Showing posts with label adult. Show all posts
Showing posts with label adult. Show all posts

Book Review: Beginner's Guide to Whiskey: Traditions, Types, and Tastes of the Ultimate Spirit by Sam Green

Beginner's Guide to Whiskey: Traditions, Types, and Tastes of the Ultimate Spirit is a nonfiction book by Sam Green. It shares whiskey's rich history, the detailed process from grain to glass, the main types of brown liquor, and, of course, the fine art of savoring handcrafted whiskey. 

Beginner's Guide to Whiskey is an accessible guide to the history, varieties, making, drinking, and meal pairing of whiskey. I have been fascinated by whiskey for years, but am not a big drinker and have been intimidated by the varieties with no clear idea of where to start exploring whiskey without wasting time or money. This guide explained the differences between how the difference types are made, and in turn how they vary in taste. I really liked the charts at the end of each chapter giving some suggests as to where to start and what they each taste like. Making cocktails, and pairing drinks with food are covered as well, which I found helpful. I think i specifically liked the accessible narrative tone of the writing, and the reassurance that there is no wrong way to drink whiskey. Drink what you like, responsibly of course, and enjoy it. Neat, on the rocks, with water, or as part of a cocktail- the important part is finding what you enjoy and doing so is what matters.

Beginner's Guide to Whiskey is a well written, researched guide with suggestions that have put a few things on my mental shopping list.

Book Review: Savage Hunger (Savage) by Lisa Renee Jones

Savage Hunger is the first book in the Savage trilogy by Lisa Renee Jones. Rick Savage, but they call him Savage and for a reason. He can make you laugh and then rip your heart out. No one knows that more than me, Candace Marks, the woman he left bleeding from the heart. I loved him. Lord help me, I’ve never stopped loving him. Now, I’m engaged to another man, a brutal man I’m trapped into marrying, when to my shock, Savage returns home. Savage who I haven't heard from in years. I want to hate him. I have ever reason to hate him, but I can’t. I still love him and I fear he will save me just to leave me bleeding one last time. He stirs my desires, a dark, delicious, and dangerous man destined to hurt me and leave me. This time I’m not sure I'll survive.

Savage Hunger is a book that started off checking off all the right boxes. The characters were are multidimensional and the second chance aspect and danger were well played. I liked the secondary characters, which fans of the author will recognize from the Walker series. The chemistry level was high, and there was a good balance of sweet and intrigue. However, I was not aware going in that this was not going to be the start of the story. I felt like just when things were starting to click into place and I was really rooting for our couple, and considering finding the other series because I like the secondary characters, the book ended. Not at a happy for now kind of spot, but at the start of an action scene! If the description had warned me, or maybe if I had read the related series, I might have been prepared, but I was not. So, I highly recommend that you pick up the whole series and have the next ready to go if you are going to read this. Now, you have been given the warning I was not. It rather ruined some of my good feeling toward the book and left me a bit frustrated. 
Savage Hunger is a book with plenty of angst, but it is just the start of this couple's story. Be prepared with the following books, or the need to find them.

Book Review: Ruthless Bastard (Dangerous Love) by Stacey Kennedy

Ruthless Bastard is the third book in the Dangerous Love series by Stacey Kennedy. While part of a series, and returning readers will get more out of the read than newcomers, it can be enjoyed as a stand alone as well. Bar owner Kinsley Knight knows exactly what she wants: Rhett West. How could she resist over six feet of hard, trained physical perfection? Never mind that she's been in love with the guy since high school, or that she's the "kid sister" of his best friend. Never mind that one unforgettably intense and heated night they shared-and the unexpected consequences. But Rhett can't afford to get distracted by the mind-blowingly hot night he spent with Kinsley, or the insatiable hunger he still feels for her. She's off-limits. Especially now that Rhett's been investigating the members of a vicious biker gang who have invaded his town, and they're intent on putting Kinsley out of business-permanently. Suddenly, all of Rhett's protective instincts have taken over. Because no one threatens Kinsley on his watch. Not now. Not ever. And Rhett's ruthless enough to protect Kinsley no matter the cost. Even if it means risking his heart.
Ruthless Bastard is a good friends to lovers romance, with plenty of danger and heat to keep readers interested. I have not read the previous books, which is surprising since I enjoy the author's style, so I did not have the background knowledge of the characters. However, I think the book does a good job of illustrating the character relationships and dynamics so that new readers would be able to catch up fairly quickly. I really liked Rhett's character and how he was doing his best and wanted to protect those around him, even from himself. I will admit that I was a little annoyed with the descriptions of Kinsley as so 'not like other girls'. She is low maintenance, understands the demands of law enforcement and the military on others, and owns a bar- so clearly different from all the other girls. This is a pet peeve of mine, and it might not even come across this way to others, but it started wearing on me during the read. I did like the arc of her coming together with Rhett, and I liked the mystery and danger involved. Although, I did make several guesses about who was involved with what early on, and was proven right. The clues to this seemed a little too obvious, but I read almost as many mysteries as romances so I am often looking pretty hard for that sort of thing. As a whole I enjoyed the read, but a couple personal preferences made it an okay read rather than the winner that I was really expecting from the author.
Ruthless Bastard is an engaging contemporary romance. Fans of the author and the series will definitely want to pick this one up. 

