Early Book Review: Trouble on the Books (Castle Bookshop Mystery) by Essie Lang

Trouble on the Books is the first book in the Castle Bookshop Mystery series by Essie Lang. It is currently scheduled for release on March 13 2019.

Shelby Cox never intended to become a bookseller, so when the former editor returns to her hometown of Alexandria Bay, nestled in upstate New York’s breathtaking Thousand Islands region, to take over her aunt’s bookstore, she has no idea what to expect. To her amazement, she discovers that she now owns a fifty-percent share in Bayside Books, and will also run the store’s second location in the majestic castle on nearby Blye Island. But just as Shelby is gearing up for the start of the tourist season, the Castle volunteer coordinator is found murdered in the nearby Grotto. Castle caretaker Matthew Kessler is suspect number one, but Shelby thinks the killing may be connected to an earlier era, when violence among Prohibition-era smugglers was rampant in the region. As Shelby launches her own investigation, handsome and unnerving Special Agent Zack Griffin of the Coast Guard Investigative Services tries to quell her smuggling theory and keep her safe. But Shelby is determined to summon all her savvy as a book editor to plot the murder—and find the killer before they strikes again.

Trouble on the Books is an entertaining read, with a god deal od setting and character development. Shelby and her relationships and background were slowly introduced, but there were moments that had me checking back to see if I missed something. I did like that there were hints that there is a great deal more about Shelby to learn as the series continues. I think the mystery itself and the sleuthing were well done with some good twists and turns as well as a better introduction to characters that are almost certainly going to be important later. As the first book in the series there is a great deal of ground work that needs to be laid in order for the small town community members and their relationships to be introduced. I think that this was generally handled very well, setting up some important groundwork that will make later books work very well. I had two things about the book that just did not work, and one of them might be because I am in a bit of a reading slump. I just could not connect to Shelby as a character at all. I did feel like I was getting to know her, but not that I was in her head or that I cared much for her well being. This could totally be because of my headspace rather than the book, but it colored my read and reaction to the story as a whole- so I need to mention it. The second thing that bothered me was the need to introduce one (or more) love interests for our sleuth. Romance is not the end all and be all to ever single lady's life (so says the married romance reader). Maybe let Shelby figure out where she is living and what she wants in the near future, never mind survive the day, before giving her a few guys to try out?  

Trouble on the Books is a good read, with a solid mystery. Personally I had some character issues, but I think future installments will be even better than the first.

Book Review: Samhain Secrets (Wiccan Wheel) by Jennifer David Hesse

Samhain Secrets is the fourth book in the Wiccan Wheel Mysteries by Jennifer David Hesse. I have not read the previous books in this series, and think that returning readers will get more out of it than newcomers. However, I think I was able to catch up pretty quickly and could fully enjoy the read.

After her recent promotion to junior partner, Keli is putting in overtime to juggle her professional career and private Wiccan spiritual practice. With Halloween fast approaching, her duties include appearing as a witch at a “haunted” barn and hand-holding a client who’s convinced her new house is really haunted. But it’s the disappearance of Josephine O’Malley that has Keli spooked. The missing person is Keli’s aunt, an environmental activist and free spirit who always seemed to embody peace, love, and independence. When Josephine is found dead in the woods, Keli wonders if her aunt’s activities were as friendly as they seemed. As Keli comes to terms with her loss—while adjusting to having a live-in boyfriend and new demands at work—she must wield her one-of-a-kind magic to banish negative energy if she’s going to catch a killer this Samhain season. Because Keli isn’t ready to give up.

Samhain Secrets is a fun read. I like that Keli is still fairly new to the practices of Wicca and is finding her ways and path. I think this allows readers that might be unfamiliar with the traditions and beliefs in the religion to learn more right alongside her. I was a little annoyed with some of the unsettled nature of her relationship, there were way too many hints at who else is interested in her to make me feel like she is happy and committed. As a related note her inability to think about letting people know where she is or what she is up to bothers me. Maybe its the mom in me, or the over planner, but when I share a house or have other commitments with people I would let them know I was going off in a canoe, hiking in the woods, or calming ghost related fears. However, aside from her self centeredness I rather liked the characters (including Keli for the most part) and how they interacted.  The mystery and red herrings were very well laid out, and I liked the way things kept circling around in new ways. I liked a lot about this read, and think I would have enjoyed it more with the prior knowledge from the previous books. 

Samhain Secrets is a good cozy mystery with a good set of twists, interesting characters, and a satisfying ending that still leaves plenty of room for more to come.

