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.

 

Book Review: 10 Things That Never Happened by Alexis Hall

10 Things That Never Happened by Alexis Hall is a contemporary romance. Sam Becker loves—or, okay, likes—his job. Sure, managing a bed and bath retailer isn't exactly glamorous, but it's good work and he gets on well with the band of misfits who keep the store running. He could see himself being content here for the long haul. Too bad, then, that the owner is an infuriating git. Jonathan Forest should never have hired Sam. It was a sentimental decision, and Jonathan didn't get where he is by following his heart. Determined to set things right, Jonathan orders Sam down to London for a difficult talk…only for a panicking Sam to trip, bump his head, and maybe accidentally imply he doesn't remember anything? Faking amnesia seemed like a good idea when Sam was afraid he was getting sacked, but now he has to deal with the reality of Jonathan's guilt—as well as the unsettling fact that his surly boss might have a softer side to him. There's an unexpected freedom in getting a second shot at a first impression…but as Sam and Jonathan grow closer, can Sam really bring himself to tell the truth, or will their future be built entirely on one impulsive lie?

10 Things That Never Happened is another solid romance from Hall. I liked the interplay wit the characters and the way readers got to know their personalities. I did wish that I got a little of Jonathan's thoughts, and some more back story for Sam. We get it in very broad strokes, but it was lacking emotion or depth for me. Oddly, we get much more emotion and connection with the past from Jonathan, the much more stoic of the two characters. I just wanted to connect with both of them a little more. However, I thought the give and take between them was well done, and I thought the secondary characters were great. I liked both the crew from Sam's store and Jonathan's family. There were definitely moments when I liked the interactions with secondary characters more than Sam's inner dialogue.

 

Book Review: Pass the Monster Meat, Milady! (Volume 1) by Chika Mizube

Pass the Monster Meat, Milady! (Volume 1) by Chika Mizube is a manga style graphic novel. It is a fantasy romance about a voracious lady who delights in monster meat and a mad-blooded duke who is swept off his feet by her curious charms. Like any proper noble lady, one must have certain acquired tastes. For Melphiera Marchalrayd, she just happens to crave a rather exotic protein -monsters! But do not judge! Despite its bad reputation, monster meat can be used in exquisite cuisine and Melphiera is determined to change the kingdom’s opinion of it! Unfortunately, since debuting in society, Melphiera has been struggling to find her perfect match, until she meets the fearless “Blood-Mad Duke” of Galbraith!

Pass the Monster Meat, Milady!  is a fun and well drawn graphic novel. I liked the art style and found the story to be entertaining and amusing. Melphiera's lack of awareness that the duke is interested in her for more than her cooking and interests is fun, and his fascination with her is adorable. This is not a hard hitting story that I would go hunting for, but it is a fun and entertaining read that I thing many readers will enjoy.

 

Book Review: That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon (Mead Mishap) by Kimberly Lemming

That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon by Kimberly Lemming is a romantic fantasy, and the first book in the Mead Mishap series. Spice trader Cinnamon’s quiet life is turned upside down when she ends up on a quest with a fiery demon, in this irreverently quirky rom-com fantasy that is sweet, steamy, and funny as hell. All she wanted to do was live her life in peace—maybe get a cat, expand the family spice farm. Really, anything that didn’t involve going on an adventure where an orc might rip her face off. But they say the goddess has favorites, and if so, Cin is clearly not one of them. After Cin saves the demon Fallon in a wine-drunk stupor, Fallon reveals that all he really wants to do is kill an evil witch enslaving his people. And who can blame him? But now he’s dragging Cinnamon along for the ride whether she like it or not. On the bright side, at least he keeps burning off his shirt.

That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon is a fun and entertaining read and a solid dose of heat included. I love that this series does not take it self seriously- and if the titles and covers did not tell you that I am doing so now. This book is great fun. There is adventure and danger, some great humor and interactions, and some serious steam. I thought that Cinnamon was well developed, more so that I really expected going into the story. There is some world and character building that I was impressed by- and I enjoyed the unique nature of the fantasy world built here. This was the absolute perfect read to relax with and enjoy over my holiday break- and think it is a perfect weekend or relaxation read for anyone that likes fantasy and romance mixed in with both humor and heat. I look forward to exploring this series further.

