Showing posts with label book review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label book review. Show all posts

Book Review: Frenemy Fix-Up (Six Gems) by Yahrah St. John

Frenemy Fix-Up by Yahrah St. John is the fourth book in the Six Gems series, but can be enjoyed as a stand alone as well. Accountant Colin Anderson is working himself into an early grave. Shay Davis is finally living her dream of owning a yoga studio. Sure, they went to high school together—but that’s where their similarities end. He’s Mr. Corporate, hustling late into the night so his firm can go public, while she flows through sun salutations and half-moon poses at her own pace. So when a health scare pushes Colin to make a few life changes, he knows where to turn. If he’s going to get right with his career, he’ll need the right woman—and to get the right woman, he has to prioritize his health. Who better than Shay to help whip his butt into shape so he can win back his high school girlfriend? The catch is, she only has ninety days to do it. And they both really, really get on each other’s nerves. Soon, though, their sessions are heating up the studio. But as Colin gets closer to achieving his goal, he and Shay both move further away from what they thought they wanted. Before they know it, they’ll have to step out of their comfort zones and rethink their own versions of “right" before their time is up.


Frenemy Fix-Up has a fun set up and I thought the story was engaging and entertaining to read. I liked the complexity of both characters. I liked the reality of all the characters, not just the man players. Everyone made good and bad decisions, things that needed forgiveness and understanding- and the book covered more about the families and friends to give a better understanding of the characters than many other books offer. I greatly enjoyed this bigger picture- because we are all shaped by our lives and experiences and leaving that out of the equation does not feel authentic. The book gives a full picture of the characters and I enjoyed getting the big picture. My only disappointment was that the resolution felt a little flat for me, I wanted a little follow up to the discussion, but I am sure those reading the series will get to see more of how they find their way forward together. 

Early Book Review: Timeboxing: The Power of Doing One Thing at a Time by Marc Zao-Sanders

Timeboxing: The Power of Doing One Thing at a Time by Marc Zao-Sanders is a non fiction read written to help readers master the practice of choosing one thing to do, when to do it, and getting it done. It is currently scheduled for release on March 18 2024.

Every day, a billion knowledge workers wake up, gravitate towards a pixelated screen and process information for eight hours or more, facing an endless and bewildering array of work and life choices. This book is a comprehensive guide to carefully and intentionally selecting what to do, specifying start and finish times, focusing solely on that single activity, and getting it done to an acceptable standard within that timeframe. This is the fundamental, transcendent time-management practice; countless luminaries, from Carl Jung and Albert Einstein to Bill Gates and Steve Jobs, have employed some form of it in their daily lives. Zao-Sanders provides an informative and accessible look at every aspect of this revolutionary method– how to do it consistently, and how to do it well. This pragmatic practice of intentional daily activity has been proven to yield what almost every human being wants most: a chosen, cherished life.

Timeboxing is a time and life management tool that can work wonderfully for many people. Many of us already do aspects of the practice to a certain extent- and this book explains how and why we might want to expand on it. I like the idea of it, and think and can be a very valuable tool. The author also touches on some of the problems and solutions for things like distractions, procrastination, and poorly chosen tasks for multi tasking. I do like that he emphasized to do what works for your work style and life. This type of tool is great fore many people in reasonably predictable positions or lifestyles. However, those of us in positions where our workday is more dependent on other people's actions (just about any service or customer facing position) would find this type of scheduling very difficult in practice. That being said, the tips and tools shared certainly were helpful when it came to the more predictable parts of life like groceries, taxes, bills, and finally calling to schedule that thing you have been putting off.