Early Book Review: Flower Talk: How Plants Use Color to Communicate by Sara Levine, Masha D'yans

Flower Talk: How Plants Use Color to Communicate is a children's book written by Sara Levine and illustrated by Masha D'yans. It is currently scheduled for release on March 5 2019. This informational picturebook features a cantankerous talking cactus as a narrator, revealing to readers the significance of different colors of flowers in terms of which pollinators (bees, bats, birds, etc.) different colors "talk" to. 

Flower Talk is a fun and entertaining book that teachers readers a little something about plants and pollination. The cranky cactus presenting the information includes a few plant puns as he informs readers how the colors of a plants flower can attract certain pollinators, and why they use each particular color. While the text of the story does not go into tremendous detail, there is a deeper look at the information at the end of the book to help explain the process for those that want to know more. I liked the illustrations, and think the balance of fact and fun is close to perfect when you keep the target audience in mind. The only thing I would really have wanted was maybe a list of further resources to help interested readers and their parents or caregivers to explore further if so inclined. 

Book Review: Sixth Grave on the Edge (Charley Davidson) by Darynda Jones

Sixth Grave on the Edge is part of the Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones. Few things in life can come between a grim reaper and her coffee, but the sexy, sultry son of Satan is one of them. Now that Reyes Farrow has asked for her hand, Charley Davidson feels it's time to learn more about his past, but Reyes is reluctant to open up. When the official FBI file of his childhood abduction lands in her lap, Charley decides to go behind her mysterious beau’s back and conduct her own investigation. Because what could go wrong?

Unfortunately, another case has fallen into her lap, one with dangerous implications. Some very insistent men want Charley to hunt down a witness who is scheduled to testify against their boss, a major player in the local crime syndicate. If Charley doesn't come up with an address in 48 hours, the people closest to her will start to disappear.  Add to that a desperate man in search of the soul he lost in a card game, a dogged mother determined to find the ghost of her son, and a beautiful, young Deaf boy haunted by his new ability to see the departed as clearly as he sees the living, and Charley has her hands full. The fact that Reyes has caught on to her latest venture only adds fuel to the inferno that he is. Good thing for Charley she's used to multi-tasking and always up for a challenge, especially when that challenge comes in the form of Reyes Farrow. 

Sixth Grave on the Edge is more of what I expect from the series and the author. I like that new major players keep being introduced, and reoccurring secondary characters keep evolving and growing right along side Charley. I enjoy this series so much, but want you all to discover the twists and turns for yourself. Honestly, I have not been reading the blurbs before moving on to the next book, and am enjoying the mystery of what is happening. I think some of the blurbs give a way more than they should, some details of which are part of the mystery Charley needs to uncover with a great deal of support from her friends. If you have enjoyed the series so far, you will want to keep going. While the series is starting to lose some of its shine for me, I still greatly enjoy the read and am still continuing with my binge reading and grinning through a good portion of it. 

Early Book Review: It's Getting Scot in Here (Wild Wicked Highlanders) by Suzanne Enoch

It's Getting Scot in Here is the first book in the Wild Wicked Highlanders series by Suzanne Enoch. It is currently scheduled for release on February 26 2019.

Marry or lose their estate; that’s the devil’s bargain he and his brothers must follow. But wild Highlander Niall MacTaggert’s stubborn oldest brother wants nothing to do with marrying the sophisticated, pinky-out Lady Amelia-Rose his mother has chosen for him, even to save their land. Niall’s only goal is to soften up the London socialite, and show his brother the warm beauty behind the shiny, polished front. But what Niall doesn’t expect to find is the woman of his dreams.

It's Getting Scot in Here is a historical romance that had me smiling throughout. Niall and his brothers are less than thrilled with the prospect of marrying, never mind having to quickly pick a bride in London. As the peacemaker Niall finds himself stuck in the middle trying to limit arguments and hurt feelings, and the possibility of losing the needed support for his home. Part of this involves smoothing the way when his oldest brother and his potential bride clash. I enjoyed getting to know Niall, and seeing him struggle with himself and doing the right thing. I really connected with, and felt for, Amelia-Rose as she deals with controlling parents and the expectations of others. Seeing Niall and Amy find themselves and each other slowly was wonderful. I liked the bantering and wit, and they way readers could feel the relationship grow even as the characters were in denial or fought against it. I also liked seeing the way London society showed the good and the bad- the people that would do anything for the acceptance (or to keep the power it brings) alongside those that try to help others through the same channels. Showing both sides of a society I would have not enjoyed at all was well done and important, because we often only see one side. I really enjoyed getting to know the cast of characters introduced in this book, and I look forward to continuing the series.

It's Getting Scot in Here is a fast and fun historical romance that hit all the right notes for me. I am looking forward to seeing Niall's brother find their own happy endings as the series continues.

