Early Book Review: Better Hate than Never (The Wilmot Sisters) by Chloe Liese

Better Hate than Never by Chloe Liese is currently scheduled for release on October 10 2023. This is the second book in the Wilmot Sisters series, and I admit to not having read the first. I was able to fully enjoy the story despite the lack, but think those reading the series in order will definitely get more from it than those that do not.

Katerina Wilmot and Christopher Petruchio shared backyards as kids, but as adults they won’t even share the same hemisphere. That is, until Kate makes a rare visit home, and their fiery animosity rekindles into a raging inferno. Despite their friends’ and families' pleas for peace, Christopher is unconvinced Kate would willingly douse the flames of their enmity. But when a drunken Kate confesses she’s only been hostile because she thought he hated her, Christopher vows to make peace with Kate once and for all. Tempting as it is to be swept away by her nemesis-turned-gentleman, Kate isn’t sure she can trust his charming good-guy act. When Christopher’s persistence and Kate’s curiosity lead to an impassioned kiss, they realize “peace” is the last thing that will ever be possible between them. As desire gives way to deeper feelings, Kate and Christopher must decide if it’s truly better to hate than to never risk their hearts—or if they already gave them away long ago.

Better Hate than Never is a fun enemies to lovers romance that treats neurodiversity and trauma with respect and honesty. I honestly loved both Christopher and Kate as characters, and was glad that I got to see the story from both perspectives. I am a big fan of actually knowing what all the main players are thinking. I found that the handling of everyone's differences, needs, and struggles were all handled with great care, and I love that the author made note in the beginning of the book what some of the issues at hand were, and how everyone's experiences with them are different and personal. I thought the balance of fun and the heavier moments was on point and I found myself wanting to get to know the entire friend group, and Christopher's coworkers, a lot more. I really enjoyed this read and think others will as well. Now i need to go back and read the first book, Two Wrongs Make a Right, and hope for the third sister to get her story soon. 

Better Hate than Never is an engaging and enjoyable read. 

Audiobook Review: Serwa Boateng's Guide to Witchcraft and Mayhem by Roseanne A. Brown, Narrated by Soneela Nankani

Serwa Boateng's Guide to Witchcraft and Mayhem by Roseanne A. Brown, narrated by Soneela Nankani, is the second book in a series about a preteen vampire slayer, inspired by Ghanaian folklore. This series is one that must be read in order to understand the characters, their connections, and context of most of the action.

After a lifetime of fighting creatures of black magic, twelve-year-old Serwa Boateng has just learned a devastating secret: she herself is half vampire! Now not only is she dealing with vampire puberty, she's on the run from the organization of Slayers she trained her whole life to join. Serwa's only ally is her aunt Boahinmaa, an obayifo who urges Serwa to embrace her vampire side. Boahinmaa and her underlings are on the hunt for the Midnight Drum, from which they hope to free Serwa's grandmother. When they learn that the Abomofuo have hidden the Midnight Drum deep within the Smithsonian Museum of African Art in Washington, D.C., what do they do? Stage a heist to steal it, of course! For their plan to succeed, Serwa will have to get close to her rival, a Slayer named Declan Amankwah, without revealing her true nature. Declan gets under her skin like no one else...and might just force Serwa to confront some truths she's tried hard to deny. With both sympathy and laugh-out-loud humor, Rosanne A. Brown captures all the discomfort of a girl stuck between two worlds.

Serwa Boateng's Guide to Witchcraft and Mayhem is a fantastic follow up to the first book in the series. Serwa's emotional and magical troubles are engaging and completely understandable to me even as an adult. I thought the story was well written and everything fit together well. I am very thankful to be listening to the audiobook version of this series. The reader is phenomenal and I think I could listen to them read an instruction manual- to something I do not own- and still enjoy the experience. Also, I am horrible with pronunciation and would be spending half my read looking p the correct way to say things- so I love that I get to have the book read to me with perfect inflections and tone for the story rather than my own mental stumbling attempts. I have to admit that I was so engrossed in the story that I was surprised, and more than a little disappointed when the book ended. I felt like this book definitely built on the larger story, and Serwa's personal growth, a great deal. However, it also left me with so many more questions and loose ends than answers. I cannot wait for the next book to see where the story goes from here. 

