Book Review: An Unexpected Kind of Love by Hayden Stone

An Unexpected Kind of Love by Hayden Stone is currently scheduled for release on August 9 2021. Bookstore owner Aubrey Barnes likes his quiet, orderly London life, thank you very much. His shop may be struggling, his only employee is a menace, and his plumbing is one creaky pipe away from disaster, but he can handle it. Maybe. He cannot, however, handle the film company that’s thrown his Soho street into chaos. And he definitely can’t handle the charismatic American actor Blake Sinclair. Which is why he’s extremely reluctant to lease out his shop as a set for Blake's film, but it’s his one opportunity to save his business. Now he can’t get away from the distractingly hot actor. Then Aubrey finds himself alone with Blake in a trailer, and what happens next turns London’s heat wave into an inferno that leaves him breathless. Aubrey is not cut out for the high-profile life of dating a celebrity, especially an American actor who’s not even out yet. Good thing their tryst is absolutely not going anywhere. Of course, when you expect nothing, that’s exactly when it starts to mean everything.

An Unexpected Kind of Love is a romance with well developed characters and a solid setting I could understand and empathize with Aubrey. He is awkward and more loved by his friends than he realizes, and just trying to be the best person he can under a lot of stress. I understood every moment of his worries and self doubt. Blake is well written as well, but since we do not get his point of view I connected much more with Audrey. I thought the set up, the secondary characters, and the problems everyone faces are all realistic and well written. I was intrigued by some of the secondary characters, and while some are definitely not my favorite (looking at you Eli) I would love to see more about Ryan, Gemma, and Lily. I think they were all well developed past the role they needed to play in this story.

An Unexpected Kind of Love is a sweet contemporary romance with plenty of heat and feels.

Early Book Review: Jonna and the Unpossible Monsters Vol. 1 by Chris Samnee; Laura Samnee

Jonna and the Unpossible Monsters Vol. 1 by Chris Samnee; Laura Samnee is a graphic novel currently scheduled for release on August 17 2021. Rainbow has been looking for her younger sister, Jonna, for over a year--since the monsters appeared and the world began to dry up. Going from settlement to settlement, Rainbow asks every survivor she meets: Have you seen my sister?Then, one day, Jonna's spotted out in the wild: filthy, but strong. Strong enough to knock back a towering monster with one punch. All this time, she's been surviving. On her own. Without Rainbow. Without anyone. But there are more dangers in the world than monsters, and when the two sisters reunite, they'll discover the secrets of this new and terrifying world firsthand.

Jonna and the Unpossible Monsters is an enjoyable read. I really liked the artwork and think the style was perfectly suited for the story. I liked the story of Rainbow looking for her sister and surviving. The story was well told, and there was great interest on every page. There were a number of little bits of backstory and hints of possible things to come throughout the book, like finding the still missing family members and more information on Jonna. I did wish some of it was more fleshed out in this first volume, I think more could have been revealed without lessening the reader's need to search out the second volume for more. It felt a bit like i was just getting invested in the story, and wanting more, when the volume ended. However, I love the fact that coloring pages and a maze were included at the end- even though I can see this being an issue in library copies. 

As a whole I think Jonna and the Unpossible Monsters is a fun read and many readers will enjoy it. 

Early Book Review: Grumpius by Jennifer Gold, Jessica Gadra

Grumpius is a picturebook written by Jennifer Gold and illustrated by Jessica Gadra. It is currently scheduled for release on August 15 2021. Grumpius doesn't like anyone--except Winnie Brown. Winnie has a very beautiful garden that many people want to visit. Winnie and Grumpius are a perfect pair, but when Winnie becomes busy and distracted by visitors, she forgets all about Grumpius. Winnie doesn't notice until it's too late, and Grumpius has gone. Distraught, Winnie calls for her grumpy orange cat, who returns home when Winnie makes a compromise about her time spent with Grumpius. 

Grumpius is a story that can be enjoyed on many levels. On one hand it is a simple story about a woman that is adopted by a stray cat and makes mistakes on the way of finding a happy balance with him and her activities. It can also be enjoyed as a story of compromise and balance, or of time management, and of giving your pet (or friends, family, etc) the amount of care they need to thrive. I thought the story was well told in all aspects, with text and illustrations that complimented each other and lends itself to both shared storytime and reading independently. 

Early Book Review: Ghost Girl by Ally Malinenko

Ghost Girl by Ally Malinenko is currently scheduled for release on August 10 2021.  Zee Puckett loves ghost stories. She just never expected to be living one. It all starts with a dark and stormy night. When the skies clear, everything is different. People are missing. There’s a creepy new principal who seems to know everyone’s darkest dreams. And Zee is seeing frightening things: large, scary dogs that talk and maybe even a ghost. When she tells her classmates, only her best friend Elijah believes her. Worse, mean girl Nellie gives Zee a cruel nickname: Ghost Girl. But whatever the storm washed up isn’t going away. Everyone’s most selfish wishes start coming true in creepy ways. To fight for what’s right, Zee will have to embrace what makes her different and what makes her Ghost Girl. And all three of them—Zee, Elijah, and Nellie—will have to work together if they want to give their ghost story a happy ending.