Early Book Review: Burn Zone (Hotshots) by Annabeth Albert

Burn Zone is the first book in the Hotshots series by Annabeth Albert. It is currently scheduled for release on April 27 2020.

Smoke jumper Lincoln Reid is speechless to see Jacob Hartman among his squad’s new recruits. Linc had promised his late best friend he’d stay away from his little brother. And yet here Jacob is…and almost instantly, the same temptation Linc has always felt around him is causing way too many problems. Jacob gets everyone’s concerns, but he’s waited years for his shot at joining the elite smoke jumping team, and is hoping to honor his brother’s memory. He’s ready to tackle any challenge Linc throws his way, and senses the chemistry between them—chemistry Linc insists on ignoring—is still alive and kicking. This time, Jacob’s determined to get what he wants. Close quarters and high stakes make it difficult for Linc to keep his resolve, never mind do so while also making sure the rookie is safe. But the closer they get, the more Linc’s plan to leave at the end of the season risks him breaking another promise: the one his heart wants to make to Jacob.

Burn Zone is a story that grabbed me from the start, and there is a lot to unpack. Guilt, family ties, and honorable intent are the biggest challenges this couple face, and it is all more than enough. Linc's friendship with Wyatt was not perfect, and had its issues, but Linc wants to keep his promises to him, especially after his death. Having a relationship with Jacob goes against everything Wyatt wanted, but something Jacob and Linc both crave. I really enjoyed getting to know both the characters, and seeing them really get to know each other and trust each other despite the distance they try to keep between them. I also liked the building of the secondary characters, and how varied and multifaceted they all were. I am already looking forward to continuing this series to see more of them.  I also enjoyed that the reactions of Linc, Jcob, and the secondary characters were not always what I would have hoped, they were always in line with the personality of the character, I might not agree but I could always understand how they come to it. I also really appreciated that once they came to the decision to be together and fight for their HEA the work was not done and things did not magically fall into place. Family still needed to be dealt with, the possibilities of mistakes and missteps between them were still there, but they were committed to putting in the time and effort that is necessary for a real relationship rather than the world suddenly aligning and being all glitter and rainbows. The realism of the characters, their personalities, and their struggles just grabbed me and I want more. I am so ready for the next book in the series, and am now going to check out the author's previous books.

Burn Zone is a romance that gave me all the feels, with a nearly perfect blend of heart and heat.

Book Review: Kakushigoto: My Dad's Secret Ambition Vol. 1 by Kouji Kumeta

My Dad's Secret Ambition Vol. 1 by Kouji Kumeta is a manga style graphic novel. Kakushi Gotou is a single father with a secret: He’s a top-selling manga artist of a raunchy series that perhaps isn’t suitable reading material for his young daughter, Hime. So he does what any doting father would do, he hides it all from her, no matter the hi jinks that ensue!

My Dad's Secret Ambition is a book that hit some really good notes. I liked the single father struggling to do right by his daughter, and the lengths he would go to in order to keep her happy and healthy. The social gaffes and caste of characters were interesting, but I was rarely fully engaged in the story and found myself having to go back to re read or look closer at a picture to decide if I missed something. The artwork style is nice, but it just did not match up with my personal preferences consistently. I did like the personal notes and writings from the author, which put some on the scenes and moments in context and made it more interesting. 

My Dad's Secret Ambition is a good graphic novel, with some really good moments. It just did not wow me after having read some absolutely fabulous ones recently.

Early Book Review: She Loves Me (Harmony Pointe) by Melissa Foster

She Loves Me is the third book in the Harmony Pointe series by Melissa Foster and currently scheduled for release on April 21 2020. You do not need to read the series in order to enjoy the read. However, there are connected characters and all of the books are pretty great, so if you enjoy one you might want to read them all anyway.