Serwa Boateng's Guide to Witchcraft and Mayhem is a wonderful addition to this series. I highly recommend this series (in print or audio) for middle grade and older readers. 

Book Review: Rebel at Heart (Kincaid Brothers) by Zoe York

Rebel at Heart by Zoe York is the final novel in the Kincaid Brothers. I have read some, but not all of the previous books, and I think they all stand fine on their own, but returning readers will get a kick out of seeing old favorites pop up.

Monica Fischer needs to make things right with the man who was her husband for two short, beautiful weeks. Before she lied and told him it was a mistake. But making things right means crossing the continent to find him and tell him that actually, no, her father’s high-priced attorneys didn’t successfully get them an annulment, and now they need a divorce. Josh Kincaid left his heart and his patience in California, three years ago. Now he’s trying to make a living as a small town mechanic. The last person he expects to show up on his doorstep is his wife. Ex-wife. Whatever. But demanding she leaves—immediately, without speaking to anyone in his hometown—doesn’t work. A spring snowstorm traps them together, and forces them to confront their lingering resentment, inconvenient longing, and some painful truths.

Rebel at Heart is a second chance romance that skirts around the things in that sub genre that usually don't work for me. We got to see the entire relationship with flashback that work well in the story, rather than feeling jarring which sometimes happens. I liked both Monica and Josh as characters and was glad to see Josh get his happy ending. The book hit a nice balance between them getting to know each other again and handling feelings, although I would have liked it if they spoke about the issues more, and earlier, rather than just stewing in their own hurt and fear. But, if they did that the book would have been much shorter. I enjoyed the tiny slice of small town you get in the story, but I feel like there was much less of that in this book than in the previous books in the series. I also liked the family and support system that was hinted at, but again that was less evident to those that might have not read the other books and know how much the brothers support each other. 

Rebel at Heart is an engaging and entertaining read. A must read for fans of the author and series, and enjoyable for everyone. 

Early Audiobook Review: After the Forest by Kell Woods, Narrated by Esther Wane

After the Forest by Kell Woods, with the audiobook narrated by Esther Wane, is currently scheduled for release on October 3 2023. Twenty years after the witch in the gingerbread house, Greta and Hans are struggling to get by. Their mother and stepmother are long dead, Hans is deeply in debt from gambling, and the countryside lies in ruin, its people starving in the aftermath of a brutal war. Greta has a secret, though: the witch's grimoire, secreted away and whispering in Greta's ear for the past two decades, and the recipe inside that makes the best gingerbread you've ever tasted. As long as she can bake, Greta can keep her small family afloat. But in a village full of superstition, Greta and her mysteriously addictive gingerbread, not to mention the rumors about her childhood misadventures, is a source of gossip and suspicion. And now, dark magic is returning to the woods and Greta's magic—magic she is still trying to understand—may be the only thing that can save her. If it doesn't kill her first.

After the Forest takes a unique look at several fairy tales, and ties the together. I have seen this done before, but not with this particular set of tales or quite so thoroughly. I liked getting to see Greta and Hans grown up (for the most part) and how their lives have continued on, and how life has progressed for the poor people struggling to survive. I liked the blend of real life, struggle, and magic. I thought the characters were well built, and while I often disagreed with their choices or words, I fully understood what they took that path. There were some moments that I thought Greta was far too naïve or overlooking what I thought was obvious, but I have to admit that the ride was quite the adventure. I was emotionally invested as I listened, and even when it was over I found myself thinking about the story and the characters. I would definitely read a follow up book about what comes next for several sets of characters. 

After the Forest is a engaging and entertaining read that ties together a collection of classic fairy tales in a new way, with a different look at 'ever after'. 

Book Review: Grave Suspicions (Lavington Windsor Mysteries) by Alice James

Grave Suspicions by Alice James is the third book in the Lavington Windsor Mystery series. I thought I had read at least one of the two previous books, but I have not. Thankfully I have read enough of this sub genre of books that I was able to figure out most of the important bits quickly.

Estate agent by day, necromancer by night, and reluctant amateur sleuth when bullied into it Toni Windsor is already juggling life and now she has to find out who clubbed a Cornish cheese millionaire to death while he was alone in a locked room. And her diary was already full. She’s trying to keep the peace between vampire courts, a fistful of demonic contracts have just landed on her lap and – no surprise – her love life still isn’t looking great even though she’s finally dating someone who isn’t dead. Can’t a girl catch a break?

