March 2022 Best Titles for Adults

 These are my (Saleena's) choices for awesome titles I've read from mid-Feb until mid-March.  

I saw a YouTuber that I follow do an episode on Bayard Rustin, and it made me want to learn more about this amazing person who was always in the shadows.  This biography was really in depth and an intelligent look at his life and his legacy.  D'Emilio also makes sure to show all the reasons Rustin wasn't the chosen person to lead in civil rights struggles, as well as pointing out how those judgements affected Rustin. No one is perfect, and the mistakes made are brought up, but so are the many issues with society and how it viewed Rustin as an African American and as a gay man who didn't apologize or hide.  I learned a lot.

 Nate Hawthorne was trapped and used for his magic by his father for much of his life.  Now, as an adult and free of those traps, he is slowly learning to use his magic and then he is once again captured.  This time he escapes the trap but can't escape the curse of the person draining his magic without a stronger bond.....and the only bond strong enough is a mate's bond.  He goes to a rival werewolf pack, to warn them and to die; but a werewolf agrees to the mating bond.  Unfortunately, it's a man who justifiably hates Nate; and now they need to find a way to be mates & work together to protect the pack.  This was a fun, interesting and fast-paced book but is another Kindle/Amazon title, so you need access to it through the Kindle App, Kindle Unlimited or purchase through Amazon.

Emperor's Wolves is a companion/prequel to the Chronicles of Elantra series.  This series features events centered around Severn Handred and his time as a wolf (all of which occur before the first Chronicles of Elantra book).  For those who haven't read the books, wolves are one of the branches of law; Swords control crowds & do general peace-keeping; Hawks investigate and prosecute crimes....Wolves go after those who run from justice, and sometimes eliminate those who are never going to be prosecuted due to connections or political issues.....(basically wolves are like a combination of bail bonds person, a CIA investigator and an assassin).  Severn is a fascinating character and I do love this new series, but some of the retro-fitting is awkward.  This is something common to anyone writing a prequel as sometimes fun & interesting details are added that work for the story, but don't work with the characters as they were introduced in the original work......so I am choosing to enjoy but not notice when things happen or are attributed to Severn that don't make sense with the journey he hasn't actually accomplished yet....essentially treating this series as it's own thing and not checking in with the details on the series it is a prequel to; because it is more fun to just enjoy the ride than to contemplate how this will work when joined into the larger series.  So, if you aren't familiar with the Chronicles of Elantra series, just jump in & enjoy; but be aware of some dizzy moments when the characters don't line up perfectly if/when you start the original series.  I highly recommend this and all of those in both series thus far.  

This is the first title in a new series by Sherwood entitled Gay 4 Renovations.  This is a contemporary gay romance from an author who usually does fantasy, but it is sweet and fun.

Asher is an interior designer and a small business owner

Zar is a police officer and Asher's best friend since childhood

Neither of them ever thought of themselves as more than friends; until they do.....

This is a very sweet friends to lovers book, with a bonus bi-awakening for Zar.  The dynamics of both characters being so close but oblivious of it ever being more is fun.  It is a fun, fast read with no drama or angst regarding the relationship or the awareness of a new sexual orientation; which just adds extra sweetness and charm into the story.  I definitely recommend this, but it is a Kindle/Amazon title, so you only have limited access.

This is 3rd in the 4 part series of the Murderbot Diaries.  In Rogue Protocol, Murderbot is worried about the pressure to find & execute the rogue Sec Unit (i.e. themselves).  They go to a deserted terrafirming facility to investigate GrayCris (the evil corporation from book #1) and Murderbot is looking for proof that the terrafirming is a cover for alien remnants extraction.  They end up accompanying some human investigators along with one of the investigators personal robot assistant, Miki.  

This book was a deeper look into the psyche of Murderbot and it was quite eye opening.  They are very uncomfortable (perhaps jealous?) of Miki's relationship with the humans, yet happy in their "superior nature" due to weapons & knowledge.  This push & pull of like & hate is an integral part of the story.  This forced relationship between Miki and Murderbot highlights the differences not only in each's construction and programming but also in their outlook and interactions with humans.  Wells adds to the suspense of this story by playing out the "where is the enemy" aspect of the search physically on an alien ship, but also bringing in the worries about the possibility of someone betraying them.  Watching Murderbot pretending to be an augmented human (an essential part of their disguise) while still confused by humans, watching them struggle with their feelings regarding Miki all while trying to figure out what GrayCris was up to so that the universe forgets about one stray SecUnit makes this book both wildly thrilling as well as heartwarmingly intense.