 

Early Book Review: Royal Scandal (Royal Blood) by Aimée Carter

Royal Scandal is the follow up to Royal Blood by Aimée Carter, and is currently scheduled for release on March 26 2024.  American girl turned monarchy nightmare, Evan Bright, has gotten used to the press about her but the media attention has only seemed to get worse. From desperate clickbait articles about her and the President's son to Royal Record headlines pitting her against Princess Maisie, it seems everyone is dying for Evan to return back to America for good. Meanwhile Evan is receiving mysterious threats about her real story being revealed in a tell-all biography.  When more information is leaked about Evan, she fears she will always be Britain's media villain. But the threats escalate when there is an attempted assassination with no suspects, and Evan believes the person is in the palace's walls. They say what doesn't kill you will make you stronger, but what if it's the royal family who wants you dead?

Royal Scandal is a great follow up to the first book in the series. The story picks up not long after the end of Royal Blood, and I do highly suggest reading the series in order so that the personalities and dynamics are fully understood going into this book. That being said, this book has just as much emotional angst and struggle as the first book. It was very well written with layers of growth for the characters, with intrigue and mystery woven through the whole thing. There were elements and choices in the book that surprised me, and things that I saw coming but came in from a slightly different angle than I was prepared for. Again, like the first book, it is not what I would call an easy read. It had me anger, emotional, and concerned for Evan and the rest in a variety of ways through out the book. However, it is very well written and engaging. My biggest complaint is the end, because I felt like we were just about to get another chapter or two- more wrap up or hints as to what was coming next- but instead the book was over. I am already in need of the next instalment. 

Early Book Review: Mysterious, Marvelous Octopus by Paige Towler

Mysterious, Marvelous Octopus by Paige Towler is currently scheduled for release on March 19 2024. This book introduces young readers to the fascinating world of octopuses big and small, ink-squirting and shape-shifting, all around the planet. With their super smarts and awe-inspiring abilities, octopuses have captivated human imaginations. This book is a celebration of all things weird and wonderful about these beloved creatures—with their eight arms, nine brains, and one-of-a-kind personalities. Inside, find lyrical poetry paired with informational sidebars—perfect for a charming bedtime read or for pouring over for in-depth octopus info. Gorgeous photos of real octopuses give kids an up-close-and-personal glimpse of the sensational cephalopods—from the utterly adorable Dumbo octopus to the stunning blue-ringed octopus—and their incredible habitats and body parts.
Mysterious, Marvelous Octopus offers readers a nice balance. The images are visually stunning and capture the attention. The basic text is nice and is formatted nicely on the page, giving the book a nice flow and keeping readers engaged. The text boxes with more detailed information are great for older readers and those interested in learning more about octopi. (I know technically it is octopuses, but I am stubbornly clinging to octopi because I like the flow of it better.)  I think this book will appeal to many, as an entertaining, interesting, and informative read.

Book Review: Recipe For Mr. Banksy (Recipe for Life) by Anni Rose

Recipe For Mr. Banksy by Anni Rose is part of the Recipe for Love series, but stands up on its own as well. Beauty therapist Daisy is having one of those days. She’s just ended things with her boyfriend. Coming home to a huge ‘Sold’ sign planted in their front lawn and hearing him planning to move them into caravan is the last straw. To top it off, her greedy landlord, who also happens to be her ex’s best friend, is threatening to ruin her business. So it’s no surprise a spelling mistake in the butcher’s window is enough to push her over the edge. And fixing it with a can of spray paint from a passing graffiti artist only makes things worse. The graffiti artist is actually trainee doctor Jackson. Street art helps him to relax when he’s not at his stressful job. Jackson doesn’t know what to make of the impulsive Daisy, but he can’t get her out of his head. As Daisy fights to save her business, fate seems to delight in throwing her and Jackson together. And boy do they make a good team. But can a passionate beauty therapist and a sensible doctor really have a future?


Recipe For Mr. Banksy is a fun and engaging read. I liked Daisy and her circle of friends, and the love she has for her nephew. I liked Jackson and his personality and desire to do good and bring joy. I thought the premise was good, and I really enjoyed the start of the book. I did think that some of the twists the book had to offer we a little predictable- I saw them coming fairly early and honestly expected them to be even bigger or problematic than they turned out to be. Similarly, I found the ending to be a little lackluster. I felt like all the building blocks and personalities were there for something amazing but we ended up with something that was perfectly fine but not quite what I was hoping for.

