Book Review: Built to Last (Black Knights, Inc) by Julie Ann Walker

Built to Last is the twelfth, and final,  book in the Black Knights, Inc series by Julie Ann Walker. While the romance between Sonya and Angel is new to this book, the background of how our characters got to this point is well established in the previous books. I think to fully enjoy and understand what is at stake, and the depth of some of the characters, it is important to read this series in order rather than jumping this far along. 

What appears to be a tricked-out motorcycle shop on the North Side of Chicago is actually headquarters for the world's most elite covert operatives. Deadly, dangerous, and determined, they'll steal your breath and your heart. After a mission-gone-sideways forces Jamin "Angel" Agassi to change his identity, he's determined to bring down the world's worst crime syndicate kingpin once and for all. That's going to be the easy part. Keeping Interpol agent Sonya Butler from discovering who he really is—and blazing another trail into his heart—is the challenge.

Built to Last is the final book in a long series, but Angel is a character we do not have much emotional knowledge of because of what he has had to do over the years. I was glad to finally get his story. Sonya is a strong, smart woman that stands up to Angel at every turn, and I enjoyed their banter and the depth of their story. It was interesting to discover the history, and the chemistry between the two. However, as much as I liked Sonya and they talk about the connection between the couple I just never really felt like it developed from anything. Both in the past and present I felt like it was a very quick jump from 'we should not' to love. I am not denying that it happens, but with the two layers of love story here I really never felt the developing relationship- it just was. The story was huge, but the relationship building seemed to be lost in the details needed to bring the pair together, and to wrap up all the loose ends of the series. I did love seeing Ace and Rusty continuing their story, and some of my favorite characters from the past reappear by the end of the book. I will admit that I did not remember every couple, and think I might have missed a few somewhere along the way. I did enjoy the story, and seeing everything come together. However, I did not connect with this story as much as I had hoped.

Built to Last offers series fans a solid conclusion, and a knowledge that their favorite characters have the happy ending they have fought hard for.

Book Review: Turn This Book Into a Beehive and 19 Other Experiments and Activities That Explore the Amazing World by Bees by Lynn Brunelle, Anna-Maria Jung

Turn This Book Into a Beehive and 19 Other Experiments and Activities That Explore the amazing World by Bees is a children's nonfiction book written by Lynn Brunelle and illustrated by Anna-Maria Jung. This is a kid's hands-on guide to understanding the world of bees, in a book that turns into a working beehive to house a colony of friendly, efficient—and non-stinging!—mason bees. It includes 10 science projects.

Turn This Book Into a Beehive and 19 Other Experiments and Activities That Explore the amazing World by Bees not only teaches young readers about the current decline in bee population and how we can all invite the pollinators to our yards. The different kinds of bees and wasps, how they live, how they are built and move, experiments, and more. The information is well organized and worded- making it understandable and accessible. The illustrations and experiment instructions are equally well done leaving readers with a wonderful balance of humor, information, and things to try and experiment with. I think the information here is very important, and things everyone should be aware of. Not just for the usefulness of pollinators, but for the health of the food web and our world in general. The jacket cover of the book is easily converted into a beehive with only a little tearing of the blank pages toward the end of the book, and there are more complicated plans for other. A flower chart and some hints and ideas to protect the hive once it is built and hung. There are also some resources for further research and companies that offer mason bee supplies included prior to the blank paged intended for use building your hive. 

Turn This Book Into a Beehive and 19 Other Experiments and Activities That Explore the amazing World by Bees is a well researched and organized book with a great deal of important information. I think this would be a great addition to classroom or home libraries in order to make the most of the experiments included. It would work well in a library setting as well- since it is only the jacket and some blank pages needed o build the hive advertised on the cover. 

Book Review: Highland Conquest (Sons of Gregor McLeod) by Alyson McLayne

Highland Conquest is the second book in the Sons of Gregor McLeod series by Alyson McLayne. I did not read the first book in the series, but the important happenings of the first book are well explained, and newcomers can easily enjoy the read without feeling the loss- although they might want to go back and read it after some of the female characters that feature in that story are described. 

