ARC Review: Slay by Brittney Morris

Book info:

Title:  Slay
Author:  Brittney Morris
Genre:  YA contemporary?
Release Date:  September 24th, 2019
Publisher:  Simon Pulse
Source:  ARC from publisher which did not influence my opinion
My rating:  5 stars

Synopsis:
By day, seventeen-year-old Kiera Johnson is an honors student, a math tutor, and one of the only Black kids at Jefferson Academy. But at home, she joins hundreds of thousands of Black gamers who duel worldwide as Nubian personas in the secret multiplayer online role-playing card game, SLAY. No one knows Kiera is the game developer, not her friends, her family, not even her boyfriend, Malcolm, who believes video games are partially responsible for the "downfall of the Black man."

But when a teen in Kansas City is murdered over a dispute in the SLAY world, news of the game reaches mainstream media, and SLAY is labeled a racist, exclusionist, violent hub for thugs and criminals. Even worse, an anonymous troll infiltrates the game, threatening to sue Kiera for "anti-white discrimination."

Driven to save the only world in which she can be herself, Kiera must preserve her secret identity and harness what it means to be unapologetically Black in a world intimidated by Blackness. But can she protect her game without losing herself in the process?


My Review:
This was such an amazing #ownvoices story!  The author was able to pull in so many issues that teens, as well as even adults in this day and age are thinking or feeling or dealing with.  And she touched on all of them in what I felt was probably a pretty realistic way.  This video game wasn't one that had a bunch of killings and senseless violence, it was a card duel type of game, one that used so many different "Black" customs and history in ways that were definitely tongue-in-cheek for those familiar with the terms or even just very, what's the word, something like complimentary, but that's not really what I'm trying to say.  I don't feel that in any way these things were done in an offensive or insulting way, it was like loving all the parts of yourself, as well as those who are alike and different.  The book touched on many hot-topics or sensitive subjects that seem to remain no matter what.  Like cultural appropriation, is it "okay" for white people to get dred-locks?  Or is it even right to ask one person of a culture if it is okay, because should they be the ones to have to speak for everyone?  There was the bit about having a game "just" for the black people.  So many times you hear people talk about this with things like colleges and clubs.  Mixed race couples.  On the one hand, why shouldn't someone be able to love whoever they want?  But is it okay for a black man to think black women and men should only be together, that it is diluting their race to mix with white or other people?  

The number of controversial topics and hot button issues touched upon in this story is amazing, but also so ideal for the current political and cultural climate.  This book was not just really deep, it had great characters and action going along all the way through.  I could barely put it down when I had to do things like eat or sleep or work.  I can't wait to purchase a couple copies of this for my school library where I work. And I will get more than one copy, because I can see this being one several students will want to read at the same time once word gets around.  

Oh, one thing though, I think the word "ain't" had been around long before ebonics or the AAVE are considered to be started.  But I could be wrong!  Makes me want to do my research! 

L-L-L-Little Audiobook Reviews - Six Adult Contemporary Romances

So, was my title too confusing? Too weird?  I'm always trying to maybe make things more personal or blog-title-related if possible.  You might guess from my blog title, Lisa Loves Literature, that I am a bit of a fan of alliteration.  Up until now I've been doing what I call "mini-reviews". Well, tonight as I tried to come up with something more creative, I realized that I could call them little instead of mini.  But for the life of me, I couldn't come up with an L-word for review that made any sense.  Any thoughts or suggestions that could help me here?  For now, I will stick with my L-L-L-Little title. 

Anyway, I'm way behind on reviews again!  Six full audiobook reviews to get done, all of these are adult contemporary romance titles.  Without further ado, let's go!

RoomHate by Penelope Ward:

Release Date:  February 3rd, 2016
Source:  Purchased from Audible.com 
My rating:  4 stars

Overall this was a good one.  Although there was something about the narrator's voice or the way she read, or maybe just the way it was written that made me want to speed the audio up. Eventually though, I got into it.  The author kept us wondering for so long on just what it was that made the two of them have such a contentious relationship.  I mean the flashbacks we got to start made him seem just so sweet, that I had no idea what in the world she could have done to make him hate her as much as he seemed to.  There were really funny parts, like the song Justin wrote after he caught Amelia watching him when he thought he was alone in the house.  And when they tried to go to the movie theater they used to go to when they were kids and it wasn't showing the same type of movies, you can guess what they were showing now.  There were really sexy parts.  Really sweet, emotional parts as well.  But then the thing that really irritated me was when Amelia was afraid Justin had cheated on her.  He honestly had never given her ANY reason to think he would do something like that. So it made me extremely angry.  In the end it was a really good story, and I will definitely read/listen to more by this author in the future.

