Ali

As a lifelong wrestling fan, I adored this story. I couldn’t put it down as I needed to know if the heist succeeded and how all the various aspects and players fit into the plan. I love a good heist story on its own and it was definitely heightened by making it centered around wrestling.

Some of the storylines are definitely ripped from the headlines but they’re used in a new and compelling way. As well, some of the visual depictions are VERY on the nose (let’s just say I’m NOT a Buddy Hansen girl).

The dirt sheet pages were a perfect and hilarious touch.

Without getting into specifics, the feeling you get at the end of the story is like how you feel after watching a fantastic match - satisfied, fulfilled and elated.

Thank you to NetGalley and Image Comics for the opportunity to read and review.

A sweet picture book for dog lovers of all ages. Also, a needed reminder that even fancy dogs are still dogs.

I watch a lot of dog shows and my favorite parts are when you get to see the most beautiful, groomed within an inch of their life show dogs just get to be dogs. Just because they look fancy doesn’t mean they’re not silly, loving, playful or a cuddle bug.

I loved the bright whimsical illustrations that helped bring the message to life.

Thank you to NetGalley and NorthSouth Books for the opportunity to read and review.

“Stepping Up” is a tribute to embracing who you are and having faith that you will find your place and your people. It depicts the ups and downs of the author’s experience as a scholarship student at an elite boarding high school.

I wish that we could have learned about the rest of the author’s years at Andover but I understand why she focused on her “junior” (Andover’s term for freshman) year. The first year of high school is always a tumultuous experience and the author sharing her story is a testament to “it gets better”.

As a reader, you feel mentally transported back to those years trying to find the activities that fit you best and the friends who accept you as you are. You also can feel the author’s desire to break away from her upbringing and embrace the freedoms she now has.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children’s books/HarperAlley for the opportunity to read and review.

The best compliment I can pay to this series is that I would absolutely pay to see it turned into a movie because it would be an incredibly good time (and I NEVER go to the movies).

A crazy ride that could only take place in Florida, it’s a madcap sendup of The War on Drugs, cocaine magnates and more than a few inferences to a current public figure. The title spells it all out for you and delivers on its promise.

Thank you to NetGalley and Mad Cave Studios for the opportunity to read and review.

I don’t know why anthropomorphizing animal serial killers makes it more compelling but it just works.

We’re again drawn into the sleepy town of Woodbrook although there remains an underlying unease after the events of the first series. The pages fly by as you know the town won’t stay quiet for long and the ensuing escalation is epic.

Much like the previous volume of “Between the Trees”, I’m left wanting a bit more. More about what motivated Samantha’s first (and shocking) murders. More about what happens next cause my goodness someone needs their comeuppance.

Thank you to NetGalley and IDW Publishing for the opportunity to read and review.

As a long time Orphan X fanatic, I’m ashamed to say that I hadn’t read any of Gregg Hurwitz’s other work until now. I’m glad I finally corrected that mistake.

If you’ve been on the fence about AI and what it could be used for, you won’t be after reading this. What was hoped to be a tool for productivity and efficiency becomes an instrument that acts upon your darkest thoughts.

I wish it had been fleshed out into a full novel with a little more conclusion for some of the characters. That said, it’s a fast paced and thought-provoking read.

In this day and age, you’re never truly alone and unheard.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the opportunity to read and review.