Book Review: The Inn Between by Marina Cohen, Sarah Watts

The Inn Between is a middle grade novel written by Marina Cohen, with illustrations by Sarah Watts. Eleven-year-old Quinn has had some bad experiences lately. She was caught cheating in school and her little sister Emma disappeared while walking home from school. She never returned. When Quinn's best friend Kara has to move away, she goes on one last trip with Kara and her family. They stop over at the first hotel they see, a Victorian inn that instantly gives Quinn the creeps, and she begins to notice strange things happening around them. When Kara's parents and then brother disappear without a trace, the girls are stranded in a hotel full of strange guests, hallways that twist back in on themselves, and a particularly nasty surprise lurking beneath the floorboards. Will the girls be able to solve the mystery of what happened to Kara's family before it's too late?

The Inn Between is a slow building story that takes readers on a unexpected journey. A road trip turns odd and dark when an unexpected stop at an inn starts and even stranger journey for two friends. Quinn is still struggling with self blame and the related stressors from her sister's disappearance. A final trip with a friend and her family to say goodbye is a bittersweet escape. However, the inn is creepy and so are many of its occupants. At first Quinn thinks she is the only one that sees the oddities around her, but soon more people are disappearing and Kara is along with her on the mission to figure out just what is going on. I will admit that I had a feeling as to what was going on briefly after the arrival at the inn, but the slow reveal and conclusion was so well done that there was still plenty of suspense and heartfelt moments to make the read more than worth my time.

The Inn Between is a thoughtful, sometimes creepy, but very poignant read. I think those dealing with trauma or loss will particularly see bits of themselves in the story, but that everyone can get something valuable from the read and enjoy it. 

Book Review: Playing Passion's Game by Leslie Davis

Playing Passion's Game by Leslie Davis is a contemporary romance. Trent Williams’s entire world revolves around her love of gaming. She has little time for romantic distractions and prefers instead to be with her closest friends who, like her, live for the thrill that comes from a competition well played. Happy in her job, seemingly content with her life, Trent still finds herself haunted by the past that threatens to keep her alone forever. The self-imposed solitude she places on her heart only leaves her all too aware of just how lonely she is. All work and no play in her executive job forces Juliet Sullivan to search for a different direction in life. Disillusioned by it all, Juliet is desperate to seek out new horizons. When Trent unwittingly comes to the rescue of her younger sister, Juliet immediately finds herself drawn to Trent’s silent strength and undeniable charm. Now the new direction Juliet so desperately desires seems intent on leading her straight into Trent’s arms.

Playing Passion's Game is a wonderful read. As I expected from the author, both Trent and Juliet felt very real. They each had their faults, fears, and fallibilities just like the rest of us. Even though some stereotypes were touched upon, the majority of the time it was done in a way that pointed out the expectations of others, and the reality. I think readers that enjoy well written characters and realistic stories will find themselves completely caught up in the story. Honestly, the characters are people that I would love to hang out with and know in real life. The fact that the main characters are lesbians is more of a side note- the romance, characters, and struggles they face are so real that it was organic. The difference between an author that truly knows their characters and how they feel, and those that write to fill a niche market or for the love of money rather that the story is clear. Davis is obviously a writer that loves what they are writing, rather than writing to follow the money. Which will hopeful help them continue writing and find success- because I want more!

Playing Passion's Game might have a slightly corny title, but like the other books I have read from the author I quickly found myself lost in the story and caring deeply for all the characters. I adore the author, and will continue reading whatever they release. I am eagerly waiting for more! 

Book Review: Max at Night by Ed Vere

Max at Night is a picturebook by Ed Vere. Max the cat (who we met in Max the Brave) returns, and this time he is getting ready for bed. Max is sleepy, and it is past his bedtime. However, after he gets ready for bed and begins saying goodnight to those around him he notices the moon is missing. He journeys to say goodbye to the moon, because he cannot go to sleep without bidding the moon goodnight.

Max at Night is a fun adventure with an adorable kitten in the lead role. Max wants to say goodnight to the moon, but that is easier said than done. He climbs higher and higher in search of the moon. The story and illustrations come together to tell the heart warming story of this little kitten in search of the moon, and offers the knowledge that the moon could have heard him no matter where he was in order to prevent young readers or listeners from attempting bedtime delays using the same type of tactics. This is a smart combination of fun and wit that will keep parents and children happy.