 

Book Review: The Improbable Tales of Baskerville Hall by Ali Standish

The Improbable Tales of Baskerville Hall is the first book in a middle grade series by Ali Standish. What if young Arthur Conan Doyle really went to a secret school for extraordinarily gifted children called Baskerville Hall? When a mysterious man with a pipe notices young Arthur’s incredible deductive skills, Arthur’s offered a spot at the esteemed Baskerville Hall and a chance to lift his family out of poverty. There Arthur makes quick friends with Irene Eagle, a girl who boldly strides into any adventure and Jimmie Moriarty, a boy whose brilliance rivals Arthur’s own. But he makes enemies, too, who want Arthur expelled, or worse. Soon Arthur and his friends (and enemies!) are invited into a powerful secret society called the Clover. In order to be accepted into the illustrious social club, they must pass three tests, but along the way, Arthur uncovers a mystery that will lead to grand adventure and even greater danger. Arthur will need all the help he can get to solve the puzzle and keep a shocking truth from falling into the wrong hands. Meanwhile, he will finally meet the man who becomes his greatest mentor: Professor Sherlock Holmes. 

The Improbable Tales of Baskerville Hall is an engaging start to a new series. There have been make takes on young detectives over the years, but I am excited to see where this one goes. I thought the blending of historical truths, universal feelings of looking for your place, and mystery about just what might be going on at Baskerville hall blend together seamlessly and make this a fun read. I was concerned for Arthur at many points, and I love the little group that he finds. I also enjoyed the use of names and tidbits of Sherlock lore that are woven into the story, that just might lead younger readers to discover the references for in Doyle's works. I think this is a great read for those that love a good mystery, and those that can still get caught up in the doubts and fears many of us face when trying to find our path and our people. 

Early Book Review: Nothing Special, Volume One Through the Elder Woods (A Graphic Novel) by Katie Cook

Through the Elder Woods is volume one of the Nothing Special graphic novel series by Katie Cook, which is currently scheduled for release on March 5 2024. The first season of mayhem, magic, vegetables and adventure from Katie Cook's beloved Webtoon, Nothing Special, is collected in this gorgeous graphic novel, which also features exclusive behind-the-scenes content.

In the grand scheme of the worlds at large, Callie thinks she's nothing special. Sure, she's friends with the ghost of a radish and her dad owns a magical antique shop--but she's spent her life in the human world. Her dad won't let her join him on his collection trips in the magical realm “for her own protection”, so she’s only caught glimpses of that world through the gates of the town where her father’s store is. On her seventeenth birthday, Callie goes home with her friend Declan to find her home in disarray and her dad missing. Signs of a struggle point to the portal to the magical realm and when there are signs, you follow them. Now it's up to Callie, Declan, and Radish to band together and bring him home. As they face creatures good and bad, and all sorts of adventure, Callie and Declan may just find out that they are both special in their own ways after all. 

Through the Elder Woods is an entertaining read, and one that I enjoyed on several levels. First, and with graphic novels very important, I love the art style. The artwork captures the emotion of the characters, gives subtle clues to the larger story, and also has a sense of fun and whimsy to it. It matched and complimented the story perfectly, and I enjoyed the book as a whole. I thought the character development and slow reveal of the world building was very well done. I loved getting to know Callie as she was figuring it out for herself. I loved getting to see her relationships bloom, and while there is romance and the dreaded love triangle hint in there, that part of the story never overshadowed the adventure and figuring out just who she was and what she wanted. That made me very happy. I think the fact that even when the adventure and danger got serious, there was still a light hearted whimsy to the overall story is what really captured me with this book. I will be eagerly awaiting book two, and perhaps finally exploring Webtoon for more as well. 

Through the Elder Woods is a fun and engaging graphic novel. I only wish I had discovered it sooner. 

