endemictoearth's reviews
3994 reviews

Hmmm, this one is a hard one to categorize and rate. I think it is a hi-lo title, which accounts for the simplicity of the story and the writing, but it was strange because the ages would typically make this a middle grade title, but it is in the teen section because of the young pregnancy (and possibly the ending, as well). 

I didn't feel as manipulated by the ending as with some stories, but it did seem needlessly tragic. I cried a bit; I'm not made of stone, but . . . I don't know. I think I would have liked some more backstory for Joseph and Maddie. We wouldn't have had to have details, just maybe the really didn't understand the consequences. In some ways, I feel like this almost romanticized teen pregnancy, which feels wrong.

I am somewhat interested in reading the follow up, because I feel like it can't be as tragic as this one, and I did really like the POV character and his family. 

I've really enjoyed this low-angst series that has an edge of self-awareness. (The running joke of how they're slowing getting all their queer friends to move to this town is cute and not grating.)

This book was also very sweet, and showed a specific difficulty of coming out in a way I haven't seen that often. Similar to another ARC I had (Second Chance by S.B. Barnes) we have a character who isn't fully out, but also isn't trying to hide who he is to many people. However, in this one, he is most worried about coming out to his family, which leads him to ask his new love interest to keep things on the down low.

While I can see some people getting frustrated with this, I mostly thought it was interesting to see someone who left town early to live the life he wanted, but didn't think he could share with his family. Then, when he comes home years later for an extended period (he's covering his mother's veterinarian practice while she's recovery from an injury) and it takes him time to recalibrate to a more accepting town than he remembers.

I did eventually get frustrated with Connor when he got in his own way and let Shay down too many times. I still believed the HEA, but I wish the low angst vibes could have applied to the third act, as well. 

That being said, I do like this series and there was plenty here to enjoy. Looking forward to the Spring installment!

Thanks to GRR for the advanced copy!

I wasn't expecting this to make me tear up; lovely little slice of life tale.

This casual interview style memoir was so quick to read, but also really fantastic. She has a lot to say about social justice and respectability politics and how so much of the 'progress' in recent years is so much lip service. I know that this moment is a grievously scary time for trans people, but it felt really empowering and comforting to read from someone with the long view who is super pragmatic about how you (and we all) have to be committed to surviving and thriving and taking care of each other.

I enjoyed this second book even more than the first (though it is a narrow thing; both were wonderful.) While it shows I read this over a couple of days, I should mention, I read the second half in one sitting and stayed up until 2:00 AM to finish it. 

While the first book follows Daniel, this one focuses on Tony, and I thought it was a wonderful choice to give us insights to his experience of their relationship. I don't think I've read an experience with 'coming out' (quotations for various reasons) quite like Tony's, but it felt entirely natural. He's never made any declarative statements, but his friends have known for a while, and his family has recently figured it out. He's not trying to hide it, staying over at Daniel's most nights, but feeling like he's still sneaking around a bit.

The mysteries aren't the strongest part of this series; however, this one was still compelling (my bloodshot eyes can attest), and that aspect felt a little bit more assured than the first book. (Again, this is not meant as shade; I gave the first book the same rating, this one just felt slightly enhanced.)

I am mainly here for the feels, and Tony . . . TONY. You wonderfully semi-stoic softie, thinking your feelings and experiences aren't worth talking about or sharing. I think the character development in this book was also a cut above book 1, which makes sense. Daniel is older and more established; he does have realizations, but his life wasn't as upended as Tony's is.

Also, I must give five stars for the aspect of managing a sprawling cast of characters in a way that felt deft and not pure chaos. The chaos of particular moments is well described, but it never felt like I was lost in a sea of names that I had no reference for. 

I don't know if the author plans to continue in this series, but I wouldn't mind a book about Colette . . . or Gianna . . . honestly, I'd take a book about any of the side characters. However, I will add any future books by S.B. Barnes to my priority TBR.

Thanks to GRR for the advanced reader copy! It got me to read the first book that I purchased last year, and I found some new favorites.