Book Review: Once Ghosted, Twice Shy (Ghosted Cozy Mysteries, #1) by Jessica Arden

Once Ghosted, Twice Shy is the first book in the Ghosted Cozy Mystery series by Jessica Arden. New Orleans ghost tour gift shop manager, Paige Harrington makes a wish for her twenty-fifth birthday: to find the one thing she can be as passionate about as her cancer researcher parents. She doesn’t, however, expect her calling to come in the form of a mysterious app on her phone that matches her up with the ghost of a cute bartender who wants her to solve his murder. Nor for her pet hedgehog, Auguste, to start talking to her with a French accent. When her favorite professor turned cafe owner, Liz Pickett is framed for the murder, Paige can’t sit by and let all of this happen. Even if uncovering the truth means tangling with the Enclave, a secret society with the power and connections to make someone like her asking too many questions disappear without a trace. With the Enclave and their dark secrets dogging at her heels, Paige will have to step up her sleuthing skills and unmask the real killer before she ends up their next victim.

Once Ghosted, Twice Shy is a book that felt like a cozy mystery, but it had some very dark moments. I liked Paige's search for her calling, and the supportive circle of friends. I liked the secondary characters and thought some of the connections and banter were great. Sometimes there were connections that felt like they would lead to something in this case, or future installments but others felt like there might have been a prequel or related series that went into things with more detail. I really liked the ghost elements, and the talking hedgehog. I thought the humor and conversations between friends and main characters were the best parts of the book. I did think that the mystery part was well done, and there were some good twists and turns. However, there were parts that did not seem connected to the larger story and left me with new questions that I do not think I will ever get answers to. I liked the read, and so much of it worked for me, but I felt like the balance of dark and humor was a little off for my personal tastes.

Once Ghosted, Twice Shy is a good read with plenty of humor and a fair amount of dark and dangerous. 

Audiobook Review: Bees and Their Keepers by Lotte Möller, Narrated by Julie Maisey

Bees and Their Keepers is a non fiction book written by Lotte Möller, and the audiobook is narrated by Julie Maisey. The study of bees has often been considered a divine occupation, as the creature’s attention to detail and purpose is so special and the honey they produce, almost magical. In this compelling cultural history that moves beautifully through the beekeeper’s year, Swedish beekeeper and writer Lotte Möller shares her understanding of bees and bee lore from antiquity to the present with deep knowledge and sharp wit. Möller gives insight into the activity in the hive and describes the bees’ natural order and habits. She explores the myths of the past and how and when they were replaced by fact. In stories from her travels, Möller encounters a host of colorful characters, from a trigger-happy California beekeeper raging against both killer bees and bee politics to the legendary Brother Adam of Buckfast Abbey, breeder of the Buckfast queen, now popular throughout Europe and beyond, as well a host of others as passionate as she about the complex world of apiculture both past and present.

Bees and Their Keepers is an interesting book. I learned a great deal, and thought  the stories and information shared where engaging. I have several books about bees, in particular their current plight with pesticides and other dangers they are facing. Getting a look at how people have interacted with bees through out history, both distant and more recently, has given me a more well-rounded appreciation for honey and the work that goes into beekeeping. I liked that moments from the author's adventures in researching the topic, personal explorations, and own beekeeping were included. All of the individual components were informative and interesting to listen to on my commutes back and forth to work. However, I have to admit that sometimes the topic changes or asides to give more information on a very specific topic or adventure caught me off guard and it took me a bit to switch gears. It just felt a little disjointed at times. Similarly, the end rather snuck up on me. That is not likely to happen to those reading a print copy, but in the audiobook version I was listening and expecting more on a topic, or another topic change, and then suddenly I was listening to the copyright information. It just felt a bit abrupt to me.  

Bees and Their Keepers is and interesting look at the history and world of beekeeping. 

Early Book Review: Garlic and the Vampire by Bree Paulsen

Garlic and the Vampire by Bree Paulsen is a graphic novel currently scheduled for release on September 28 2021. Garlic feels as though she’s always doing something wrong. At least with her friend Carrot by her side and the kindly Witch Agnes encouraging her, Garlic is happy to just tend her garden, where it’s nice and safe. But when her village of vegetable folk learns that a bloodthirsty vampire has moved into the nearby castle, they all agree that, in spite of her fear and self-doubt, Garlic is the obvious choice to confront him. And with everyone counting on her, Garlic reluctantly agrees to face the mysterious vampire, hoping she has what it takes. After all, garlic drives away vampires…right?