Max at Night is a sweet and fun bedtime book that will stand up to multiply reads. 

Book Review: Rocked by Love (Gargoyles #4) by Christine Warren

Rocked by Love is the fourth book in the Gargoyles series by Christine Warren. The previous books are Heart of Stone, Stone Cold Lover, and Hard as Rock. I have not read them all, but I think readers that have read the series in order, or at least most of the books, will get more from the series than those that pick up this book as a stand alone. While the romance here is fine on its own, the larger story arch will not make much sense to newcomers.

Kylie Kramer knows that she's putting her life in danger when she decides to investigate her friend's mysterious death. What she doesn't know is that she's being watched over by a powerful protector, a rock-hard savior who draws her into a world that no mortal woman can imagine. As the strongest of the gargoyles, Dag is sworn to destroy the demons that threaten Kylie's world before returning to his stony slumber. But the burning desire she ignites in him is even harder to fight-an all-consuming force that, once unleashed, can never be tamed. As their passion grows, so do the ranks of a demonic army plotting to take over the earth. When the ultimate battle begins, Dag and Kylie must face some demons of their own-to carve out a love that's stronger than time.

Rocked by Love is a nice addition to this series. As usual, I am very fond of the characters, both major and minor. Kylie is a smart and capable woman, still able to be cowed by her grandmother who is a force of nature. Dag is a powerful hero, with a decent ability to take Kylie's feelings into account rather than pushing the alpha male vibe too hard. The complications of the battles with demons and the larger story from the series is very important here, and I think readers new to the series might miss some of the excitement here because they are going to have to play catch up. My only real issue with the book is with Kylie's speech patterns. I know some Yiddish, in fact I thought I knew more than I apparently do. Like Dag, I regularly had no idea what Kylie was saying, it occasionally was frustrating but I did get over it by the end of the story. The big climax of the book was very well done, and brought together the skills of the main players, particularly Kylie, to the forefront. I liked the twists that were included and the promise of more to come.

Rocked by Love is a quick moving story that moves the larger story arch of the series forward significantly. Fans of Warren and the series will be very happy with this read, and be as eager as more for more. 

Early Book Review: I Wanna Be a Great Big Dinosaur by Heath McKenzie

I Wanna Be a Great Big Dinosaur by Heath McKenzie is a picture book scheduled for release on May 17 2016. More than anything in the world, one little boy wants to be a great big dinosaur. And he's in luck! A great big T. Rex shows up to teach him how to stomp and roar just like a dinosaur. But dinosaurs aren't so great at soccer or video games. Maybe being a little boy isn't all bad?

I Wanna Be a Great Big Dinosaur is a fun and colorful picture book about exploring the world and being exactly who and what you want to be. I brings home the message that it is wonderful to explore all the possibilities and options around us, but we will be happiest when we are ourselves, no matter who or what that might be. I really loved the colorful and fun illustrations, showing or young boy and dinosaur exploring different activities and generally having fun. It was a fun read with a great message that did not feel forced or overbearing, which is something that often turns me off picture books with a particular message. 

Book Review: The Secret of Dreadwillow by Brian Farrey

The Secret of Dreadwillow is a middle grade novel by Brian Farrey. In the center of the verdant Monarchy lies Dreadwillow Carse, a black and desolate bog that the happy people of the land do their best to ignore. Little is known about it, except for one dire warning: If any monarch enters Dreadwillow Carse, then the Monarchy will fall. Twelve-year-old Princess Jeniah yearns to know what the marsh could possibly conceal that might topple her family’s thousand-year reign of peace and prosperity. Meanwhile, in the nearby town of Emberfell, where everyone lives with unending joy, a girl named Aon hides a sorrow she can never reveal. She knows that something in the carse holds the cure for her sadness. Yet no matter how many times she tries to enter, the terror-inducing dreadwillow trees keep her away. After a chance meeting, Princess Jeniah and Aon hatch a plan to send Aon into the heart of the carse to unlock its darkest secret. But when Aon doesn’t return, a guilt-stricken Jeniah must enter the carse to try and rescue her friend, even if it means risking the entire Monarchy. 

