Book Review: Not You It's Me by Julie Johnson

Not You It's Me is the first book in the Boston Love Story series by Julie Johnson. I read the third book in the series, One Good Reason, and loved the characters and writing style enough to go back and buy the first two books as well. 

Gemma Summers is unlucky in love. She’s known it since third grade, when her first crush blew a spitball into her hair, and a decade-long string of bad dates, boring sex, and abysmal morning-afters has done nothing to improve her prospects.  ut when a random radio call-in contest lands her courtside tickets to the hottest playoff game of the season, Gemma’s luck may finally be on the upswing even if it doesn’t exactly seem like it when the dreaded jumbotron kiss-cam lands on her and her date, who’s too busy ignoring her to notice. Chase Croft doesn’t date. Despite ample opportunity as Boston’s most eligible bachelor, the reformed bad-boy would rather put his energy into taking over the family business than weed through a world of gold-diggers to find an honest woman. But when the beautiful girl in the seat next to him becomes a courtside spectacle at the hands of her loser boyfriend, he can’t help but step in and save the day. The problem is that after kissing Gemma once, he knows he wants more.

Not You It's Me is a contemporary romance with flawed characters. I like that both Gemma and Chase have issues that they need to deal with and plenty of problems to sort out between them. Too often we see characters with manufactured issues, or problems created either by outside sources or lack of communication. Gemma and Chase have some of that going on, but they also have family and personal issues to work on, and a great group of characters surrounding them. I really appreciate the complex and highly entertaining secondary characters, and that the main players force themselves and each other to face their issues. The danger and suspense portion of the romance is well handles, and kept me turning pages well after I should have stopped to go to bed. What really sold me was the humor and moments when characters laugh at themselves. Great characters are what keep me reading, and looking forward to more from an author.

Not You It's Me is a hot and steamy romance with plenty of suspense. A great read to escape with and enjoy.

Book Review: Unhidden by Dina M. Given

Unhidden by Dina M. Given is an urban fantasy and starts off The Gatekeeper series. It’s not always easy to tell the good guys from the bad guys, especially when your heroine is a trained killer and she may be falling in love with her evil hunter. Emma Hayes, a former military Special Forces Operative turned mercenary-for-hire, finds her tightly controlled world turned upside down when she is attacked by horrible monsters. Emma must use every skill in her arsenal to stay alive as she tries to solve the mystery of why she has been targeted. Her list of enemies keeps growing and she doesn't know if there is anyone left she can trust. Emma is left haunted by questions, doubts and fears as to why she has been targeted, when they will come for her next, and how she will possibly be able to survive against an enemy she doesn't understand.

Unhidden is a book that is high interest and drama, with a lot of ground to cover to set up the ways and wherefores of character actions and relationships. I liked Emma from the start, she is a tough cookie with an uncertain past, and an even more uncertain future it seems. She remembers nothing before waking up in a military hospital over ten years ago, and those missing memories are now key as monsters and people from her past seem to be lurking in every corner. Her current friendships are already strained, and everything is only getting harder. She is adrift but making the best and most strategic choices she can with the information she has. Getting to know the secondary characters and complexity of how everything fits together is well executed, but at some point the exciting battle and action scenes toward the end had me skimming a little to see what was going on with particular characters rather than investing fully in the details about the creatures, their fighting, and the general carnage involved. It was all important, but I just think I reach fatigue levels and my interest faltered. I do not think it is the fault of the author or the style- I think it was my personal issue. The story did offer up a conclusion with enough closure to be fairly satisfying but with enough unanswered questions to encourage further reading. 

Unhidden started off well, but after awhile I just wanted the battles and conflict to stop long enough for me too see where all the characters were and what was going on with them, rather than the complex power struggle. There is nothing I can point to that was lacking, I just am more interested in what is going on in the character's heads rather than who is wielding what weapon and how. A satisfying read and good starting point for a series, I just got impatient toward the end.