Grave Suspicions is an enjoyable and engaging read. When I started the book I thought I had certainly read the first book in the series, simply because this is right up my ally, but I must have some how missed the first two books at some point, which is something I will now have to rectify. The book is balanced well between snarky humor, trying to figure out several mysteries and problems at one, and Toni just trying to figure out exactly who she is and what she want. There is fun, danger, sexy times, and character growth all woven together. If you have read the first two books, then don't stop now. If you have not read the other books I do suggest starting at the beginning (I wish I had) so that you don't have the earlier surprises ruined for you. I am going back to read the first two books now- and I look forward to seeing how Toni got to the point where I met her in this book. 

Grave Suspicions is a fun read with plenty of mystery, shenanigans, and some sexy times.

Book Review: Our Satyr Prince (Myth Shifters) by Dylan Drakes

Our Satyr Prince is the first book in the Myth Shifters series by Dylan Drakes. It is a spicy queer fantasy inspired by Ancient Greece.

Aurelius Savair, twenty-one, can have any man he wants. Disinherited for his deviant lifestyle, the former heir to the throne of Mestibes has schemed and screwed his way back to prominence. But it isn’t enough – he yearns for the power that was stolen from him. Suddenly, an opportunity comes to get it. War is looming, and the only man who can save his city is Calix Viralis, the mysterious crown prince of Ardora, the distant land of passion. Now, Aurelius must put his skills of seduction to the test. But in doing so, he will uncover Calix’s monstrous secret. And discover that his own ashen heart can burn once more. Teigra Cosmin, eighteen, is living a wasted life. The best pegasus rider in Mestibes' history, she has been reduced to a groveling bachelorette by her power-hungry mother. Worse, she is plagued by the life-destroying mistake that she can never allow herself to forget. But all this changes when she is sent with her cousin, Aurelius, on a dangerous mission. Now, she must take control of her own destiny, and make the soul-wrenching decision between saving her family’s legacy, or the powerful woman who fills her with forbidden desire.

Our Satyr Prince is a multilayered book that I both loved and sometimes dreaded. The characters were very well developed and the story was full of twists and turns. I felt for the major players, and was greatly effected by their struggles. Several times I could see the bad things coming, and wanted to warn the characters only to be heart broken and fearful of the future right along with them. This is an engaging and entertaining read. However, I also found it to be a very emotional read, and if you are not in the right head space for that I just might hit you hard. With all that out of the way, I have always been a big fan of mythology and I loved the take on the creation and powers of the mythological creatures here. It was well thought out, planned, and executed.  I thought the world building and character development was well paced, and had me eager for more despite the emotional trauma. There is a good deal of sexual tension and interaction, as the blurb and all other promotions for this book state, so if you are not open to that (or looking for that) you might want to tread lightly. 

Our Satyr Prince is a well written and engaging read that hit a lot of great notes. I will be looking to read the second book, but only after a few light and fluffy books to give my poor heart some time to rest. 

Early Book Review: The Thrifty Baker: Shop, Bake & Eat on a Budget by Hermine Dossou

The Thrifty Baker: Shop, Bake & Eat on a Budget by Hermine Dossou is currently scheduled for release on September 12 2023. It offers readers sixty five delicious, affordable and impressive recipes, complete with gluten-free options, plus advice, tips and hacks covering many areas of shopping, baking and cooking in general. Filled with clever ideas and useful features, the book is written with a realism and empathy that comes from the heart, from a lived experience. It isn’t just a book of great recipes, but an essential manual for anyone baking today.

The Thrifty Baker: Shop, Bake & Eat on a Budget is a well written and informative cookbook. I loved the honest and real tone of the book, and the focus on not just cost but reducing waste. I thought the introduction with instructions on how to make things like your own muffin liners and piping bags was great, and the information on tools and ingredients are things that I might have known but those just starting out on their own are not likely to even think about in advance. I also appreciated that each recipe included all measurement systems- so everyone can use this book without having to do conversions. As someone that is always looking to do my baking in the most efficient way, both cost and time wise, I found all the information about the best use of the baking time and multitasking to limit waste of ingredients and energy to be helpful. I really loved that while there is a wide variety of recipes, most are ones that appeal to me and my family and normal life. Yes there are fancy items, but there are also hot dog pretzels and mug cakes- which my teenagers would love and can help make. I think this is a great book for bakers that are looking to learn, are looking to conserve, and just want to eat well with limited funds and waste. 

