Book Review: Rock Legend (Nothing But Trouble) by Tara Leigh

Rock Legend is the second book in the Nothing But Trouble series by Tara Leigh. I have not read the first book, but think other newcomers will be able to jump into the series as easily as I did. 

Most people know Landon as the drummer for Nothing but Trouble. Depending who you ask, he is also a playboy, a loner, the life of the party, a screw-up, or according to my fans, "The Sexiest Rock Star on the Planet." It's a reputation that has been earned behind my drum kit and behind closed doors. No one thought foster kid Landon Cox would become famous. Infamous, maybe. Notorious, probably. But successful? Never. No one except Piper Hastings. But he had to make a choice and picked fame and fortune over Piper, and spent every damn day since pretending there were no regrets. Now fate's dropped Piper back into his life and it could be a second chance. But while he is ready to give her a few great nights, he is not quite sure he can give Piper a future.

Rock Legend is a second chance romance and a redemption romance. Landon drinks too much, parties too much, and makes extra big mistakes. Leaving Piper when offered an opportunity with hs band was his biggest mistake- and neither him or Piper are sure they can ever go back now that they are thrown together.  I thought both characters were well written and complex, and I liked some of their interaction. I really like for Landon's issues were handled, never sweeping them under the rug or making them easily solved. He had his demons to face, and he had to make the chose to do so. I thought that was real and emotionally genuine. I liked Piper for the most past, particularly when she is on the job or with others. I do have to admit that I found her to be annoying on occasion, and I often felt that she needed to stick to her guns more in certain situations. While I enjoyed the book as a whole, I was a little let down with her character and she was really the only thing that I I did not consistently enjoy. 

Rock Legend is an entertaining and engaging read with plenty of emotion, growth, and action to keep readers turning pages. I will admit that at first glance I thought it was part of a different series, which is why I picked it up.

Early Book Review: Tiger vs. Nightmare by Emily Tetri

Tiger vs. Nightmare by Emily Tetri is a children's graphic novel currently scheduled for release on November 6 2018.  Tiger is a very lucky kid: she has a monster living under her bed. Every night, Tiger and Monster play games until it’s time for lights out. Of course, Monster would never try to scare Tiger—that’s not what best friends do. But Monster needs to scare someone…it’s a monster, after all. So while Tiger sleeps, Monster scares all of her nightmares away. Thanks to her friend, Tiger has nothing but good dreams. But waiting in the darkness is a nightmare so big and mean that Monster can’t fight it alone. Only teamwork and a lot of bravery can chase this nightmare away.

Tiger vs. Nightmare is a cute graphic novel about friendship. The artwork is cute, but I was not a huge fan. It looked a little unfinished, but I think that was more because I was looking at an electronic, early galley rather than the final copy. I fully expect that in the final version the artwork will be crisper. Tiger is friends with the monster under her bed, but of course everyone thinks the monster is her imagination. I love that the monster decided not to scare Tiger, but to scare away nightmares instead.However, eventually there is a nightmare too powerful for the monster to fight alone, and feels terrible when it slips by, but cannot admit what happened and becomes more determined to take care of Tiger. He dedication and guilt are things that most of us can relate to. The desire not to admit or failings, or ask for help when we need it is something adults struggle with just as much as kids. I like that Tiger is paying attention to Monster and is ready to help her friend. Friendship, support, and teamwork between the friends, along with the understanding that the nightmare is coming from Tiger's mind, are key lessons of the story, and wonderfully told. Facing your fears and dealing with nightmares like Tiger is a wonderful example to follow, and something even the most outwardly brave child can stand to hear.  I like that her parents do not try to talk away the monster, but support Tiger in her connection and imagination. The supportive family is nice to see in a world of kidlit that often has clueless or unhelpful adults. 

Tiger vs. Nightmare is  graphic novel for young readers that tells a wonderful story about friendship, facing your fears, and supporting others.  

Book Review: Sparrow Hill Road by Seanan Mcguire

Sparrow Hill Road by Seanan Mcguire is the first book in a new series, set in the same world as the Incryptid series but with new characters and dealing with the more ghostly residents. 

