First, let me take this moment to congratulate myself on reading a BOOK THREE in a series where I haven't read the first two yet. This is the first tiFirst, let me take this moment to congratulate myself on reading a BOOK THREE in a series where I haven't read the first two yet. This is the first time I've ever done that. I'm so ocd about those kind of things that I will occasionally read an entire series if the book I want to read is in a spin-off series. I've read over 20 books just to get to a book I wanted to read before. So, this is progress. I'm a little less crazy today, folks. Just a little.
[image] See, it's mystique. Stop trying to give me pills to kill my mystique!
Here's what I discovered during this not-crazyathon: it didn't matter. I read this book without any feeling of not having all of the information needed. So, now I am in an existential crisis. Did all of those shitty books I read just to get to the book I wanted to read mean nothing? Could I have been doing this all along? Cheating works? It's like my whole life is a lie.
[image] See? I didn't even know this. I wonder what else I don't know.
Alright, I know, you aren't here to read about my not-craziness. You want to know why I gave a book with THAT cover a 5-star review. I mean, that cover? Come on! My dog could have drawn a better cover. Oh, or that painting elephant? I love that guy!
[image] What the hell? Another elephant picture? You're so obsessed with yourself!
Selfie-elephant should get hired by Ilona Andrews too. Oh, and the people who made this book cover:
[image] Jesus? Are you back? Why did you come back as a bigfoot? And, who's that girl?
Oh yeah, the book. I got distracted for a minute by the beauty of that last picture. So many questions.....
Our book starts with the caught-the-boyfriend-schtupping-the-intern scene, so our heroine, Avalon, takes off into the wilds of middle-California where the west is still wild, but you can still get a good gluten-free, vegan soy latte. She's not an animal. While she is sleeping in her old twin bed at the parent's house, she finds out that there is a big old house for sale, and it just so happens to be the former home of her teenage crush. It's a good thing her ex decided to do the intern yesterday because a day or two later and she wouldn't have had the chance to make a stupid decision and buy the house of her old boyfriend. I guess it could have been worse.
She could have decided to read this instead: [image] *shudder* Wait, is the word sexual really on the cover of that book? *shudder harder*
Oh, and the coincidences! They keep coming! It just so happens that her teenage loverboy is ALSO back home and wants to buy the house! What were the odds? She wins the auction. Because, you know, girls are better than boys. But, don't be dismayed, he lives on the same spot of land. So, you know, they can cute-fight over the property. He and Avalon get into an epic show-down of pranks, and that is part of what makes this book totally worth it. It was hilarious! And, then they were hilarious together. Hilarity ensued.
There were nudists, manure, and the worst song ever known to the 1980's. I couldn't help but admire the ways they made each other suffer.
Of course they start hooking up! You knew it was coming the whole time. And, they were even funny then.
“We are really good at it,” she allowed...
“Yeah. I liked the way we kept affirming each other. ‘Yes, oh yes!’” he mimicked.
She gave a quick shout of laughter.
I loved this couple. The story was cheesy, but I didn't care at all. The writing was great. The dialogue was absolutely awesome, and the HEA made me happy. Call me crazy, but this was one helluva fun book.
[image] Oh yeah. I almost forgot. Thanks.
Merged review:
First, let me take this moment to congratulate myself on reading a BOOK THREE in a series where I haven't read the first two yet. This is the first time I've ever done that. I'm so ocd about those kind of things that I will occasionally read an entire series if the book I want to read is in a spin-off series. I've read over 20 books just to get to a book I wanted to read before. So, this is progress. I'm a little less crazy today, folks. Just a little.
[image] See, it's mystique. Stop trying to give me pills to kill my mystique!
Here's what I discovered during this not-crazyathon: it didn't matter. I read this book without any feeling of not having all of the information needed. So, now I am in an existential crisis. Did all of those shitty books I read just to get to the book I wanted to read mean nothing? Could I have been doing this all along? Cheating works? It's like my whole life is a lie.
[image] See? I didn't even know this. I wonder what else I don't know.
Alright, I know, you aren't here to read about my not-craziness. You want to know why I gave a book with THAT cover a 5-star review. I mean, that cover? Come on! My dog could have drawn a better cover. Oh, or that painting elephant? I love that guy!
[image] What the hell? Another elephant picture? You're so obsessed with yourself!
Selfie-elephant should get hired by Ilona Andrews too. Oh, and the people who made this book cover:
[image] Jesus? Are you back? Why did you come back as a bigfoot? And, who's that girl?
Oh yeah, the book. I got distracted for a minute by the beauty of that last picture. So many questions.....
Our book starts with the caught-the-boyfriend-schtupping-the-intern scene, so our heroine, Avalon, takes off into the wilds of middle-California where the west is still wild, but you can still get a good gluten-free, vegan soy latte. She's not an animal. While she is sleeping in her old twin bed at the parent's house, she finds out that there is a big old house for sale, and it just so happens to be the former home of her teenage crush. It's a good thing her ex decided to do the intern yesterday because a day or two later and she wouldn't have had the chance to make a stupid decision and buy the house of her old boyfriend. I guess it could have been worse.
