This read is very light-hearted about a chef who quit his job and went on the road with his dog, Anxious, making one-pot meals, no stress, and getting back to a simple life. The life of a chef cost him his marriage and, at times, his sanity.
Max (MMC) Effort (note the pun) was a chef at a Michelin 3-star restaurant, and he has a plan, and he thinks it’s a cunning one. Sick of preparing high-class food and despairing of anything served on a slate rather than a plate, he embarked on a tour of the backroads of Britain.
When he realized that he was not winning back his ex-wife, Min, he sold his house and bought a VW campervan. He heads out on the road with his dog, Anxious (a Jack Russell terrier – having had one for a dog, the name completely fits this breed of dog. It’s the dog that played Eddie on the Frasier TV show).
His goal is to create only one-pot meals and tour the back roads of the British countryside. He and his dog, Anxious, arrive at the first campsite only to run headlong into a murderer who rolled up in a tent placed in the middle of the road.
The local Constable is named BethAnn. She is enthusiastic, very young, and wants to solve the case. Bring in her grandfather, Dai, a grumpy farmer and campsite owner, with some nasty characters who wish to buy the farm to turn it into a holiday park, plus other family members, possibly up to no good, and there’s a complex set of stories going on. There is an awful lot of ‘living in a camper’, which is fun and true, and there is too much about Max’s hippy parents, ex-wife, and how he really wants to get back with her. The story also includes two detailed one-pot cast iron recipes.
It was a fun palate cleanser to get back into reading. This is a light and easy read. I really enjoyed it; the characters are good, and the story continued at a good pace, with some nice twists and turns. I can see reading the next book in the series (“Slaughter At The Seaside”) if I get in another rut. There are 15 books in this series (Max’s Campervan Case Files).
Welcome back everyone to TechieScrapper’s Story & Scrap! It’s been a while since I posted a book Haul. I purchased book from “By The Bookish Box” and from “Book’s a Million.
And now back to the books. So, we are starting off with By The Book Box. This is a first for me. I just recently started subscribing to By The Bookish Box. I saw some of my favorite Booktubers recommend them. Darkly Book Lovers Box with some curated items that match the books or the book’s theme. This month I received a book written by Invi Wright called “The Female”. The book is part of a series titled “The Female”. There are five books in this series. A reverse-harem fantasy romance. The female decline was swift. Birth rates dropped at an alarming rate, and within years, men across all realms grew restless and aggressive. Their desperation led to women being collected at birth and sold at auction, and humans gradually became one of the most sought after. Parents began hiding their daughters, birthing and stowing their females underground in a desperate attempt to keep them safe. Charlotte is one of them. Hidden from the men who would tear her family apart to get to her, she’s accepted that she’ll live her entire life within the thick walls of her childhood home. When the human government permits a large-scale raid, Charlotte is one of the unlucky women caught. Forced out of hiding and thrown into the home of three powerful demons, Charlotte must learn how to stay alive in a world she’s only experienced through stories from her parents. I can’t wait to read this one.
And now we’re moving on to the rest of the book I purchased this month, which are from Books a Million. The first set is another series written by J. Bree. The series is titled “The Bonds That Tie”. This is a six-book series. I purchased the first three to get started. This is a reverse harem series that received excellent reviews on Goodreads. The main female protagonist is Oleander Fallows. The main male characters are North, Nox, Gryphon, Atlas, and Gabe. After the death of my mother and her Bonded, Oleander was relieved to find her own Bonds. The fate of their people is in Oleander’s hands. But are the people better off with or without her. She leaves and returns 5 years later after being on the run. She is caught and dragged back to face the men she ran away from. She thought running away would be the right thing to do but was it? Will the men in her life forgive her because will never forgive herself.
The last set of books I needed to purchase for my Business Mechanics of Communication class. No AI allowed, therefore, Grammarly is out. I need to go old school. I am also looking for a current English grammar book as well.
June Book Review of “Atmosphere” written by Taylor Jenkins Reid
“Well, we are the stars”, Joan said. “And the stars are us. Every atom in our bodies was once part of the universe. Was once a part of them. To look at the night sky is to look at pars of who you once were, who you may one day be.” Quote by TJR
Book Started: 13 June 25
Book Completed: 20 June 25
Total Pages Read: 337
Total Libby Listening Time: 9 hours and 40 minutes.