Rose Marshall died in 1952 in Buckley Township, Michigan, run off the road by a man named Bobby Cross—a man who had sold his soul to live forever, and intended to use her death to pay the price of his immortality. Trouble was, he didn’t ask Rose what she thought of the idea. It’s been more than sixty years since that night, and she’s still sixteen, and she’s still running. They have names for her all over the country: the Girl in the Diner. The Phantom Prom Date. The Girl in the Green Silk Gown. Mostly she just goes by “Rose,” a hitchhiking ghost girl with her thumb out and her eyes fixed on the horizon, trying to outrace a man who never sleeps, never stops, and never gives up on the idea of claiming what’s his. She’s the angel of the overpass, she’s the darling of the truck stops, and she’s going to figure out a way to win her freedom. After all, it’s not like it can kill her. You can’t kill what’s already dead.

Sparrow Hill Road was not what I expected, but in the very best ways. I was expecting something very much like the books I have already read from Mcguire, and while the skill and style were definitely on par the characters and legends felt fresh and new. Rose is a small town girl, turned ghost, dealing with her new 'life' as a hitchhiking ghost and her new obligations. I enjoyed getting to know Rose. While she honestly wants to help and do the right thing, she is not perfect. She has a temper, sometimes makes mistakes, and is sometimes too soft a touch. All of these traits come together to make her a wonderfully real character. The use of urban legends and well known ghost stories was wonderfully done, I have always been fascinated on how legends both ancient and more modern change and grow, so this was right up my alley. The action is paced well, giving nail biting moments interspersed with backstory and important character development. The secondary characters are not flat, while not quite as developed as Rose they are well layers and complex. Even the characters we only see for one interaction are not stereotypes or simple, they feel real and dynamic. Mcguire is wonderful at making characters that I feel like I know, and whose stories I just want more of after the book is over.

Sparrow Hill Road starts what i hope is another long and highly entertain series from Mcguire. In fact, I already have the next book, The Girl in the Green Silk Gown waiting for me on my kindle and I am looking forward to the read.

As a side note- if you prefer audio books I highly recommend giving this book a listen as well as her other books. I have listened to several books from her other series and while she does have a couple different narrators they are all wonderful. 

Book Review: Dr. Jo by Monica Kulling

Dr. Jo is a children's nonficton book written by Monica Kulling and illustrated by Julianna Swaney

Sara Josephine Baker was a strong girl who loved adventure. Growing up in New York in the late 1800s was not easy. When she lost her brother and father to typhoid fever, she became determined to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor. In Jo's day, medical schools were closed to women, but times were changing, and Jo was at the forefront. When she graduated in 1898, Dr. Jo still faced prejudice against women in her field. Not many people were willing to be seen by a female doctor, and Dr. Jo's waiting room remained mostly empty. She accepted a job in public health and was sent to Hell's Kitchen, one of New York's poorest neighborhoods where many immigrants lived. There, she was able to treat the most vulnerable patients: babies and children. She realized that the best treatment was to help babies get a stronger start in life. Babies need fresh air, clean and safe environments, and proper food. Dr. Jo's successes, fueled by her determination, compassion and ingenuity, made her famous across the nation for saving the lives of 90,000 inner city infants and children.

Dr. Jo is an important book because too many children (and adults) do not know about the wonderful women that were trailblazers set things into motion that still affect us today. Young readers (of all genders) can get inspired to follow their dreams, face obstacles that seem insurmountable, and deal with prejudice. Baker made great changes and led to poor women and children living much longer, safer lives. While in an ideal world lack of money would not mean lack of access to health care and safety, we all know that even in modern times this is not necessarily the case. Baker was a woman that worked hard to follow her dreams, and to help those that need it most. This is a wonderful example for readers of all ages. The wording of the information is well done, accessible to a wide range or readers and leaving the readers a little curious to find out more without feeling like important information was left out. The illustrations from Swaney are lovely to look at and help remind readers of the times when Baker was alive and adding color to the pages. 

Dr. Jo is an well written and interesting read about a woman the defied convention and helped the people that needed her most. I highly recommend this book for elementary school and public libraries, as well as personal libraries for anyone with children that will face obstacles live Sara Josephine Baker.

Book Review: Dad: Daddy's Girls #1 by Nob

Dad: Daddy's Girls #1 by Nob is a graphic novel. Being a single dad is a full-time job, as Dad knows only too well! Especially with four headstrong daughters to whom obedience doesn't exactly come naturally. There is bookish Pandora, emotional Ondine, mischievous Roxanne and, the latest addition, baby Bella. Dad is an unemployed actor who has landed himself the role of a lifetime: looking after his family!