The Secret of Dreadwillow is a solid dark fantasy for the middle grade set. Aon is a normal village girl trying to hide the range of emotions that she feels. She wants to be happy like everyone else, but it is only by visiting the forbidden Dreadwillow Carse that she gets some relief. Jeniah is a princess, dreading the coming loss of her mother and trying to figure out who she is, and how to be a good queen. She is desperately trying to find her way, and the harder she looks for answers the more troubling the results and her concerns grow. The point of view goes back and forth between the two characters, which might be a little confusing or off putting for some readers, but I thought getting to see the inner thoughts of both characters was important here. They each have secrets, inner doubts, and questions about the world. They are each multidimensional and likable. I like that the struggles of both girls is very different because of who they are, but still very much the same because there are aspects of growing up and self discovery that are fairly universal. I think the big themes of coming of age, and the social commentary that are included blend well with the adventure and gothic feel. No one aspect overcomes the other, leaving the book accessible and relatable to a wide audience.

The Secret of Dreadwillow is a fantasy, mystery, and coming of age tale all rolled in together. I feel like there are more stories to be told, and much more that can happen here, both before and after this story. I am curious to see if Farrey does anything else with the world he has created.

Book Review: Out of the Broom Closet (Love Spells Gone Wrong #3) by Ashlyn Chase

Out of the Broom Closet is the third book in the Love Spells Gone Wrong series by Ashlyn Chase. The first two books are The Cupcake Coven and Tug of Attraction. I have not read the previous books in this series, but I think that each can also be read as a stand alone as well.

Michele Erikson, a part fey witch, would never harm others with spells, even if it’s the only way to save herself from a crazed stalker wielding black magic, who has been stalking her and is willing to kill her if he cannot have her for himself. However, what she does not know is that her new friend Vic Matthews has been hired by her stepfather Alex to protect her. The Ex-NFL player turned bodyguard might have started to help out of obligation, it is not long before he is falling for Michele and believing in the magic she can wield. Vic will do whatever it takes to save her, even if it means convincing her to step out of the broom closet and come out fighting!

Out of the Broom Closet might be the third book in a series, but aside from a couple characters that must have appeared in the previous books, it can stand well on its own. Michele has been running and hiding from her ex, a man that was once a wiccan like her but that fell into the darker magics which changed him. He is determined to control Michele and take what he wants, if only to further grow his own power. Vic is a former football player with his own protection company. He has had bad relationship experiences, and is looking for nothing more than to do his job, at least until he sets his eyes on Michele. Thrown together they need to come to understand each other, despite some deception and misunderstandings, to defend themselves from the evil and power hungry witch and protect those they care for from harm. I like that there are a couple little side stories woven into the story, and that the emotional struggles of the main players are realistic. The story had me eagerly turning pages and thinking about some of the side characters long after I finished the book.

Out of the Broom Closet is a fun, quick read that does touch on some heavy topics. It might have some triggers for readers that have dealt with stalking or domestic abuse, but it is handled very well and I think it could be an entertaining read for fans of Chase and books that balance danger and humor. 

Early Book Review: The Wicked Duke by Madeline Hunter

The Wicked Duke by Madeline Hunter is the third book in the Wicked Trilogy and is currently scheduled for release on May 31 2016. I have not read the previous books in the series, but I think I caught up fairly quickly and that the books can be enjoyed on their own. However, I think those that have read the entire trilogy will have a better grasp of the characters and their history, and therefore might get even more out of the read. 

Suspected of his brother’s murder, Lancelot Hemingford, Duke of Aylesbury, was forced to give up his hell-raising habits in London for the anonymity of quiet country living. So, when an opportunity arises to clear his name in exchange for proposing to the niece of a neighbor, he sees no choice but to accept. Plus, seducing the reluctant maiden will be a most intriguing challenge. As Marianne Radley is dependent on her uncle, she must accept the Duke’s marriage proposal at her family’s request, despite her belief he is irredeemably wicked. But along with marrying him, she intends to sniff out the duke’s unsavory secrets and expose them to the world: a plan that would be flawless were it not for one minor detail, that even she, with all her determination, is not immune to the charms of a rakish duke.

