Book Review: Take It Off the Menu (Mile High Matched) by Christina Hovland

Take It Off the Menu is the third book in the Mile High Matched series by Christina Hovland. I have not read the previous books, but this book read well as a stand alone. 

Marlee Medford just got dumped. Yes, things have become ho-hum in her longtime relationship, but she was two days away from walking down the aisle with the man she thought was her forever when he called it off.  Marlee needs to regain control of her life, and a weekend away with her friends is a solid first step. One of Denver’s best up-and-coming chefs, perpetual bachelor Eli Howard, isn’t into serious relationships—especially the kind that ends in marriage. Feeling oddly protective of the jilted bride—his little sister’s best friend—his weekend plans now involve a trip to Sin City with her group of friends. But it looks like he had a bit too much fun in Vegas when he wakes up married, wedding night included. Marlee’s attempts at getting her life back together are failing miserably. Her ex-fiancé is taking the house, her chihuahua is intent on a love affair with Eli’s sneakers, and she’s now accidentally hitched to the guy who can't even say the word marriage. With their quickie annulment denied, Eli and Marlee just have to hang tight until the divorce goes through. It’s just a little divorce amongst friends, what’s the worst that could happen? 

Take It Off the Menu is a contemporary romance with a lot going on. There is the best friend's brother aspect, the afraid of commitment element, and the interfering parents and sucky ex bit. However, the book managed to balance all of these elements with humor. I loved the regular intervals of a horny chihuahua and the wonderful circle of friends that both Eli and Marlee have helping them through every hurdle. Marlee is a sweetheart with a soft heart that often falls into doing whatever other expect from her- I would have liked to see a bit more backbone from her, but I think that if she had stood up for herself more she would not have ended up in the situation that brought this all about. Eli is a sweet and strong guy- he is always there to help everyone else but has trouble accepting help from anyone else. That is something I could relate to- and I was glad to see that he had to come to terms with that as well as his commitment issues. There were times when I thought there was much more to his commitment issue than readers were told- but that might have just been me. The secondary characters, and dog, stole the show for me. I loved the extended circle of friends and family even more than the rest. I think I want a story just about Babushka! As a whole I really enjoyed the read.

Take It Off the Menu is a romance that has a good balance of heart and humor. I enjoyed the read and will be reading more from the author.

Early Book Review: Zoo Scientists to the Rescue by Patricia Newman, Annie Crawley

Zoo Scientists to the Rescue, written by Patricia Newman and illustrated by Annie Crawley, is currently scheduled for release on October 1 2017. While the staff at zoos certainly do take care of animals and welcome visitors of all ages, that is not all they do. This book brings young readers behind the scenes at three zoos to meet scientists working to save endangered animals. Meredith Bastian's experiences studying wild orangutans help educate both zoo visitors and the zoo workers who care for captive orangutans. Jeff Baughman breeds black-footed ferrets and reintroduces them into the wild. And Rachel Santymire examines poop from black rhinoceroses at the zoo and in their natural habitat to benefit all black rhinos. Find out how zoo scientists are helping us learn more about these remarkable, at-risk species before it's too late!  

Zoo Scientists to the Rescue is a wonderful book to show young readers the complex and multilayered nature of working with animals. Scientists that work with zoos do so much more that feed lions and clean animal enclosures. Their work is helping the world understand animal biology, health, and behavior while working toward protecting them and conservation.  The text is informative and accessible, with full color photographs and bubbles of additional information that might inspire more interest or desire for further research in young readers. I think this book would be a great resource in school libraries, classrooms, and for interested young readers. I might just be buying my own paper copy for my animal loving daughter.