It's been awhile since I read a book in this series, so I decided to jump back in & play.  This is #51 in the In Death series and in this book a murder of a young woman leads to a stalker/rogue killer from Roarke's past who is determined to kill Roarke and everyone close to him.  This series continues to be fun as long as I willfully ignore the giant plot holes in the world building/future world as well as the strange & not always logical police procedures.  (For example, in every book Eve gets the psychiatric expertise of Mira for the criminals.....I am reasonably sure that a copy doesn't consult with a psychiatrist on every murder case....however, I just pretend it isn't strange, and roll with it).

Robb's books are a great read for a day of relaxing with a fluffy adventure novel.  

This book is the first in the Lazy Girl's Guide to Magic and a new author for me.  I have to say, I really, really enjoyed it.

Basic story synopsis:  Ivy was kicked out of the magical order as a teen, but is sucked back in due to a simple clerical & identification error that leaves her magically tied to Adeptus Exemptus Raphael Winter, an arcane investigator.  Ivy & Raphael are nothing alike, but as their forced coexistence continues, they learn more about each other beyond their own assumptions and find much to admire.  Now they have to figure out the big case, and how to un-link from each other before they are both killed...or worse....fall in love.

Such a fun book, and honestly, for me, Brutus, the talking feline familiar is hysterical and a HUGE part of the awesomeness of the story.  Harper writes with humor but keeps the characters based in reality; then adds in magic & spice, with a pinch of suspense. Highly recommended to everyone but likely only available to those with Kindle Unlimited or who wish to purchase it from Kindle/Amazon.  

Cult of Personality is #7 in the "season 1" of the series Criminal Intentions.  This book/mystery is the first investigation after Malcolm and Seong-Jae have admitted to a relationship and it is also a ramping up of issues from Seong-Jae's past.  Solving whether a girl jumped or was pushed from a bridge leads to a cult-like church and a struggle to find the proof they need to eliminate the leaders before things escalate.  

I am really enjoying this series, though it has some really dark moments (which is why I'm reading it slowly, my anxiety can only take so much...haha).  I am a bit worried about where things are going, especially as the "big bad" from Seong-Jae's past comes into the story so I will just have to keep dragging it out a bit at a time, or dive deep and get it over with by binging the rest of the season....no idea which option I shall take.  However, this is really well made & highly recommended, but is yet another Kindle/Amazon title.

I love this title (so cool!), and it is #3 in the Nevermore Bookshop Mysteries).  As alluded to by the title, it's all about Austen this time.  Mina is looking forward to a weekend at the annual Argleton Austen Experience which means a weekend holiday at the stately Baddesley Hall.  She is hoping for some fun in costume as well as sexy times with Heathcliff, Quoth and Morrie.  What she gets is a murder....and once again Mina needs to figure out what is happening.  This time it is extra complicated; not only because Morrie is acting weird but also because one of the characters from Pride & Prejudice is out of the book and intent on experiencing ALL the modern life, while shopping for a suitable husband.  Mina is also trying to process the news that her medical condition is accelerating and that she will be completely blind much sooner than originally anticipated.  

Homes finally gives space and allows Mina to fully deal with and begin to accept both her relationships and her health issues, which is a relief.  The mystery was fun and entertaining (and a bit silly); so all in all, this is an enjoyable addition to the series.  This is another Kindle/Amazon selection.

This novella (which I thought was a stand alone, but is in fact 1 of 4....so I will talk about the other 3 next month), is a journey through a post apocalyptic world alongside two friends, Shane & Lucas.  They have been US Marshals for awhile, in fact they were Marshals before "the event" which broke the world, and have continued doing it as the world crumbles; because sometimes you need lawmen to help.  Now, however, it's not just about the law, it's about predators and monsters and magic along with human cruelty and lawlessness.  

I really enjoyed this story.  I love the friendship and the bond between Shane and Lucas, and I love that it isn't sexual. After all, people can care about each other without it being about sex.  Martin allows the characters to be vulnerable and it doesn't dilute or change their friendship which has endured since childhood.  I also like the twists of tech working sometimes, or in certain locations but not in others, and seeing the authors' interpretation of how the mix of tech & magic looks.  A really entertaining novel that I definitely recommend, and is another Kindle/Amazon selection.

I hope you enjoyed these selections.  Keep reading & don't forget to support your local library!

Saleena