Dad: Daddy's Girls #1 is a well drawn and written graphic novel that tells the story of a single dad of four girls, all with different mothers. I like that the problems the dad and his girls face are real- boys, privacy, getting along. I also like that while they all tease and give each other grief it is obvious that not only does the dad love his girls and sacrifice everything for them, they love him just as much. The varied personalities and day in the life situations, with glimpses of the past, made for a sweet read. I like that their lives are not perfect, but they find a way to make it work, and despite the bickering all love each other and keep moving forward. I liked the art, and found that it matched the tone and added the right amount of emotion and humor on every page.

Book Review: The Know-Nonsense Guide to Space: An Awesomely Fun Guide to the Universe by Heidi Fielder, Brendan Kearney

The Know-Nonsense Guide to Space: An Awesomely Fun Guide to the Universe is a non fiction book written by Heidi Fielder and illustrated by Brendan Kearney. This book can help middle grade and younger readers learn about the different planets in our solar system, all the way from Mercury to Neptune (and even dwarf planet Pluto!). Then reach out further and discover about the Milky Way Galaxy and other neighboring galaxies (and what is in them). On the journey through space, readers can learn about different terms like asteroid belt, nebula, supernova, and even mysterious black holes!

The Know-Nonsense Guide to Space: An Awesomely Fun Guide to the Universe is full of easy to understand text and entertaining illustrations that can capture an keep the attention of readers. The information is well organized, with important information and interesting facts on every page. I like that important and new terms are in bold, letting readers know that they are words that they will want to learn and remember if they do not already understand them. I think this will be a hit with young readers that are interested in outer space and how the universe, and the technology we use to explore it work. I do wish there was an index and glossary at the end of the book.

The Know-Nonsense Guide to Space is a fun and interesting introduction to space for young readers. It is part of a larger Know-Nonsense series of non fiction books for young readers. It has entertaining illustrations and good information, but I was hoping for a little more.

Book Review: Giving Chase (Chase Brothers) by Lauren Dane

Giving Chase is the first book in the Chase Brothers series by Lauren Dane. While originally published in 2006 it was recently re-released with some minor updates and changes. 

When landscaper Kyle Chase takes notice of Maggie Wright, all of Petal, Georgia, wonders what the quiet schoolteacher is hiding underneath her tight bun and boring blouses. Even Maggie doesn’t quite get it, but after a failed relationship and a disastrous attempt to get back out there, she’s no match against the famous Chase charm, and Kyle has it in spades. Kyle wants Maggie in his life—and in his bed—and he doesn’t mind getting down and dirty to prove it. For years he’s avoided the kind of trouble that comes with “good girls” like her, but Maggie’s the best trouble he’s ever been in. He craves more of it. And more of her. But even as their love grows into thoughts of forever, a hidden danger from Maggie’s past threatens to tear them apart. And when Maggie suddenly disappears, Kyle must put his faith in his family and race to save the love of his life before he loses her forever.

Giving Chase is a story that surprised me more than once. Maggie is a sweetheart that has not idea how attractive she is thanks to her family. What the blurb leaves out is that Kyle is the third guy she tries to date in a short period of time. The first is possessive and she heads the warning signs and calls it quits. The second is Kyle's brother- which leads to all sorts of doubt and complications that are the heart of the story. As usually, Dane does a wonderful job of bringing her characters to life.  Maggie and her friends are wonderfully dynamic and have great interactions. The Dane family is wonderful, and I wish every town had a family like this- not just because of the number of hot, well raised guys, but because they honestly care about each other and those around them. There were moments of the book that did not work for me, but those are because of my hang ups rather than anything with the book. I will admit that I do enjoy the new books from Dane much more- but while waiting for new books strolling through the Chase brother series could be a good diversion, and make the new books shine even more once I get my hands on them.

Giving Chase is an early book from Dane, and I can see how much she has grown as a writer. The read was fast and engaging, but not my favorite romance from her. 

Early Book Review: The Vast Wonder of the World: Biologist Ernest Everett Just by Melina Mangal, Luisa Uribe

The Vast Wonder of the World: Biologist Ernest Everett Just is a picturebook biography written by Melina Mangal, and illustrated by Luisa Uribe. It is currently Scheduled for release on November 1 2018. Ernest was not like other scientists. He saw the whole, where others saw only parts. And he noticed details others failed to see. Through stunning illustrations and lyrical prose, this picture book presents the life and accomplishments of Ernest Everett Just, an African American biologist who made important discoveries about the cell in the 1930s. Through his careful observations and hard work, Ernest opened up the wonder of the universe to all of us, through a tiny egg cell.