Ghost Girl is a story that did a great job of showing the main character's growth with keeping readers on the edge of their seat. Zee is at that crossroads that just about everyone suffers through. They are not really little kids anymore, not quite a teen, and every thing feels huge and important. This is even harder when you, and others, perceive yourself as different. School, family, and peer relationships are hard even when things are typical, but when you are not it get even harder. Add in some disappearances,  scary looking dogs, ghosts, and a odd new principal and things are really going to get worse. I liked the balance of the supernatural and coming of age aspects of the story. The character development and growth for Zee, Nellie, and Elijah is very well done and I loved the path that they took. I also thought most of the mystical aspects of the story were very well done, and I liked that there were some unexpected things included.  I will say that I rather anticipated the big bad, and when they hit the page was even more clear that they were the root cause, but I enjoyed the path the story took us on and the lessons learned along the way.

Ghost Girl is a middle grade novel with a good blend of spooky and character growth. I will be looking for more from the author. 

Early Book Review: Hot Days, Heated Nights by Renee Roman

Hot Days, Heated Nights by Renee Roman is currently scheduled for release on August 10 2021. Cole Jackson’s promise to her dying father has left her destined for a solitary life in the small town of Inlet, NY. After Lee Walker's employer goes bankrupt, her world crumbles, and she’s forced to move in with her uncle. When Cole and Lee meet, instant attraction quickly flares into uncontrollable passion, but their connection might be short-lived. Lee’s identity is tied to her life in the city, and she’s worked hard to make it on her own terms. Inlet, NY, is just a way station on her trip back to the world where she belongs. It will be up to Cole, and the heated nights they share, to give her a reason to stay.

Hot Days, Heated Nights took me on quite the ride. Cole and Lee are independent women that struggle with balancing who they are and what they want with the fear of being rejected, left behind, or humiliated. The story is as much about them coming together are it is about them resolving their individual issues and communicating. I enjoyed seeing the pair come to trust themselves, ad each other, as the story went on. I also liked that they issues they faced in the past were addressed, but did not overtake the other aspects of the story. The past events set the stage, but the damage was not the point, the growth made to foster love, communication, and trust is the point. I felt like the character development was very realistic, and I liked the secondary characters as much as the main characters. So much so that I would not mind getting more of the whole cast of characters at some point.

Hot Days, Heated Nights is a steamy and emotional romance with all the feels.

Early Book Review: Pumpkin Heads by Wendell Minor

Pumpkin Heads by Wendell Minor is being reissued and released on August 10 2021. This Halloween classic uses simple language and striking autumn settings to celebrate pumpkin heads.

Pumpkin Heads is a celebration of jack-o-lanterns and the variety of ways pumpkins can be used and decorated in the fall. The text is simple, and very limited, which makes it good for the youngest book lovers and enjoying the book in a storytime settling, perhaps paired with a craft. The images are bold and memorable, and will definitely capture the interest and attention of the audience. It could also be used to inspire some crafts and pumpkin decorating. I certainly have some idea for what I might want to do this fall. 

Early Book Review: A Kid Is a Kid Is a Kid by Sara O'Leary, Qin Leng

A Kid Is a Kid Is a Kid, written by Sara O'Leary and illustrated by Qin Leng,  is a picturebook currently scheduled for release on August 3 2001. 

Being the new kid is hard, a child in the school playground tells us. I can think of better things to ask than if I’m a boy or a girl. Another child comes along and says she gets asked why she always has her nose in a book. Someone else gets asked where they come from. One after another, children share the questions they’re tired of being asked again and again — as opposed to what they believe are the most important or interesting things about themselves. As they move around the playground, picking up new friends along the way, there is a feeling of understanding and acceptance among them. And in the end, the new kid comes up with the question they would definitely all like to hear: “Hey kid, want to play?”

A Kid Is a Kid Is a Kid is a wonderful book, and a follow up to the equally well done A Family is a Family is a Family. It shows that everyone is different. Yes we all look different, like different things, have different skills, have different experiences. However, and more importantly, we are also all the same. We all want acceptance, friendship, and fun. I think the book handles this simple, but oh so important idea very well and the books makes for an enjoyable and thought provoking read for all readers. I think this is an important read, and one that could be shared in many classroom and other group settings with a positive response and as a great conversation starter for those that might be struggling.