 

Early Book Review: Crocheting Reversible Amigurumi Projects: Adorable 2-Way Furry Animals with Cuddly Detailing by Jessie Van

Crocheting Reversible Amigurumi Projects: Adorable 2-Way Furry Animals with Cuddly Detailing by Jessie Van In is currently scheduled for release on February 6 2024. This is a book of inside-out animal crochet patterns created with traditional and faux fur yarns. Filled with tips, tricks, and techniques to build your skills and ensure success for every design, this exciting guide features seven adorable amigurumi patterns that are reversible and transform into a whole new design. From a fox that becomes a cat, a snowball that becomes a penguin, otters that become seashells, and more, these designs are truly one-of-a-kind and offer something special to the craft of amigurumi crochet. Opening with guidance on tools, yarns, and other necessities, also included are technique tutorials for working with faux fur, making a practice piece, counting rows and stitches, and fixing mistakes.

I was intrigued by the idea of Crocheting Reversible Amigurumi Projects. I have made amigurumi before, but never saw or tried patterns that were reversible before, so I just had to see how this worked. I thought the information in the beginning of the book was very helpful, as I am among those crafters that dread pulling out the textured or fur yarn. I have had it go badly, and generally find it frustrating, but this book offered hope that I could make that process much easier and made something cute in the process. I thought the projects were both cute and clever, and the instructions were very detailed and easy to follow. The included pictures help to make things even more clear. I love that the author reminds readers that the up side of working with the fur yarn is that it will hide any small mistakes that might be made along the way while also leaving plenty of room and tips for switching out colors and yarns to better suit the readers taste, needs, of materials that they can find. I think this book offers readers everything promised, and what readers need to succeed in making the projects included while enjoying the process. 

Early Book Review: Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands (Emily Wilde) by Heather Fawcett

Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands is the second book of the Emily Wilde Series by Heather Fawcett and it is currently scheduled for release on January 16 2024. I find that this is a series that should be read in order. 

Emily Wilde is a genius scholar of faerie folklore—she just wrote the world’s first comprehensive of encyclopedia of faeries. She’s learned many of the secrets of the Hidden Folk on her adventures, and also from her fellow scholar and former rival, Wendell Bambleby. Because Bambleby is more than infuriatingly charming. He’s an exiled faerie king on the run from his murderous mother, and in search of a door back to his realm. So despite Emily’s feelings for Bambleby, she’s not ready to accept his proposal of marriage: Loving one of the Fair Folk comes with secrets and danger. And she also has a new project to focus on: a map of the realms of faerie. While she is preparing her research, Bambleby lands her in trouble yet again, when assassins sent by Bambleby’s mother invade Cambridge. Now Bambleby and Emily are on another adventure, this time to the picturesque Austrian Alps, where Emily believes they may find the door to Bambley’s realm, and the key to freeing him from his family’s dark plans. But with new relationships for the prickly Emily to navigate and dangerous Folk lurking in every forest and hollow, Emily must unravel the mysterious workings of faerie doors, and of her own heart.

Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands is an interesting and engaging read, however I do think that reading the first book is a must to understand the settings and personalities involved. Emily and Wendell are off on another expedition, this time with a couple extra companions and Wendell being poisoned to add to the drama. I thought the story was well written, and the continuity with the first book was spot on. I thought there were well placed clues and hints about the nature of the mysteries they were trying to solve and the people and fae involved woven through the pages nicely. I will say that these books are not quick reads, at least not for me. The pace is slow and steady, much like proper research, and sometimes I get frustrated because of it. I enjoy the premise and the detail in these book, and I can appreciate the talent and skill involved, but it is sometimes hard for me to slow down and enjoy these more gently paced reads. It is very much a book I save when I am in the mood to slow down and fully immerse myself into a different world. 

Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands is a good follow up to the first book in the series, and if you enjoyed the first this will be a must read. 

Early Book Review: Woodland Crochet Kit: 12 Precious Projects to Stitch and Snuggle by Kristen Rask

Woodland Crochet Kit: 12 Precious Projects to Stitch and Snuggle by Kristen Rask is currently scheduled for release on January 23 2024. This kit includes a 76-page instruction book and materials to make two projects, a sweet turtle and a beautiful bluebird. The instruction book has more than 80 full-color photographs coupled with 12 step-by-step patterns. Create a sweet skunk, a cuddly hedgehog, a clever raccoon, and more—all in the popular Japanese style of crochet, amigurumi. Materials include; Four colors of yarn, A crochet hook, Stuffing, Embroidery floss, Safety eyes, and a Yarn needle. 