Overall Star Rating out of 5 stars: ★★★★½ (4.5/5)
Goodreads Book Synopsis:
TJR authors another epic new novel set against the backdrop of the 1980s Space Shuttle program about the extraordinary lengths we go to live and love beyond our limits. Joan Goodwin has been obsessed with the stars for as long as she can remember. Thoughtful and reserved, Joan is content with her life as a professor of physics and astronomy at Rice University and as aunt to her precocious niece, Frances. That is, until she comes across an advertisement seeking the first women scientists to join NASA’s Space Shuttle program. Suddenly, Joan burns to be one of the few people to go to space.
Selected from a pool of thousands of applicants in the summer of 1980, Joan begins training at Houston’s Johnson Space Center, alongside an exceptional group of fellow candidates: Top Gun pilot Hank Redmond and scientist John Griffin, who are kind and easy-going even when the stakes are highest; mission specialist Lydia Danes, who has worked too hard to play nice; warm-hearted Donna Fitzgerald, who is navigating her secrets; and Vanessa Ford, the magnetic and mysterious aeronautical engineer, who can fix any engine and fly any plane. As the new astronauts become unlikely friends and prepare for their first flights, Joan finds a passion and a love she never imagined. In this new light, Joan begins to question everything she thinks she knows about her place in the observable universe. Then, in December of 1984, on mission STS-LR9, everything changed in an instant. Fast-paced, thrilling, and emotional, Atmosphere is Taylor Jenkins Reid at her best: transporting readers to iconic times and places, with complex protagonists, telling an enthusiastic and soaring story about the transformative power of love, this time among the stars.
My Review:
“Because the world had decided that to be soft was to be weak, even though in Joan’s experience being soft and flexible was always more durable than being hard and brittle. Admitting you were afraid always took more gut than pretending you weren’t. Being willing to make a mistake got you further than never trying. The world had decided that to be fallible was weak. But we are all fallible. The strong ones are the ones who accept it.” Quote by TJR
As a young child, I was always fascinated by Space and NASA. When NASA decided to open its program to minorities, it was a momentous day for me as a Black female. I used to watch the launches at school because they were always such a huge deal and cool to watch. I say all of this because this is why I chose to read this newest book by TJR.
The book begins in the present, with some of our primary and supporting characters on their first space mission. Then the book flashes back to the past. It’s the past flashbacks that allow you to get a better understanding of what is happening in the present. TJR draws you in and twists you all up in knots (in the best way possible). Her writing completely immerses you in the world. You ended up being so invested. Even her supporting characters are given enough teeth to have you in their world as well. TJR writing has you falling in love, and an unexpected twist leaves you heartbroken. I laughed and cried. I am still thinking about this story to the point that I watched the National Geographic documentary on Sally Ride called “Sally.” This book was set during that same time. This book is also a work of historical fiction. The characters are fictional, but the story incorporates historical events. The book focused on females being selected into the NASA astronaut program.
The character of Joan wasn’t the only carefully crafted character. Each character had such detail that their motivations and actions always felt true to who they were. TJR’s character development is also what made the love story so incredible. Without spoiling too much, let’s just say it wrecked me in the best way possible, and I would read a ten-part series just following their most mundane days. Heck, “Daisy Jones and the Six” and “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” still live rent-free in my mind. These were the first books I read when I started reading again.
Mainly, this story is about love…forbidden love between Joan and Vanessa. TJR reminds us that the courage it takes to ignore societal pressure is just as brave as literally risking your life to go into space. Especially in a world that forces LGBTQ+ relationships to hide to preserve their careers, and women must prove themselves repeatedly just to get the opportunities men are handed, those still ring true, even 40 years after the book is set. This book goes far beyond the NASA Space program or being an astronaut; I think it served as the perfect backdrop for this story, which mirrored some truths during that time. The way TJR manages to make something as vast as space feel so accessible and even relatable is unbelievable.