Book Review: Boundary Born by Melissa F. Olson

Boundary Born is the third book in the Boundary Magic series by Melissa F. Olson. Something wicked is at work in Colorado’s supernatural community. Vampires are being paralyzed or killed with poison, a weapon favored by witches. This offense threatens to break apart the already-fractured alliance between witches and the undead. The state’s cardinal vampire, Maven, summons boundary witch Allison “Lex” Luther to stop the killing before it ignites a war. Lex has barely started investigating when she gets another surprise: the biological father she’s never met arrives on her doorstep. He has answers to all of Lex’s questions about her bloodline, but getting those answers could mean betraying the life she’s already built. Then the next vampire is poisoned—and this time it’s Maven herself. The new evil that hunts Lex is powerful and ruthless enough to stop the strongest supernatural creature in the state. In order to find such a killer, Lex will have to face down her own birthright and call on every ally—both living and dead.

Boundary Born is another winner from Olson, with a near perfect combination of character development, drama, and action. While reading I never knew if Lex was going to have a revelation, a big bad was going to pop up, or if a comic moment might be next. The constant surprises and highly developed characters kept me reading eagerly. Lex is a woman with some serious history and issues, and is well aware of that. I like that she is a complex character, and that even those that should be simple are more complicated than really needed to the story. No one is completely what they seem- no one is all good or bad. They characters are like real people, with shadows in light changing their perception and coloring their actions even when they do not seem aware of it. I like that we got to see more of Maven’s history and glimpses of Lex’s ancestry. I also like that while there is a romantic aspect to Lex’s life- it takes a back seat to more practical and immediately dangerous aspects of the day. 

Boundary Born is another wonderful book from Olson. I am a huge fan, after playing catch up on her previous series, and am looking forward to where ever these stories take us. If you are a fan, this book will keep you happy and eager for more. If you have not read anything from the author I highly recommend either starting from the beginning of this series, or starting at the very beginning with the Scarlet Bernard series. Trust me- they are all fantastic.

Book Review: Cleo by Sassafras de Bruyn

Cleo by Sassafras de Bruyn is a wordless picturebook about one young girl that feels alone. She is always in a hurry to get somewhere, the bus, school, home, and so on. She dreams of being able to get away and explore new places and having adventures. She plans on only having her cat along as company, but one fellow daydreamer wants to join her.

Cleo is a beautifully illustrated story. The watercolor style illustrations draw the reader into the story and brings Cleo's daydreams to life. As a long time daydreamer I related to Cleo, her loneliness, and her imaginings almost immediately. I think readers and dreamers of all ages will enjoy the artwork and Cleo's feelings immensely. I know I did.

Book Review: Shadow Magic by Jashua Khan

Shadow Magic by Jashua Khan is a middle grade fantasy. Thorn, an outlaw's son, wasn't supposed to be a slave. He's been sold to the executioner Tyburn and they're headed to Castle Gloom in Gehenna, the land of undead, where Thorn will probably be fed to a vampire. Lilith Shadow wasn't supposed to be ruler of Gehenna. But following the murder of her family, young Lily became the last surviving member of House Shadow, a long line of dark sorcerers. Her country is surrounded by enemies and the only way she can save it is by embracing her heritage and practicing the magic of the undead. But how can she when, as a girl, magic is forbidden to her? Just when it looks like Lily will have to leave her home forever, Thorn arrives at Castle Gloom. A sudden death brings them together, inspires them to break the rules, and leads them to soar to new heights in this fantasy with all the sparkle and luster of a starry night sky.

Shadow Magic is a complex and interesting tale that has humor, adventure, and mystery through out the story. Thorn is sold as a slave, and despite trying to keep some secrets about himself is an honorable and fiercely capable young man. Lily is dealing with more responsibility that she wants, and more restrictions on her actions than she can tolerate. The only support she has is her maid and an alcohol fueled uncle. When an unwanted finance comes on the scene, with a political prisoner in tow and more than enough pride and ill temper Lily is at the end of her patience. However, a unique bonds between three young people and each of them discovering their true strengths are the true force that keep the action of the story moving forward. Lily’s magic and the mystery of her parent’s death is only one small part of the story, but the part that offers the most suspense. I really enjoyed the balance of strength in both male and female characters, and how moments of humor and character growth kept popping up when least expected.