Early Book Review: Pretty Ugly by David Sedaris

Pretty Ugly by David Sedaris is a beautifully gross picture book that is currently scheduled for release on February 27 2024. Anna Van Ogre’s lovely monster face turns into that of a sickeningly adorable, rosy-cheeked little girl—and it’s not switching back! Can she find a way to stop looking like an ugly human and regain her gorgeous monstrosity of a face? The dynamic duo of nationally acclaimed comedian David Sedaris and renowned children's book author Ian Falconer comes together to ponder the perpetually relevant question: is true beauty really on the inside?

Pretty Ugly is a new look at several old adages. Our young hero finds out that when you are making silly, funny, or scary faces it really can stick that way. Even us parents thought it was made up and just an attempt to make the madness stop! I love the illustrations, and how poor Anna tries so hard to stop looking so darn cute. I also love her literal interpretation that beauty is on the inside. This is an all around fun book, with splendid illustrations, and I hope this will become a favorite for many, and that no one tries Anna's beauty secrets. 



Book Review: The Holiday Mix-Up by Ginny Baird

The Holiday Mix-Up by Ginny Baird is a contemporary romance. Lonely-hearted waitress Katie Smith has nowhere to go for Christmas, and a huge crush on her gorgeous diner patron Juan Martinez. So when Juan asks Katie to pose as his girlfriend for holiday festivities at his family's winery, Katie leaps at the chance…that is, until an accident lands Juan in a coma right after giving his folks the "news." Katie knows she should tell the Martinezes the truth, but when they immediately embrace her, Katie is reluctant to let her fantasy of a family holiday go. And then there's Juan's brother, Mateo, whose smile tugs at her heartstrings just right—and who tells her perfect Juan might not be everything he seems. Second son Mateo Martinez loves his brother, but Juan's plan to "rebrand and expand" Los Cielos Cellars has cost their family too much and put its entire tradition in jeopardy. Katie seems to understand, but she's still committed to Juan…even when Mateo starts to wish her gentle heart and beautiful smile were committed to him instead. With the winery at stake, secrets on all sides, and Juan due to wake up any day, can Katie and Mateo follow their hearts to a Christmas miracle, or will this mix-up ruin their chances?
The Holiday Mix-Up is a solid read, with a set up that had me intrigued. I thought the set up, and the character ideas and backstories had some great aspects to them. I loved the Martinez family. I liked the interplay between generations, the combination of caring, humor, and irritation between them was realistic and engaging to read. Katie's sweetness did not generally make her a sucker, she stood up for herself when needed, and chose to be kind and do good where she could. I thought the connection between Mateo and Katie felt organic and grew nicely. I like that all characters were a little imperfect, human. Even when I sincerely wanted to kick a character, I ended up feeling a little bad for them as well. Although I still want to kick them a little. I will admit that it did feel a little to sweet and neat for my personal tastes. However, I think the romance here will appeal to many readers and hopefully will turn into a series, or have a follow up to answer any remaining questions about the winery and Juan's future romantic endeavors.

 

Book Review: The Bookbinder's Guide to Love by Katherine Garbera

The Bookbinder's Guide to Love
 by Katherine Garbera is a contemporary romance about love, books, friendship and the unexpected connections that bind us together.  As a lonely foster kid, Serafina Conte sought refuge in handmaking journals—and writing her wishes within their pages. Now, in the quirky new age store she shares with her two best friends, Sera’s intentions have paid off. Her journals are in the spotlight—and rumored to manifest great things. Sera’s finally ready to be the leading lady of her life story. Until her plot hits a twist. After the death of her mentor, Ford Sitwell, all the loneliness and insecurity of her past returns. The only balm is the box of antique books he left to her. But Ford’s suspicious brooding grandson, Wes, is ready to think the worst of her—and get his grandfather’s books back! The first part doesn’t bother her. The second? Forget it. Sera won’t give Wes the books so easily. But it’s clear he’s seeking something more, an emotional connection no book can replace. So she offers a deal—work in her store for six weeks, and in return, she’ll help him get closure by sharing memories of his late grandfather. Yes, Wes seems grumpy, but actually he’s hot…and maybe kind? Deep down? And when desire and vulnerability work their charms, Sera begins to wonder if the best stories aren’t the ones you intend, but the ones that take you where you least expected.