Book Review: Forgetting the Scot (Highlanders of Balforss) by Jennifer Trethewey

Forgetting the Scot is the third book in the Highlanders of Balforss series by Jennifer Trethewey. While I have read the previous books, each stands up on its own as well.

Virginia Whitebridge is trapped in a loveless, abusive marriage. The law says her husband can have whatever he wants from her—so he's taken her inheritance. And he tried to kill her. After a close escape, Virginia feels protected for the first time in forever, thanks to the Scottish Highlands and the Highlander Magnus Sinclair. But she must go back to England, regardless of the danger, to reclaim what's hers. Even if it means leaving her heart in Scotland. It's just Magnus's luck that he's fallen for a woman he can't have. Virginia is rich and titled, and English. To keep her safe, he must follow her to the one place he loathes—England. Where the bowing, preening London Society has a secret language of manners unknown to him. Where he is too large, too uncivilized, too everything. Despite omens that death awaits him there, Magnus vows to help Virginia go to London and restore her fortune. Get in. Get out. Or die trying.

Forgetting the Scot is an engaging and entertaining read. I really enjoyed the characters, and I think newcomers to the series will enjoy the cast of characters and find them interesting, I think returning readers with enjoy the return of favorite characters and the overlapping of stories even more. I liked Virginia's character and how she is always willing to put others first, even to her own detriment, without being foolish about it. Magnus consistently made me smile. The juxtaposition of his size and protective anger with his sweet and occasionally naive nature made me love him as soon as I read from his point of view.  The problems that Virginia and crew face are pretty daunting, but I love that friendship, determination, and honest are what overcome them in the end. There were some unexpected twists and surprises, and some moments that I am hoping to see in the future. I really enjoyed the read, and and rather looking forward to more about some of the secondary characters that are still unattached or working through the problems that are keeping them from their happily ever after.

Forgetting the Scot is another enjoyable, and well researched, read from Trethewey. I look forward to what ever comes next.

Book Review: Hellcat by Isabel Brann

Hellcat by Isabel Brann is a series starter, but I have not seen any sequels out yet.  Lion Therian Nikolas Spiros, owner of the most extraordinaire mane in existence, is facing a dilemma–should he apply an avocado hair mask or the olive oil one? Being the King of the Jungle is tough work! When a crazy ex –you should never trust a hyena– hacks into his magazine’s website, a Cyber Security Expert is hired to fix things. But weird, geeky, Lee Ryan is nothing like he expected. Blind to his greatness, she tests him at every turn. And that’s without mentioning his furry side’s obsession with her. A mysterious breed of Therian, Lee has been hiding her whole life. Part of a prophecy told before the Roman Empire fell, she’s been constantly chased by an ancient cult who wants her blood. But now she’s done. No more running. They want to dance? She’ll tango with them. Of course, that was all before she met the most arrogant, over-confident, accidentally funny male in the world. And the worst part? He may be her mate. For Nik, protecting Lee from danger is the easy part. Convincing her she’s his? Well, that’s going to take some work. Good thing he’s irresistible.

Hellcat starts off with a mythological lesson in the start of Therians, or shifters, as it stands in the series. I liked the take on the origin story, but it made the opening a little slow for me. However, once the first chapter gpt rolling andthe main players were introduced I was highly entertained. I loved the combination of strong, goofy, and vulnerable that most of the main characters pull off. I laughing at the Spiros siblings, and enjoyed the banter they shared, and the banter that Lee had with just about everyone. The plot and action were well constructed and even when I thought I knew right where it was going, the path and/or destination surprised me. While I am not a fan of the fate forced mates thing, I think it was well done here, and there was enough delay and free will in play to keep things interesting. I really enjoyed the read, particularly the amount of humor, snark, and badass women. I will be watching for more from the author.

Hellcat is a fast, fun read. I had two disappointments here, that it took me so long to get around to reading it, and that when I went looking for more I could not find them. 

Book Review: Flare Up (Boston Fire) by Shannon Stacey

Flare Up is part of the Boston Fire series by Shannon Stacey. While fans of the series will know more about the characters and relationships going in than new readers, I think the book stands up well on its own as well.

Nursing a broken heart while everybody around him seems to be drowning in happiness has Grant Cutter wondering whether staying with Engine 59—or even Boston Fire—is in his future. It’s tempting as hell to pack up what fits in his Jeep and hit the road. But then a 911 call brings the woman who shattered his heart back into his life, and he knows he won’t ever be able to fully leave her in his rearview mirror. For a few months, Wren Everett had thought the nightmare of her past was behind her and she might live happily ever after with Grant. Until she got the phone call letting her know the time her ex had spent in jail for assault hadn’t cooled his temper or determination that she belonged with him. Cutting ties with Grant was the hardest thing she’d ever had to do, but it was also the only way to keep him safe. Now that Grant is back, he’s not letting Wren push him away again. And even with the trust issues between them, Wren dares to hope she and Grant might have a future together after all…if they’re willing to fight for it.