She could have decided to read this instead: [image] *shudder* Wait, is the word sexual really on the cover of that book? *shudder harder*
Oh, and the coincidences! They keep coming! It just so happens that her teenage loverboy is ALSO back home and wants to buy the house! What were the odds? She wins the auction. Because, you know, girls are better than boys. But, don't be dismayed, he lives on the same spot of land. So, you know, they can cute-fight over the property. He and Avalon get into an epic show-down of pranks, and that is part of what makes this book totally worth it. It was hilarious! And, then they were hilarious together. Hilarity ensued.
There were nudists, manure, and the worst song ever known to the 1980's. I couldn't help but admire the ways they made each other suffer.
Of course they start hooking up! You knew it was coming the whole time. And, they were even funny then.
“We are really good at it,” she allowed...
“Yeah. I liked the way we kept affirming each other. ‘Yes, oh yes!’” he mimicked.
She gave a quick shout of laughter.
I loved this couple. The story was cheesy, but I didn't care at all. The writing was great. The dialogue was absolutely awesome, and the HEA made me happy. Call me crazy, but this was one helluva fun book.
This book had a much more serious tone than the first ones. I think the author was upset by the political climate at the time because there is a lot oThis book had a much more serious tone than the first ones. I think the author was upset by the political climate at the time because there is a lot of talk about it. I understand and agree with what he was trying to get across, but I also kind of felt like he was "preaching to the choir" a bit because I don't think a homophobe or transphobe would read this book in the first place.
Trans rights are human rights!! [image]
Still, I love Corey/Kori and there were hilarious moments in the book. Plus, we got all of our favorite characters from the series getting page-time.
Oh book, where have you been all my life? I'm so giddy with excitement and fan-girling that I don't even know where to start!
Okay, deep breath. This is Oh book, where have you been all my life? I'm so giddy with excitement and fan-girling that I don't even know where to start!
Okay, deep breath. This is a fantasy book where some unsuspecting average guy, Nix, gets accosted at McDonalds by a magic-man named Bjorn Tisticle who informs him that he is the savior of the world. You know, your typical McDonald's experience.
[image] That gun came in his Happy Meal. 'murica!
Then, to make things worse, he gets stabbed in the cheeseburger by his mailman and then magically sent off to a magic realm to find his magical "guardian" to help him save the world.
Now, I don't know what was in that milkshake but I'll have one of what he had.
[image] Wait, the ice cream machine was working? This really is a magical story!
The guardian he meets, Alastair, is the most OTT ridiculously unaware narcissist to ever grace the pages of a book. And I love him with all my heart. He is comedy gold, Jerry!
The two of them end up going between worlds as they run for their lives, fuck shit up, and maybe try to defeat the evil that is Nix's grandmother.
I stare at Alastair in disbelief. "Were you just trying to send my grandma off to magic jail?" Why didn't I think of that? Shit, I mean.... how dare he!
The side-characters, and even the people they meet are equally hilarious in their own ways. There wasn't a single character in this book that wasn't highly entertaining.
"What about you? What can you do?"
"I'm half centaur and half minotaur... I just got the human parts of both halves. My feet are really hairy though."
Uhhh... "That's... really neat," I say, not sure if it is or not.
I really loved both of these guys in spite of this fact:
"You're the lying-est pair of liars who ever lied.
Both guys were secondary characters in tI really loved both of these guys in spite of this fact:
"You're the lying-est pair of liars who ever lied.
Both guys were secondary characters in the first book and were likable then. So, it was fun to get their story. Even if they have fallen into the romance novel trap of having stupid names that nobody normal would ever have. It was only saved by the fact that one of them revealed their true name and it kind of poked fun at the whole made-up name thing.
[image] I like when things make fun of things. (Yeah, so obviously I'm at the top of my reviewing game right now. Descriptive af)
So Diesel is trying to adopt his baby niece and Parrish just happens to see him at the wrong moment. Very soon there is a fake engagement to make Diesel look like parent material. Okay, maybe this kinda thing doesn't happen much in the real world, but this is very common in bookland. Basically if we lived in bookland half the couples we know would be fake-married to convince someone of something. It's a popular thing.
[image] So glad this kind of thing doesn't happen in real life.
From there is the romance and the best part of this series: the town of Lickin' Thicket. I freaking love this town! They love their festivals. Luckily, we get a new festival, The Pickin'. Last book was The Lickin'. Totally different things. In this one, for instance, there is an apple-bobbing contest. One of the townspeople, Amos Nutter, is excited about that because his family always wins that contest:
"Don't get me wrong, Nutters like the Lickin' too. But you might say bobbing is what Nutters do best."
So yeah, there is a lot of that silly, funny innuendo going on again. And new traditions are started. These people will use any excuse for a festival. And, I think we need that in our lives. A festival every month for some jackass reason where we can all dress up and be idiots. Seriously. We need this. #2022Goals
[image] This is me looking out my window right now. Please let me out!!!...more
So funny! This book has a really cute romance between two guys that are faking relationships with other people in a small town that totally took the sSo funny! This book has a really cute romance between two guys that are faking relationships with other people in a small town that totally took the spotlight away from the couple because of its craziness. I mean, if a town like this actually existed I would need to move there immediately.
