The Hot Shot by Kristen Callihan

Rating: 5 Stars
Pub. Date: April, 18, 2017

This story really grabbed me and I am so gone for Finn the MMC. He is perfectly imperfect and totally swoon worthy. Combine him with Chess, who is an awesome, strong female main character that I enjoyed reading about, and I couldn’t get enough of them.

The two main characters, Chess and Finn, meet during a photo shoot. Chess is the photographer hired to take tasteful nudes of some members of the local pro football team for a charity calendar. Finn is the young, cocky QB for the team.

While it was not instant love there was some chemistry between them. Chess won a lot of points with me on how she handled Finn when he was extremely uncomfortable with the photo shoot. I believe she saw a venerability in Finn that he usually did not show people and it intrigued her. Then her small act of kindness had me routing for them.

From the beginning, I could see these two together. That feeling got stronger the more I got to know them. It helped that the story developed organically and it felt like I was reading about a real life couple. Another aspect of the story that I liked was the characters start out as just friends despite their chemistry. It made for a tension filled slow burn delight.  

This book is number four in the Game On series; however, it can be read as a standalone. I had previously read book three, but not one and two. I have enjoyed both books I have read so far in this series; therefore, I plan to read book one and two also. I highly recommend this book and the series. I also feel this book would be a great choice for a book club. There are a lot of subjects that were touched on in the story that would make for a lively discussion.

I received a free copy from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.

Leonard (My Life as a Cat) by Calie Sorosiak

Pub. Date: 13-Apr-2021
Rating: 5 Stars

After reading Leonard (My Life as a Cat) I will never look at a cat the same way. In fact, I just might have encountered an alien or two in my life time. Knowing the cats that have owned me, they no doubt think I’m the alien!

Leonard has an immortal life as a corporal being on a planet far from Earth. He has been anxiously awaiting his 300th birthday. Three hundred is very special to his species as they are allowed to travel across the cosmos to Earth and for one month assume the body of any creature. Leonard chooses to be human and wants to be a park ranger at Yellowstone National Park. He has planned everything out, down to the smallest detail.

Then in the briefest moment of inattention on his trip to Earth, his well laid plans go awry. He crash lands in a tree during a tropical storm in South Carolina. He is miles and miles away from Yellowstone, which is both his drop off and pick up point. How will a cat get to Yellowstone? Fortunate for Leonard Olive rescues him and he embarks on an adventure more exciting and fulfilling the one he planned for himself.

This is a delightful, middle grade story. The plot is about what happens with things don’t go as planned. However, the message of the story is one of love, friendship and how they save us. The character of Leonard was quirky and perfect. His desire to experience things like movies and bowling made for some humorous moments. It also contains some excellent life lessons, such as it is okay to be different. I ask you, what is wrong with a cat walking on a leash?

I was originally drawn to this book because I am an animal lover. Yet, it is a story for all types of readers. I highly recommend this one for everyone who wants a funny, feel good story full of life lessons.   I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.