Book Review: Lucky Bounce by Cait Nary

Lucky Bounce by Cait Nary is a hockey romance. Ezekiel Boehm is no stranger to teaching kids with famous parents. But when the pro hockey player he’s been thirsting after walks into the Rittenhouse Friends School gym hand in hand with a tiny kindergartener, he figures he must be hallucinating. Spencer McLeod is a lot of things—Zeke’s favorite winger on the Philadelphia Liberty; a menace on the ice; a mumbling, reluctant but somehow captivating-as-hell postgame interview—but he’s not a dad. Except he is. Apparently. Zeke can be chill about this. He can. Surprisingly, the more time he spends with Spencer, the easier this becomes. School volunteer events turn into reserved seats at games, and turn into more. And even though Zeke is 100 percent committed to ignoring Spencer’s blush, to ignoring the way he looks in that one pair of gray sweatpants, he can’t take his eyes off him. This can never work. Can it?

Lucky Bounce  is a solid romance. I loved the getting to know you stage between Zeke and Spencer, and the single dad aspect makes everything more real and important. I liked the friends and family that made up the secondary characters, and that I felt that we really got to know some of them and how they relate to and connect with the main players. I would love to see more about a good number of the secondary characters. I liked that they have to work to find a way to find their connected time, and that it is acknowledged that this could be hard and that work, media, and parenting will all contribute to future challenges. However, I did feel like the book was missing a bigger moment. There was A moment of clarity at the end of the book but it just did not feel like a satisfying ending for me. I do not know exactly what I wanted, but I know I wanted something more.

 

Book Review: Happy at Work: How to Create a Happy, Engaging Workplace for Today's (and Tomorrow's!) Workforce by Robyn L. Garrett

Happy at Work: How to Create a Happy, Engaging Workplace for Today's (and Tomorrow's!) Workforce by Robyn L. Garrett is a nonfiction book to help those looking to update their workplace culture. One of the most important reasons people today choose to stay—or leave—a job is the culture of the company. As people become more socially conscious; focus more on wellness, self-care, and work-life balance; and seek jobs where they feel a real connection, it’s more important than ever to think about the elements of a job between the work itself. But how do you create a culture that people enjoy while staying productive and successful? This book not only provides great ideas for changing your workplace for the better, but also provides clear guidance on how to make those changes happen. Whether you’re a new manager, a long-time HR representative, or another leader ready to make a change, Happy at Work gives you everything you need to know to revitalize your workplace and make you (and your employees) happy to come to work every single day.

Happy at Work is definitely aimed at managers and leasers, and how they and the corporate attitudes impact the day to day lives of their staff and how happy they are at their jobs. I do think the advise is good, and things that leaders at all levels can get something from and move forward with. Many of the bigger changes would need to happen on a company wide level, not just in a single office or department- but many of the changes can be implemented fairly easily with a little bit of effort and willingness to change. So many of the suggestions boil down to treating staff like people rather than commodities, numbers, cogs, or problems that need to be dealt with. However, capitalism and much of the current corporate climate works hard to do the very opposite that this might be a tough change for some to move towards or implement. I thought the author did a great job of breaking everything down and giving solid why's, wherefores, and data to support the information in the book. I thought it was well researched and written, and was not as dry of a read as many leadership or management books out there.

 

Book Review: 10 Things That Never Happened by Alexis Hall

10 Things That Never Happened by Alexis Hall is a contemporary romance. Sam Becker loves—or, okay, likes—his job. Sure, managing a bed and bath retailer isn't exactly glamorous, but it's good work and he gets on well with the band of misfits who keep the store running. He could see himself being content here for the long haul. Too bad, then, that the owner is an infuriating git. Jonathan Forest should never have hired Sam. It was a sentimental decision, and Jonathan didn't get where he is by following his heart. Determined to set things right, Jonathan orders Sam down to London for a difficult talk…only for a panicking Sam to trip, bump his head, and maybe accidentally imply he doesn't remember anything? Faking amnesia seemed like a good idea when Sam was afraid he was getting sacked, but now he has to deal with the reality of Jonathan's guilt—as well as the unsettling fact that his surly boss might have a softer side to him. There's an unexpected freedom in getting a second shot at a first impression…but as Sam and Jonathan grow closer, can Sam really bring himself to tell the truth, or will their future be built entirely on one impulsive lie?