The Thrifty Baker: Shop, Bake & Eat on a Budget is a cookbook that I just might be looking to squeeze into my overcrowded bookcase. If not, it is one I will be borrowing from the library to re read and make great use of. 

Early Book Review: The Infinity Particle by Wendy Xu

The Infinity Particle by Wendy Xu is a graphic novel currently scheduled for release on August 29 2023. Clementine Chang moves from Earth to Mars for a new start and is lucky enough to land her dream job with Dr. Marcella Lin, an Artificial Intelligence pioneer. On her first day of work, Clem meets Dr. Lin’s assistant, a humanoid AI named Kye. Clem is no stranger to robots—she built herself a cute moth-shaped companion named SENA. Still, there’s something about Kye that feels almost too human. When Clem and Kye begin to collaborate, their chemistry sets off sparks. The only downside? Dr. Lin is enraged by Kye’s growing independence and won’t allow him more freedom. Plus, their relationship throws into question everything Clem thought she knew about AI. After all, if Kye is sentient enough to have feelings, shouldn’t he be able to control his own actions? Where is the line between AI and human? As her past and Kye’s future weigh down on her, Clem becomes determined to help him break free—even if it means risking everything she came to Mars for.

The Infinity Particle is a graphic novel that explores the very nature of humanity and relationships in a enjoyable and engaging story. The world and character building is very well handled, and I felt like I had a handle on the necessary information right away.  Clem is running from a less than healthy childhood, and has empathy and tech skills that make her a wonderful choice for a job working with AI. However, that empathy and consideration is the trigger that starts a journey for her and Kye to better understand everything. I really enjoyed the story, and as expected from the author, the artwork is wonderful and adds a great deal to the story as a whole. I loved everything about this book and think that readers of all ages can find something here that they can relate to. The exploration of relationships is on point and the take on them is something everyone can get something from, regardless of who they are. I highly recommend this book and look forward to adding a physical copy to my collection when it is released.  

The Infinity Particle is wonderful graphic novel that a wide range of readers will be able to enjoy and connect with.

Early Book Review: Things in the Basement by Ben Hatke

Things in the Basement by Ben Hatke is a children's graphic novel currently scheduled for release on August 29 2023. It was supposed to just be a normal basement—some storage boxes, dust, you know, the usual basement stuff. But when Milo is sent by his mother to fetch a sock from the basement of the historic home they've moved into, Milo finds a door in the back that he's never seen before. Turns out that the basement of his house is enormous. In fact, there is a whole world down there. As Milo travels ever deeper into the Basement World, he meets the many Things that live in the shadows and gloom...and he learns that to face his fears he must approach even the strangest creatures with kindness.

Things in the Basement is a beautifully drawn graphic novel and imaginative story that kept me guessing what twist might happen next. I loved the idea of Milo exploring his new home, and a mission from his mom made it even more engaging. It took me awhile to get into the swing of the amount of imagination explored here- because the adventure starts of with things that totally could be real. I loved how things slowly got stranger and more intense. Milo's journey covers the idea of courage and bravery, but also friendship and kindness. Hatke and his art style just added extra layers of goodness to this book and I think it will become another favorite for fans of the author. 

Things in the Basement is a wonderful graphic novel that will spark the imagination of many, and make some readers remember days when we more easily explored like Milo. 

Book Review: The Book Hunter by Alex Evans

 The Book Hunter by Alex Evans is a 18000 words novella. Bored by a PhD on a mundane topic, Cassa takes on a side job: investigating the whereabouts of the Call to the Elders, a mythical grimoire, lost centuries ago. Despite her initial skepticism, she becomes increasingly intrigued by the challenge. Her investigation brings her to the ancient city of Gandarah, but other, more sinister individuals are after the book. Soon, tracked in the undergrounds of a city on the brink of a revolution, Cassa discovers the secret behind the Call to the Elders.