Something is off in Piper Dalton’s life, and she has a feeling it might just be her. All her siblings are blissfully settled with their forever loves. But while her sisters were dreaming of white weddings, Piper was left heartbroken and commitment phobic by her first love, her best friend’s younger brother. As a woman dominating the male-driven construction industry, Piper has no interest in turning in her hammer for an apron—even if hot and hilarious Harley thinks otherwise. Burly bar owner Harley Dutch has a bum ankle and two preteen nieces to take care of, and having his best friend, tough-as-nails and sexy-as-sin Piper Dalton, come to his rescue is just the remedy he needs. Piper is her snarky self, and she kind of sucks at caregiving, but she’s owned his heart for years, she’s got a way with the girls, and Harley would sure like to have his way with her. As things heat up between Piper and Harley, she warns him not to fall in love with her because she’ll only break his heart. Harley is the right man for that challenge—until he makes the biggest mistake of his life, and they begin to wonder if true love really can conquer all.
She Loves Me is a book I have been eager for, since I have loved the previous Harmony Point books and the related series. I have wanted Harley and Piper's story since I first met them, but readers that have never read a book from Foster will still be able to enjoy the read and get just as lost in their story. I love Piper, she is tough as nails but still so very vulnerable- just so used to hiding it. Harley is a big guy, always looking out for the people in his life, and any underdog. They have been dancing around each other for years, and events finally make it the perfect time for Harley to make his move. I love how they already know each other so well, but readers get a better look at them both. The respect and effort they each show in the process of figure each other, and themselves, out is an engaging story with some heart rending moments but plenty of sweet and heat as well. I simply loved Piper's character so much, her insecurities and less than stellar coping mechanisms spoke to me, as did how sweet and caring she was toward others even when she could not see it herself. There were moments when I thought Harley was a little too perfect, but the teasers for where Foster might focus her attentions next fixed some of that and made me ready to read on as soon as the next book is released.
She Loves Me is a solid contemporary romance with a good balance of heart and heat. Fans of the author will definitely want to read it. 

Early Book Review: Not That Kind of Guy by Andie J. Christopher

Not That Kind of Guy by Andie J. Christopher is a contemporary romance currently scheduled for release on April 14 2020. State attorney Bridget Nolan is successful in all aspects of her life—except romance. After breaking up with her longtime boyfriend, she's been slow to reenter the dating scene. To be honest, she has more important things to do like putting bad guys behind bars. But with her brother's wedding right around the corner, she suddenly needs a date and fast. Lucky for Bridget, the legal intern is almost done with his program. Matt Kido is dumbstruck by Bridget—total love at first sight—but there's one problem. She's totally off-limits while she's his boss. But the moment he no longer reports to her, Matt decides to take a chance. An impulsive decision takes them to Las Vegas where, as the saying goes, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. Unless you put a ring on it.

Not That Kind of Guy had a great balance to it. I loved the humor and real, emotional issues that were dealt with. Bridget is so used to having to be in control and trying to be perfect that when she lets go things get a little out of control. Matt has gotten tired of doing what he should and the possibility of being used. Neither is overly trusting, even of themselves. I loved watching them forge a friendship and more. I was glad to get both of their points of view, seeing how both of them worried about their own value in the relationship help me understand the choices they made, even when I dd not agree with them. I thought that the family dynamic for both of them were key to the story, and explored in a way that explained a great deal about the characters without sidetracking the story. I also liked the thought that was put into the secondary characters and background story. However, I also felt like the author was trying to get all the tropes in the book. There was the workplace/forbidden romance, the age gap, the wealth gap, the real slash fake relationship, the jealous ex's, and so on. I felt a little like the author had all the possible twists and trops on a check list and tried to get as many in as possible. I liked the characters, and the story for the most part, but some of it just felt forced. 

Not That Kind of Guy is a contemporary romance with a good balances of heat and sweet.

Early Book Review: Seduced by a Steele (Forged of Steele) by Brenda Jackson

Seduced by a Steele is the twelfth book in the Forged of Steele series by Brenda Jackson, I have not read the previous books but this one can stand up well on its own. It is currently scheduled for release on April 7 2020. 
Will a damsel in distress be his redemption? A notorious heartbreaker is about to meet his match. When the “thief” caught driving his stolen vintage car turns out to be a stunning runaway heiress, Mercury Steele is conflicted. On the one hand, Sloan Donahue, penniless and on the run from her tyrannical family, triggers the billionaire playboy’s protective instincts. But she also triggers red-hot desire. Mercury refuses to think his simple seduction is becoming something deeper, especially when Sloan is keeping secrets. 