Flare Up is a well written story. Even though I had not read the previous books, and know I missed some of the character and world building, I felt like I was well introduced the the main characters and how they relate to the others. I liked both characters, and felt like I could understand their fears and choices, even when I might not agree with them. They were real, flawed people that felt like I could meet them out and about rather than characters in a book. I thought that Wren's doubts and worries were very realistic, the results of living through a controlling and abusive relationship were represented very accurately. I liked that Wren and Grant actually talked about their problems and concerns, with each other and friends. They acted like adults rather than ignoring the problems and avoiding them (for the most part). I love when book characters actually do this instead of things magically being all better with no work done to fix things. I will say that I was expecting one more big confrontation or action scene, and the solution with the ex seemed a little anticlamatic. It was real, and realistic, but I think I was just expected a big dramatic moment after all the problems he caused. 

Flare Up is a solid contemporary romance, with plenty of action and emotion- and a nice dash of steam. 

Early Book Review: The Wolf in Underpants by Wilfrid Lupano, Mayana Itoïz, Paul Cauuet

The Wolf in Underpants is a children's graphic novel written by Wilfrid Lupano and illustrated by Mayana Itoïz and Paul Cauuet. It is currently scheduled for release on March 5 2019. A community of forest animals trades scary rumors about a nearby wolf. Some critters have even gone into business selling wolf traps and anti-wolf fences. But when the wolf appears in a pair of striped underpants, everyone rethinks their fears. This is a heartwarming story about understanding differences, told with an oddball sense of humor.

The Wolf in Underpants is a young readers graphic novel, that could be read as a picturebook. I loved the story, and the twists. Close readers will see clue through the story that relate to the couple surprises they will run across, and there are lots of small details to find on each page. I think readers could go through the book several times and still find something they had missed before. The forest creatures being in a panic over a wolf, and spending all their time and resources on the fear, and talking about it, parallels the news and adult world far too well. I like how simple and rational the explanation for the wolf's past appearance and current state are, and how one simple act of kindness helped make it happen. I really liked the giggle I got at the end, which might bother some sensitive readers, to the remaining mystery of missing pigs. 

The Wolf in Underpants is an entertaining read, and I think it will work for a large range of reading ages and abilities. I really enjoyed the read and will be looking for more like this from the team.

Book Review: Fifth Grave Past the Light (Charley Davidson) by Darynda Jones

Fifth Grave Past the Light is part of the Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones, which I am currently binge reading and sharing about more slowly here on the blog. Please read it in order, it will be much more enjoyable and fun that way.

Charley Davidson isn't your everyday, run-of-the-mill grim reaper. She's more of a paranormal private eye/grim reaper extraordinaire. However, she gets sidetracked when the sexy, sultry son of Satan, Reyes Farrow, moves in next door. To further complicate matters, Reyes is her main suspect in an arson case. Charley has vowed to stay away from him until she can find out the truth...but then dead women start appearing in her apartment, one after another, each lost, confused, and terrified beyond reason. When it becomes apparent that her own sister, Gemma is the serial killer's next target, Charley has no choice but to ask for Reyes's help. Arsonist or not, he's the one man alive who could protect Gemma no matter who or what came at her. But he wants something in return. Charley. All of her, body and soul. And to keep her sister safe, it is a price she is willing to pay.

Fifth Grave Past the Light is a heavily packed addition to this series. I think I got so much more about Charley and exactly who and what else might be inhabiting her world in this book than I have so far in the entire series. She is not only facing her issues head on, dealing with relationship changes and challenges, and the changes in how the dead are approaching her all combine with her more mundane cases. I have to fess up that I look like an idiot when I am reading these books, because I find myself randomly grinning or cringing as Charley and crew entertain me. I really like that not all the danger Charley and her circle face are from the supernatural, 'normal' people are just as scary and dangerous as the paranormal and more likely to do serious damage. I liked the interactions between Reyes and Charley, and that they are tackling their relationship on several levels.  I admit that I was fully expecting a particular twist to arise, and still expect it to come up in the near future. Although I was floored with the surprise on the very last page of the book. 

Fifth Grave Past the Light is so much more than I had expected. Even the slightly cliffhanger ending was not the twist that I was expecting. I am diving into book six now!