Early Book Review: Catalog of the Unexplained: From Aliens & Aromatherapy to Zen & Zener Cards by Leanna Greenaway; Beleta Greenaway

Catalog of the Unexplained: From Aliens & Aromatherapy to Zen & Zener Cards by Leanna Greenaway; Beleta Greenaway is scheduled for release on January 8 2021. Explore the mesmerizing depths of the esoteric and unexplainable with this outstanding A to Z reference guide. This book offers entries on 450 topics, from angels and herbalism to tarot and vampires. Magical practitioners, holistic healers, ghost hunters, spiritual seekers, and trivia fans alike will marvel at the knowledge this book contains. Authors Leanna and Beleta Greenaway provide brief and in-depth entries on: Acupuncture, Animal Totems, Astral Projection, Candles, Color Therapy, Curses, Dreams, Dowsing, ESP, Exorcism, Fairies, Feng Shui, Fortune-Telling, Hypnosis, I Ching, Kundalini, Lucid Dreaming, Numerology, Palm Reading, Psychic Development, Reiki, Spellcasting, UFOs, Voodoo, Witchcraft, and Yoga.

Catalog of the Unexplained is exactly what the title promises. It is a book that offers explanations and information about a wide range of terms. It covers things associated with a variety of cultures, religions, and enthusiasts. I liked that when different groups of people had different views or feelings about a term they were all explained and compared- but there was never any judgement about if any were right or more valid then others. Everything was covered in clear, understandable language with no noticeable prejudice or judgement about the term or those that do, or do not, believe that they are more than tradition, myth, or much more. I found the text to be very well and clearly written, and the subject matter objectively examined and explained. I learned some new things, and found out some new perspectives on subjects I thought I already knew from other books, legends, and mythology. I think this would be a good resource for readers, writers, and all curious individuals that want a better understanding of a wide range of terms. Sources are even listed in a bibliography in the end pages, so if you want to explore certain subjects more there are reputable places to start. 

Early Book Review: The Broken Spine by Dorothy St. James

 The Broken Spine by Dorothy St. James is the first book in the Beloved Bookworm series. It is currently scheduled for release on January 19 2021. 

Trudell Becket, known to her friends as Tru, finds herself in a bind when her library in lovely Cypress, South Carolina, is turned into a state-of-the-art bookless “technological center.” A library with no books breaks Tru’s book-loving heart so she decides to rescue hundreds of beloved tomes slated for the town dump. Under the cover of darkness, Tru, along with her best friends—coffee shop owner Tori Green and mysterious bestselling author Flossie Finnegan-Baker—set up a secret bookroom in the library’s basement and prepare to open it to their most loyal, trustworthy patrons. But as Tru and her crew are putting the finishing touches on their new book room, the town manager, who was behind the big push for the library’s transformation, is crushed by an overturned shelf of DVDs. Tru becomes the prime suspect as she hadn’t hid the fact that she hated having all of those wonderful books replaced by tablets and computers. But if she gives the police her alibi, she’ll have to explain about the secret book room and risk losing the books. Tru knows she’s in a heap of trouble, and it doesn’t help that the officer in charge of the case is her old crush from high school, who broke her teenaged heart. To keep herself out of jail and her beloved bookroom up and running, Tru—with the help of Tori, Flossie, and a brown tabby stray cat named Dewey Decimal—decides to investigate. And faster than you can say “Shhhh!” Tru quickly finds herself on the same page with a killer who would love to write her final chapter.

The Broken Spine is a book that I had a little trouble with to start. The way librarians were discussed in the beginning left me with a bad taste in my mouth, and I almost set the book aside. However, I stuck with it and the book did get better and I tried to put that initial impression aside. I liked the character arch for Tru, although her role as the mousy librarian still irks me a bit, I do think that she came into herself by the end of the book. I thought the reveal of the secondary characters and the dynamics of the town was well done. I did think it was weird that the town's characters all knew each other, but then a number of police officers and other residents were strangers. My favorite part of the story was the cat, and some of the friendships that carried Tru through. The mystery was well layered and had plenty of twists and turns, and a good touch of danger. However, I do not think that I will continue reading this series.