The Bookbinder's Guide to Love is a well written romance with solid character and a good deal of character development for both Wes and Sera. I liked Sera's resilience and bonds that she has forged with her circle of friends. I thought Wes grew a great deal through out the book, and I liked the way he and his family evolved through the story. I thought Sera's circle was my favorite part of the book, and I want more of their back story, and their futures. However, while I enjoyed the read and have nothing specific to say that is negative about the book, it took me longer than normal to finish the read. About half way into the book it started to drag a bit for me and I did not have any urgency to pick it up and find out what happened next. This could totally be because of all the stuff going on in life- but usually I always look forward to time reading.

Book Review: Personal Demons (Magicsmith Universe/Rifter) by L. R. Braden

Personal Demons is part of the larger Magicsmith Universe, and the second book in the Rifter series by L. R. Braden. I do highly recommend starting the larger series at the start to fully understand the setting and its particulars, but you do need to at least start this spin off from the beginning to fully understand some of the dynamics. 
Protecting her secret and hunting demons is a matter of survival for possessed-practitioner Mira Fuentes. She's spent years learning to work with the snarky demon housed in her body, and it hasn't always gone smoothly. Nor has her recent partnership with an agent of the Paranatural Task Force. Ty Williams—uncomfortably-attractive and overly-protective—may never fully accept that his partner has a literal inner demon. But work-life-demon balance is the least of Mira's problems when a figure from her past drags her back to the hometown she's avoided for nearly a decade to investigate a string of potentially-magical disappearances. Someone or something is snatching teens from the local high school. Emotionally off-balance in a city full of old ghosts and new dangers, Mira will have to confront her past to discover what is hunting the innocent.

Personal Demons is a solid continuation of this universe and series. I liked getting a better understanding of Mira's family and history. I thought the mystery, solution, and many of the twists the book took were extremely well planned and thought out. I thought that the character development was fantastic and I cannot wait to see more of both Mira and Ty. I think they are a well balanced pair- and discovering more about each of them as they figure themselves and each other out at the same time is a fantastic ride. I look forward to seeing where things go from here- both in their relationship and in the larger storyline of the world they live in as well. 

Book Review: Gwen & Art Are Not in Love by Lex Croucher

Gwen & Art Are Not in Love by Lex Croucher has sword-fighting, found family, and romantic shenanigans. It’s been hundreds of years since King Arthur’s reign. His descendant, Arthur, a future Lord and general gadabout, has been betrothed to Gwendoline, the quick-witted, short-tempered princess of England, since birth. The only thing they can agree on is that they despise each other. They’re forced to spend the summer together at Camelot in the run up to their nuptials, and within 24 hours, Gwen has discovered Arthur kissing a boy and Arthur has gone digging for Gwen's childhood diary and found confessions about her crush on the kingdom's only lady knight, Bridget Leclair. Realizing they might make better allies than enemies, they make a reluctant pact to cover for each other, and as things heat up at the annual royal tournament, Gwen is swept off her feet by her knight and Arthur takes an interest in Gwen's royal brother.

Gwen & Art Are Not in Love  is a book with a little bit of everything- but no one aspect of the book takes precedence. There is romance, there is coming of age and trying to figure out who you really want to be. There is also danger, family, and intrigue. I enjoyed the read and the way the book uses legends combined with the struggles of people trying to find their place amid expectations, social pressures, and conflicting desires. I love how timeless some of these ideas are, and that the era and setting of this book do not make these themes any further removed from the reader than the pages of the book. There characters were well written, as imperfect and questioning as real people even though they are facing things we are never going to.  I think this book will be a much loved book for many young, new, and those of us older adults.

 

Early Book Review: Once Upon a Murder (Lady Librarian ) by Samantha Larsen

Once Upon a Murder by Samantha Larsen is the second book in the Lady Librarian series. I would recommend reading the books in order.