Laird Lachlan MacKay never planned on leading his clan, but when his older brother was murdered, he was left with no choice. His vow to avenge his brother has led him to the MacPherson clan—and their bewitching healer, Amber. Amber MacPherson is desperate. Dressed as a boy to escape her clan's treacherous leader, she runs right into Lachlan—who orders her detained. At first she causes him nothing but frustration, especially when she blackmails him into helping her clan. But when she's threatened by the same man who murdered his brother, Lachlan will do whatever it takes to keep her safe—and by his side. 

Highland Conquest captured my attention from the start, and kept it through the entire read. I loved the unconventional meeting between Lachlan and Amber, and the slow growth of the relationship between the pair. Neither are looking for love, or plans to marry.  I like how much they have in common, and the way they argue and spar their way through the book. Amber is strong and smart, and sometimes a little too perfect and beloved by her clan. I understand how that kind of adoration came to be, but it also felt a little at odds with the way some moments of the story played out. I like that Amber is independent and willing to do anything to protect or heal others. Lachlan is well written as well, and I enjoyed his patient and resilient pursuit of Amber. I also like that he was not perfect, he was impatient in his pursuit of his brother's killer, and did not always say or do the perfect thing. However, this just made him a more real and complex character. The secondary characters were interesting and just as well constructed as the main players. The complexity of the search for the bad guy, and the effort he puts into death, destruction, and depravity is quite stunning. So much more than I expected, and watching it all play out had me on the edge of my sit. I will admit that I spent most of the last moments of the book waiting for the last shoe to drop, and was still surprised with some of the turns the final showdown took. I enjoyed the ride as the pair found their happy ever after, and think that the small details that were left unanswered will be handled as the series continues.

Highland Conquest is a heart wrenching and warming romance with a slow burn. I think the complex, independent characters really made the read, and I just might need to further explore the series.

Book Review: This Is a Taco by Andrew Congelose, Josh Shipley

This Is a Taco is a picturebook written by Andrew Congelose and illustrated by Josh Shipley. This is a squirrel, one named Taco that does not eat nuts and tree bark—blech—he prefers tacos! This twist on a children's nature primer teaches kids that the most important story is the one you write yourself.

This Is a Taco is an informative but fun look at the squirrel. What they eat, how they move, and who eats them. Our narrator, Taco, is not too thrilled with the information about flying squirrels (because he isn't one) and hawks. So, he does his best to strike hawks from his story and to get himself some more of his favorite food- tacos. Things do not go quite as planned, but he still gets himself a special, happy ending.I loved the illustrations and the breaking of the third wall as the squirrel entertains and teaches readers of all ages.the colors and hints of fun in each of the pages made the read great fun. Much like Taco, I prefer tacos to bark and nuts, and do not think I would like the idea of being snatched up by a hawk. I think the book could offer readers of all ages a bit of knowledge, a few laughs, and a touch of empathy. 

Book Review: Deja Moo (Perfectly Proper Paranormal Museum) by Kirsten Weiss

Deja Moo is the third book in the Perfectly Proper Paranormal Museum series by Kirsten Weiss. While each mystery stands well on its own, the characters and their relationships are built up through the series. To really understand some of the relationships and issues it is best to read this series in order. 

Maddie Kosloski is no fan of San Benedetto's Christmas Cow, a thirty-foot straw bovine that graces the town square every December. For one thing, the cow displaces her paranormal museum as the number one tourist attraction. Plus, every year, despite around-the-clock surveillance, the cow goes up in flames. But this year, there's more than just a fire blazing in Maddie's wine-country hometown. One of the Christmas Cow guards has been found with an arrow in his chest, and Maddie's new haunted cowbell exhibit is fueling a panic. Are the spirits in her museum getting too hot to handle? If Maddie can't stop the hysteria—and the murderous archer—her holiday plans might not be the only thing full of holes.

