Early Book Review: A Rogue by Night (Devils of Dover) by Kelly Bowen

A Rogue by Night is the third book in the Devils of Dover series by Kelly Bowen. It is currently scheduled for release on May 28 2019. You do not need to have read the previous books to fully enjoy this one, but returning readers will enjoy seeing favorite characters make their appearances. 

Baron. Physician. Smuggler. Harland Hayward is living a double life as an aristocrat by day and a criminal by night. As a doctor, Harland has the perfect cover to appear in odd places at all hours, a cover he uses to his advantage. He's chosen this life to save his family from financial ruin, but he draws the line at taking advantage of the honest and trustworthy Katherine Wright. Katherine thought she was done smuggling. Having finally convinced her ailing father and injured brother to abandon their criminal pursuits, she's returned to England to help them escape to a new life--once she helps them fulfill their last contract. And that means working with Hayward, even when her instincts tell her that becoming his ally may be a risk to her heart - as well as her life.

A Rogue by Night is a engaging historical romance, and I love how strong and independent all the women in this series are, and Katherine is no exception. She is an accomplished surgeon, with battlefield experience and an unusual set of skills and contacts that come in very handy. Harland respects women, and is well versed in how intelligent and unexpected they may be. I enjoyed watching these two find their way through danger and their less than stellar histories to find a way forward. I found both characters and their story to be compelling and entertaining. There were moments were my mind wandered, but I think that is more on me and the hectic nature of my week rather than an issue with the story.

A Rogue by Night is a good historical romance, and a nice addition to the series. I think it is a must read for fans, and a good weekend read for anyone else that enjoys strong women and their men.

Book Review: No Other Duke but You (Playful Brides) by Valerie Bowman

No Other Duke but You is the eleventh book in the Playful Brides series by Valerie Bowman. They can each stand well on their own, although returning readers will be happy to see favorite characters making their appearances.

Lady Delilah Montebank has her marital sights set on the Duke of Branville. There’s just one problem: he barely knows she exists. But no matter, she’s got a plan to win him over with her charm, her wit—and perhaps the love potion she has in her possession wouldn’t hurt her cause. Lord Thomas Hobbs, Duke of Huntley, thinks his best friend Delilah’s quest to become a duchess is ridiculous. He’s always said he’d rather give up all the brandy in London than commit to one person for life. Besides, he knows that Delilah’s love potion can’t possibly win over Branville since she accidentally gave it to him instead. But perhaps this is the excuse he needs to show her he’s always loved her. Delilah can’t believe she gave the potion to the wrong duke. Then again, Delilah could do a lot worse than win the hand of her handsome best friend. Could it be that the right duke has been before her eyes all along?

No Other Duke but You is a historical romance that had me giddy and grinning through the majority of the story. I loved Delilah's character, I found her to be earnest and brave even when stuttering over social niceties and dealing with a less than loving mother. Her friendships and big heart had me hooked from the start. Thomas is equally charming and sweet, trying to give Delilah the time and space to make her own choices and looking out for her happiness over his own. I knew from the first chapter that these two were meant for each other, and the journey to get there was full of silliness, twists, and plots gone wrong.  This was an engaging and fun read, and I was very glad I picked it up.

No Other Duke but You is a must read for fans of the author, and for those that love a historical romance with plenty of humor ad heart.

Early Book Review: Kickin' It (Red Card) by Rachel Van Dyken

Kickin' It is the second book in the Red Card series by Rachel Van Dyken. It is currently scheduled for release on June 11 2019. Each of the books can be read on its own, but there are returning characters so it is simply more fun to read as a series.

Successful, high-profile sports agent Matt Kingston thinks he can handle anything. Then soccer player Parker Speedman shows up at his door. She is young and gorgeous, has natural talent, and is looking for a team. She’s also a hothead with a punchy past who floored her last coach on live TV. Despite his misgivings, Matt agrees to be both her agent and her coach. Professional common sense says she’s off-limits. But what can he say about the raw attraction between them? Parker plays soccer with her heart and soul. But after the events of the last year, she’s shaken. She’s already seen what a powerful man can do to a female athlete’s career. And her beloved dream is in the hands of a sexy, gorgeous man with the uncanny ability to slip past her defense and into her heart. Now Matt and Parker are about to learn that when it comes to love, the only way to win is by breaking every rule they know. And by playing nice. Real nice.