10 Things That Never Happened is another solid romance from Hall. I liked the interplay wit the characters and the way readers got to know their personalities. I did wish that I got a little of Jonathan's thoughts, and some more back story for Sam. We get it in very broad strokes, but it was lacking emotion or depth for me. Oddly, we get much more emotion and connection with the past from Jonathan, the much more stoic of the two characters. I just wanted to connect with both of them a little more. However, I thought the give and take between them was well done, and I thought the secondary characters were great. I liked both the crew from Sam's store and Jonathan's family. There were definitely moments when I liked the interactions with secondary characters more than Sam's inner dialogue.

 

Book Review: Pass the Monster Meat, Milady! (Volume 1) by Chika Mizube

Pass the Monster Meat, Milady! (Volume 1) by Chika Mizube is a manga style graphic novel. It is a fantasy romance about a voracious lady who delights in monster meat and a mad-blooded duke who is swept off his feet by her curious charms. Like any proper noble lady, one must have certain acquired tastes. For Melphiera Marchalrayd, she just happens to crave a rather exotic protein -monsters! But do not judge! Despite its bad reputation, monster meat can be used in exquisite cuisine and Melphiera is determined to change the kingdom’s opinion of it! Unfortunately, since debuting in society, Melphiera has been struggling to find her perfect match, until she meets the fearless “Blood-Mad Duke” of Galbraith!

Pass the Monster Meat, Milady!  is a fun and well drawn graphic novel. I liked the art style and found the story to be entertaining and amusing. Melphiera's lack of awareness that the duke is interested in her for more than her cooking and interests is fun, and his fascination with her is adorable. This is not a hard hitting story that I would go hunting for, but it is a fun and entertaining read that I thing many readers will enjoy.

 

Book Review: That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon (Mead Mishap) by Kimberly Lemming

That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon by Kimberly Lemming is a romantic fantasy, and the first book in the Mead Mishap series. Spice trader Cinnamon’s quiet life is turned upside down when she ends up on a quest with a fiery demon, in this irreverently quirky rom-com fantasy that is sweet, steamy, and funny as hell. All she wanted to do was live her life in peace—maybe get a cat, expand the family spice farm. Really, anything that didn’t involve going on an adventure where an orc might rip her face off. But they say the goddess has favorites, and if so, Cin is clearly not one of them. After Cin saves the demon Fallon in a wine-drunk stupor, Fallon reveals that all he really wants to do is kill an evil witch enslaving his people. And who can blame him? But now he’s dragging Cinnamon along for the ride whether she like it or not. On the bright side, at least he keeps burning off his shirt.

That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon is a fun and entertaining read and a solid dose of heat included. I love that this series does not take it self seriously- and if the titles and covers did not tell you that I am doing so now. This book is great fun. There is adventure and danger, some great humor and interactions, and some serious steam. I thought that Cinnamon was well developed, more so that I really expected going into the story. There is some world and character building that I was impressed by- and I enjoyed the unique nature of the fantasy world built here. This was the absolute perfect read to relax with and enjoy over my holiday break- and think it is a perfect weekend or relaxation read for anyone that likes fantasy and romance mixed in with both humor and heat. I look forward to exploring this series further.

 

Early Book Review: Crocheting Reversible Amigurumi Projects: Adorable 2-Way Furry Animals with Cuddly Detailing by Jessie Van

Crocheting Reversible Amigurumi Projects: Adorable 2-Way Furry Animals with Cuddly Detailing by Jessie Van In is currently scheduled for release on February 6 2024. This is a book of inside-out animal crochet patterns created with traditional and faux fur yarns. Filled with tips, tricks, and techniques to build your skills and ensure success for every design, this exciting guide features seven adorable amigurumi patterns that are reversible and transform into a whole new design. From a fox that becomes a cat, a snowball that becomes a penguin, otters that become seashells, and more, these designs are truly one-of-a-kind and offer something special to the craft of amigurumi crochet. Opening with guidance on tools, yarns, and other necessities, also included are technique tutorials for working with faux fur, making a practice piece, counting rows and stitches, and fixing mistakes.