Deja Moo is a solid addition to the series, with quirky conversations and interactions to entertain through out the book. I liked the continued relationships and how they change and grow, particularly with Maddie and her friends. I like seeing Maddie and her mother interact and how their relationship and respect for each other is always growing and evolving. I found the the mystery of the archer, flaming cow, and town politics to be multilayers and just complicated enough to keep readers guessing, but not so complicated that it got over the top or boring. One of my favorite things about the story is the use of paranormal activity and skepticism that leaves it up to the reader to decide what is real, and what really happened. While maddie is firmly a skeptic she accepting of other beliefs and willing to keep an open mind. I do like the slow burn of Maddie's current romance, but could have enjoyed the book just as much without any romance written in.

Since I was reading an uncorrected proof from Netgalley, I am hoping that the one thing that bothered be through the read was fixed by the release. There was a small even that the characters started referring to about a third of the way through the book. I figured I had been interrupted or distracted when it happened and missed it- but after going back three times I could not find it. It distracted me through the rest of the read. I would also love to read a book with no love triangle, or even hints or references to one. Maybe a mystery without a current romance would be okay, I know I would still read it.

Deja Moo is a quick, enjoyable read with layered story lines and well developed characters. I look forward to this series continuing.

Book Review: Going Wild: Helping Nature Thrive in Cities by Michelle Mulder

Going Wild: Helping Nature Thrive in Cities by Michelle Mulder is a nonfiction book for readers from middle grade to adults.  Over most of recorded history people have worked hard to make our local landscapes as safe and convenient as possible. Sometimes that's meant paving over areas that might burst into weeds. Other times, we've dammed rivers for electricity or irrigation. But now pollution, climate change and disruptions to the water cycle are affecting the world in ways we never anticipated. What if the new key to making our lives safer (and even healthier) is to allow the wilderness back into our cities?

Going Wild: Helping Nature Thrive in Cities is an interesting and inspiring read. I like it gives details about what people and cities around the world are doing to help nature thrive in the cities around them. It also points out that much smaller things that can be done by anyone and everyone to help nature. It is important to show kids, and adults alike, that they do not need to make drastic changes all at once to make a positive change. Little things like hanging a bat house or planting flowers or other plants in containers or gardens are all things that can help the would around us with very little effort. Small changes can build up and lead us to do bigger and better things that can help even more people and aspects of nature along the way. I really liked how many additional resources and similar information was included at the end of the book. The glossary and pathways to further research and action were a great touch. I think it might inspire children, and their families, to make efforts of varying degrees to help the world around them.

Book Review: Rescued by a Highlander (Grant Clan) by Keira Montclair

Rescued by a Highlander is the first book in the Grant Clan series of historical romances by Keira Montclair. While it was originally published in 2013, it has been newly revised and updated with a new editor.

Madeline MacDonald has been a victim of her stepbrother's cruelty ever since her parents' death in a fire two years ago. Forced into a betrothal to a man she hates, her only way out is to escape to a convent. Laird Alexander Grant is honor bound to rescue Maddie after seeing the bruises on her face. What he doesn't realize is that once he holds the beaten lass in his arms, his heart will never be the same. He vows revenge for the abuse she was forced to endure and yearns to make the sweet woman with an iron will his, but can he help her fight the demons in her mind left behind by her abusers' horrid treatment?

Rescued by a Highlander is a book that I thought I would love, but it never really worked for me. Let's start with the good. I love books that have a abuse survive finding peace, love, and a happy ever after. I really do. I adore books were the other half of that couple is working towards understanding and helping, and while they make mistakes (like yelling at them when worried about their safety) they work on it. I was thrilled with Alex's patience with Maddie, and willingness to take things super slow and to always check in with consent rather than forging ahead and assuming at any point. What I did not like was Maddie. While her ability to survive abuse stoically and deal with everything dealt to her was likely intended to show her as strong, I was left wondering why this woman that is strong, caring, and very pain tolerant would stay rather than trying to make an escape? She came off as a doormat rather than a survivor. Otherwise she was painted as perfect, sweet and so patient and kind that she did not even want her tormentors hurt. The characters felt a little flat, there was no real motivation for the bad guys, other than just being evil. In fact I read another historical with an abuse survive shortly after this, and I had trouble remembering much about this book other than what bothered me about Maddie. I had several other little things that irked me- but my biggest issue is that I was fully expecting to love this story and the characters. The disappointment of the heroine being a too perfect but passive, and a dig at homosexuality really left me less than happy with my read. 