1784 England. Officially hired as the librarian for the Duchess of Beaufort, Miss Tiffany Woodall is through with masquerades and murders for good. That is, until she stumbles upon the frozen dead body of former footman Mr. Bernard Coram. The speed with which her peaceful new life is upended is one for the record books: the justice of the peace immediately declares her the primary suspect in the murder. As Tiffany hunts for the truth to clear her name, she learns that Bernard got into a fight over a woman at the local pub the night of his death–but he was also overheard blackmailing Samir. The justice of the peace arrests Samir, and Tiffany realizes that her life may have more in common with a tragic play than a light-hearted romance. With her love locked up in jail and her own reputation on the line, Tiffany must attempt to solve the murder before the book closes on her or Samir’s life.

Once Upon a Murder  is a splendid follow up to A Novel Disguise. Tiffany is settling in to her new life as librarian and fill in tutor when things stop being peaceful again. The death of Bernard is not one many mourn- but some are more interested in seeing someone pay for the crime than solving the mystery or seeing true justice done. I thought the mystery was woven well, and the variety of twists and turns surprised me more than once.  I thought the prejudices and assumptions of many of the characters were very accurate- and frankly a bit maddening. The treatment of women, suspicion of anyone other or vaguely different is very well depicted here, and might give readers both the peace in how far we come and a bit of anger for how much it all still remains.

I greatly enjoyed this read and look forward any more that might follow from the author. 

Early Book Review: Huggable Amigurumi : Crocheting Teddy Bears and Other Cute, Cuddly Friends by Franziska Poser

Huggable Amigurumi : Crocheting Teddy Bears and Other Cute, Cuddly Friends by Franziska Poser is currently scheduled for release on February 20 2024. This book contains detailed  instructions for 14 extra-extra-large crocheted animals; from a funny floppy-eared rabbit to a waddling penguin and a giant teddy bear. By using a particularly thick crochet yarn, these oversize animals don't take much more time to crochet than normal-sized cuddly toys and the Nordic pastel colors blend wonderfully into every home, so that these cuddly friends are not only a real eye-catcher in the children's room, but also on the living room sofa. These big buddies are life-size cuddle partners that bring instant joy to children's faces.
Huggable Amigurumi is a well written and organized instruction book for making huge stuffed animals. I love making amigurumi and love the look of the finished project. However, I have to admit that working with the smaller hooks to get the tight stitches necessary to keep the filling invisible takes a toll on my hands and wrists so I do not make them very often. Scaling up is the perfect solution to solving those issues. The projects included are cute, and the written instructions were clear for those that already understand the language of crochet. I would not recommend the book for beginners, since there are very few in progress pictures- only a couple for special techniques like making fringe, and the details on the language on specific stitches are at the end of the book rather than before the projects so they might be missed by those that need them most.  

Early Book Review: Fish Out of Water by Katie Ruggle

Fish Out of Water by Katie Ruggle is a contemporary romance with a dash of suspense currently scheduled for release on February 13 2024. When Dahlia Weathersby's sister disappears on what should have been a simple day hike, Dahlia immediately heads deep into the Colorado Rockies to find her. Knowing she'll never survive the mountains alone, she convinces the local hermit—adorably grouchy survival expert Winston Dane—to be her guide. All it takes is a good helping of Dahlia's charm, and just the teeniest bit of blackmail…before she's got all six-foot-something of him wrapped around her finger. But even with her very own mountain man in tow, things aren't going to be easy. With everything the wilderness has to throw at them, it'll take more than charm and some city girl ingenuity to make this trek anything but a disaster waiting to happen, and an adventure she'll never forget.