The Broken Spine is a good mystery, and I liked the majority of the story.  

Book Review: Dead Man's Detective (Elisabeth Hicks, Witch Detective) by Rachel Graves

Dead Man's Detective (Elisabeth Hicks, Witch Detective) by Rachel Graves is an urban fantasy with a dash of romance. All ex-army witch Elisabeth Hicks wants for her twenty-fourth birthday is to keep the small-town gossips from staring at her artificial limbs. Instead, she's pushed into helping an army buddy on an illegal job for the scariest vampire in town. Her magic tells her the vampire is lying but it's too late to walk away. Things go sideways, and her first date in years ends when she finds her friend's dead body. The body disappears from the morgue, and a deadly, magical, necklace winds up in her lap all before she gets to her birthday cake. Now a sexy master vampire will kill her if she doesn't use magic to find the woman he loves, and the police refuse to investigate the murder. It's up to Elisabeth to protect her family, solve the mystery, and survive long enough to go on a second date.

Dead Man's Detective is a book that start of rough for me- only because I was trying to figure out what series it reminded me of, at least on the surface. (It was Melissa Olson's Boundary Magic series for those that are curious.) But when the story started rolling I was lost to the story and enjoyed it. I liked the characters and world building, although it took me a bit to figure out all the dynamics of the supernatural and humans in this world. I liked the juxtaposition of small town and wide variety of paranormal people, and that the complexities of the prejudice and wariness of 'different' is explored in an intelligent way. I liked the honest way the trials of returning to the civilian world after war is handled, and that the hardships of those left behind is considered. I thought Ted's character was very interesting, and that it added depth to some of those hard discussions and realizations. The family and friendship dynamics rang true, despite the otherworldly nature of he creatures pulling the strings. I think the author and I have read many of the same books in the past, because I saw shades of not only Melissa Olson's style, but some reminders of early Laurell K Hamilton's writing. I think this is an unconscious leaning or tribute to some great writers in the genre rather than anything else.

Dead Man's Detective is a solid series starter that has a good blend of action, romance, and world building. 

Book Review: Stupid Love (The Prescotts) by Tara Wyatt

Stupid Love is the first book in The Prescotts series by Tara Wyatt. The sexiest man Lauren MacKinnon knows also happens to be her best friend. He’s six-foot-four of masculine perfection. He’s smart, and funny, and has one of the biggest hearts around. And she has no idea that he’s completely in love with her. Theo Prescott, however, is in denial. Or at least, he’s trying to be. See, he’s not exactly boyfriend material. After growing up in a volatile household and now as a successful divorce lawyer, not to mention his utterly disastrous dating track record, he’s come to accept the fact that he sucks at love, and he’s not willing to risk his friendship with Lauren. Who is gorgeous and awesome and probably perfect for him. But he’s terrified of breaking her heart. No matter his feelings, she’s his best friend, and that’s where she needs to stay. Because there are rules that come with having a best friend. Rules like no kissing, no thinking about each other naked, no having sex. And no matter what, no falling in love. But one by one, Theo and Lauren are going to break the rules.

Stupid Love is a great introduction to the Prescott brothers and cast of interesting secondary characters. I tend to enjoy the friends or enemies to lovers tropes, and this book fit the bill nicely. Lauren and Theo are best friends with unresolved, secret feelings for each other that everyone around them seems quite aware of. I also had a spark of joy for the very real interaction that Lauren had while working in a library- but a job like that is increasingly hard to find these days, and I was a little jealous of her full time, professional library gig that many, many people in the field would jump at the chance for. I also found her a bit too perfect, so understanding and making excuses for other people's issues. I was very happy when she stood up for herself- even if it waited until the big crisis of the book. Honestly I wanted to know more about some of the secondary characters than I did Theo and Lauren since their happy ending was pretty much guaranteed and with very few surprises. However, while the crisis was expected and I was expecting it for half the book, I did enjoy the ride and thought the journey was well written. 