Here is the blurb from Goodreads:
Sharing a summer house with a hot-as-hell roommate should be a dream come true, right? 

Not when it’s Justin…the only person I’d ever loved…who now hates me.

When my grandmother died and left me half of the house on Aquidneck Island, there was a catch: the other half would go to the boy she helped raise.

The same boy who turned into the teenager whose heart I broke years ago.

The same teenager who’s now a man with a hard body and a hardass personality to match.

I hadn’t seen him in years, and now we’re living together because neither one of us is willing to give up the house.

The worst part? He didn’t come alone.

I’d soon realize there’s a thin line between love and hate. I could see through that smug smile. Beneath it all…the boy is still there. So is our connection. 

The problem is…now that I can’t have Justin, I’ve never wanted him more.

The Upside to Being Single by Emma Hart:

Release Date:  January 31st, 2018
Source:  Purchased from Audible.com 
My rating:  5 stars 

I freaking LOVED this one!  If I didn't mention this on the first book I read by this author, I'm pretty sure Emma Hart is going to become a favorite author, one that I hope I get the chance to meet sometime so I can totally fangirl over her!  First I loved this book taking place in New Orleans, as it has become one of my favorite cities to visit. The fact that they went on a ghost tour was really neat, because I did one of those this past summer when I visited NOLA myself! Then so much about her characters and their sarcastic sense of humor is just like me and the people I hang around with.   This is one that I had so much trouble getting out of the car and having to stop listening because of how much fun it was, and how close to the edge of my seat I was as I listened.  While there were a few chapters told from Jake's point of view, they were still narrated by the female narrator, so that wasn't my favorite, but I still liked getting those little glimpses into his thoughts.  While it felt like the sexual tension was very much a slow burn, to be fair, the book basically took place only over a couple of weeks, so that didn't bother me too much.  Also, loved the term "shark week" at the beginning.  Had never heard, have no use for it myself these days, but loved it!

Here is the blurb from Goodreads:
If anyone asks, I knew better than to flash my boobs for Mardi Gras beads. I still don't know why I did it. Maybe it was the dare from my two best friends. Maybe it was the guys on the balcony saying they'd throw Fireball shots with the beads. Or maybe it was the quiet guy in the corner of that same balcony with piercing gray eyes, wavy dark hair, and a smile so tempting I wanted to climb up there and lick it off his face. Maybe it was because I never thought I'd see them again. Not that it matters. Not today. Because the hotel I manage was finally bought-and the guy who walks in and introduces himself as my new boss is Mr. Tall, Dark, and Silent. There are many upsides to being single. Your new boss knowing what your boobs look like? Not one of them. 


Four Letter Word (Dirty Deeds #1) by J. Daniels:

Release Date:  October 4th, 2016
Source:  Purchased from Audible.com 
My rating:  5 stars  

Another one that I just loved by the time I finished listening to.  It took a bit to get into.  It didn't quite follow the storyline I was picturing in my head based on the synopsis.  But the way it went was still good.  Of course the fact that it was partially narrated by Sebastian York helped as well.  There were so many details hinted at, but kept out of reach for our knowing throughout the book, that it kept me on my toes, guessing at why one of them was doing what they were doing. And then there's how long it took for the two of them to actually meet. The near-misses, which honestly, I loved, it kept me guessing at when they would finally meet, and if one or the other would be upset with the one who actually knew who they were first.  Daniels knows how to write the steam, I don't need to tell you just how hot and bothered I got listening to certain scenes in this.  Even though I knew lying, or you know, just not saying anything about the porn was going to be a big issue at the end, and that kind of getting upset is so irritating to me, in the end the author pulled it back from that issue for me.  I can't wait to read on in the series.  

Here is the blurb from Goodreads:
Fate. Hate. Love. Lies.

Which four letter word will change their lives forever?

Sydney Paige was never so mortified to hear the words "wrong number" in her life. She meant to tell off the guy who broke her best friend's heart but unleashed her anger on a perfect stranger instead. And now her world is turned upside down by the captivating man who wants to keep her on the line.

Brian Savage is living a life he's quickly come to hate-until Sydney's wild rant has him hooked and hungry for more. Soon the sexy woman on the phone becomes the lover in his bed. But Brian has secrets, and the closer he lets Syd get, the harder it is to shield her from the devastating mistakes of his past . . . 


End Goal (Harris Brothers #3.5) by Amy Daws:

Release Date:  July 12th, 2018 (originally published in the Cocktales anthology)
Source:  Purchased from Audible.com 
My rating:  5 stars 

This is a really short review.  I loved the short story, but obviously there was time to do a bit of editing and finessing before the audiobook.  Plus, the audiobook had one of my favorite narrators, Will Watt, so just listening to him made it awesome.  Love, love, love the Harris Brothers, and Camden is totally my favorite.  I do also love Charlotte Cole's narration on this as well.  You should totally read their original book Challenge, first.  Check out my review of it HERE. 