The Book Hunter is a short read, with a great deal going on. I liked the set up and the majority of the story. However, since it is a novella there is not a whole lot of room for world and character building, which I rather missed. I think I would have been happier if this was a longer book, with the connections and backgrounds of the characters more fully fleshed out and detailed. That being said, I think the author did a good job with the plot and main character in such a short time frame. I understood her thought process, motivation, and desire for knowledge. I will admit that I had to double check which characters were interacting on the page more than once, but I think that was a me problem with my attention span rather than a book issue. My biggest problem was just that I wanted more. I want more back story, more world building, more character building and connection. I knew I was not going to get that in a novella, so I will be on the look out for more from the author set in the same world where I might be able to get that itch scratched. 

Book Review: A Sweet Spot For Love (Rock Falls) by Aliyah Burke

A Sweet Spot For Love is the second book in the Rock Falls series by Aliyah Burke. I did not read the first book in the series, and was able to fully enjoy the read. Although, I think returning readers will find the returning characters and advanced knowledge of the main characters make the read more enjoyable. 

Former pro baseball player Linc Conner knows exactly where his head’s at. Most of the time, he’s completely focused on running his community center and focusing on the kids. But when it comes to single mom Emma Henricksen, Linc can’t see straight. She’s driven, resourceful—not to mention that smart, extra-kissable mouth—and when she’s near, he gets lost in a fog of lust. But he needs her help to convince an investor they’re engaged. Emma’s too busy raising her gifted little girl to have a sex life that’s not battery-operated. Still, how could she resist being engaged to a guy who’s the sexual equivalent of her favorite dessert topped with whipped cream and a cherry, even if it’s just pretend? Emma knows all too well that if something seems too good—or too tempting—to be true, it definitely is. Now it’s a game of pretend with a whole lot of chemistry between the guy who’s used to playing the field—and the woman who opted out of the game long ago. All that’s missing is a curveball. 

A Sweet Spot For Love is a cute and fun romance with some great characters. I did enjoy getting to know Linc and Emma, and I thought Greer and the circle of friends were wonderful additions to the story. I liked the center they are both working hard for, and the small town vibes. There was a lot that really worked for me. The slow burn as the faked dating, the cute moments with Greer, the support systems and friendship, and more. I appreciated getting both points of view, and how   However, I felt like the romance side was a little off. I felt like the slow burn switch flipped to something else in a weird moment and that rather threw me off. Also, some of the choices and actions seemed a bit out of character for both of them and there were side stories that could have been skipped entirely while others got left behind when they could have made a good addition to the story overall. I also felt like some of the resolution was off a bit as well. I really wanted to love this read. I did enjoy it, but it did not live up to my hopes or expectations for the book. 

Book Review: Last Call (Bridges and Bitters) by Lainey Davis

Last Call by Lainey Davis is the forth book in the Bridges and Bitters series. I had not read the previous books, and while it was obvious that there were related books by the cast of characters and their apparent history, I was able to enjoy this book on its own. 

It was just supposed to be a marriage on paper. Koa needed a path to citizenship and I needed the money to open Bridges and Bitters. All I've ever wanted is to take care of my sisters and run my own bar, my way. What did I care if I had a technical husband? A husband with too many dimples and more charm than he should have. So when he rolled into town after five years to deal with some paperwork, he's turned everything upside-down. Sure, Koa is charismatic and fun, but he's also a nomad. I don't have time for vacations and I don't know how to play games.  I'm not sure how I ended up hitched to a smoking hot rugby coach without a plan, but I need to sort this all out. Fast. If I can't figure out a way to slice through all this red tape, it could mean last call for Bridges and Bitters.

Last Call is a fast and entertaining read. I liked the characters, and thought their inner dialogue was very well done. I was glad to get both points of view, as it really helped me see both characters a little deeper and understand their fears and motivations. Parts of the book moved very quickly, but I liked that the pair get to know each other over time and do not go full on insta love. I thought it read fairly realistically and I lover that the author put in the time to make sure the cultures touched on in the book are done with accuracy and respect rather than just slapping a title on a character and calling the book diverse.  I loved the secondary characters and the friend group that Esther had. It makes me want to go back and read the previous books so I can get to know them all better. This was a fast read- a one day read for me- and I enjoyed it very much. 