I was intrigued by the idea of Crocheting Reversible Amigurumi Projects. I have made amigurumi before, but never saw or tried patterns that were reversible before, so I just had to see how this worked. I thought the information in the beginning of the book was very helpful, as I am among those crafters that dread pulling out the textured or fur yarn. I have had it go badly, and generally find it frustrating, but this book offered hope that I could make that process much easier and made something cute in the process. I thought the projects were both cute and clever, and the instructions were very detailed and easy to follow. The included pictures help to make things even more clear. I love that the author reminds readers that the up side of working with the fur yarn is that it will hide any small mistakes that might be made along the way while also leaving plenty of room and tips for switching out colors and yarns to better suit the readers taste, needs, of materials that they can find. I think this book offers readers everything promised, and what readers need to succeed in making the projects included while enjoying the process. 

Early Book Review: Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands (Emily Wilde) by Heather Fawcett

Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands is the second book of the Emily Wilde Series by Heather Fawcett and it is currently scheduled for release on January 16 2024. I find that this is a series that should be read in order. 

Emily Wilde is a genius scholar of faerie folklore—she just wrote the world’s first comprehensive of encyclopedia of faeries. She’s learned many of the secrets of the Hidden Folk on her adventures, and also from her fellow scholar and former rival, Wendell Bambleby. Because Bambleby is more than infuriatingly charming. He’s an exiled faerie king on the run from his murderous mother, and in search of a door back to his realm. So despite Emily’s feelings for Bambleby, she’s not ready to accept his proposal of marriage: Loving one of the Fair Folk comes with secrets and danger. And she also has a new project to focus on: a map of the realms of faerie. While she is preparing her research, Bambleby lands her in trouble yet again, when assassins sent by Bambleby’s mother invade Cambridge. Now Bambleby and Emily are on another adventure, this time to the picturesque Austrian Alps, where Emily believes they may find the door to Bambley’s realm, and the key to freeing him from his family’s dark plans. But with new relationships for the prickly Emily to navigate and dangerous Folk lurking in every forest and hollow, Emily must unravel the mysterious workings of faerie doors, and of her own heart.

Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands is an interesting and engaging read, however I do think that reading the first book is a must to understand the settings and personalities involved. Emily and Wendell are off on another expedition, this time with a couple extra companions and Wendell being poisoned to add to the drama. I thought the story was well written, and the continuity with the first book was spot on. I thought there were well placed clues and hints about the nature of the mysteries they were trying to solve and the people and fae involved woven through the pages nicely. I will say that these books are not quick reads, at least not for me. The pace is slow and steady, much like proper research, and sometimes I get frustrated because of it. I enjoy the premise and the detail in these book, and I can appreciate the talent and skill involved, but it is sometimes hard for me to slow down and enjoy these more gently paced reads. It is very much a book I save when I am in the mood to slow down and fully immerse myself into a different world. 

Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands is a good follow up to the first book in the series, and if you enjoyed the first this will be a must read. 

Early Book Review: Woodland Crochet Kit: 12 Precious Projects to Stitch and Snuggle by Kristen Rask

Woodland Crochet Kit: 12 Precious Projects to Stitch and Snuggle by Kristen Rask is currently scheduled for release on January 23 2024. This kit includes a 76-page instruction book and materials to make two projects, a sweet turtle and a beautiful bluebird. The instruction book has more than 80 full-color photographs coupled with 12 step-by-step patterns. Create a sweet skunk, a cuddly hedgehog, a clever raccoon, and more—all in the popular Japanese style of crochet, amigurumi. Materials include; Four colors of yarn, A crochet hook, Stuffing, Embroidery floss, Safety eyes, and a Yarn needle. 