Final Thoughts:
“I hope, even more, that Joan Goodwin can convince you to go outside tonight, after the stars have come out, and look up. I hope, with all my heart, Joan can convince you to be open to wonder.” Quote by TJR.
At the end of this story, I felt enlightened, sad, and hopeful. Love is Love. The right LOVE can heal and strengthen. I highly recommend this book; once again, Taylor Jenkins Reid books never disappoint. This book is still sitting with me. This book also includes Joan’s family. The dynamics between Joan and her baby sister Barbara. At times, you feel as if Joan is the mom and not the older sister. Then there is the relation between Joan and her niece Frances. If you did not know better, you would assume that Joan is Francis’s mom instead of Aunt. The way Joan cares for Francis and drops everything for Francis when she is either left or neglected by her mom, Barbara. Brought me to tears their relationship. She did all this while being an astronaut at NASA. Again, this book left me in my mood and I’m still there. Again, a MUST read.
Author: Liz Tomforde Genre: Contemporary Romance, Sports Romance Series: Windy City (#1) – series must be read in order Publication Date: 2022 Themes: Forbidden romance, hockey, class differences, trauma healing, emotional vulnerability, slow burn, found family.
Book started: 13 May 25 / Book Completed: 21 May 25
Total book pages: 473 / Listening time: 13 Hours: 39 minutes
Format: Libby (listened and read along), own the book
Liz Tomforde’s Mile High is a contemporary romance novel self-published in 2022 and is the first installment in the Windy City series. Occupying the sports romance subgenre, the novel traces the developing romance between the professional hockey “bad boy” Evan Zanders and the down-to-earth flight attendant Stevie Shay. The more time the unlikely pair is forced to spend with one another on the Chicago Raptors’ private jet, the more their complex dynamic unveils revelations about:
The Lingering Impact of Trauma
The Tension Between Public and Private Personas
The Transformative Power of Love
Content Warning: Both the source text and this guide include descriptions of personal trauma and emotional abuse.
Plot Summary
The story unfolds as the Chicago Raptors, the premier hockey team in the city, begin their season. Teammates and best friends Evan Zanders and Eli Maddison (Maddison) board the team’s private jet for their first away games. Eli, who is married to Logan Maddison and is a devoted family man, struggles with being away from home. In contrast, Zanders is known in the hockey world as a troublemaker who relishes the freedom and glamour of away games, particularly because he enjoys engaging with a string of beautiful women during his travels.
On board, the Raptors meet their new flight attendant crew, including the feisty and unyielding Stevie Shay. From their very first encounter, Zanders’s flirtatious advances are met with Stevie’s firm disinterest—she is not interested in another cocky athlete. However, as their paths continue to cross, including unexpected meetings outside of work (such as in their Chicago neighborhoods and community engagements like the dog shelter where Stevie volunteers), both characters gradually reveal deeper layers of themselves.
Stevie’s backstory is enriched by her personal connections: she lives with her twin brother, professional basketball player Ryan Shay, and carries the scars of a past relationship with his best friend, Brett, from which she vowed never to date men like him again. As circumstances bring her closer to Zanders, she sees glimpses of his true nature. Behind his bad-boy facade lies a man shaped by a traumatic past—growing up in Indiana, a mother who left for a wealthier life, a father absorbed in his work, and a lifelong struggle with self-acceptance and emotional vulnerability.
After a charged night together, what was expected to be a physical release becomes the catalyst that deepens their connection. Their subsequent secret meetings, necessitated by concerns over job security and Zanders’s public persona, are fraught with complications. When paparazzi expose their relationship, Zanders, fearful of jeopardizing his reputation and Stevie’s career prospects, breaks things off. This heartbreak leads Stevie to quit her job and plan a move to Seattle. Meanwhile, Zanders’s inner circle rallies behind him, urging him to abandon his rigid professional image and fight to win Stevie back. The narrative reaches its turning point. Sorry, no spoilers here. Read the book. It’s worth discovering how Zee and Vee’s story ends or begins.
