel sees the world was a very interesting perspective. It is almost like the only way he can view the world is through the eyes of a camera otherwise it slides right by him,

I wish we could have seen a little more of Mona's development in her identity but it was a great twist I did not expect.

I would like to thank Inkyard Press and James Ramos as well as NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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A Review of Meet Me in Central Park by Jo Bartlett

Rating: ★★★★★

Time to Read: 2 days

Overview:

Libby Cooper is lost. She lost her parents in a terrible car accident, while they were set out to finally see New York City, her mother’s lifelong dream, because she bought the tickets for her birthday. She finds herself made to head to New York City to help out her great aunt, who has just had a major surgery and needs to recover. There she finds love, family, and purpose again.

Harry has always loved New York City from the moment he stepped foot there. Working as a full time park ranger, part time author to children’s books he illustrates, he never thought the stranger he found crying in the park would become to important to him. As he introduces her to friends and found family, their relationship grows.

Review:

This story took me on a journey I didn’t realize I could have in a place I have been before. It had me laughing out loud and even crying at certain points. We see Libby’s love for her parents through her ‘interactions’ with her parents, as well as the clear dreams her parents had for her through the stories we get from her aunt and grandma. The way she dealt with her grief not only felt really relatable, it was likely actually references from how many deal with grief. You hear stories of individuals going on trips after loss, whether to spread ashes, see loved ones, or experience what the lost individual wanted. We see a lot of that in this story.

I loved the found family aspect of this story, especially the diversity of the group itself. Bartlett really encompassed a lot in this story, grief, happiness, anger, second chances, and newfound family. This book is a great one to get you into the Christmas spirit, even if it is only September.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Jo Bartlett, and Boldwood Books for this early copy to read for an honest review.

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A Review of Change of Plans by Dylan Newton

Rating: ★★★★★

Time to Read: 3 days

Release Date: August 1, 2023

Overview: 

When Bryce Weatherford's brother and sister-in-law die suddenly in a car crash, she moves home from Florida to take guardianship of her three nieces. Things are no where near easy though as she's constantly putting out fires, fighting their grandparent's for custody and dealing with three rambunctious, grieving girls. Between running around trying to make end's meet, keep up with the girls schedule and 

Enter Ryker Matthews. A small town well known brother with a hero complex, who is suffering from PTSD after serving in Afghanistan and losing part of his leg to an IED. Ryker seems to be in the right place at the right time when Bryce and the girls need help and soon these two lost adults find comfort in an unexpected place. When some serious miscommunication threatens to break what has developed what will happen? 

Review: 

This duel POV rom-com was fantastic. I loved the personalities of all the characters from Ryker's broody RBF, to Bryce's choatic life of always seeming to be one step behind, to the moody teen June (who secretly loves Ryker's author brother Drake), and can't exist without fairy wings Addison. I love the found family trope of Bryce getting custody of her nieces and Ryker being his awkward self trying his hardest to help, even if sometimes it backfires (I'm looking at you Easter Bunny Ryker). 

I did not know this was part of a series following the three Matthews' brothers lives, I am going to have to go and find the others to read. This book can be read as a standalone,  Ryker’s family makes multiple appearances and I didn’t feel I missed anything not knowing his brothers’ backstories. 

Book 1, How Sweet it is. (Drake's story)

Book 2, All Fired Up. (Zander's story) 

Book 3, Change of Plans. (Ryker's story) 

Thanks to NetGalley, Forever and Dylan Newton for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

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A Review of The Highland Lodge Getaway by Julie Shackman

Rating: ★★★★✬ (4.5)

Time to Read: 2 days

Overview: (adapted from Julie Shackman’s description)

Christmas loving, Lottie Grant works at the incredibly successful Christmas shop, Christmas Crackers, in her beautiful Scottish home town of Craig Brae. But when the shop is sold to an Italian restaurant, her world is turned upside down, leaving her wondering what she will do next.

Just as she’s about to give up hope on finding a new dream job, an offer comes that she can’t refuse, managing a set of luxury wooden cabins… and opening just in time for Christmas!

As she gets to work decorating the cabins, Lottie can’t believe her luck. That is until the arrival of Blake Dempster, a moody but handsome hiking expert, who threatens to bring down her festive joy. But never one to shy away from a challenge, Lottie is determined to change Blake’s mind about all things festive.

Review:

The Highland Lodge Getaway was a fantastic read, very easy and captivating. Julie Shackman has some great character development where you’re left wondering about certain things that get revealed later in creative ways. I love Lottie’s Christmas spirit despite the hard times that have fallen upon her. She continues to push forward doing the best she can, despite grumpy Grinch like Blake appearing and arguing over her ideas.

I love a good Christmas book in the summer and the descriptions of the holiday cabins got me wanting to cozy down in a cabin in the woods for a weekend with some hot chocolate, a blanket and some books. I would love to travel to Scotland and see these cabins if they were real. I love how she got the community involved and you can feel the small town vibes from the writing.

The only issue I had with this story was that a couple of the characters just kind of disappeared for a bit and I understand as background characters they aren’t there, but I would have loved to see Lottie go to her mom about a few things that happened in the story. She also definitely took a chance driving into the woods to meet people who seemed to know a lot about her when she did not know them. Lucky for her it all worked out.

I would like to thank HarperCollins UK, NetGalley, and Julie Shackman for this arc copy.