Kickin' It has some great laughs, and some very hard moments, which balance the book. I love the banter and spark, not just between Parker and Matt, but with the entire group of friends and family that make up the main characters. I liked the set up, and simply love Willow and the way Jagger and Slade offer their own quips through the story. I think that the support offered to Parker through the entire book was fabulous, and I thought that her anxiety and self doubt were very realistic and sadly something that many will be able to relate to. I think her battle and strength will help readers that have been in similar situations embrace their own inner strength and stand up for themselves and others. More importantly, it might show someone who needs to know it that they are not alone, and that it is certainly not their fault no matter what. I enjoyed getting to know Matt and Parker's characters more, and getting to see them find happiness and peace. 

Kickin' It is the second book I have read from this author, but it will not be the last. She delivers contemporary romance with heart and tackles some tough topics.

Book Review: The Man Who Knew Everything: The Strange Life of Athanasius Kircher by Marilee Peters, Roxanna Bikadoroff

The Man Who Knew Everything: The Strange Life of Athanasius Kircher is a biography written by Marilee Peters and features illustrations by Roxanna Bikadoroff. Athanasius Kircher was a 17th-century German Jesuit and scientist. He was one of the modern world’s first scientific celebrities—the Einstein or Stephen Hawking of his time. In 1638, Kircher was lowered into the smoking crater of Mt. Vesuvius to observe how volcanoes work. After thirty years, he published an 800-page volume of his findings—along with theories about fossils, geography, the Earth’s core, dragons, the location of the lost city of Atlantis, and more. Kircher has been described as the last Renaissance man, the first postmodernist, and “the man who knew everything.” This book celebrates Kircher’s insatiable curiosity, his willingness to ask questions and to suggest answers, even when he sometimes got it wrong. 

The Man Who Knew Everything is well written and researched. I liked the straight forward but somehow playful tone of the book, and found that the illustrations added interest and humor. I loved how Athanasius's curiosity is framed in a way that show both how valuable it is, and the way others sometimes reacted to it. This could help young information seekers understand that while their questioning and answer seeking might not always be well received- it is important and could lead to interesting discoveries and adventures. I also like that the dangers, and mistakes that he made were touched upon as well.  This could help adventurous young readers think through some of their explorations a bit more, and to show them that everyone makes mistakes and that is part of learning. I thought the text was accessible and would be interesting to readers from middle grade on up through adults. 

The Man Who Knew Everything is a dramatic retelling of one man's fascinating life. 

Book Review: Dragon Pearl by Yoon Ha Lee

Dragon Pearl by Yoon Ha Lee is a space opera about thirteen-year-old Min, who comes from a long line of fox spirits. To keep the family safe, Min's mother insists that none of them use any fox-magic, such as Charm or shape-shifting. They must appear human at all times. Min feels hemmed in by the household rules and resents the endless chores, the cousins who crowd her, and the aunties who judge her. She would like nothing more than to escape Jinju, her neglected, dust-ridden, and impoverished planet. She's counting the days until she can follow her older brother, Jun, into the Space Forces and see more of the Thousand Worlds. When word arrives that Jun is suspected of leaving his post to go in search of the Dragon Pearl, Min knows that something is wrong. Jun would never desert his battle cruiser, even for a mystical object rumored to have tremendous power. She decides to run away to find him and clear his name. Min's quest will have her meeting gamblers, pirates, and vengeful ghosts. It will involve deception, lies, and sabotage. She will be forced to use more fox-magic than ever before, and to rely on all of her cleverness and bravery. The outcome may not be what she had hoped, but it has the potential to exceed her wildest dreams.

Dragon Pearl is so much more than I expected. It is a coming of age adventure full of science fiction, mythology, and more. I loved Min's character- she has her faults but is willing to admit them (at least to herself). While in most cases she is reactive to the world around her, she also takes steps in a proactive way when she can. I liked the collection of characters and that no one is fully what they seem- there is good, bad, and mistaken inside every character. I really loved the amount of fantasy and mythology that is woven through an adventure travelling between planets. Ghosts, goblins, dragons, other supernatural characters on spaceships and being people with flaws and the urge to help themselves and/or others made even the most unexpected character real. There were plenty of twists and turns along the way, and lots of personal character growth for Min. I simply loved the read and am sad only in the fact that I finished the book, and that it took me so long to start reading it!

Dragon Pearl hits all the right notes of science fiction and fantasy for me. The characters and adventure blew me away and I cannot wait to see what Min and Jun get up to next.