The Vast Wonder of the World: Biologist Ernest Everett Just is a wonderful picturebook biography about a man that struggled against prejudice and never let anything get in the way of his search to understand the word around him. I like that he is described as an observer, because too many of our budding scientists today are observers as well, and often get hurried along rather than given the time they want to study the details of the world. Just's work and struggles are covered well here in the limits of the picturebook format, and the artwork does a wonderful job of complimenting the text, and the spirit of Just's work. 

I wish I had known more about this scientist and his work before now, and hope that this book will not only inspire young people to study the world around them, but for all readers to take some time and explore his life and work. I know I will be exploring the sources cited and information offered at the end of the book to better understand him, but to take it a step further and look into other scientists that do not get the respect and honor that they deserve. 

Early Book Review: Game Changer by Rachel Reid

Game Changer by Rachel Reid is currently scheduled for release on October 22 2018. Pro hockey star Scott Hunter knows a good thing when he sees it. So, when a smoothie made by juice bar barista Kip Grady precedes Scott breaking his on-ice slump, he’s desperate to recreate the magic...and to get to know the sexy, funny guy behind the counter. Kip knew there was more to Scott’s frequent visits than blended fruit, but he never let himself imagine being invited back to Scott’s penthouse. Or kissed with reckless abandon, never mind touched everywhere all at once. When it happens it’s red-hot, incredible and frequent, but also only on Scott’s terms and always behind his closed apartment doors. Scott needs Kip in his life, but with playoff season approaching, the spotlight on him is suddenly brighter than ever. He can’t afford to do anything that might derail his career…like introducing the world to his boyfriend. Kip is ready to go all-in with Scott—but how much longer will he have to remain a secret?

Game Changer is not just a romance, it is also about being comfortable in your own skin and in how the world sees you. Kip is not exactly living his dream. He has great friends and family, but is not using the degree he is still paying off and feels adrift. When he connects with Scott, who is certainly living his dream, neither is prepared for the relationship that develops. The only problem is that Scott is still firmly in the closet, and being famous that means staying under the radar. I thought the emotional and personal issues that the pair need to face are very well written and had me alternating between cheering the pair on and getting frustrated with them. It was so real and relatable- the worries and fears that they face in a relationship and in the bigger picture. I also loved that the romance and related issues were the focus of the book, each of the characters had separate conflicts and questions to deal with that had nothing directly to do with the relationship. The problems were all things that can and do happen, and I felt like all of the characters are people I could meet, and would love to join for a drink or a meal. 

Game Changer is an emotionally engaging story, and I enjoyed the read. It is about more than just two people falling in love, that that is still the heart of the tale.

Book Review: The Bone Thief by Alyson Noel

The Bone Thief by Alyson Noel is a middle grade fantasy novel. Compared to other more ordinary towns, Quiver Hollows is a very strange, very curious place. It is also home to longtime friends Grimsly, Ollie, Ming, and Penelope. In a town where everyone is spectacularly abnormal, Grimsly feels bad about being terribly, unforgivably normal, as the town's pet funeral director. So when a series of strange and disturbing mundane occurrences begins plaguing Quiver Hollows, well, Grimsly fears his growing celebrity just might be to blame since everyone knows that the things you focus on the most have an uncanny way of shaping your world. The group of friends also learn that the bones in the pet cemetery are thought to be the source of the strange magic that binds the town of Quiver Hollows. With the bones now gone, the town's magic is quickly dissipating. Will it ultimately become as common and ordinary as everywhere else? 

The Bone Thief is a solid adventure with plenty of character growth and magic. Grimsly has wanted nothing more than to be magical like his friends, but he has his own role to play. I like that Grimsly thought his pet funerals were nothing unusual when compared to magical abilities, feathers, or scales. I also like that even when he was facing danger he was scared and faced his fears rather than just ignoring the danger at hand. Too often in fantasy the hero just ignores the danger and jumps in, thinking they will deal with the consequences later. Grimsly thinks things through and weighs options and how he can do the best for the greater good. I did wish I had more information or growth with the secondary characters, both in Quiver Hollows and when Grimsly is facing danger in the outside world. I enjoyed the world building and the story as a whole, but it just never grabbed me so much that I had trouble putting down the book. Maybe I just was not in the mood for fantasy when I finally picked it up, it had been sitting in my Netgalley queue for far too long. It was still a solid, enjoyable read.

The Bone Thief is an engaging middle grade coming of age novel with plenty of magic and character growth. I can think of many elementary and middle school students that will love this read.