Seduced by a Steele is a quick read with a nice dose of heat. Sloan wants no part of an arranged marriage that comes with a mistress, unfortunately escape means getting away from controlling parents with no funds of her own Mercury has no interest in settling down, but the attraction and desire to help Sloan are undeniable. I liked Sloan's desire for independence and wanting to work things out on her own, but I felt like she really never gained that agency in more than inconsequential ways. Mercury wanted to help, his money and connections were helpful but because of his ability to 'fix' just about everything I did not see Sloan get to do much more than say no to her ex and her father. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the read and liked the major characters and how they interacted, but I just felt like it came together almost too easily. I was waiting for a kidnapping attempt, or attack, or something big and dramatic other than verbal sparring and half truths being revealed. 

Seduced by a Steele is a fast and enjoyable read, good for reading in a single sitting on a cold or rainy weekend afternoon.

Early Book Review: A Bad Day for Sunshine by Darynda Jones

A Bad Day for Sunshine by Darynda Jones is currently scheduled for release on April 7 2010. This is the start of a new series- but it follows the Charlie Davidson series, but newcomes to Jones' work will be able to enjoy this new start.

Sheriff Sunshine Vicram finds her cup o’ joe more than half full when the small village of Del Sol, New Mexico, becomes the center of national attention for a kidnapper on the loose. Del Sol, New Mexico is known for three things: its fry-an-egg-on-the-cement summers, its strong cups of coffee—and a nationwide manhunt? Del Sol native Sunshine Vicram has returned to town as the elected sheriff—an election her adorably meddlesome parents entered her in—and she expects her biggest crime wave to involve an elderly flasher named Doug. But a teenage girl is missing, a kidnapper is on the loose, and all of it's reminding Sunny why she left Del Sol in the first place. Add to that trouble at her daughter’s new school and a kidnapped prized rooster named Puff Daddy, and Sunshine has her hands full. Enter sexy almost-old-flame Levi Ravinder and a hunky US Marshal, both elevens on a scale of one to blazing inferno, and the normally savvy sheriff is quickly in over her head. Now it’s up to Sunshine to juggle a few good hunky men, a not-so-nice kidnapping miscreant, and Doug the ever-pesky flasher. And they said coming home would be drama-free.

A Bad Day for Sunshine is a great start to a new series, even if I kept distracting myself by trying to make connections with the previous series. Sunshine and her daughter Aurora are two snarky peas in a pod. They are both smart, good detectives, and care more than they might want to about the world around them. I liked the way the town, and its cast of characters, were introduced. I liked the way characters I thought I knew- or should know-  were given the same amount of attention as those I thought were completely new. I thought the mystery of the missing girl and the escaped fugitive were very well built, and solved. I like that the characters do not take themselves too seriously and seem to understand that so much comes in shades of gray rather than simply black or white. The point of view does switch regularly between Auri and Sunshine, which was incredibly important and worked perfectly in some places. However, there were many places in which the switch was made with no division and it took me a while to figure out what was happening. I had to go back and reread a few paragraphs to figure out where the switch was made. I did enjoy the build up of the characters, the mystery, and that there were unanswered questions that left me wanting more without leaving me feeling unsatisfied with the conclusion. I look forward to continuing this series, and seeing how the connection with the prior series continue to grow. 

A Bad Day for Sunshine is a good start to a series, with connections and characters Jones fans will enjoy. 

Early Book Review: Shameless With Him (Less Than) by Carrie Ann Ryan

Shameless With Him is the third book in the Less Than series by Carrie Ann Ryan. It is currently scheduled for release on March 24 2020 and can stand on its own or enjoyed as part of the series.

