So this week was a bit wild y’all in the community and its really brought to light some issues and its really there on bookstagram. Not sure if any of you have heard of the book drama here. Its dealing with Kate Stewart and a book that she wrote five years ago as it has a slur against the Hispanic community. There were bullies in the community that have attempted to cancel the author, and of course, no shock that the author caved to the pressure of it. The bullies are brutal. As many of you know I am completely against ANY cancel culture. I was hoping that KS would last longer than she did but at the end of the day, I understand why she did send over her apologies even though she doesn’t owe us anything especially for a book that was written years ago. My other big issue with these type of things happening, is that when authors try to write diverse books, and when they make mistakes and are not perfect at it, then they get cancelled it. So what we are going to get is authors that won’t eventually even try anymore because they are seeing how certain authors are being treated. I want more diverse reads and not less, and this is only scaring off future authors or potential books. But also I also hate how this divides the community and how much hate it builds against everyone. And when things like this happen it just makes me want to read that author and NOT less haha
So happier note or being not so happy I am not sure….but my dad got me on a new TV Show–I am a big trekkie fan and I have really been disappointed with the past two shows that they have done. But I have heard the BEST things about Strange New Worlds and it was amazing. I binged it in two days, and had my new roomie moved in so did tons of cleaning this week, so my reading wasn’t quite as heavy and was a lower week. I am hoping once September rolls around, life calms down a bit so I can get back to reading much more. But if you like Star Trek, especially the classic style, then this is a show for you! I promise you will love it.
Bookish Posts & Books Read of Week August 21st through August 27th
(All my books read and their reviews are on Goodreads)
Book Read-Moon Awakening by Lucy Monroe—This was a random pick up type of read. I saw a friend of mine on Instagram rave about this series and I hadn’t heard of this shifter historical romance series. I had such a fun time with this one too. It was just unique in the paranormal elements that are written and I can’t wait to explore more of these books.
Audio Book Review-Let Me Hold You by Alexandria House–After loving book one, I just knew I had to pick up book 2 and I ADORED this one here. This one was such an adorable one and I really liked some of the issues that are handled. Also its a basketball romance so that was a major plus as those are really rare in romance.
Book Read-Mercy by Sara Cate—-This one was such a delicious book and I really enjoyed what this author wrote here. Now its not a five star read but I really enjoyed how this author handled the heroine learning to be a dominatrix. What I actually loved about this one is that the hero and the heroine learn so much about their kinks that they didn’t realize before and they discover what works for them and it was really nicely done. (Kristen Ashley does it better though).
ARC Book Review-Ruby Fever by Ilona Andrews
Audio Book Review-The Mail Order Bride’s Secret by Linda Broday
Hiatus Book Review-Wardance by Elizabeth Vaughan
Week 4 of August Releases of 2022
Book Releases on My Autumn Wishlist
Bookish Posts To Look Forward To This Week
Top Intimidating Romances That Terrify Me But ……SOMEDAY!!
Book Release Day Post
Book Review-The Girls Got Secrets by Linda Kage
Author Deep Dive-Jennifer Ryan
Current Reads
My current Audiobook is Goddess of the Sea and I am SO stoked for this one here. I have been wanting to return to this author and I love MERMAIDS. She writes really great mythological fantasy. I just started the Linda Kage, this is a heroine who poses as a man to be part of a rock band haha I haven’t read this dynamic in a LONG time so I am eager to see how Linda Kage handles this dynamic. Then we have Beautiful Lies, I really had a fun time with the first book but I know that this one will be really intense. Then we have Royally Not Ready, its been a while since I have read a Meghan Quinn and I am hearing GREAT things about this one so I am eager to try this one out.
Book Releases I Am Excited For
The Do Over by TL Swan
Reckless by Aurora Rose Reynolds
Crave Me by Lexi C Foss
My Weekly TBR
These are books that I have a rough TBR for! I am not sure if I will be in the mood for them all, but they all are different sub-genres so I do hope to get to them all if my mood works with me on this! I do think it’s good to have a loose TBR even though at times I tend to be a mood reader! I am trying to work towards going half and half so I have more balance in my reading! I have some fun books lined up this week unless my mood gets in the way haha but a few of these are library reads that I do need to try to get to if I can. I am really excited for the Gena Showalter as its been forever since I read anything from her. And I know the Anna Zaires book will most likely be an addictive page-turner of a read. Love in the Wild is on my COYER reading list to read before the end of September and SUPER stoked for a Tarzan romance.