Main Characters:
Evan Zanders: Introduced initially as the typical bad boy athlete, Zanders is far more complex than his public persona suggests. His internal struggles—stemming from a traumatic childhood, abandonment by his mother, and a life shadowed by the pressures of professional sports—make his character arc deeply compelling. His journey in therapy and his persistent battle with self-acceptance add layers of nuance, inviting readers to look beyond his façade.
Stevie Shay: Stevie is authentic. She is a strong and fiercely independent woman, portrayed as witty and resilient. Her personal history, including the fallout from a previous relationship and her ongoing battle against societal expectations regarding body image, is handled with both honesty and respect. Despite her resistance, her gradual thawing towards Zanders exemplifies a transformative journey from guarded self-reliance to vulnerability and openness.
Main Themes:
The Lingering Impact of Trauma: Both protagonists are shown grappling with personal demons—Zanders with his tumultuous past and steep learning curve in self-love, and Stevie with the echoes of emotional abuse. Their traumas are central to their character development and the evolution of their relationship.
The Tension Between Public and Private Personas: A recurring theme in Zander’s story is his struggle to balance his public image as a “bad boy” athlete with his authentic, softer self. His internal conflict represents the broader tension between celebrity culture and personal authenticity, a subject that resonates deeply in today’s image-conscious society.
The Transformative Power of Love: The evolution of Zander and Stevie’s relationship—from friction and resistance to heartfelt connection—illustrates love’s capacity to heal, transform, and redeem. Their journey underscores the idea that facing one’s vulnerabilities can ultimately lead to personal growth and mutual understanding.
Banter and Chemistry
The interactions between Zanders and Stevie are characterized by sharp, witty banter. Their dialogues evolve from caustic retorts to heartfelt exchanges, mirroring the deepening of their relationship. This transition adds a layer of authenticity and emotional weight to their romance. One of the hallmark features of Mile High is its slow-burn narrative. While some readers might find the pacing deliberate, allowing for a gradual build-up of tension and emotional insight, others will appreciate the detailed character exploration that unfolds throughout the novel.
Found Family and Secondary Cast: Beyond the central romance, including well-crafted side characters, such as teammates and friends, helps construct a rich community that underscores themes of loyalty and belonging. With its vibrant sports culture and community settings like the dog shelter, Chicago’s backdrop enriches the narrative environment.
Interconnected Lives: The narrative cleverly weaves characters’ lives (such as Stevie’s living arrangements with her brother Ryan and the proximity between neighbors) to create a sense of community where personal and professional lives intersect. This intersection adds realistic complexity and reinforces that a strong, caring community often supports personal healing.
Steam Level and Emotional Intensity
Mile High contains a high level of steam, characterized by an intense physical and emotional build-up. The intimacy between Zanders and Stevie is sensuous and integral to their character development, serving as titillation and a pivotal element in their journey toward healing and connection. The emphasis on mutual consent and emotional depth during intimate moments enhances their relationship’s believability and relatability.
Final Thoughts and Rating
Mile High is a multifaceted sports romance. It’s a story of black love. It’s a story of how men out there see past typical body images. Stevie was not a size zero. She was an everyday woman. Whoever, like me, lives in a world that constantly reminds you that you will never fit in if you are not small and perky. I love how Zander saw Stevie as a real woman. Liz’s words were spoken through Zander about how he reveled in Stevie’s body and treasured it. Stevie dealt with the same issues of being body shamed and not feeling comfortable in your skin. His love opened her door of confidence and radiated through her persona. I was invested in this story. Longing for my bit of love. Stevie also helped Zander by showing up and loving the real him. The one who is mom abandoned her family for greener pastures by walking out on her family. There is a line in a song by Kelly Clarkson, “Piece by Piece.”
And all of your words fall flat I made something of myself, and now you wanna come back. But your love, it isn’t free, it has to be earned. Back then, I didn’t have anything you needed, so I was worthless
But piece by piece, he collected me Up off the ground where you abandoned things Piece by piece, he filled the holes That you burned in me at six years old And you know, he never walks away He never asks for money He takes care of me ‘Cause he loves me
Just because someone provided a sperm or egg does not make a parent. It took Zander a long time to get up the courage to let his mom entirely “go”. Sometime getting rid of that weighted pain allows sun and love to enter truly. Looking at Stevie’s relationship with her mom and how generational hurt continues until you stand too close to that door. Also, having strong men in your life who stand with you and support you. When someone truly loves you, it gives you that strength and power to stand up for yourself and just accept anything but accept and accept what you truly deserve. It’s knowing your worth and not the worth others see in you. Please read this book. There is some serious spiciness, but it does not overshadow the love story.
Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2 (4.5/5)
Highly recommended for readers who seek:
A richly layered, slow-burning romance
In-depth character exploration and emotional vulnerability
Themes of trauma, healing, and transformation
Dynamic and authentic dialogue with a dash of wit
A fresh perspective within the sports romance subgenre
Sorry so late on uploading my March TBR reads> March was stacked with emotionally intense reads, unforgettable characters, and plot twists that had me questioning everything. Here’s a full breakdown of each book I devoured last month.
1. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
Welcome to a dystopian world where Juliette Ferrars has been locked away because her touch is deadly. But everything changes when she’s brought out as a potential weapon for the Reestablishment. Her voice is fractured, poetic, and raw—and the emotional journey she takes is as much about surviving as it is about reclaiming her identity.
What I loved: The lyrical writing, the slow-burn romance with Warner (hello, morally grey!), and Juliette’s transformation from broken to powerful.
I am going to read the next book in the series to see if I will read the entire series. I liked the story, but I don’t know if I am invested enough to read all of the books. Long series read, but not as long as Zodiac Academy.
Quote: “I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.”
Themes: Trauma, power, love vs control, identity
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Start: 3 March 2025
Completed: 6 March 2025
Total time: 8 hours and 56 minutes
Total pages: 388 pages
Format: Libby (I own the entire series)
2. The Heartbreaker by Piper Rayne
Back in small-town Alaska, the last person she expected to run into was the guy who broke her heart. But heartbreak can be complicated—and so can second chances. This book had me laughing, swooning, and sometimes tearing up. The side characters and family dynamics added so much depth.
What I loved: The real, relatable emotional baggage; the soft, stubborn love interest; and the sizzling tension.
Quote: “Some people walk into your life to teach you a lesson. Others walk in to stay.”
Themes: Forgiveness, vulnerability, second chances, hometown roots
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Start: 7 March 2025
Completed: 9 March 2025
Total time: 7 hours and 13 minutes
Total pages: 310 pages
Format: Libby (borrowed – do not own)
3. Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard Imagine a world divided by the color of your blood—red means commoner, silver means superhuman. But Mare, a Red girl with a deadly power of her own, threatens to upend everything. This book is full of betrayal, power games, and one of the best betrayals I’ve ever read.
What I loved: Court drama, the revolution brewing, the untrustworthy love interests, and that wild ending.
Quote: “Rise, red as the dawn.”
Themes: Social injustice, rebellion, identity, survival
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Start: 10 March 2025
Completed: 16 March 2025
Total time: 10 hours and 56 minutes
Total pages: 388 pages
Format: Libby (own the book but not the series)
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4. The Assassin’s Blade by Sarah J. Maas These novellas are a prequel to the Throne of Glass series, and honestly? They wrecked me. Celaena Sardothien is fierce, proud, and heartbreakingly human. Each story builds on her legend—and shows the scars that shaped her. If you love morally grey heroines, you’re in for a ride.
What I loved: Celaena’s relationship with Sam 😭, the assassin guild drama, and the aching sense of tragedy.
5. Legendborn by Tracy Deonn When Bree Matthews loses her mother, she’s swept into a secret society linked to the legend of King Arthur—and her own buried magic. This book explores generational trauma, grief, and Black girl power in a way that feels so personal and powerful.
What I loved: Bree’s anger and strength, the unique magic system, the rich Southern gothic vibes, and the chemistry between Bree and Selwyn Kane.
Quote: “The pain will always be there. So will the love.”
Themes: Grief, legacy, ancestry, chosen family, power
Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Start: 25 March 2025
Completed: 31 March 2025
Total time: 19 hours and 02 minutes
Total pages: 544 pages
Format: Libby (own the series)
Have you read any of these? Which one are you adding to your TBR?
TechieScrapper’s Story & Scrap 