Hedgehog Harry

just a lil scamp out here reviewing media

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  • Making Time [Book Review]

    The cover of this book won me over immediately. I love the art style, I love the way the characters are gazing at each other, and I love the lil kiddo around the corner. Every detail is so on point and gives nods to little details in the books. Doesn’t hurt that I think making a fish the mascot of a team is hilarious. Almost as good as making the arena the Culver’s arena – my wife said she would change loyalties TODAY if Madison announced they were going to have a team hosted at the Culver’s arena.

    First and foremost, I want to focus on the character of Rowan. Both because it can feel rare to find a child character done well (way too many annoying waifs in the regency books of my wasted youth) and because he comes first for Tyler and Jamie themselves. The scene in the children’s museum was precious and I loved seeing Rowan make friends at various WAG events. I greatly appreciated seeing a child who becomes tired, overstimulated, and just plain cranky.

    Which leads to Tyler who shows great parenting skills. I love love love watching him become comfortable with letting others show care for Rowan and then for Tyler himself. I deeply appreciate the positive portrayal of sex work and the hustle that being a single parent takes for Tyler. It makes it all the more satisfying when Tyler discovers he and Rowan can be part of a community with Jamie.

    Captain, my captain. Jamie is so so soft and I love that in a big ole hockey man. I especially love that the reader gets real hockey play throughout the book (love the inclusion of the winter classic). So often I leave a hockey romance wishing for more hockey and I didn’t feel that dissatisfaction with Making Time.

    Overall, I relished reading Making Time and cannot wait to read more from Weston. Thanks to the author for an ARC.

  • Paper Doll: Notes From A Late Bloomer [Book Review]

    I have been saving this particular book for a reading slump. I like to listen to memoirs and this one rolled in under seven hours which is perfect for the weekend read-a-thon I’m participating in with on Alex (pucksandpaperbacks)’s discord for the Paperback Pals. The memoir combined some of my favorite things: behind the scenes of Hollywood and Broadway; LGBT identities, spaces, and communities; and occasionally breaking into song.

  • Finding My Way [Book Review]

    Finding My Way by Malala Yousafzai dives into the life of the author and delves deeper into the genre of memoir. It is excellently written with a clear voice that shows compassion, insight, and humor into the late teens and twenties of a young woman thrust into the public eye. I am married to an education nerd so some of that fascination has rubbed off on me and I was especially interested in learning how the Oxford system works as it seems so different from continuing education in the United States. I appreciated that Malala was not afraid to show her mistakes, mishaps, and missteps that are part of growing up. I also appreciated her focus and frank discussion of the importance of mental health care.

  • So Many Stars: An Oral History of Trans, Nonbinary, Genderqueer, and Two-Spirit People of Color [Book Review]

    I love an oral history in general (I read an excellent graphic novel adaptation of Stud Terkel’s labor work in undergrad) and when I can listen to an audiobook of one I am even happier. The audiobook for So Many Stars: An Oral History of Trans, Nonbinary, Genderqueer, and Two-Spirit People of Color by Caro de Robertis is excellent. The breath of experiences covered by the oral history is interesting and moving. In particular, listening to the book as I myself am undergoing medical transition is interesting experience. I am constantly thinking about my body, its changes, and changes I would still like to see happen. It is wild to know that others have been feeling the same, and different, way(s) for generations.

  • January Wrap-Up

    Read:

    Playing for Keeps by Alexandria Bellefleur

    Like in Love with You by Emma R. Alban

    Fates Skates by Victoria Schade

    Thirty Love by Tom Vellner

    Unmaking Autism: Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity by Devon Price, Ph. D

  • Thirty Love: A Novel [Book Review]

    My experience with tennis is limited to a single family reunion where my dad showed me the ropes and, of course, to wii tennis. My experience with living closeted is much more extensive and for that reason Thirty Love: A Novel by Tom Vellner tugged on my heart strings. I found the main character and love interest compelling, the side characters enriched the narrative, and the villains of homophobic sports culture and individuals realistic. The book was a slow start for me as I had to acclimate to tennis, but Vellner was a good teacher and the characters pulled me in. Thanks to the publisher and netgalley who provided me with a review copy.

  • Fated Skates [Book Review]

    Fated Skates by Victoria Schade tackles the high pressure of Olympic level sports, mental health, and how athletes are treated at every level all while crafting a believable, swoon-worthy romance. Quinn, a figure skater, left her first Olympics devastated and mistreated. Ben, a retired speed skater turned sports journalist, reenters her life right before the next Olympics. Will they be able to rewrite the narrative around Quinn and resist their obvious connection? Who can say 🙂

  • Like in Love with You: A Novel [Book Review]

    Like in Love with You: A Novel by Emma R. Alban is a breath of fresh air in the regency romance scene. I am embarrassed that this is the first of her books I have picked up but will soon rectify that mistake. The characters are endearing, clever, and cutting in turns. The plot is tense but gives a sense that all will be well which is refreshing in a queer romance. I cannot wait to read more of Alban’s work!

  • 10 Before the End Results

    10. An Extraordinary Union by Alyssa Cole is one of the books I picked for the Reading Glasses challenge and while I did not get it read I still intend to read it.

    9. Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross was another pick for the Reading Glasses challenge. Another one I did not get to but still intend to.

    8. That Lesbian Vampire Pirate Story by Raven Belasco was a DNF.

    7. A Single Season by Kate Daniels was read and reviewed before the end of 2025.

    6. The Prospects by KT Hoffman did not get read, but will.

    5. Bitter Honey by Lolá Ákínmádé Åkerström was a DNF. I struggle with fiction on audio.

    4. Ten Steps to Nanette: A Memoir Situation by Hannah Gadsby was finished! I really enjoyed it.

    3. Queer Life, Queer Love 3 edited by Karen McLeod, Matt Bates, Kate Beal, and Sarah Beal was finished. It did make me miss the days I kept up with short fiction magazines more often.

    2. Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid was excellent and I finished it before the tv show was over.

    1. Merry Christmas, You Filthy Animal did not get finished, but did get started.

  • Playing for Keeps [Book Review]

    Playing for Keeps by ALexandria Bellefleur follow the romance between two PR managers. It is the first book I’ve ready by Bellefleur. I found the romances believable and charming and the characters’ flaws and strengths realistic. I also adore the cover. Love when an outfit description makes it to the cover. Heads up for parental discord and past drinking issues.