Woodland Crochet Kit is a nice starter kit for those that want to try their hand at crocheting small animals. The instructions are clear and helpful for those that are learning. I like that this is a kit, including the materials needed to make a couple of the projects. I was glad to see a couple projects that I do not often see, for instance I do not think I have seen many fawn patterns before- although I also have not looked for them. I did think that some things were not fully explained- like how to work with the wool for the squirrel's tail and why the yarn for the mouse is listed as normal bulky yarn but it looks different to me. I also find working with the fuzzy yarn for the hedgehog gives the right look, it is also very frustrating for even advanced crafters and might not be a great starter yarn to be playing with for beginners. 

Book Review: The Witching Hour (Secrets of Camp Whatever) by Chris Grine

The Witching Hour is the third (and final) graphic novel in the Secrets of Camp Whatever trilogy by Chris Grine. I would definitely recommend reading this series in order.

After former camp leader Clarence P'sketty Tooter is freed from a hypnosis spell, he remembers everything, including that pesky pre-teen Willow and her scrappy friends. But most importantly, he remembers the ancient mystery surrounding Nowhere's sleep-away camp. Now, Tooter seeks revenge against Willow and her friends, and inadvertently awakens a long-dormant evil which seeks to destroy the world.

The Witching Hour is a solid conclusion to this trilogy and wraps everything up nicely. There is a lot more going on in this volume than the blurb mentions, but I would hate to spoil anything for fans of this series so I will not go into detail. I do think that there was less character growth in this installment, and I wanted a little bit more from our crew of teens reconnecting and figuring things out, although admittedly with everything else happening in the story there was not really time built in for that. I love that the art was consistent, and that there were some really fun twists and turns. I also liked the inclusion and introduction of a variety of creature. I think that this is a must read for those that have read the two previous books, but it was not as attention grabbing or keeping as the previous installments for me. 

Book Review: Overgeared, Vol. 1 Art by Team Argo, Adapted by Monohumbug, Story by Saenal

Overgeared, Vol. 1 Art by Team Argo, adapted by Monohumbug with story by Saenal is a manga style graphic novel. Youngwoo Shin is a deadbeat in real life, working odd jobs to fuel his video game addiction. But inside the VR game Satisfy, he becomes Grid the Warrior, who is also painfully ordinary. Everything changes when he discovers the tome of a legendary blacksmith. Who needs skills when you have god-tier items, right?

Overgeared is a fun read for gamers. I liked the set up and the story and could understand Shin's frustration and struggles as he tries to level up his player in the game, and make enough money through the game not to have to do manual labor to pay the bills. I think I would have liked a bit more back story for Shin, not just that it took him years to get to the point readers meet him in the beginning of the story. I also felt a bit like things were just getting past the set up and into the story when the volume ended. The story pretty much ended mid-fight. I get wanting to hook readers so they want the next volume, but at least get us to a reasonable stopping point rather than a complete cliff hanger. That always drives me crazy. I did like the story, and would love to see how Shin gets to the point we see him in the opening teaser. I think I will keep reading this if I find the next volume, but I will not be hunting it down. 

Book Review: Frosty Proximity (Winter Wanderlust) by Liz Alden

Frosty Proximity is a novella, and the second book in the Winter Wanderlust series by Liz Alden. I did not read the first book in the series, and while I think returning readers will have a head start on knowing the characters, this novella stands up just fine on its own. 

The snowstorm of the century is approaching, and my only hope of getting home for Christmas is my grumpy, rich, and definitely off limits client. A closed airport, fifty miles of Swiss countryside, and the threat of record-breaking wind and snow stand between me and flying back to my family in New York. The family that labels my job as a personal stylist as “frivolous” and “shallow.” My client, Peter, is working just as hard as I am to get me on that plane. It seems he really doesn’t want me crashing his family’s Chanukah based on the tension in the air and the grunts he aims my way. Grunts I should not find sexy. But we may not have a choice. And when his family opens their warm, cozy home to me, I may realize that, beneath his frost, Peter makes me melt.