Garlic and the Vampire is a great graphic novel for young readers. Garlic is a little anxious about what other people think of them, about being late, about disappointing others, and accidentally growing sentient garlic like themselves. You know, the normal stuff. I love that the main character is nervous and sweet- trying their best to do the right thing even when it is not easy for them. I liked the collection of living produce, and how their personalities are varied, just like people. Garlic, like it or not, faces their fears everyday- even when it means confronting a vampire. I think it is the very anxiety that keeps Garlic on her toes is what helps her stand up and do the right thing and face the possible outcomes. I thought the artwork was very well done, and matches the tone of the story very well, adding detail and depth to each page. 

I really enjoyed reading Garlic and the Vampire, and think it will be a favorite for many.  

Book Review: The Price of Silence (Winterfell Academy) by Elle Mae

The Price of Silence is the first book in the Winterfell Academy series by Elle Mae. I am Rosie Miller and at the age of ten, I was cursed. Because of my parents' debt, I was forced into silence and now every word, every laugh, was a weapon used against me. By nineteen I had come to understand that I would have no choice but to follow in my parents' footsteps. Get a soul-sucking job reserved for low-levels like me, keep my head down, and die alone. That was until I got a letter one day welcoming me to the most prestigious demon academy in the entire country. I knew that when I opened that letter, it was too good to be true. There was no way after thousands of years of separation between high-levels and low-levels that I would ever be given such a golden opportunity. Meeting them only proved my suspicions to be correct. A bloodthirsty gangster. A child of a high-ranking demon official with a penance for blackmail. And last but not least a witch who seems to be called by the power my curse exudes. Becoming tangled with them will probably be the most reckless thing that I have ever done in my life, but will it be worth finally breaking my curse after nine years? 

The Price of Silence is a reverse harem paranormal romance adventure. Fair warning, if you do not like that idea, then this book is not for you. This book contains graphic descriptions of violence, sexual situations, and dubious consent elements. Again, if none of that is your cup of tea then I recommend finding a different series to read.

The Price of Silence is a book that ran hot and cold for me. I liked all the individual elements, but am not sure I liked them together. Rosie is dealing with a lot, a curse that has made her life hell for years and getting sent to a elite college out of the blue surrounded by the rich and powerful is just the starting point. I liked her character development and the way the the school and group dynamics are handled. The added level of sexual tension and action was an interesting addition, and while well done and unique on a few levels I think it was unnecessary but entertaining. The levels of deceit, secrets, and mystery surrounding the curse and everyone's plans was complex, and at times a little frustrating. I saw some of it coming a mile away, and never really got resolution for other bits. Then the author leaves readers on a cliffhanger. I am intrigued by some of the connections and world building, and like the work on characters and their connections. However, I felt like the author was trying to do too many things all at once.  

The Price of Silence is a book with many great aspects and potential.

Audiobook Review: The Introvert's Guide to Online Dating by Emma Hart Narrated by Savannah Peachwood, Tim Page

The Introvert's Guide to Online Dating is a contemporary romance written by Emma Hart. The audiobook is narrated by Savannah Peachwood and Tim Page.  It is part of a series, but can be read on its own.

With all my best friends off the market, it’s time that I, Tori Sussex, join them. So where better to find my future husband than the internet? It’s great. I get to get all the awkward stuff out of the way and already know if I’m going to like the guy before we meet in person. It’s a shame nothing's ever that simple. My relationship with Colton Lane, my best friend’s brother, is the very definition of complicated—dirty little no-strings-attached hook-ups we’ve somehow managed to keep secret from all our friends for the past six months. We’re bound to get caught, and if I’m serious about dating, I only have one choice: call it quits; end our little covert booty calls for good; tell him my parking space is off-limits to him. It should be easy. It should be simple. And I’m sure it would be, if only I wasn’t in love with him.