Here is the blurb from Goodreads:
A Harris Brother Scottish Wedding! 

This short story was first published in the Cocktales Anthology. It reads well as a standalone but will be enjoyed better if you read Challenge first. 

Only professional footballer, Camden Harris, is cocky enough to elope to Scotland with his fiancé and leave the Harris Family behind.


Screwmates by Kayti McGee:

Release Date:  January 24th, 2017
Source:  Purchased from Audible.com 
My rating:  5 stars 

At first I wasn't sure because the narrator's voice was a tad annoying, but by the end the voice totally worked for me.  One thing I love about Kayti McGee's books, or at least the ones I've read so far, is that they're set in Kansas City, where I live.  This book was hilarious. The awkwardness of the main character, I totally feel that way, still, even with past experience I've had with dating and sex, etc.  There were a couple of really good lines in the book.  One about how guys are so good at ruining your daydreams about them when you see them in person.  And then when she talked about makeup being like having a coloring book on your face.  However the character liked that, she was an artist.  Me, so very NOT artistic, I feel like I'm a kid who can't color in the lines, and that's what it looks like when I put my makeup on.  I don't know if I agree with the thoughts about FSoG, but it was a good aspect to add to the story.  Lots of laugh out loud bits in this one.  

Here is the blurb from Goodreads:
I knew from the first time I saw Marc Kirby that I was screwed.

Big eyes, scruffy face, brown curls – yes, yes, and yes. The man is wicked hot.

He’s also my roommate, and since I work nights and he’s at class all day – it’s like living alone at half the rent.

Then an unexpected night off turns into an unexpected morning in Marc’s bed, but it turns out we can't even figure out the screwing. 

This is not great news for Marc who’s going on a “bangcation” at the end of the summer – a whole month in France that he’s planned to spend getting busy with the women of Paris. 

It’s also not great news for me for obvious reasons.

With both of us needing work on our skills, there’s only one logical solution to our predicament. 

Told you I was screwed. 


Listen to Me (Fusion #1) by Kristen Proby:

Release Date:  April 12th, 2016
Source:  Purchased from Audible.com 
My rating:  4 stars 

I'd already read the latest book in this series.  It's like I started at the end. But I'd wanted to start this series from the moment I first saw the cover of this one.  Jumping back into the series like this was fun, because I kind of was familiar with at least one of the characters, even though I feel like she said something at the beginning that didn't match up with something I seem to remember her saying in her own book.  You probably saw me mention above how much I love Sebastian York's voice, and I did enjoy listening to it.  However, I don't feel like his voice fits that of a singer's voice.  Just my opinion, probably I'm wrong, but I was still okay listening to him.  I liked the line about having an observation deck at a gym to enjoy the hotties.  I can even think of one romance book cover model that I already enjoy the pictures he shares of himself working out.  How do I get a ticket to his gym?  And what dropped this to 4 stars for me was just that both of them pulled stupid reasons for fighting at the end.  And that made me mad.  I get it, I get it, drama needed, but still, it always annoys me to fall back on those.  But before you get me wrong, I still really enjoyed it, and can't wait to read more in the series.  I'm especially looking forward to the book with Cami and Landon, Mia's brother.

Here is the blurb from Goodreads:
In New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kristen Proby’s brand new series, five best friends open a hot new restaurant, but one of them gets much more than she bargained for when a sexy former rock star walks through the doors—and into her heart.

Seduction is quickly becoming the hottest new restaurant in Portland, and Addison Wade is proud to claim 1/5 of the credit. She’s determined to make it a success and can’t think of a better way to bring in new customers than live music. But when former rock star Jake Keller swaggers through the doors to apply for the weekend gig, she knows she’s in trouble. Addie instantly recognizes him—his posters were plastered all over her bedroom walls in high school—he’s all bad boy...exactly her type and exactly what she doesn’t need.

Jake Keller walked away from the limelight five years ago and yearns to return to what’s always driven him: the music. If he gets to work for a smart-mouthed, funny-as-hell bombshell, all the better. But talking Addie into giving him the job is far easier than persuading her that he wants more than a romp in her bed. Just when she begins to drop her walls, Jake’s past finally catches up with him.

Will Addie be torn apart once again or will Jake be able to convince her to drown out her doubts and listen to her heart? 