Fish Out of Water  is a fun and engaging read. I liked Dahlia and Winston, their chemistry, and they way that communicated.  There was fun and humor, but they did also do a little deeper sharing and getting to know each other. I liked that there was plenty of getting to know you time, and that neither of them were dismissive of the other's interests or concerns. I did feel a bit like most of it was less deep and layered than I was expecting from this author. The story that was here was entertaining and fun to read, and there were a couple moments of deep understanding between the two, and a dose of danger towards the end. However, I wanted something more. There was enough groundwork laid to cover so much more of the history and families of both Dahlia and Winston- but it was barely touched on. I get that it could very well be the groundwork for a series, but I still wanted more in the here and now.

 

Audiobook Review: Feel-Good Productivity: How to Do More of What Matters to You by Ali Abdaal

The audiobook Feel-Good Productivity: How to Do More of What Matters to You has been written by and narrated by Ali Abdaal. We think that productivity is all about hard work. That the road to success is lined with endless frustration and toil. But what if there’s another way? Dr Ali Abdaal – the world's most-followed productivity expert – has uncovered an easier and happier path to success. Drawing on decades of psychological research, he has found that the secret to productivity and success isn't grind – it's feeling good. If you can make your work feel good, then productivity takes care of itself. In this audiobook, Ali reveals how the science of feel-good productivity can transform your life. He introduces the three hidden "energizers" that underpin enjoyable productivity, the three "blockers" we must overcome to beat procrastination, and the three "sustainers" that prevent burnout and help us achieve lasting fulfillment. He recounts the inspiring stories of founders, Olympians, and Nobel-winning scientists who embody the principles of Feel-Good Productivity. And he introduces the simple, actionable changes that you can use to achieve more and live better, starting today.

Feel-Good Productivity: How to Do More of What Matters to You is an interesting and informative book. Abdaal does a great job narrating, and I think that only enhances the audiobook format of this read. I thought that he described the problems that many of up face with motivation and productivity and offers information to help us understand the science and feelings that sometimes make us get in our own way. I thought the examples and information was well chosen and explained, getting the details and inherent nature of them across without getting too technical or dry. The suggestions and tools Abdaal offers are manageable, and I like that he mentions several times that not every tool or method will work for everyone. However, the awareness, effort, and intent can all help us work towards happier and more fulfilling lives. 

Book Review: She's My Knight (Volume 1) by Saisou

She's My Knight (Volume 1) by Saisou is a manga style graphic novel. Popular boy secretly falls for princely girl in this gleeful borderline-parody of high school shojo manga . Haruma Ichinose, 17, has been popular since he was born. So popular, in fact, that he figured no one could even come close, until he met Yuki Mogami. She's tall, cool, collected, and totally makes him crazy. He may just be in love. But can he deal with falling for someone even more dashing than himself?

She's My Knight is a fun tongue in cheek story that pokes fun at so many common tropes and storylines. The parody and humor is well done and balances well within the story. The only problem I had was that I feel like a read this story before- parody aspects and all- and wonder if it is just that similar to something that has already been done just as well or if I read this manga in a different format or edition at some point. In any rate, the manga does well in achieving its goal of telling a fun story while poking fun at the genre at the same time.

 

Book Review: That Time I Got Drunk and Yeeted a Love Potion at a Werewolf (Mead Mishap) by Kimberly Lemming

That Time I Got Drunk and Yeeted a Love Potion at a Werewolf by Kimberly Lemming is the second book in the Mead Mishap series. While there is some significant character and world building crossover with the first book in the series, reading out of order is possible and will just inspire readers to go back and read the first book.

Cheesemaker Brie has the world’s worst luck in love, which is how she ends up falling for a lactose intolerant werewolf. Brie’s never been particularly coordinated, or lucky. Who else would accidentally throw a drink at someone’s head only to miss entirely and hit a stranger behind them? And who else would have that stranger fall madly in love with them because it turns out that the drink she threw was a love potion? Yeah, probably just Brie. Running her cheese business and dealing with a pirate ship full of demons that just moved into town was hard enough. Now on top of it, she has to convince a werewolf that she’s not really his fated mate. Though even she’s got to admit, having a gorgeous man show up and do all her chores while telling her she’s beautiful isn’t the worst thing to happen to a girl.