Caleb Carr might have once been ready for commitment, but when the unexpected slams into him with the force of a two-ton truck, he knows he has to run away from anything that might be important. Zoey might well be his final temptation, but to keep her whole, he’ll walk away. Zoey Wager has loved Caleb since they were eight. And has had her heart broken from afar repeatedly ever since. It doesn’t help that every time she sees him—even when she’s running away halfway across the world—he’s with another woman. She’s watched him fall in lust her entire life. Now, she’s ready to watch him fall in love. With her.
Shameless With Him is a romance that pulls on the childhood crush trope. Zoey has loved Caleb for ever, and when they kind of fall together she is very cautious about going all in, because his relationships never seem to last long. Caleb is dealing with some issues that he is reluctant to share with his family, never mind the girl he counts as a friend and has wanted for years. Neither wants to blow their chance, but both are dealing with doubts, fear, and helping pull of the wedding of a lifetime for Zoey's baby sister. There is a good does of heart, some heat, and moments when readers will want to throttle one or more of the characters. The story works, and the cast of characters are well written. Maybe I just picked this book up at the wrong time. It was a good, solid romance but I never got fully invested or engaged with the characters and story. I love the author in general, so I think this might have been more of a me thing than anything about the book.
Shameless With Him is a good romance, and I think fans of the author and second chance, or childhood crush, romances will particularly enjoy it. 

Early Book Review: Not According to Plan by A.M. Madden

Not According to Plan by A.M. Madden is a contemporary romance currently scheduled for release on March 23 2020. For one night of my life, I dared to do something reckless. My birthday. A bar. Karaoke. And a man so hot he could melt the sun. Sparks flew. Lust took over. For one night of my life, I felt aliveThen I was back to my “boring” life. Career-driven. Goal-oriented. Always planning ahead. But nothing could have prepared me for the positive pregnancy test. We weren’t that reckless.  There goes my “boring” life. And what happens when I tell the father?

Not According to Plan is a contemporary romance with plenty of complications, but recalled condoms seem to be the root of most. A one night stand resulting in a pregnancy is rough, add in split residency and another baby on the way and things are complicated right from the start. I liked Jade a lot, I could understand and connect with her desire to rock her job even when it did not meet her expectations, and actually agreed with her take on most of the issues in the story. Max was a nice guy, with way too much on his plate. I liked that he wanted to do right be everyone in his life, and understood how that might burn him out. I liked the extended family and friends for both characters, and thought that for the most part they offered support and advice that was heartfelt- and I thought that the naysayers were realistic and well done even when they made my heart hurt. I was not thrilled with the conclusion, they way they worked things out, but I cannot agree with everyone's choices even in fiction. I was hoping that a different solution would be found, even though I could not come up with a logical one either so what do I know. Overall I enjoyed the read, and it had some fantastic moments, but I was not wowed by it as a whole.

Not According to Plan is a romance with plenty of twists on the way to a happy ever after.

Early Book Review: Bears Behaving Badly (BeWere my Heart) by MaryJanice Davidson

Bears Behaving Badly is the first book in the BeWere my Heart series by MaryJanice Davidson. It is currently scheduled for release on March 31 2020. 

These social worker bear shifters give the term "mama bear" a whole new meaning! Werebear shifter Annette Garsea is a caseworker for the Interspecies Placement Agency. When a selectively mute and freakishly strong teen werewolf is put in her custody, Annette has to uncover the young girl's secrets if she's to have any hopes of helping her. And not even the growling of a scruffy private investigator can distract her from her mission. Bear shifter David Auberon appreciates Annette's work with at-risk teen shifters, but he's not sure if her latest charge is so much a vulnerable teen as a predator who should be locked up. All that changes when he, Annette, and her motley band of juveniles find themselves dodging multiple murder attempts and uncovering a trafficking cartel that doesn't just threaten the kids, but risks discovery of the shifters by the wider world of homo sapiens.

Bears Behaving Badly has a good deal going on.Annette and David had some great dialogue, and I enjoyed the clueless, thought to be unrequited love, aspect of the story. They were fun and I liked getting to know them. I also really liked the secondary characters- and found some of them more interesting and entertaining than the major players on occasion.  I like that parts of the character backstories are slowly revealed rather than having a massive information dump. I thought that the mystery of what was going on and who the mole was had a good pace and had a good balance of danger and character exploration. Although, I have to say that some of the big picture was a little obvious to me and I wanted to facepalm when Annette and David finally figured it out. The story was fun and enjoyable. However, there several occasions when the transitions were sudden and I had to go back and reread bits to see if I missed something, some clue, as to how they got to be somewhere or which line of dialogue when to which character. Everytime that this happened with a scene transition I was taken out of the story and it took away from my enjoyment a bit. 

Bears Behaving Badly is a fun romantic adventure with a nice balance of humor, mystery, and a touch of heat.