Book Review: Inked Obsession (Montgomery Ink: Fort Collins) by Carrie Ann Ryan

Inked Obsession is part of the Montgomery Ink: Fort Collins series world by Carrie Ann Ryan but can be read as a stand alone. When men in uniform showed up on Eliza Wilder-Strong’s doorstep, she knew her life would be irrevocably altered. She not only lost her husband, but the future she’d carefully planned. A year later, she’s looking to start over—beginning with a solo healing vacation. Only she never expects to see a familiar, tempting face along the way. Beckett Montgomery refuses to want his little sister’s best friend—especially because she’s a widow. Yet there’s no stopping the connection between them. As the temptation to give in intensifies, so do the reasons they shouldn’t stay together. Painful ghosts from both of their pasts stand in their way and sometimes it’s the living that can haunt you when you’re not looking.

Inked Obsession is a romance that deals with second chances, grieving, secrets, family, lies, and so much more. Fans of the related series and the world Ryan has created will have a head start in understanding the characters and some of the issues the main and secondary characters are going through. However, the new (or sporadic ) readers of the authors work are not left in the dust and can fully enjoy the ride- and it is quite the ride. Eliza and Beckett each have big issues in their lives to deal with, and they seem to only get bigger as the story unfolds. The emotions and complications are high, and I loved watching them discover each other and figure out how to handle it all. The book also holds some of my favorite tropes- friends to more and forced or accidental proximity. I loved these aspects. I also loved the characters and the family and support system they have- and I wish that everyone had that many people in their corner. The amount of drama, hurdles, and danger seemed a bit over the top for me- as I just wanted all these people that have been through so much to have a good day, some peace and quiet. However, fans of the related series know that that is not likely to happen soon, as more Montgomerys and Wilders find their happy endings.

Inked Obsession is an emotional contemporary romance. Fans of the author will definitely want to give it a read. 

Early Book Review: Role Model (Game Changers) by Rachel Reid

Role Model is the fifth book in the Game Changers series by Rachel Reid and is currently scheduled for release on August 10 2021. Each book in the series can stand up fine on its own, but some subtext and inside jokes will be missed if you have not read the previous books. 

The hits just keep coming for Troy Barrett. Traded to the worst team in the league would be bad enough, but coming on the heels of a messy breakup and a recent scandal… Troy just wants to play hockey and be left alone. He doesn’t want to be in the news anymore, and he definitely doesn’t want to “work on his online presence” with the team’s peppy social media manager. Harris Drover can tell standoffish Troy isn’t happy about the trade—anyone could tell, frankly, as he doesn’t exactly hide it well—but Harris doesn’t give up on people easily. Even when he’s developing a crush he’s sure is one-sided. And when he sees Troy’s smile finally crack through his grumpy exterior, well… That’s a man Harris couldn’t turn his back on if he wanted to. Suddenly, Troy’s move to the new team feels like an opportunity—for Troy to embrace his true self, and for both men to surrender to their growing attraction. But indulging in each other behind closed doors is one thing, and for Troy, being in a public relationship with Harris will mean facing off with his fears, once and for all.

Role Model is a read that tackles some of the same big issues as previous books in this series (homophobia and all the trauma that comes with it) and adds in the rape culture that seems to be all to common. Even with all that going on the character development and growth of the characters is not lost or diminished. I hurt for Troy as he comes to terms with the things he lost and tries to become a better person. I found his journey to be realistic and very well written. Seeing returning characters get some page time and play a solid role in Troy's story made me very happy. I have to say that I love Harris. He is sweet and understanding but does not come off like a doormat, rather just someone that can wait for the right moment and doing what he can to make everyone's life better. I loved the honesty and direct handling of the varied elements of the story and cannot wait for more from the author.

Role Model is another great read from Reid. It is a definite must read for fans and a simply great read for everyone else. 

Early Book Review: Glass Syndrome by Eiko Ariki

Glass Syndrome by Eiko Ariki is a graphic novel currently scheduled for release on August 10 2021. Class president Nijou is a talented athlete, popular honor student... and a total people-pleaser who can't stop living up to others' smothering expectations of him. When his teacher asks him to check on Toomi, a classmate who's stopped coming to school, that chance meeting leads to an unexpected connection that neither young man expects. Toomi sees right through his diligent facade, and Nijou can't forget the cool comfort of Toomi's undemanding touch. But when Nijou discovers the reason behind Toomi's frequent absences — that he's been working as an online cam "girl" — he doesn't know how to react. How can he bring up what he knows? And how will it change their relationship?

Glass Syndrome is a nice romance, with a second story included in the volume. I thought it was well done in terms of story, text, and art. I felt for Nijou and Toomi as they face their individual struggles. I kind of wanted a bit more oft hem actually figuring the relationship thing out- it felt more like they just decided that they would be together without ever saying anything. Then the switch to the second romance confused me for a bit- I knew they were different people from the first couple but could not figure out how everyone related only to decide that it was a completely unrelated story. It was also good in its way, but was short. I think I would have liked it more if I could have connected the two stories and the main story was expanded on a bit more. However, I did enjoy the read and think it is a quick, fun read.