That Time I Got Drunk and Yeeted a Love Potion at a Werewolf is a fun and irreverent fantasy romance with just as much humor and heat as the first book in the series. I loved Brie's character, she is fairly level headed and is always trying to do the right thing, even when that stops her from doing she really wants to do- like a sexy werewolf. The expansion of the demon lore in this world- and how mates and all that work in different species is covered a bit, along with how some of the bigger magic that has effected the stories thus far came about. There is action and adventure, and a great deal of humor, as Brie works towards her happy ending. I think that Lemming has found the prefect balance of laughing at and celebrating this subgenre- and I am here for all of it. I look forward to finding and reading more from them.

 

Book Review: Lucky Bounce by Cait Nary

Lucky Bounce by Cait Nary is a hockey romance. Ezekiel Boehm is no stranger to teaching kids with famous parents. But when the pro hockey player he’s been thirsting after walks into the Rittenhouse Friends School gym hand in hand with a tiny kindergartener, he figures he must be hallucinating. Spencer McLeod is a lot of things—Zeke’s favorite winger on the Philadelphia Liberty; a menace on the ice; a mumbling, reluctant but somehow captivating-as-hell postgame interview—but he’s not a dad. Except he is. Apparently. Zeke can be chill about this. He can. Surprisingly, the more time he spends with Spencer, the easier this becomes. School volunteer events turn into reserved seats at games, and turn into more. And even though Zeke is 100 percent committed to ignoring Spencer’s blush, to ignoring the way he looks in that one pair of gray sweatpants, he can’t take his eyes off him. This can never work. Can it?

Lucky Bounce  is a solid romance. I loved the getting to know you stage between Zeke and Spencer, and the single dad aspect makes everything more real and important. I liked the friends and family that made up the secondary characters, and that I felt that we really got to know some of them and how they relate to and connect with the main players. I would love to see more about a good number of the secondary characters. I liked that they have to work to find a way to find their connected time, and that it is acknowledged that this could be hard and that work, media, and parenting will all contribute to future challenges. However, I did feel like the book was missing a bigger moment. There was A moment of clarity at the end of the book but it just did not feel like a satisfying ending for me. I do not know exactly what I wanted, but I know I wanted something more.

 

Book Review: Happy at Work: How to Create a Happy, Engaging Workplace for Today's (and Tomorrow's!) Workforce by Robyn L. Garrett

Happy at Work: How to Create a Happy, Engaging Workplace for Today's (and Tomorrow's!) Workforce by Robyn L. Garrett is a nonfiction book to help those looking to update their workplace culture. One of the most important reasons people today choose to stay—or leave—a job is the culture of the company. As people become more socially conscious; focus more on wellness, self-care, and work-life balance; and seek jobs where they feel a real connection, it’s more important than ever to think about the elements of a job between the work itself. But how do you create a culture that people enjoy while staying productive and successful? This book not only provides great ideas for changing your workplace for the better, but also provides clear guidance on how to make those changes happen. Whether you’re a new manager, a long-time HR representative, or another leader ready to make a change, Happy at Work gives you everything you need to know to revitalize your workplace and make you (and your employees) happy to come to work every single day.

Happy at Work is definitely aimed at managers and leasers, and how they and the corporate attitudes impact the day to day lives of their staff and how happy they are at their jobs. I do think the advise is good, and things that leaders at all levels can get something from and move forward with. Many of the bigger changes would need to happen on a company wide level, not just in a single office or department- but many of the changes can be implemented fairly easily with a little bit of effort and willingness to change. So many of the suggestions boil down to treating staff like people rather than commodities, numbers, cogs, or problems that need to be dealt with. However, capitalism and much of the current corporate climate works hard to do the very opposite that this might be a tough change for some to move towards or implement. I thought the author did a great job of breaking everything down and giving solid why's, wherefores, and data to support the information in the book. I thought it was well researched and written, and was not as dry of a read as many leadership or management books out there.