Book Review: Mortal Follies by Alexis Hall

Mortal Follies by Alexis Hall is a romance that rather defies being set in a singular category. It is the year 1814, and life for a young lady of good breeding has many difficulties. There are balls to attend, fashions to follow, marriages to consider, and, of course, the tiny complication of existing in a world swarming with fairy spirits, interfering deities, and actual straight-up sorcerers. Miss Maelys Mitchelmore finds her entry into high society hindered by an irritating curse. It begins innocuously enough with her dress slowly unmaking itself over the course of an evening at a high-profile ball, a scandal she narrowly manages to escape. However, as the curse progresses to more fatal proportions, Miss Mitchelmore must seek out aid, even if that means mixing with undesirable company. And there are few less desirable than Lady Georgianna Landrake—a brooding, alluring young woman sardonically nicknamed “the Duke of Annadale”—who may or may not have murdered her own father and brothers to inherit their fortune. If one is to believe the gossip, she might be some kind of malign enchantress. Then again, a malign enchantress might be exactly what Miss Mitchelmore needs. With the Duke’s help, Miss Mitchelmore delves into a world of angry gods and vindictive magic, keen to unmask the perpetrator of these otherworldly attacks. But Miss Mitchelmore’s reputation is not the only thing at risk in spending time with her new ally. For the reputed witch has her own secrets that may prove dangerous to Miss Mitchelmore’s heart—not to mention her life.

Mortal Follies is a book that I have trouble categorizing. It is a historical romance, a fantasy, a LGBTQIA+ romance, an adventure, and has a Shakespearean feel with the narrator.  I liked the cast of characters and the diverse and quirky personalities for several of the secondary characters. I thought the story and worlds building was well done, and the characters were multidimensional and highly entertaining. I am a fan of the author, so my enjoyment is no big surprise here. I only had two little things that bothered me, one was that I figured out the person behind the curse way to quickly. Second was that I had some trouble with the pacing- although this might have been more on me trying to break a reading slump with a favorite author. It just felt like it took forever to get to the end, and even though I enjoyed the ride it just felt slow to me. Again, this might just be because of my mindset while reading and I do not hold it against the author at all. In fact, I have two more oft heir books in my reading queue and I can wait to get to them. 

Mortal Follies is a romance with many twists and turns. and much that fans of historical or fantasy romance will enjoy.

Early Book Review: Ghost Book by Remy Lai

Ghost Book by Remy Lai is a graphic novel currently scheduled for release on July 18 2023. July Chen sees ghosts. But her dad insists ghosts aren’t real. So she pretends they don’t exist. Which is incredibly difficult now as it's Hungry Ghost month, when the Gates of the Underworld open and dangerous ghosts run amok in the living world. When July saves a boy ghost from being devoured by a Hungry Ghost, he becomes her first ever friend. Except William is not a ghost. He’s a wandering soul wavering between life and death. As the new friends embark on an adventure to return William to his body, they unearth a ghastly truth—for William to live, July must die.

Ghost Book is a middle grade graphic novel with inspiration from Chinese mythology. I thought the artwork and color choices were well done, and did a good job of telling and expanding on the story. I liked the blend of spooky, mythology, and kid angst. The family, school, and friend level conflicts felt very on point and realistic. I also thought that that Chinese mythology was explained nicely for newcomers to the subject, while not leaving those with some understanding of it feeling bored or talked down to. I enjoyed this book on a number of levels and think it will have a wide middle grade to middle school audience. 

Book Review: Fake Dates and Mooncakes by Sher Lee

Fake Dates and Mooncakes by Sher Lee is a contemporary romance. Dylan Tang wants to win a Mid-Autumn Festival mooncake-making competition for teen chefs—in memory of his mom, and to bring much-needed publicity to his aunt’s struggling Chinese takeout in Brooklyn. Enter Theo Somers: charming, wealthy, with a smile that makes Dylan’s stomach do backflips. AKA a distraction. Their worlds are sun-and-moon apart, but Theo keeps showing up. He even convinces Dylan to be his fake date at a family wedding in the Hamptons. In Theo’s glittering world of pomp, privilege, and crazy rich drama, their romance is supposed to be just pretend, but Dylan finds himself falling for Theo. For real. Then Theo’s relatives reveal their true colors—but with the mooncake contest looming, Dylan can’t risk being sidetracked by rich-people problems. Can Dylan save his family’s business and follow his heart—or will he fail to do both?