Book Review: Murder at Pirate's Cove (Secrets and Scrabble) by Josh Lanyon


Murder at Pirate's Cove is the first book in the Secrets and Scrabble series by Josh Lanyon. Ellery Page, aspiring screenwriter, Scrabble champion, and guy-with-worst-luck-in-the-world-when-it-comes-to-dating, is ready to make a change. So when he learns he’s inherited both a failing bookshop and a falling-down mansion in the quaint seaside village of Pirate’s Cove in Rhode Island, it’s full steam ahead! Sure enough, the village is charming, its residents amusingly eccentric, and widowed police chief Jack Carson is decidedly yummy (though possibly as straight as he is stern). However, the bookstore is failing, the mansion is falling down, and there’s that little drawback of finding rival bookseller—and head of the unwelcoming-committee—Trevor Maples dead during the annual Buccaneer Days celebration.  Still, it could be worse. And once Police Chief Carson learns Trevor was killed with the cutlass hanging over the door of Ellery’s bookstore, it is. 
Murder at Pirate's Cove is a cozy mystery that grabbed me from the start. I liked Ellery as a character, he is smart and thoughtful with a curious mind and the ability to admit his mistakes. I did think the blurb was a little misleading, since he is a Scrabble player but that only plays a minimal role in the story, although I think it will mean more as the series continues. I liked the set up, and thought the characters and town building was well paced and well done. The mystery was layered with plenty of twists, and I liked the way it was built and revealed in small portions to keep interest and attention. I did not want to step away from the book at any point during the read, wanting to see how things would play out in the next moment. I am interested to see where the series goes from here, and if the promised connections continue to grow in the future. 
Murder at Pirate's Cove is an engaging read and I look forward to continuing the series. 

Book Review: Imaginary Numbers (InCryptid) by Seanan McGuire

Imaginary Numbers is the ninth book in the InCryptid series by Seanan McGuire. While I do suggest reading the series in order, and as a series, the books can stand fairly well on their own but newcomers will be missing out on some great backstory and character references that enhance the read. Since this is the first story from Sarah's perspective, there are worse places to start.  

Sarah Zellaby has always been in an interesting position. Adopted into the Price family at a young age, she's never been able to escape the biological reality of her origins: she's a cuckoo, a telepathic ambush predator closer akin to a parasitic wasp than a human being. Friend, cousin, mathematician; it's never been enough to dispel the fear that one day, nature will win out over nurture, and everything will change. Maybe that time has finally come. After spending the last several years recuperating in Ohio with her adoptive parents, Sarah is ready to return to the world--and most importantly, to her cousin Artie, with whom she has been head-over-heels in love since childhood. But there are cuckoos everywhere, and when the question of her own survival is weighed against the survival of her family, Sarah's choices all add up to one inescapable conclusion. This is war. Cuckoo vs. Price, human vs. cryptid, and not all of them are going to walk away.

Imaginary Numbers is another well written story from McGuire, with dynamic characters and a healthy dose of danger. I have been wanted more from Sarah for a long time, and I am extremely glad to have this story. I got much more action that I really expected, and a little less Artie and Sarah together, but everything worked together quite well and I was happy with the way it all came together. I enjoyed getting inside Sarah's head, quite literally. There were a couple twists I did not expect, some explanations that tied some things up for me, and a few twists that I am hoping to see pop up in the next book. I do not want to go into too much detail, because it was a great ride and I want everyone to enjoy it as much as I did. My biggest complaints are that I missed the book before this somehow, which I am off to rectify now, and the story ended in such a way that I am pretty desperate for the next instalment already. 

Imaginary Numbers is a must read for the McGuire's fans, and a solid story for other readers that might want to dive in to her well crafted worlds. 

Early Book Review: On the Corner of Hope and Main (Blessings) by Beverly Jenkins

On the Corner of Hope and Main is the tenth book in the Blessings by Beverly Jenkins and it was just released released on March 3 2020. I have not read the previous books, so there was a good deal of catching up to do, but I think other newcomers can fully enjoy the book without the prior reads as well, although I am likely to go back and read the whole series from the start now.

Citizens of Henry Adams, Kansas, know there’s never a dull moment in their small town. Trent July has been the mayor of this historic town for the past four years, but now he’s ready to let someone else take up the mantle. Barrett Payne, a former Marine, decides he wants the job. But when a surprise candidate also enters the ring, the town has opinions on who would be the best candidate. And of course that’s not the only drama, as Malachi “Mal” July continues to make reparations for the damage he’s caused and to the people he’s betrayed, especially his lady love Bernadine. Is she finally ready to forgive him and let the past go? As the residents of Henry Adams have learned, life will throw obstacles their way, but it’s how they come together and rise above these challenges that keep the bonds of their close-knit community strong.

