kassie_rankin's reviews
138 reviews

Between Salt and Serenades: A Love X Magic Novel by Marissa Serrao

emotional funny hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

 I read the first book in the Love x Magic series and loved it. I was very excited to read this second installment!

First, I absolutely loved that I was able to learn about “new to me” fae. I am familiar with sirens, but not familiar with all that they could do. I was interested to learn about the selkies. This was a fae that was not known to me before opening this book. I am very interested in learning more about them as well!

Between Salt and Serenades is a sweet and cozy fantasy story. There are a few heavier topics (war, death of a parent) but overall it is cozy! You follow Sidra and Breena go against their natural hatred of each other to team up and save the ocean. 

I loved these two main characters, as well as all of the side characters throughout the story. I think that Marissa Serrao has a great way of describing the characters in these stories. They are relatable and they make me want to be their friend! 

Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

The Secrets Next Door by Sally Royer-Derr

fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I really enjoyed this book! I wanted to know what was going to happen next and figure out who was hiding who they truly were. I devoured this book from the moment I started.

I did find it a little predictable as we got towards the end, but it was an enjoyable and quick read!

Die Hot with a Vengeance: Essays on Vanity by Sable Yong

3.25

This was an interesting take on the world of vanity that we are currently in. With the focus on social media that we are currently in, vanity is a big topic. 

I did find some of the essays a little more focused on her life and story rather than through the lens of vanity. But overall, it was enjoyable.

Taste: My Life Through Food by Stanley Tucci

emotional informative reflective relaxing medium-paced

5.0

I LOVE THIS BOOK. 

I thought that taking you through Stanley’s life through food was a unique way to write a biography. I think that food is one of the BEST ways to connect with EVERYONE. So being able to hear from an actor that I have enjoyed watching, in a way that makes him seem relatable. 

I really enjoyed hearing the book from him. As well as hearing/seeing the recipes that are told throughout the story were a great touch. 

Pancakes for Roger: A Mentorship Guide for Slaying Dragons by Susan L. Combs

3.0

I purchased this book at a Pancakes for Roger event on campus at the University of Missouri. This book had some interesting stories and tidbits about life. I loved that it is a Missouri author.

How to be a Coffee Bean: 111 Life-Changing Ways to Create Positive Change by Damon West, Jon Gordon

informative reflective fast-paced

3.0

This was a quick read to bring a new thought process to how we see our day. I wouldn’t say that there was anything revolutionary in this story. But it was a great way to add a few new positive changes to your day and life.

The Spare Room by Andrea Bartz

mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

I LOVED this book! My favorite genre is domestic thrillers, and I was so excited to find a queer story in this genre. (If you have any recommendations, send them my way!)

I was intrigued throughout the entire book. Every moment I could, I was picking up this book to try to figure out what was going to happen next. 

This was a super quick read for me and I can’t wait to read more from the author!

We're Going to Need More Wine: Stories That Are Funny, Complicated, and True by Gabrielle Union

emotional funny hopeful inspiring sad medium-paced

5.0

I love this book. I love Gabrielle Union. I will read or listen to anything she writes. 

This book consists of short essays tied together. I enjoyed the stories because they made Gabrielle relatable to everyone. 

Please check content warnings, as some chapters cover heavy topics. 

Nerve: Lessons on Leadership from Two Women Who Went First by Kim Campbell, Martha Piper, Indira Samarasekera

informative inspiring reflective slow-paced

3.5

Follow the story of two women who were the first Presidents at their respective Universities in Canada. 

This book is amazing for those who work in higher education, especially those who want to move up the ranks while at their college or university. But it is also a great way to hear about women who work incredibly hard to get to where they want to be. 

A Dead Man and Doggie Delights by Aleksa Baxter

mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

 This book was not for me. I have realized I am not a cozy mystery person. I was not invested in ANY of the characters or even the story.