The Wicked Duke makes the precarious nature of being female throughout history very obvious. Despite being bright and of an independent nature Marianne is at her uncle's mercy. Since Marianne sincerely cares about the welfare of her cousin and mother she is even more under his thumb, since if it were only about herself she would pursue other options. Lance has secrets and while she wants to discover them and expose them she finds herself falling for him. Solving the mystery of his brothers death is a nice addition to the story and keeps it going, as does her character growth. Lance is a rakish Duke, but is infatuated with Marianne and wants his name cleared in the death of his brother. I will admit that I had trouble getting into this one, and it was only the mystery portion that kept me going.

I had some trouble getting into The Wicked Duke, but I wonder how much of the problem was my only reading burn out. The mystery was good, the characters strong, and there was a good amount of wit. I think fans of the author and the series will definitely like it, and readers that enjoy the genre and elements I listed are likely to enjoy it more than myself. 

Early Book Review: Nobody Likes a Goblin by Ben Hatke

Nobody Likes a Goblin by Ben Hatke is a picture book which is currently scheduled for release on June 1 2016. Goblin, a cheerful little homebody, lives in a cosy, rat-infested dungeon, with his only friend, Skeleton. Every day, Goblin and Skeleton play with the treasure in their dungeon. But one day, a gang of "heroic" adventurers bursts in. These marauders trash the place, steal all the treasure, and make off with Skeleton―leaving Goblin all alone! It's up to Goblin to save the day. But first he's going to have to leave the dungeon and find out how the rest of the world feels about goblins.

Nobody Likes a Goblin meets the bar that I have set for Hatke’s picture books after the absolutely fabulous Julia's House for Lost Creatures. In this book our Goblin’s home is beset by ‘heroes’ that steal everything of his, including his best friends as the goblin hides in fear. He goes off to rescue his friend, and he discovers that the world outside have very strong feelings about goblins. Despite wanting nothing more than his friend back, you can imagine ow the people of the world react to a goblin inter midst. He has quite the adventure, only to discover that while hiding from the ‘brave’ people hunting the little goblin that he is far from alone. A fun, and wonderfully illustrated, story about assumptions, appearances, and friendship. I think children are already more willing to think outside the conventional norms or who is good or bad based on silly things like appearance but this book will only encourage them to think and look further than the surface of those they encounter.

Nobody Likes a Goblin left me with one complaint, that it was too short! Hatke is one of my favorite authors for children’s graphic novels, and picture books of course. This is a delightful read all around. I would recommend to anyone that loves great picture books and any of the author’s other work. 

Book Review: Waylaid by Kim Harrison

Waylaid by Kim Harrison is para junction of the Hollows series and Peri Reed Chrorincles. Since I have only read the Rachel Morgan books it took me a bit to catch up with the details of Peri Reed's world. However, I think fans of Harrison in any capacity will be able to catch on quickly.

The paranormal and the futuristic meet in a novella featuring  heroines from two of Kim Harrison’s most beloved series: the Hollows and the Peri Reed Chronicles. The magic of the Hollows runs full force into the technological sophistication of The Drafter when a device capable of carrying a city’s data stream pulls Rachel, the bounty hunter witch of the Hollows, between realities, marooning her in a world where the supernatural holds no sway. To get Rachel and Jenks home, Peri, the dangerous renegade of 2030, must decide what will chart her future: her blind trust in those who grant her power, or her intuition telling her to believe.

Waylaid is an intriguing novella. Rachel are Peri both strong but somehow vulnerable heroines in their own way. Both very different from each other, and very similar. Trust issues, independance, and self reliance about, and make their coming together was as exciting and interesting as I might have hoped. Rachel has to deal with being dropped in a world with no access to her magic and little connection to her support system. Peri honestly thinks Rachel is more than a little looney, at least at first. I like the the novella raised questions for both series, and left me wanting to catch up with both series. THe details of Peri's world is much more technological and and science fiction like than the fantasy world of Rachel Morgan. Finding a way to return Rachel to her own time and place involves trust and magic, both of which are difficult under the circumstances. There is even time for some character development for Peri squeezed in this fast paced, enthralling novella.

Waylaid is a nice union between two very different worlds, and one I really enjoyed. It inspired me to get reading the Peri Reed Chronicles. I have no idea when I will get all the great books out there read when I keep adding more to my lists...