The Introvert's Guide to Online Dating is a frenemies to lovers romance. I think the dual narrators was a nice touch, and I like the alternating perspectives. I liked Tori to an extent. I liked her sarcasm and sardonic moments, but her stubborness and faking being angry annoyed me a few times. I really liked Colton. Of the two characters I felt like he was more in touch with, and honest about, what he felt and wanted. I really enjoyed the secondary characters, and was highly entertain by their support and antics. I am not sure if it was because of the format, since I do not normally listen to romance audiobooks, or what but I did not really connect with Tori's character. I am much more interested in what is going on with her grandmother than the future between Tori and Colton- but that is more because I found the elderly characters in the book to be fantastic. Maybe returning readers will feel more of a connection, since the friend group is tightly bound. 

The Introvert's Guide to Online Dating is a fun and entertaining read, or listen.

Book Review: Weekend Girl by Alex Powell

Weekend Girl by Alex Powell is a contemporary romance. Ashley Kingston is a gender fluid university student with a major crush on attractive and charming Nolan. He seems just too perfect to be true. What happens when Ash meets Nolan while dressed as both a man, and a woman? And even more confusing, what happens when Nolan seems enamored of both versions of Ash? A twisty-turny romance filled with fun and shenanigans.

Weekend Girl is a book that entertained, while also leaving me wanting more from the whole friend group. I really enjoyed getting to know Ash, and going along with them on their journey of self discovery and realization. I could relate to their anxiety and avoidance, and it was great to get a personal understanding of how one person experienced being genderfluid- since like most everything each individual's path is unique. I thought t was very well written, giving me a better understanding of how some individuals feel and what they experience without ever feeling performative- which sometimes happens. I liked the group of friends here, and the amount of support they offer each other, even when they are not necessarily getting along. There were so many times that I thought something big and bad was about to happen, but was thrilled with the reality and the solutions that Ash and Nolan discuss and work out together.  The only thing that I wanted but did not get from this book was some of the story from Nolan's perceptive. There were several moments when how he felt was pivotal, and I thought I knew but would have loved confirmation. 

Weekend Girl is an engaging read that had me rooting for Ash, and feeling some significant sympathy anxiety. 

Early Book Review: Lupina Book One: Wax by Li Buszka, James Wright

Lupina Book One: Wax  with cover and interior art by Li Buszka and written by James Wright, is a graphic novel currently scheduled for release on September 14 2021. In the coastal town of Kote, recently brought under the yoke of the Addalian Empire, four-year-old Lupa spends her days getting bullied by her older sister and hiding behind her mother's skirts. But when tragedy strikes, Lupa finds herself alone in a new world, alone until she's found by the she-wolf, Coras, and sets off on a journey of discovery and revenge.

Lupina Book One: Wax is a good graphic novel. I loved the art style, the details and colors used were my favorite part of the book as a whole. I simply enjoyed the style and could see how much effort and talent was involved in the work. I liked Lupa and the general premise of the book. I often had questions about details that were mentioned once or twice in passing but never returned to or further explained. Since it is the first book in the series, I think it fell into the common trap of book one being the set up for stories to come, rather than a story in its own right. There was adventure and growth for Lupa, but it felt like just as things were about to ramp up and things will get really interesting the book was over. This happens all the time, and some people find that they need to read the next volume because of it. Sadly, there was not enough of a hook here to have me looking to continue the series.

Lupina Book One: Wax is a good series starter that will appeal to many. 

Book Review: Hooky by Míriam Bonastre Tur

Hooky by Míriam Bonastre Tur is a graphic novel, based on a webcomic originally found on the WEBTOON platform. Hooky is in print format for the first time with exclusive new content.

Twin siblings Dani and Dorian who have missed the bus to magic school and scramble to find a mentor to teach them before their parents find out. They never thought they'd wind up declared traitors to their own kind! Now, thanks to a series of mishaps, they are being chased by powerful magic families seeking the prophesied King of Witches and royals searching for missing princes. But they aren't alone. With a local troublemaker, a princess, and a teacher who can see the future on their side, they might just be able to clear their names, but can they heal their torn kingdom? 