[image] Can't forget my bird!
The town is called "Lickin' Thicket" and apparently that has to do with a salt lick or something. And they have an annual "Lickin' Festival" to celebrate their.... cultural heritage.
"Lickin', as in a mineral lick. You know, the kind sheep and cows like? Thicket, as in plentiful grass for grazing. Why, what were you thinking the name was about?"
"You don't want to know... thank you for educating me," the guy said solemnly. "I'm a Licken' virgin, obviously, and I'd hate to appear naïve."
"I'm a veteran of many a Lickin'... though none recently," I admitted.
Yeah - poor Brooks has skipped a lot of Lickin' Festivals since he moved away. He only comes to this one because his father, who is always the "Head Licker" for the festivals is ill. Brooks has to take over the job because his family, the Johnsons, have always been Head Lickers - for generations. You don't just skip out on tradition!
"A Johnson's been Head Licker for as long as there's been a Johnson in the Thicket."
And yeah, there are so many Johnson and Lickin' puns that you have to admire the town for delivering them all with a straight face. They embrace the madness, and I love them for it.
The romance was cute and funny and I liked both of the guys. However, the town stole the show and I will read every book set in this wacky place that is ever written!...more
I needed a laugh and the town of Licking Thicket always provides. Always. I don't even want to spoil it for anyone by quoting my favorite funny parts. I needed a laugh and the town of Licking Thicket always provides. Always. I don't even want to spoil it for anyone by quoting my favorite funny parts. It's too good. You need to experience it for yourself. Start with the first book. You will not be sorry.
Okay, so in this one we have a best friends to lovers story between Tucker and Dunn. Tucker is the town doctor and gay. He is hopelessly in love with his straight best friend. Psshhh. That never happens!
[image]
Dunn is a dairy farmer and is a completely lovable idiot. He loves Tucker soooooo much, and wants to help him find the perfect guy for him. Which means a series of terrible blind date set-ups. Funny how Dunn keeps picking the worst guys ever for Tuck. Hmmm.
Dunn knows he loves Tucker, but he doesn't think he is gay so he wants everything a committed relationship involves except the sex part. He just needs to find Tuck a guy who can do that part of things and keep Tucker's heart for himself. But, he does notice that Tuck is sexy. I mean, of course he has eyes.
[image]
A lot of people have mentioned that both of these guys are idiots, hence the title, but Tucker really isn't. He knows that Dunn loves him as a friend, so he is trying really hard to guard his heart. I think that is smart. As a girl who had a gazillion gay friends (and brother), I have dried more tears over the straight boy that keeps them on the hook and then goes off with a girl so many times that I wish all gay boys would guard their hearts a little better with their straight friends. I also have seen a lot of straight guys who really enjoy the attention they can get from the gay boys so they string them along and flirt a bit all while knowing that they aren't switching teams or becoming a switch hitter. And, that is not only unfair but disrespectful IMO. It is saying that toying with another person's emotions is okay because it's just a guy. Okay, off my soap box. Just don't flirt unless you mean it.
[image] Unless you're this guy, then flirt some more. I mean, let me know first so I can be there, then flirt away. P.S. I like bread. *wink wink*
So, yeah, there is a lot of angst. But, the funniness of this town outweighs it by a lot. I hope this series goes on forever. Please, Lucy Lennox, get your covid vaccine and take care of your health. I am very invested in your well-being now. If you need anything, maybe cake or something?, please let me know.
[image] This dump's for you! *wink wink again*...more
Alice Winters is sooo funny! She always gets me to crack up while reading. This is a sequel book that contains all the magical creatures. They have becAlice Winters is sooo funny! She always gets me to crack up while reading. This is a sequel book that contains all the magical creatures. They have become a supergroup like Cream or something, and are called "The Penetrators". Well, not everyone is a fan of the name, but it grows on you. It could always be worse.
[image] And, at least they get to wear their own clothes.
Their goal is to kill the very bad guy who is so powerful that all of the Penetrators will have to use their magic and power. Luckily, they now have a ... cat(?).. Something like a cat. It's just as evil as a cat.
[image] I kinda like Gizmo's style.
I don't have a lot to say about this book because if you didn't read the first one, you won't read this, so...
She's not everyone's cuppa, but Alice Winters makes me laugh. Yes, it is OTT stuff that would not happen in real life, but that's okay with me. NothinShe's not everyone's cuppa, but Alice Winters makes me laugh. Yes, it is OTT stuff that would not happen in real life, but that's okay with me. Nothing OTT happens in the real world, right?
[image]
This is a cute, silly, funny, and sometimes ridiculous romance with a little mystery thrown in there. Clyde, our hero is a cop who has a crush on another cop and finally gets to work a case with him. Let the awkwardness begin!!
[image]
The best part is that Clyde gets the mistaken idea that his crush is into BDSM and tries really hard to try to seem "cool with it". Clyde is awkward enough just talking to the guy, but add in trying to subtly bring up BDSM? Yeah. It went as well as to be expected.
[image]
So, it's not a rocket scientist manual, but for silly diversion these days? I'll take it!...more