Book Review: Grow in the Dark: How to Choose and Care for Low-Light Houseplants by Lisa Eldred Steinkopf

Grow in the Dark: How to Choose and Care for Low-Light Houseplants by Lisa Eldred Steinkopf puts the spotlight on 50 of the best houseplants you can grow in your dim or dark apartment. Having a south-facing window doesn’t always guarantee you the best light to grow plants—especially if your window faces an alley or a tree-lined street. What’s the point of growing an urban jungle if tall buildings are blocking all your sunshine? This compact guide, designed to look as good on your shelf as it is useful, will help you learn how to make the most of your light so you can reap the physical and emotional benefits of living with plants. Detailed profiles include tips on watering your plants just right, properly potting them, and troubleshooting pests and diseases. You’ll also learn which plants are safe to keep around your pets.

Grow in the Dark is an informative read for those looking to keep their house plants alive, and to figure out what plants will best survive in your available spaces. The information is well organized and laid out in accessible segments with some labeled images to break up the amount of text. I found the information to be well researched and useful, but lacking the conversational tone or humor that I tend to enjoy woven through such reference material to make the read slightly less dense. This is more a point of personal preference that ban issue, I am sure there are those that prefer this straightforward style. I think this book is a good reference for readers to have handy when planning their plant purchasing and placement, or for interior designers to reference when planning to add plant life to a space. However, I think it is a better purchase for a library or professional that might regularly need the information than for a personal library. 

Early Book Review: Attracted to the Earl (Imperfect Lords) by Bronwen Evans

Attracted to the Earl  is the third book in the Imperfect Lords series by Bronwen Evans. While it is part of a series with reoccurring characters it can be read as a stand alone. It is currently scheduled for release on May 28 2019.

The Earl of Argyle has died suddenly, leaving his brother Guy Neville at a complete loss. The dull-witted second son, as his father used to call him, Guy is now responsible for the estate and his brother’s seat in the House of Lords. Shamed by an inability to read or write, his distress is multiplied by a cousin willing to do anything to take his estate and an inquiry from a dyed-in-the-wool bluestocking who wishes to use the Argyle library and study a rare plant on the estate. Guy’s first instinct is to decline her request—until he catches a glimpse of Miss Abigail Pinehurst. Abigail cares for only one thing: plants. She is unconcerned about how she looks, what she wears, or the impression she makes on men. An orphan who turned to books for solace in a miserly, cruel institution, she now makes her living illustrating the greenery she adores. Lord Argyle, in fact, with his uncanny memory and chiseled features, is the first man to capture her attention—a ridiculous distraction since he is so far above her station and she has so many secrets to hide. But her unreasonable heart has a mind of its own.

Attracted to the Earl  is a book that caught my eye mainly because of Guy's predicament. Unable to read, but not stupid, he ha to navigate a world that has very little empathy or room for weakness. I love that good people and family are the cornerstone of Guy's success, both on and off the battlefield. He is a good man that doubts himself but still works hard to provide for and protect others. Abigail has worked hard, and fought hard to get where she is. Like Guy, she will do just about anything to protect those she cares for, and I was impressed with her ability to widen that circle as the story continues. When you have seen the evil people can possess trusting new people can be hard, and Abigail's judge of character and effort to be better really stands out. Watching two love stories unfold amid so many secrets, and danger, was engaging and I enjoyed the read. There were moments that everything felt too easy, too simple, but then again Guy and Abigail had several real discussions so there were less misunderstandings and communications than in most romance.

Attracted to the Earl  is a good historical romance. The characters were solid and the danger will played. Fans of the author will want to pick it up, and I think many others will enjoy it for a weekend read as well.

Early Book Review: Smooth Moves (Movin' On) by Marie Harte

Smooth Moves is the second book in the Movin' On series by Marie Harte. It is not necessary to have read the previous book to enjoy this book, but I highly recommend it, and not just because Harte is currently one of my favorite contemporary romance authors. This book is currently scheduled for release on May 28 2019.

Former Marine Cash Griffith is a brawny beacon for trouble, always finishing a fight that someone else starts. Working at his family's moving company, he does his best to keep a low profile, but he can't help but tangle with the newest employee, Jordan Fleming. When Jordan joins Vets on the Go! she has her hands full with her new job and her rebellious teenage brother, not to mention going toe to toe with the obnoxious, arrogant, incredibly hot Marine at work. Soon their battles turn to camaraderie, and one kiss leads to a connection neither of them expected. But when dark secrets come to light, will their bond break or strengthen into a happily-ever-after they desperately desire?