Frosty Proximity is exactly what I was looking for. Peter and Kara are both likable characters that find their way from a working relationship and friends of friends to so much more. This was a fast and fun read, and I loved the get to know you stage and the move on forward. I like that they are both mature enough to talk about disagreements, misunderstandings, and real things while also still having fun and light moments between them. The family moments and caring aspects of this story we just as important and engaging for me as the hotter moments, and I think this novella balanced a lot of important aspects to both Kara's and Peter's lives nicely. I enjoyed this read and think many other readers will as well.

Book Review: Do Your Worst by Rosie Danan

Do Your Worst by Rosie Danan is a romance with a bit of a paranormal mystery on the side. Riley Rhodes finally has the chance to turn her family’s knack for the supernatural into a legitimate business when she’s hired to break the curse on an infamous Scottish castle. Used to working alone in her alienating occupation, she's pleasantly surprised to meet a handsome stranger upon arrival—until he tries to get her fired. Fresh off a professional scandal, Clark Edgeware can’t allow a self-proclaimed “curse breaker” to threaten his last chance for redemption. After he fails to get Riley kicked off his survey site, he vows to avoid her. Unfortunately for him, she vows to get even. Riley expects the curse to do her dirty work by driving Clark away, but instead, they keep finding themselves in close proximity. Too close. Turns out, the only thing they do better than fight is fool around. If they’re not careful, by the end of all this, more than the castle will end up in ruins.

Do Your Worst grabbed my attention from the beginning. I love an enemies to lover romance, and this gave me more than I expected. I liked the paranormal angle and that both Riley and Clark had their own emotional baggage to work out. I though the mystery surrounding the curse, and what happened in the past was well done- although I completely expected one more little twist in there. I thought the give and take between Riley and Clark was on point, and I loved both their banter and they way that had adult conversations about the important things. I loved that once they trusted each other and decided on a course of action they were both all in, regardless of outside forces and the family issues they each needed to unpack. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more from the author.

Do Your Worst is an engaging and entertaining read with potential to turn into a great series. 

Audiobook Review: Pirates, Parley, Plunder! (Dungeon Runner) by Dustin Tigner, Narrated by Jackie Meloche

Pirates, Parley, Plunder! is the second book in the Dungeon Runner series by Dustin Tigner, the audiobook is narrated by Jackie Meloche. This book picks up right where the first left off, and I highly recommend reading them in order.

Entin’s guild flourishes, eager to face the untamed dungeons of Eternal Fantasy Online. These dangerous places are worlds within worlds, each presenting unique themes that truly stretch the definition of what a dungeon should be. All seems well until Entin meets a young woman by the name of Aymie Avys. She brings a wealth of knowledge and secrets that challenge everything he thought he knew. There is something dark in this world, a festering corruption that might hold the answers to questions no one is asking. But pursuing these answers could threaten everything Entin and his Runners have built and force him to choose between who he was in the past life and who he is now.

Pirates, Parley, Plunder! is a much more cohesive and engaging read than the first book in the series for me, mostly because it was written to be. I enjoyed getting to know the characters more and seeing them grow as individuals and as a team. I am glad that the author continued to give us the story through several points of view. This gave me a much better understanding of the bigger picture and each character's emotions well before the rest figured things out. I like that while there is romance, and in some sections very important, I like that the book did not become all romance. The pairing off did not derail the other aspects of the story, instead just made the mundane interactions more intense and important.  I think readers that enjoy fantasy and Game lit will enjoy this very much. I am grateful that the author unearthed the stories that became the first book in this series and continued it. 

Pirates, Parley, Plunder! is a fabulous follow up to the first runners book. I cannot wait to see what Entin, Aymie, and the rest get up to next.

Book Review: The Little Red Wolf by Amélie Fléchais

The Little Red Wolf by Amélie Fléchais is a picturebook retelling of the Charles Perrault classic tale Little Red Riding Hood. The text was translated into English by Jeremy Melloul. Once upon a time there was a little red wolf who lived in a treehouse in a thick and mysterious forest. The young wolf sets out on a journey to bring his grandmother a rabbit when he is charmed by a nice little girl who offers to help him. But nice is not the same as good.

The Little Red Wolf is a different take on the story of Little Red Riding Hood, one that speak to misunderstandings and how fear and guilt can change everything. I liked the art style, and thought that the storytelling of art and text were well balanced and engaging. I also liked that we got this story from the wolf's perspective and were able to see how the young girl came to believe what she did. I think everything tied together well, and I enjoyed this take on a classic story.