On the Corner of Hope and Main is a book I requested from Netgalley without even reading the description. I had seen so much from authors I follow on social media about what a wonderful person and writer the author is that I knew I was missing out. I did not even read the description before starting reading, and it took me a bit to get into the story- mainly because I have no idea of the genre or that it was book ten in a series when I started. However, the book does a wonderful job of sharing the needed history to understand characters, their relationships, and specific interactions. Readers get the viewpoints of so many characters that the story is that of the town, rather than a single person or family, and I really enjoy it. The character work was so well done that even when a character was doing something shady or underhanded, when they were making a decision that I could not agree with, I still understood how and why they got to that point. Each of the characters had such depth, and the machinations of those who want power or money were completely on point. I just got lost in the depth and layers of the stories, and feel like the characters faced such real problems that I think that everyone can relate to one or more of the characters as they all just try to get through the day and do the best they can for their families and town. Isn't that what we are all doing, even if we don't have a crazy hog or greedy oil company at our door.

On the Corner of Hope and Main is a wonderful book with solid characters and a ton of heart. My only disappointment is that it took me so long to pick up one of the books from this series. 

Book Review: Chaser by Rick R. Reed

Chaser by Rick R. Reed is a contemporary romance. Caden DeSarro is what they call a chubby chaser. He likes his guys with a few extra pounds on them. So when he meets Kevin Dodge in a bar bathroom, he can’t help but stare. As far as Caden is concerned, Kevin is physically perfect: a stocky bearded blond. But Caden gets tongue-tied and misses his chance. When Caden runs into Kevin on the train, he figures it’s fate offering him a second shot. Caden manages to get invited back to Kevin’s place for a one-night stand that turns into the kind of relationship he’s dreamed about. But the course of true love never runs smoothly—Kevin and Caden’s romance is no exception. When Caden returns from a few weeks away on business, Kevin surprises him with a new and “improved” body—one that fits Caden’s shallow friend Bobby’s ideal, but not Caden’s. Caden doesn’t know what to do, and his hesitation is just the opportunity Bobby was looking for.
Chaser is a romance that has characters with realistic and relatable issues and problems. I like that the characters all have their insecurities, because as much as people like to hide it I believe we all have them. Caden has doubts about his own desirability, and about who he is attracted to. I really like that he is aware of his issues and taking steps to make himself a better person for his own sake, rather than for someone else. Similarly, Kevin has insecurities and takes a completely different, yet still healthy, path to try and better himself. Like Caden I thought he was physically just fine in the beginning of the story, but getting healthier and being aware of your personal coping methods is not a bad idea. I have to admit that the tension of the story in the second half really got to me. I wanted to throw things as things went sideways, and while I love a good crisis and villian in a story I was way too tense to really enjoy this level of conflict. I think it was extremely well done, and too believable, which is probably why I found it so difficult to read at times. I read to escape the madness of the real world, and my escape was thwarted. Those that enjoy realistic crisis, betrayals, and so one will enjoy this much more than I. This comes from personal preference in reading rather than anything wrong with the writing or story- in fact, I think the fact that I found it as disturbing as I did goes to show how realistic the characters and story were.

Chaser is a realistic and well written romance. 

Book Review: Cold Hearted Bastard (Bastard Series) by Jennifer Dawson

Cold Hearted Bastard is the first book in the Bastard Series by Jennifer Dawson. Meet Jackson McKay. There's only one thing you need to know about me. I'm a cold hearted bastard that will never love you the way you deserve. And I'm sorry to say, bastard beats nice guy, every time. I never lie. Never deceive. I lay out exactly what will happen. My only promise is that I'm a one-night stand. That this is will be our first and last time together. Then I stand back and let them walk. But they never do. Because they all want to believe they will be the one to change me. And, Gwen Johnson, the woman that will be his demise. There's only one thing you need to know about me. What I want, I get. End of story. I didn't come to own one of the best restaurants in the city of Chicago before the age of thirty by taking no for an answer. And what I want is for this cold hearted bastard, and culinary genius, to work for me. I don't care how difficult he is. I'm going to figure out what makes him tick, what he needs most, and then I'm going to go in for the kill. The way I see it, you either own it, or it owns you.