Fake Dates and Mooncakes is a romance that made me very hungry. Before I get to the characters- the food descriptions and information has me craving a whole variety of authentic Chinese food. I loved the exploration of the food and culture of Dylan's family, and how it was made clear how (just like any other culture) personal experiences, regions, dialects, and more have huge impacts on everything involved. I was glad to get a better understanding of one (fictional) family's world and how that fits into the larger whole. I loved Dylan and his family, and would gladly read more about them all. I do have to say that I could not connect as much with Theo Part of it was the family and money, which I could never relate to even though readers do get to see how far from perfect it all is. I think it was more because we rarely got a good look at the real Theo, his actual thoughts and feelings aside from a could big, important moments. I would love to have gotten a chapter or two from his perspective. However, that being said, I really enjoyed the read and look forward to devouring whatever the author cooks up next. 

Fake Dates and Mooncakes is a wonderful romance and I look forward to more from the author. 

Early Book Review: The Only Purple House in Town (Fix-It Witches) by Ann Aguirre

The Only Purple House in Town by Ann Aguirre is labeled as the forth book in the Fix-it Witches series, but it reads fin as a stand alone or the start of a second, related series. It is currently scheduled for release on July 11 2023. 

Iris Collins is the messy one in her family. The "chaos bunny." Her sisters are all wildly successful, while she can't balance her budget for a single month. It's no wonder she's in debt to her roommates. When she unexpectedly inherits a house from her great aunt, her plan to turn it into a B&B fails—as most of her plans do. She winds up renting rooms like a Victorian spinster, collecting other lost souls, and not all of them are "human."  Eli Reese grew up as the nerdy outcast in school, but he got rich designing apps. Now he's successful by any standards. But he's never had the same luck in finding a real community or people who understand him. Over the years, he's never forgotten his first crush, so when he spots her at a café, he takes it as a sign. Except then he gets sucked into the Iris-verse and somehow ends up renting one of her B&B rooms. As the days pass, Eli grows enchanted by the misfit boarders staying in the house...and even more so by Iris. Could Eli have finally found a person and a place to call "home"? 

The Only Purple House is a book with great characters and realistic emotional issues that meld very well with the magic aspects of the story. I thought that Iris and her money and family problems were very realistic and will be relatable to readers on several levels. Some of Eli's issues are similarly relatable, and I loved his earnestness and willingness to take responsibility for his choices. I really love the secondary characters and found family aspects of the story- that is what really grabbed me and kept me turning pages, even more than the character and relationship development between Eli and Iris. As usual with this author, it is that every character has depth and heart that really keeps me reading because I become highly invested in the entire community, not just the main players in each book. I cannot wait to see what happens next in St. Claire. 

The Only Purple House a fun and emotionally engaging read.

Book Review: Taco Bout Love by Lily Kate

Taco Bout Love by Lily Kate is a contemoprary romance. My name is Lucas Donovan, and I’m a sucker for a great taco. No, that’s not an innuendo, though I do like my women like I like my tacos: extra spicy. So when a brand new food truck rolls into our sleepy little town of Fantasie, Maine, I know I’m in trouble. I just don’t know how much trouble. Things go downhill fast when I meet Chloe Brown, the sizzling hot and super sassy owner of Taco Bout Love who is as extra as guac. Then out of the blue, Chloe plops her huge purple eyesore of a truck in my designated parking spot. I’m sorely tempted to have her truck towed, and her right along with it. Unfortunately, Chloe’s as fierce as a ghost pepper, and she’s not going down without a fight. Before I know it, the only thing I’m certain of is that this woman drives me crazy… in the best way possible. What’s more is that I’m beginning to think I just might miss her when she’s gone. Suddenly, I can’t seem to keep my hands off Chloe Brown, or her tacos.

Taco Bout Love is a solid romance with both the small town and grumpy/sunshine love vibes (both of which I love). I greatly enjoyed the introduction to the town of Fantasie and its cast of characters. I thought the secondary characters really added something to the story, more than just fodder for future books set in the town although that is certainly in play as well. I felt like Chloe was a well written character and is willing to work hard for what she needs, even if it is space. I have to admit that I wanted a little something more from Lucas. Yes, he has a couple issues that he needs to work on, but I was really expecting a little more back story or depth from him than what we got. He seemed almost too perfect, aside from his tendency to use 'baby' as a term of endearment and just take care of things without conversation or consent rubbing me the wrong way. However, overall I enjoyed the read and look forward to seeing more about the residents of Fantasie in the future. 