Favorite Book of the Week
New Additions to A&R
Nothing This Week!
I did not know about the drama that was going on… it’s crazy.
I also don’t like cancel culture. People should be allowed to make mistakes and improve. I mean look at what’s happening with Harry Potter right now. Whether you agree with Rowling or not, it doesn’t mean we have to throw away the books and movies or stop talking about them.
I really love Strange New Worlds too, but I also like Picard and Discovery. I know they’re not for everyone, though.
I hope you have a great week.
I never know about the dramas because I don’t really spend much time on social media. I personally feel that white authors should not write diverse characters if they are not comfortable with it or don’t have sensitivity readers. Quinn’s books are always fun. I have not read any of these newer books, but I am sure it will be great.
Whenever it comes to drama in the book world, I always feel like I’m the last to know. I haven’t read much from Kate Stewart, but I am sad that she was attacked. No one deserves that unless they deserve it. As a black woman, there are plenty of books I’ve read that were a little off/inaccurate, especially when they tried to tackle Caribbean culture (which I’m part of), but I choose to give authors the benefit of the doubt. Slurs are definitely a no-go, but I can’t speak on something I don’t know. Is she racist? Has she exhibited it in any other way? And what was the slur? Because being called African American is a slur to me, but wouldn’t be a slur to any Black person who identified as African American. You know what I mean?
Now I want to read the book so I can know what was said…
I love diversity in books and hope to see more, not less.
Ah well, I’m probably offensive here. Everything we say can be offensive to someone nowadays. I hope September is 150% better for you and I look forward to all of your reviews!! xoxo
Yeah I think the issue is that the book was written five years ago, and I don’t believe she is racist at all, but I don’t know her character or her personally. I think the slur was just mentioned in the book, as one of the main characters was called it by a side character and it offended a few readers. But some of the Latino readers I follow on bookstagram weren’t offended at all. I really just think its mostly others that are white that are outraged and offended type of thing. I actually want to read this book to see what ppl are so upset about lol I do think most white authors that write diversity do it with honest intent and not to harm others ya know? But they seem to be attacked whenever they try, I just think they aren’t always going to be perfect, and I think its just going to keep authors that aren’t #ownvoices to not write diversity when they see authors be treated like this. I love diversity in books as well, and I just think its great to see it as we do and I don’t want to see it less and I think things like this just harms the community in the long run. I truly appreciate your honesty, I think these are discussions that we need to have!
We’re on the same page, hon. I really do hope it doesn’t stop the push because I love seeing authors trying to be inclusive. It’s especially awesome when it’s done right!
Not a fan of cancel culture that can’t distinguish mistakes and lack of knowledge from the truly intentional harmful. I agree it will definitely make writers think twice about trying to put inclusiveness and diversity into their works which is a two steps back sort of thing.
Sounds like you were extra busy and hopefully can get back to your usual reading routine this week. Love in the Wild looks good.
Have a good week, Renee!
I had no idea all that drama was going on. I don’t spend a bunch of time on the social apps and I narrow down my feeds to only include posts I’m interested in. It’s a shame she was attacked for something written over 5 years ago. Not sure the whole situation, but people make mistakes and it doesn’t sound like she’s been doing the same thing over the years otherwise she’d have been called out on that too. Who knows.
I can’t wait to read/listen to Ruby Fever! I just bought the e and audio versions.
I hadn’t heard about Kate’s being bullied but I hate what people are doing to authors and books! What they’ll have is some bland stories with no one daring try something new.
Yeah I struggle seeing authors bullied for one, writing something that was years ago and shouldn’t be judged by the same metrics today. And also I am just a live and let live type of person, let authors write what they want to write. And most authors have a honest genuine intention with what they write too. Its just sad authors getting treated like this when its just an honest mistake and not intending to hurt anyone. And yes the more times they do this to authors the more we will have less diversity in books and not more. I want higher quality stories.
I never know about book drama since I don’t use social media. But even so, the whole cancel culture thing is so unfortunate. Apologizing and moving on isn’t good enough anymore. No, someone has to be crucified for their mistakes (intentional or not).
Meghan Quinn is almost always a hit for me so I hope to pick that one up soon. And that Emma Castle cover… hello Tarzan retelling! 🙂
I had noticed a little bit of KS drama going on but hadn’t read about it or looked into it. You brought up some great points and I really appreciated reading Natalie’s take on it as well.
I usually miss most of the drama and I like it that way. You read a lot of great reads this week. Ruby Fever was so amazing! I hope that you have a great week!