Cold Hearted Bastard is a contemporary romance that focuses on two successful adults that know what they want, and will not be sidetracked- at least not until they see each other. Everything has always come easy come easy for Jackson, and when he retreated to his hometown he still received offers to come work his magic for them. Gwen has worked hard and gotten to the point where most things come easy for her as well. When the two mean there are fireworks, verbally and physically. I like that they are honest with each other about the attraction and what they can offer each other, well for the most part. There was plenty of heat, but I like that they talked and did other things as they got to know each other. Jackson's big secret, as well as the fears and insecurities the two have, are well done and I was curious to see how they would come together. I really liked how honest they were with each other about how they felt, except for when they weren't because of the conflicts. There were moments that I wanted to kick one or both of them but while I disagreed with then or thought they were missing the big picture, the reactions in question were always in line with the character. I also liked the variety of secondary characters, some of which fans of the author will recognize from previous books. 

Cold Hearted Bastard is a romance that I think many contemporary romance fans with a love for stubborn characters will enjoy. 

Early Book Review: Rail Journeys by David Ross

Rail Journeys by David Ross is currently scheduled for release on March 14 2020. There is always a sense of adventure when going on a railway journey. Whether it is aboard the Orient Express from London to Istanbul, or travelling the Transcontinental railroad through the Canadian Rockies to the Pacific coast, or riding the Serra Verde Express through the Brazilian rainforest, With 200 outstanding colour photographs, Rail Journeys  takes the reader on a journey through some of the most unusual, romantic and remarkable landscapes in the world. Places where trains still offer romantic and astounding experiences of rail travel at its best.
Rail Journeys offers readers a combination of accessible text and stunning images of railroads and trains. Readers can glimpse the Coast Starlight, which carries passengers from Los Angeles along the Pacific coast to Seattle and all points in between. Then there is the 7,000 kilometre Trans-Siberian, crossing the entirety of Mongolia and Russia from Beijing to Moscow. Some many unique and fascinating images and details about train travel around the world. I found myself studying the images of landscapes, stations, tunnels, and trains more intensely that I thought I would. I was captivated by the images more than anything else, but when I took the time to read the text I found it to be interesting and informative. I am very much a homebody, but think train travel would be one of the few ways I would be glad to travel.  I just loved the photography so much that it over-shadowed the work that must have gone into that text even though it was well done.  

Rail Journeys is a book that I could see as a great gift for train and travel lovers alike. I know a could people that are train enthusiasts that I think would fully appreciate this book. 

Early Book Review: Death on the Page (Castle Bookshop Mystery) by Essie Lang

Death on the Page is the second Castle Bookshop Mystery by Essie Lang. I would recommend reading this series in order, to fully understand the set up and relationships. However, I do think a determined read could catch up even without the prior knowledge. This book is currently scheduled for release on March 10 2020. 
There are a thousand stories in New York's scenic Thousand Islands, and Bayside Books co-owner Shelby Cox stocks them all. But lately, the Blye Island bookseller's life is more about investigation than inventory. True-crime writer Savannah Page caps off two successful signings at Bayside Books with a night in Blye Castle. She's there to research Joe Cabana, a colorful Prohibition-era mobster who owned the castle--until he was found dead in the island Grotto. But crime becomes all too true for Savannah. Her body turns up the next morning, in a secret passage at the bottom of the stairs. The last thing Shelby Cox wants is to sleuth another murder, but she's intrigued about how a killer could have reached the island after hours. She's not at a lack for suspects either. It could have been anyone from Savannah's fiancé, Liam Kennelly, who argued with her the evening before, to island caretaker Matthew Kessler, recently cleared of his wife's murder. Can Shelby keep regular store hours, elude the police chief, and assemble the clues into a hard-bound case without getting permanently shelved?

Death on the Page is a book that I should have loved, it checked off all the boxes for mysteries I usually enjoy. The characters are well defined and interesting, the mystery is solid with a few good twists, and as a whole it never takes itself to seriously. I liked Shelby's inherent kindness and interest in those around her and her determination to do the right thing. I liked that while there is a touch of romance- it never takes over the plot. I liked that there were secondary characters and suspects introduced and expanded on. I like that I got to know returning characters better and that I could understand the reasoning and motives of the major players. I did have an inkling of who was the big bad, but the reveal was very well done nd rather unexpected. However, I just never found myself compelled to get back to reading or wondering what was going to happen next. Perhaps I just was not in the mood to read a mystery or this author's writing style and I just do not match up. There was nothing in the story that bothered me or did not work, I just could not get fully engaged in the story. 

Death on the Page is a well written mystery, and I think fans of the first book will really enjoy the read.