Stupid Love is an engaging romance that I enjoyed reading.

Audiobook Review: The Vow (Black Arrowhead) by Dannika Dark, Narrated by Nicole Poole

The Vow is the first book in the Black Arrowhead series by Dannika Dark. The audiobook is narrated by Nicole Poole. Melody is an ambitious entrepreneur who has always loved the thrill of a new adventure, but she's about to get more than she bargained for when the only way to save her business is to secure a deal with a powerful tribal leader. Running Horse, Oklahoma, isn't on the map, and Mel is about as lost as a Shifter can get. When she unexpectedly runs into her best friend's brother, her friendly visit quickly turns treacherous. Lakota Cross is a man with secrets. While tracking a killer, he reunites with Melody, and their friendship sparks into a passionate affair. But if he doesn't quell the fire soon, it might burn out of control. Once again, fate brings these two Shifters together in a moment of need. But will the sacrifice be greater than the reward? Murder, mayhem, and a mating ceremony.

The Vow is a roller coaster ride of world building, character development, and mystery- and I was all in from the very start. I liked Mel and Rose from the very start of the book, and was thrilled to see how trying to do the right thing for others got our main characters their happy ending. While I thought her connection with Lakota and their ending up together was a little predictable, I very much enjoyed the journey that they took to get there. The town and tribe dynamics and cultures were well built, and sadly the prejudice, mistrust, and resentment all too believable. The mystery of the murders was very well done, although I have to admit that the culprit was not a big surprise to me- everytime they popped up in the story I had my suspicions that they were up to something.  The narrator did a wonderful job with the book. She captured the heart of the story and characters in her performance using inflections and slight changes in her cadence to capture the difference in characters. I enjoyed the book and look forward to more.

The Vow is a solid start to a new urban fantasy and romance series. I look forward to reading (or listening) more as it continues.

Book Review: Sweet on You by Carla de Guzman

Sweet on You by Carla de Guzman is a contemporary romance. For barista and café owner Sari Tomas, Christmas means parols, family, and no-holds-barred karaoke contests. This year, though, a new neighbor is throwing a wrench in all her best-laid plans. The baker next door—“some fancy boy from Manila”—might have cute buns, but when he tries to poach her customers with cheap coffee and cheaper tactics, the competition is officially on. And Baker Boy better be ready, because Sari never loses. Foodie extraordinaire Gabriel Capras want to prove to his dad that his career choice doesn’t make him any less a man. The Laneways might not be Manila, but the close-knit community is the perfect spot to grow his bakery into a thriving business. He wasn’t expecting a gorgeous adversary in the barista next door, but flirting with her makes his heart race, and it’s not just the caffeine. It’s winner takes all this Christmas. And more than one competitor might just lose their heart for the holidays.

Sweet on You is an enemy to lover romance that that had me craving coffee and food through most of the read. I liked Sari, and could relate to her need to act like everything is fine and project that kind of stability even when she felt like the world was falling down around her. I could also understand Gabriel's family connections and his desire to prove ho9mself even when it should not be necessary. I enjoyed their bickering and pranks with each other even more than I liked each character individually. I always enjoy a good slow burn of fighting attraction and finding a happy ending in spite of fear and emotional baggage after doing a bit of soul searching. I also liked that consent and the emotional wellbeing of other characters was paramount in the minds of Gabriel and Sari even when they were fighting. I was entertained by the read, and while I did not immediately understand some of the phrases used and know the food mentioned by name alone- a little effort on my part gave me a better understanding and appreciation for a culture other than my own. It also left me with a list of foods that I want to try, and some that I want to try and bake over the holidays.