Rescued by a Highlander is not for everyone. The characters are lacking depth but the idea of the story and the patience and thoughts of Alex in helping Maddie deal with her past might make it worth the read for some.

Book Review: New Favorites for New Cooks: 50 Delicious Recipes For Kids to Make by Carolyn Federman

New Favorites for New Cooks: 50 Delicious Recipes For Kids to Make by Carolyn Federman utilizes easy techniques and recipes to teach basic cooking skills to budding chefs through simple dishes for children as well as adults. Recipes such as Savory Scones with Fresh Herb Butter, Black Bean Taco Bar, Two-Minute Guacamole, Meatballs and Tomato Sauce, and Yogurt and Berry Compote Parfait showcase healthy, seasonal ingredients and engage every sense with bright colors, fresh flavors, and exciting textures. Packed with information about kitchen science (like making pickles), garden ideas (like planting seeds from kitchen scraps and starting a compost bin), and heavily illustrated (every recipe is photographed), this cookbook makes being in the kitchen fun for everyone.

New Favorites for New Cooks: 50 Delicious Recipes For Kids to Make is a nice, well organized cookbook for fairly simple recipes. I like that kitchen safety, techniques, and science are regularly focused on- letting even the youngest chefs work safely and know when they will, or won't, need help. Reminders of how to read a recipe, check the pantry and refrigerator before staring, and the explanation of key vocabulary words further aids chefs of all ages have success in the kitchen.  Some of the recipes are basics, and things everyone should know how to do before they leave home and need to fend for themselves. Some are very nutritious and fun to learn. Other recipes are very trendy and current- things my picky eaters would not be willing to cook or eat. The pictures and instructions are great, easy to understand and follow. Terms that might be new to readers are in bold, and the book encourages readers to look up cooking terms, ingredients, and other words that might not immediately recognize up to help them understand and follow the recipe. I also like that the author assures readers that sometimes recipes just do not work out perfectly, especially the first time we try them. The encouragement to try and have less that perfect results, and to be okay with that, is important and a great aspect of the collection.

Book Review: Dark Queen (Jane Yellowrock) by Faith Hunter

Dark Queen is the twelfth book in the Jane Yellowrock series by Faith Hunter. You do need to read this series in order to get a firm grasp on the characters and the relationships. I do not recommend jumping in here, or in the middle. However, it is a fabulous series so I do recommend reading it, it is worth it.

As Enforcer to the vampire Master of the City of New Orleans, Jane Yellowrock stakes her reputation and her life on keeping her territory safe. But Leo has been issued a blood challenge by the emperor of the European vampires, who seeks to usurp all of his power and possessions. If Leo loses the match to the death, the city will be forfeit, and the people of New Orleans will suffer the consequences. Jane can't let that happen. Preparing for the duel requires all of Jane's focus, but with so much supernatural power in play, nothing goes according to plan. She has to rely on herself and the very few people she knows she can trust to stand and fight. Only two things are guaranteed: nothing is sacred, and no one is safe.

Dark Queen is more than I expected. I will admit that I have listened to the majority of this series via audiobook (and the readers is fabulous!) and I missed the voices, inflections, and cadence of the reader. My inner voice cannot compare to the audiobooks. However, after a while I was able to get past my longing for that voice and truly get sucked into the story like I always do. Jane has so much going on- still coming to terms with caring about so many people and her inability to protect them all the way she wants. Emotions are not her forte, and I can relate to her on that level. The upcoming battle, issues tied to the timeshifting, the brother coming out of nowhere, and more are all coming at her too fast to process, and she is barely hanging on. There are surprises and resolutions tied into the duel and not a dull moment to skim. Readers that have loved and followed the series thus far will both love and hate this read. I admit to fearing that this might be the last we see of Jane more than once, and worry just what will happen in this world next. I almost expected a different twist at the end, and had mixed feelings with the reveal- even though I already had it in the back of my mind. The ending left me needing the next Yellowrock or Soulwood book badly, to see what is to come, but hopeful. 

Dark Queen is a powerful addition to the series, and held some twists that had me seriously worried, and struck oddly close to home because of current family complications.