Woodland Crochet Kit is a nice starter kit for those that want to try their hand at crocheting small animals. The instructions are clear and helpful for those that are learning. I like that this is a kit, including the materials needed to make a couple of the projects. I was glad to see a couple projects that I do not often see, for instance I do not think I have seen many fawn patterns before- although I also have not looked for them. I did think that some things were not fully explained- like how to work with the wool for the squirrel's tail and why the yarn for the mouse is listed as normal bulky yarn but it looks different to me. I also find working with the fuzzy yarn for the hedgehog gives the right look, it is also very frustrating for even advanced crafters and might not be a great starter yarn to be playing with for beginners. 

Book Review: Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree

Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree is a prequel to Legends & Lattes. Viv's career with the notorious mercenary company Rackam's Ravens isn't going as planned. Wounded during the hunt for a powerful necromancer, she's packed off against her will to recuperate in the sleepy beach town of Murk—so far from the action that she worries she'll never be able to return to it. What's a thwarted soldier of fortune to do? Spending her hours at a beleaguered bookshop in the company of its foul-mouthed proprietor is the last thing Viv would have predicted, but it may be both exactly what she needs and the seed of changes she couldn't possibly imagine. Still, adventure isn't all that far away. A suspicious traveler in gray, a gnome with a chip on her shoulder, a summer fling, and an improbable number of skeletons prove Murk to be more eventful than Viv could have ever expected.

Bookshops & Bonedust is a solid addition to Viv's world, and I was glad to see some of her life from before she discovered coffee. Those that have not yet discovered Legends & Lattes can start with either book. It feels like it has been awhile since I read the other book, so it took me a hot minute to realize that this was the prequel- at first I thought it was just set in the same world- but I caught on. I loved getting to know this set of characters and how a baker and bookshop owner affected Viv's mindset. Aside from that, it was an enjoyable and engaging read, even for those not looking for Viv's character development. I thought there was a nice balance of adventure, mystery, and good fun. I think fans of the genre and the author will greatly enjoy the read. 

Early Book Review: 30 Day Challenge: Embroidery: A Day-by-Day Guide to Learn New Stitches and Create Beautiful Designs by Jessica Anderson

30 Day Challenge: Embroidery: A Day-by-Day Guide to Learn New Stitches and Create Beautiful Designs by Jessica Anderson is currently scheduled for release on January 30 2024. If you’ve always wanted to learn embroidery but haven’t known where to start, 30-Day Challenge: Embroidery is the perfect way to jump-start your creativity and get stitching. Even if you’ve never picked up a needle, you will quickly learn everything you need to know to master embroidery. After an overview of embroidery basics, author Jessica Anderson (Cutesy Crafts) shows you how to create—each day for 30 days—one new stitch and one embroidery design that features that stitch. The easy-to-follow projects include a variety of popular modern motifs such as flowers, birds, houseplants, rainbows, and more, and only take an hour or two, or less, to complete. As the book progresses, you will strengthen your skills with designs that combine multiple stitches. You can do one project per day in order or follow your own schedule and pick and choose. By the time you’ve stitched your way through the book, you will have an amazing collection of embroidery designs to hang up and display your skill and creativity.

30-Day Challenge: Embroidery is exactly what the title and description promise. A collection of information and projects in bite size pieces to help readers learn to embroider, learn some new stitches, or just keep using to skills you have to keep them fresh. I like that the designs are all relatively simple, and there is still room to change colors or small details as you go to make them fit in better with what you have on hand, or your personal tastes. The designs build on the taught skills as you go through the book, reinforcing what has already been covered and keeping things moving at the same time. I like that there is built in flexibility with the book. You could tackle a project a day in order, or you can change the frequency or skip around in the project order. I liked that the book included traceable templates for the projects as well as some extra designs to try that are a bit harder and more complicated than those included as lessons. I think this book would be good for those new to embroidery, those that have not picked up a needle in awhile, and those that just want to keep their skills fresh.