Sweet on You is a romance that is sweet with a a good amount of humor and a dash of heat.

Book Review: Deadly Past (Verona Bay Series) by Katie Reus

Deadly Past is the second book in the Verona Bay Series by Katie Reus, but can be read as a stand alone. I did not read the previous book,  but even without that knowledge I understood the important implications and could get immersed in the story. 

Autumn Perez was just twenty-two when she witnessed a brutal murder and gave up her entire life to put the killer behind bars. A decade later, witness protection has her settled in picturesque Verona Bay, teaching art at the local high school. It’s a quiet life…until she’s caught up in another harrowing event and she worries that the US Marshals will try to move her again. But Autumn is done running—she’s built a life, has friends. And now she’s pregnant after an intense one-night stand with her sexy neighbor. Lincoln Jordan has been biding his time with Autumn, his talented, gorgeous neighbor. The attraction between them is undeniable, and after their one incredible night together he wants more. But she’s determined to keep him at arm’s length. When it becomes clear that someone wants her dead, he steps up to protect her. He needs to earn her trust, and fast. Because the enemy is closer than they ever imagined.

Deadly Past is a book with a lot going on. Autumn is a character dealing with plenty of problems, and getting pregnant after a one night stand with her neighbor is actually the least of them. She is a complex character with plenty to unpack.I liked the open communication and banter between Autumn and Lincoln- although I have to agree with some of her worries that he is a little too perfect. The only thing in the con column for Lincoln is his dangerous job, he was sweet, cool, and collected for all but a few moments of the book. I really did like that readers get to see the thoughts of both the major characters, and several other important players. We even get to see the mindset of those causing the danger and drama. Moments like that are a great reminder that no one sees themselves as the bad guy, even when they are trying to arrange murder and mayhem. Everyone is the protagonist in their own story, no matter how villainous their actions from the outside. The story was fairly fast paced and engaging. There was also some serious groundwork laid for who I expect to be the next couple to find trouble and a happy ending in the next book of the series.

Deadly Past is a solid suspense romance with heat, heart, and great characters.

Early Book Review: Dryad Vol. 1 by Kurtis Wiebe

Dryad, Vol. 1, is a fantasy graphic novel written by Kurtis Wiebe and illustrated by Justin Barcelo (at least according to the credit pages in the galley I received, many sites have a different last name for the illustrator). It is currently scheduled for release on January 5 2021. The Glass family has spent thirteen years hiding peacefully in the sleepy forest settlement of Frostbrook where Morgan and Yale planted roots and raised their twins, Griffon and Rana. But secrets never stay hidden, and the entire Glass family find themselves the target of an unearthly attack on Frostbrook. Now on the run from Muse Corp., they must flee to the massive city of Silver’s Bay to hide in plain sight. Rana and Griffon find themselves uprooted and answering for their parents' mistakes. But, they’ll soon find that the past has a way of finding you, no matter where you run.

Dryad is a fantasy with tech elements, and some serious character and world building. The artwork is well done and matches the style and mood of the story. The details and color add a great deal to the story and do their job of immersing the reader in the world. I thought the information given as to the past of Morgan and Yale was given in good , small doses. I will admit that I want more information (rather like the twins) but I suspect those secrets are such an important part of the story that there will be a big reveal and repercussions that I have not considered yet. I am more than willing to wait and find out at the pace the author has set. There is a good mix of mystery, tech, magic, and individual character building and development. My biggest disappointment is that I feel like I was just about to get to the best part- some explanations of the past and who Yale and Morgan really are when the book ended. I expected a cliff hanger- as it is fairly standard in graphic novels of this caliber- but somehow it still snuck up on me and came way too soon.

Dryad is a good start to a graphic novel series, even if it did end with a cliff hanger.