Sunday Post #80 and Stacking the Shelves February 19th, 2017

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted  @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news ~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.   Once again trying to keep up and doing okay.  But still a little behind.  Only one review this week, but as I did six mini-reviews last week, I'm okay with that.  I'm slowly catching up, but of course also getting behind.  I had planned to use Monday to get a bunch done, but then I took more hours at the bookstore to work on saving money for my trip to ApollyCon in Orlando at the end of March.  I need to work on saving money because as you'll see from my Stacking the Shelves section of this post I've been buying lots of books to get autographed!  I did figure out I probably need to take two suitcases to Orlando, since I can check 2 bags up to 50 pounds each for free on Southwest Airlines.  I found a great deal on another suitcase at Gordman's.  Check out this awesome $36 deal!

It's bright and colorful and not just normal colors so it should be easy to find at the airport!

Okay, really quick, here is a list of what you might have missed on the blog last week:

• Book Blitzes:  Heathered Country by G.M. Scherbert (Giveaway), The Renegade Saints - Complete Series by Ella Fox (Giveaway), Love Story (Love Unexpectedly #3) by Lauren Layne, Ceruleans series by Charlotte Wilson (Giveaway), and Still Love You by Allie Everhart (Giveaway)
• Review:  Tinder Nightmares by Unspirational
• Can't Wait Wednesday #4:  Duels and Deceptions by Cindy Anstey
• Cover Reveals:  Shutter Speed and Freeze Frame by Freya Barker and K.T. Dove (Giveaway), For Love or Freedom by Lili Mahoney, and Realm Enforcers series by Rebecca Zanetti
• I also did a promotion for Inkitt publishing company and their current novel writing contest HERE.  I entered my one story that I finished as well!

I got a hair cut and color that was a major change from the long hair I've had lately. 

So, coming up this next week I hope to get several reviews done if possible.  Here's the proposed plans for this week on the blog:

• Cover reveals:  Deathstalkers MC Boxed Set by Alexis Noelle, Dark Protector by Celia Aaron, and All the Frogs in Manhattan by Carrie Aarons
• Promo/Blitzes:  Rhys  by D.B. James, Beard Mode by Lani Lynn Vale, Heathered Country by G.M. Scherbert, and Sad Perfect by Stephanie Elliot
• Reviews:  Long May She Reign by Rhiannon Thomas, Wallbanger series by Alice Clayton (#1-3 audiobooks)
• Possible reviews:  Sad Perfect by Stephanie Elliot, Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller, The Cinderella Arrangement  and Dirty Prince by Vanessa Waltz
• Possible Cover Characteristic:  Teapots, or maybe do last week's topic of cards.

I'm starting to get behind on reviews again, so if I have time this week there may be a lot of mini-reviews again. For instance, I'll probably do one big post for the books by the same author  or in the same series.  I need to get to the gym again, but that seems to be getting pushed out of the way by a lot of other things these days.

 
Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews.  It is a way for us to share the new books we have collected.  Once again I've got a lot of books, but like I mentioned above, it is to prepare for the book conventions I'm going to in March.  I'll probably have another big haul next weekend because of the print on demand books that I'm still waiting to arrive.  As usual I've downloaded way too many free e-books to really show you all of them.  

E-galleys:

I had to download the first one from Netgalley as soon as I could, that is one I cannot wait for.  I loved the first book so much!  The 2nd one I downloaded before my e-galley could expire and I'm so glad I did because I finished it yesterday and loved it!  The last one I received from the author again to do a promo tour and review of.  I can't wait to see how this series I have loved so far will end.

Physical books:

First a books for trade score!  I love Amanda Hawking's Trylle series, so I had been excited by any new book by her.  I didn't get to my e-galley before it expired, and then in a review I heard this was related to the Trylle series, so I put up a big ARC I had to get it.

These are all books I purchased from the bookstore where I work.  I've read the bottom one, but loved it, need to review it soon.  The top four are all new to me, and Riveted of course just came out on Tuesday.  The top four are all authors that I can meet next month at the two conventions I'm going to.  I've met Jay Crownover before, but will definitely get more autographed from her!

This is my haul from the Half Price Bookstore stop I made this week.  While I've read the bottom two, and listed to Wallbanger, all except for the very top book are for getting autographs at the book conventions.  The top one is a third in a series I've really liked, so when I saw it at the HPB, I had to get it.

So, I read this one from a free ebook, and just did it because it is a local Kansas City author that will be at the Kinky in Kansas City convention in a couple weeks.  I had to buy it to get it autographed, even though I guess she will only now be walking around the convention since she couldn't get books in time to sell.  But I loved this one, especially all the KC references, like about Eric Hosmer, one of our Royals baseball team players.



Those are my scores for the week.  What did you add to your shelves?