Smooth Moves is an example of great characters writing and development. I thought Cash and Jordan (and her brother Rafi) all have issues and grow as they face their issues through out the book. None of them hide behind their troubles, although they do sometimes try to hide that it exists from each other. I found the honesty in which some serious issues are dealt with to be refreshing and heartening. I found the conversations between characters and the interactions to be realistic and highly entertaining. I seriously had a goofy grin on my face for the majority of the read, particularly during some of the pranks and conversations between Jordan and Cash. I like that Rafi's issues are talked about and some of the stigma that some might feel in his place, and how easy it is for generally good kids to make bad choices, is handled with such heart. I wish every kid in his position had a Jordan backing him up. I simply love Harte's voice and character development in this book (and in all of hers that I have read thus far). I highly recommend adding her to the must read for anyone that likes realistic, contemporary romance.

Smooth Moves is another fantastic read by Harte with equal parts humor, heat, and heat. I found myself ginning like a fool through a good portion of the read and cannot wait for more!

Book Review: Mera: Tidebreaker by Danielle Paige, Stephen Byrne

Mera: Tidebreaker is a graphic novel written by Danielle Paige and illustrated by Stephen Byrn. Mera is teenage royalty, heir to the throne of Xebel, the other not-so-lost colony under the sea. But Mera is destined to wear a different crown, that of Atlantis. When the inhabitants of Xebel plot to overthrow their homeland of Atlantis, Mera is sent to kill the heir to the throne, Arthur Curry. As the unrest between their colonies grows, Mera and Arthur unexpectedly fall in love...will Arthur Curry be the king at Mera's side in Atlantis, or will he die under her blade?

Mera: Tidebreaker is a young adult graphic novel, but sometimes feels like it is slanted for a younger audience. Mera is the expected princess that wants more that what she sees ahead of her, she wants to make a difference, so she breaks the rules and breaks away. Things do not go as planned, because they never do. Some of this worked for me, I enjoyed the artwork and thought the colors and style were perfect for this particular story. However, some of the scenes ended abruptly and parts of the relationship buildng of the story just did not flow for me. Perhaps it is because I am so far from the target audience, but I read a good deal of middle grade and young adult materials so I am not sure if that is the problem. I was kind of hoping to get a better understanding of some of these characters, since I am behind on my DC universe lore, and in some ways I did that, but it did not really help me like them any more.

Mera: Tidebreaker was a mixed bag for me. I think there is certainly an audience for it and the art is very well done, but I think I was expecting more.

Book Review: Death Comes to Dogwood Manor (Missy DuBois) by Sandra Bretting

Death Comes to Dogwood Manor is the fourth book in the Missy DuBois Mystery Series by Sandra Bretting. I have not read the previous books, and while those that have will get more of the character and community dynamics I think I was able to catch on pretty quickly to fully enjoy the read. 

While driving to her hat shop, Crowning Glory, Missy accidentally sideswipes a car parked in front of Dogwood Manor, an antebellum mansion being converted into a high-end hotel by the much-reviled property developer Herbert Solomon. Of course, the car is his Rolls Royce. But Solomon is too busy berating his contractor and interior designer to worry about a little fender bender. When Missy returns to check out the mansion’s chapel where her latest client will be married, she finds the developer dead on his property. After an autopsy finds poison in his body, Missy’s shop is then flooded right before it’s supposed to be featured in an article about wedding-veil trends. Now before everything becomes sheer disaster, she’ll have to train her sights on finding a killer.

Death Comes to Dogwood Manor is part of a cozy mystery series that I had somehow missed thus far. I really enjoyed the characters, and thought the connections between the characters and the town itself were very well constructed, with plenty of hints for new readers and reminders for returning readers who everyone is- without feeling buried in introductions or explanations. I think that the mystery was set up well, and explored with plenty of twists and secondary issues to keep the characters and readers on their toes. I loved that I was kept guessing about the culprit so long, and that  I was actually surprised in how some of it played out. I do admit that there were a few loose ends that I wish had been tied up, none of them had direct involvement to the murder so they were not overly important, but little things like that stick in my head.I do not know that they will even register with anyone else.

Death Comes to Dogwood Manor is a solid mystery with a few good twists and turns, and interesting characters. I will be looking into reading more from the author.