Early Book Review: Ten Rules for Faking It by Sophie Sullivan

Ten Rules for Faking It by Sophie Sullivan is a contemporary romance currently scheduled for release on December 29 2020. What happens when your love life becomes the talk of the town? As birthdays go, this year’s for radio producer Everly Dean hit rock-bottom. Worse than the “tonsillectomy birthday.” Worse than the birthday her parents decided to split (the first time). But catching your boyfriend cheating on you with his assistant? But this is Everly’s year! She won’t let her anxiety hold her back. She’ll pitch her podcast idea to her boss. There’s just one problem. Her boss, Chris, is very cute. (Of course). Also, he's extremely distant (which means he hates her, right? Or is that the anxiety talking)? And, Stacey the DJ didn’t mute the mic during Everly’s rant about Simon the Snake (syn: Cheating Ex). That’s three problems. Suddenly, people are lining up to date her, Bachelorette-style, fans are voting (Reminder: never leave house again), and her interest in Chris might be a two-way street. It’s a lot for a woman who could gold medal in people-avoidance. She’s going to have to fake it ‘till she makes it to get through all of this. Perhaps she’ll make a list: The Ten Rules for Faking It. Because sometimes making the rules can find you happiness when you least expect it.

Ten Rules for Faking It is a sweet and fun read that took me out of the holiday and bad weather blues that have been trying to make themselves know way too often lately. I found there to be a good balance of humor, not all of the embarrassing moment kind, and more serious moments. Everly has social anxiety and parents that are  hard on her emotions, but she also has spunk and an outspoken best friend that will stand by her. Chris is still struggling with his father pulling strings, and needs to figure out what makes him happy. Watching them figure out their own wants, their own issues, and coming to terms with their feelings was quite the ride. I thought the characters were well written, with even the secondary characters having some depth and complexity. In fact, there are many of those secondary characters that I would like to see get their own story. While nothing was incredibly surprising, I saw most of the big twist-like moments coming a mile away, it was still a fun read.

Ten Rules for Faking It is a sweet and fun romance which handles the topic of anxiety with care and understanding.

Book Review: Demon Bound (Crossroad Chronicles) by Chris Cannon

Demon Bound by Chris Cannon is a young adult novel that starts of a new series. When a summoning goes awry, book nerd Meena’s summer job suddenly becomes something drastically different. Instead of cleaning eccentric Carol’s house, she’s bound to a demon as his soul-collector. Soon Meena discovers that the boring, pageant-obsessed, bonfire-loving town that she’s never fit into is a hotbed for soul-sucking demons, demon-hunting witches, and vampires who just wanna have fun. And then she comes into her own powers. Could things get any stranger? Good thing she meets new guy Jake—who gets her and still hangs around. When Jake’s mom sends him off to his Aunt Zelda’s for the summer, he thought he’d be bored. But nothing is what it seems in this town. His aunt isn’t just odd, she’s a witch who fights demons and tries to maintain the magical balance of the town. Jake should get the hell out of there, and he would leave, except for bad-ass newbie witch Meena, who looks at him like he matters. He never counted on sticking around, but Meena’s bound to a demon who wants to destroy her soul—and Jake’s finally found someone worth fighting for.

Demon Bound is an urban fantasy with young and new adults in mind, although fans of the genre of all ages can enjoy it. Meena and Jake are multi layered characters, and I liked that they are not perfect and make some bad choices but ones that made sense in the context of the story and their individual histories. I liked getting to know the secondary characters that are family and friends to Meena and Jake, and the way bad options for good reasons is shown and expressed. I look forward to seeing some more of the secondary characters taking action and becoming even more developed.  The world building to describe the town and the supernatural dynamics was well done and balanced through out the story, showing the strengths and balance that has been created. I will say that while I still have questions about Bane and other demons, and some oft he past fights between the residents of Crossroads, the conflicts surrounding Meena and Jake were well handled and resolved. I did think it came together a bit too neatly, but I suspect in future books many things will come back into play one way or another. 

Demon Bound is a solid series starter that has the promise to grown with its characters and readers.