Hooky is the start of a graphic novel series full of magic, suspense, and complex characters. I had not read the Webtoon version, so the whole story was a surprise for me. I liked getting to know the characters and their increasingly complicated friendships and connections. The dynamic between the witches and non magical people is not unexpected, and the intrigue and politics of it all feels very realistic, and the unfairness of it all seems on point with human nature- even when we wish is was not so common. I thought the story moved quickly in some moments, and a little slower in others, but it flowed nicely. I thought the art was well done and does a great job of capturing the mood of the story, and the details of the character's emotions and intent. As a who;e I was fully engaged in the read and enjoyed it. My only complaint is a common one, that the book ended with a solid set up for many possibilities but very little in wrap up or conclusion. I know there is more coming, but I need some more satisfaction at the end of a volume to make me really happy. That being said, I am still very interested in continuing on with this series.

Hooky is a great start to a series, and I think middle grade and older readers will enjoy it. 

Book Review: I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince so I Can Take My Time Perfecting My Magical Ability, Volume 1, by Kenkyo na Circle, Yosuke Kokuzawa

I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince so I Can Take My Time Perfecting My Magical Ability, Volume 1, by Kenkyo na Circle, Yosuke Kokuzawa is a manga style graphic novel. Prince Lloyd wasn't always a prince...in fact, his previous life is one he remembers perfectly: he was a sorcerer, of sorts. So when he was forced to reincarnate, he decided to continue his studies, prince of the realm or no! But his new life has its own sets of challenges...including being a 10-year-old! What's the 7th prince/sorcerer to do?!

I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince so I Can Take My Time Perfecting My Magical Ability is an interesting read. I liked the premise and the track the story is taking. I liked the juxtaposition of Llyod's age and innocent appearance with his power, and the way other people respond to him. I liked his hunt for knowledge, eagerness to experiment, and disregard for things that do not interest him. I think all of that makes him an interesting character and his story engaging and interesting to read. I am more that a little annoyed with the unnecessary and irrelevant scenes that felt like they were only included to get boobs on the page. It just felt very odd and out of place to have those moments in the story- never mind the outfit that a female adventurer is drawn in. It was disappointing that something I enjoyed otherwise fell flat because they just had to have a few moments of ogling the female form in a way that was not relevant to the plot at all. 

Early Book Review: Playing It Safe by Amy Andrews

Playing It Safe by Amy Andrews is currently scheduled for release on September 6 2021. Donovan Bane loves playing rugby for the Sydney Smoke. And if that means he has to keep his sexuality a secret, that’s a sacrifice he’s prepared to make. At least until after he retires, anyway. He doesn’t want to be the first pro rugby player in Australia to officially come out while still playing. The team doesn’t need the media shit storm and he’d rather be known for his footy skills. Which means no dating, no relationships, no sex. Nothing but playing ball. Until one man suddenly changes everything. Beckett Stanton is out and proud, and not looking for a guy who isn’t. Been there, done that, complete disaster. Unfortunately, on the first day of his new job working for the Sydney Smoke, he locks eyes with Donovan Bane and he’s a goner. Big, gruff, and athletic isn’t usually Beck’s type, but for some reason this man is ticking all his boxes. And it’s clear the feeling is mutual. It’s also clear that Donovan is not out, and doesn’t plan to be anytime soon. Still, Beck can’t resist being the man to show Donovan everything he’s been missing. For the first time, Donovan doesn’t play it safe and allows himself to indulge in things with Beck he knows he can’t have. But when their relationship gets serious, he knows he has to choose between the career he loves and the man he loves, because how can he possibly have both?

Playing It Safe is a book that had some great moments and some that just did not work for me. I think the set up was great, and the characters were interesting. I have to admit that I almost did not make it past the first page when one of the main characters waxes poetic about how great women are, and that his lack of attraction to us has nothing to do with how absolutely fabulous we all are.  For some reason that just hit me wrong, and every now and then through the rest of the book there would be moments of introspection that just seemed too much. There were conversation I wanted to be in the room for, but instead got basic 'this happened'.  However, other people really enjoy that in their reading, so this is more a matter of personal preference rather than it being a flaw in the work. I did like the story arch of the romance, and the secondary characters. I enjoyed the team and friend group interactions, and could have stood for more of that, and the actually bonding time between Donovan and Beck. I still enjoyed the read, and think others will enjoy it. I can think of a few fellow readers that will absolutely love it, and whom I will be recommending it to.   

Playing It Safe is an engaging read with good characters.