Taco Bout Love is a fun romance, and I think I will be reading more from the author.

Early Book Review: The Bawk-ness Monster by Natalie Riess; Sara Goetter

The Bawk-ness Monster by Natalie Riess and Sara Goetter is a children's graphic novel currently scheduled for release on June 27 2023. Penny swears that when she was a little girl, a creature called the Bawk-ness Monster (half sea serpent, half chicken) saved her from drowning. Now, years later, she’s about to move away to a new city, and before she goes, she needs the help of her best friends, Luc and K, for a vitally important mission: seeing “Bessie” one more time. But in their quest to find Bessie and give Penny the send-off she deserves, the kids stumble into a whole new problem—cryptids are being kidnapped by an evil collector, and only Penny, Luc, and K can save them!

The Bawk-ness Monster was a very fun read. I liked that it worked on several levels. It a great friend adventure with unexpected creatures and twists that kept everything moving quickly. But there was also room for conversation about being different, bullying, guilt, big changes, and friendship. I thought the story flowed very well, considering the amount of great detail that was layered in. I got a kick out of the three very different friends, and could completely understand the mother's protectiveness after Penny's history. They way she want a bit over the top just added to the feel of the story. The art style and color work matched the tone and action of the book and everything came together nicely. I am hoping to see more adventures from this cast of characters.

The Bawk-ness Monster is a fun and engaging graphic novel for young (and some of us older) readers. 

Book Review: Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun (Volume 1) by Osamu Nishi

Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun (Volume 1) by Osamu Nishi is a manga format graphic novel. Hopeless pushover Iruma Suzuki has found himself in a devil of a predicament. His trashy parents have sold off his soul, and he now has to live and attend school in the Netherworld. But with his unique survival skills and doting demon grandfather’s support, Iruma will surely make it through this hellish experience. He’ll just need to subjugate rival classmates, summon familiars, and more, all while never revealing that he’s human. Easy as aleph, bet, gimel, right?

Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun is a fun read. I liked the set up and the twists of humor that run through the story. It does have some aspects that felt familiar, but anyone that reads enough manga or watches enough anime is likely to find some of the same aspect familiar. I honestly got a kick out of how innocent and bumbling our hero is, and watching things turn out well for him against all odds and common sense was highly entertaining. I look forward to reading the second volume of this story and think a wide range of readers will agree. 

Book Review: Backpacking through Bedlam (InCryptid) by Seanan McGuire

Backpacking through Bedlam is the twelfth book in the InCryptid series by Seanan McGuire. It took me longer than planned to get to it, since after starting it I quickly  I realized I had missed the previous book. I needed to fix that before diving into this one. For audiobook fans, there are very well done versions of this series available. This is very much a series that needs to be read in order. 

Alice Price-Healy gave up her life for fifty years to focus completely on the search for her missing husband. The danger of focus like that is that it leaves little room for thinking about what happens after…and now that she’s finally managed to find Thomas, she has no idea what she’s supposed to do next. The fact that he comes with a surrogate daughter who may or may not have some connection to Alice’s recently adopted grandson is just icing on the complicated cake. So the three of them are heading for the most complicated place in the universe: they’re going home. But things on Earth have changed while Alice, Thomas, and Sally have been away. The Covenant of St. George, antagonized by Verity’s declaration of war and Sarah’s temporary relocation of an entire college campus, is trying to retake North America from the cryptids and cryptozoologists who’ve been keeping the peace for the past hundred years. And they’re starting in New York. Alice and company have barely been back for an hour before the Ocean Lady and the Queen of the Routewitches are sending them to New York to help, and they find themselves embroiled in the politics of dragons, kidnappings, and of course, the most dangerous people of all: family. Getting “back to normal” may be the hardest task Alice has undertaken yet.

Backpacking through Bedlam is a highly entertaining read, and I am so glad that I have followed this series through this far. Alice and Thomas have found each other and are trying to readjust to life- but nothing is ever easy. I really enjoyed getting to see so many of the storylines from this series, and the companion series, start to come together. I loved getting to know Alice, Thomas, and Sally better- and I enjoyed getting the reminders of past events through in the story as they work to get everyone caught up on what is going on in the world. I love the irreverent humor of Alice and her family, and I cannot wait to see where the story goes from here.