Shadow Magic is a delightful coming of age story for both Lily and Thorn. It is also story of fantasy, mystery, and friendship. There is seriously a little something for everyone and I think this would be a great read for middle grade readers, and adults as well.

Book Review: To Love a Wolf (SWAT: Special Wolf Alpha Team #4) by Paige Tyler

To Love a Wolf is the forth book in the SWAT: Special Wolf Alpha Team series by Paige Tyler. SWAT officer Landry Cooper is certain EverlyDanu is The One. The problem is, she has no idea what Cooper really is. And as much as he wants to trust her, he's not sure he can share his deepest secret. When Everly's family discovers Cooper's a werewolf, her brothers will do anything to keep them apart-they'll kill him if they have to. Everly is falling hard for the ridiculously handsome SWAT officer, and she's not about to let her brothers tell her who she can love, until Cooper's secret is exposed and she discovers the man she thought she knew is a monster in disguise.

To Love a Wolf is a nice continuation in the series, and still can stand well on its own. Landry might be a firm believer in the existence of "The One" but he never expected to meet his while waiting in line a a bank about to be robbed. I liked him, and was glad to see more of his past and thoughts. I really liked Everly'spersonality, background, and family dynamics. I thought we could have benefited from seeing more of the guys in her family earlier in the book, it would have been interesting if there were a longer conflict there. However, I hope to see more of them in later books. A heated romance, some crazy coincidences, and slow acceptance of revealed secrets keep the story moving along. At one point I felt it could be wrapped up, but the story went for a bonus crisis instead. It still worked, but more character development or conversation might have made me happier.

To Love a Wolf is another solid installment in Tyler`s series. I loved getting to see Landry get his happy ever after. While there were some moments  that were a little too convenient, it all came together well and kept me reading.

Book Review: The Black Dragon (The Mysterium #1) by Julian Sedgwick

The Black Dragon is the first book in the The Mysterium series for middle grade readers by Julian Sedgwick. Twelve-year-old Danny Woo is half-Chinese, half-British. His parents are performers in the Mysterium. Following their death in a mysterious fire, Danny is sent to live with his aunt Laura, an investigative journalist. When Danny's school is closed after an explosion, he joins Laura on a trip to Hong Kong. She is researching the Triad gangs; he is trying to understand more about his cultural background. But Laura disappears, and Danny is plunged into a dangerous quest to find her - which opens the door on the past he could never have imagined, and which leads him to question everything he has ever known about his past.

The Black Dragon is a book that offers mysteries during the present and the past. Danny is still questioning the death of his parents, and the explosion at his school that has him joining his aunt and a fellow circus member on the trip to Hong Kong. Nothing is what its seems and Danny is good at spotting the people and moments that seem a little off. Danny’s skills come in handy, as do his powers of observation. There is a great cast of secondary characters- but very few are who they claim to be and everyone is keeping something back. The adventure is dangerous and full of interesting clues and hints to the search for Laura, the triad organizations, and secrets about Danny’s father. Never a dull moment, and never an obvious solution or ally, keeps the reader on the edge of their seat throughout the read.

The Black Dragon is a high paced and entertaining ready. There was never a point that I could predict what might be coming next. I think readers that seek high action, complex mysteries, and interesting characters will quickly become fans of the book, and in turn the series.

Book Review: Danger Sweetheart by MaryJanice Davidson

Danger Sweetheart by MaryJanice Davidson is a parody that takes jabs at every romance trope out there. I highly suggest reading the author’s note before diving into the “story” because it describes how this book came to be and what exactly it is all about.

Blake Tarbell has a town to save. Rich, carefree, and used to the Vegas party lifestyle, Blake is thrown for a curve when his former cocktail-waitress mother pleads he go back to her roots to save the town she grew up in. Blake's used to using money to solve his problems, but when he arrives in Sweetheart, North Dakota, this city boy has to trade in his high-priced shoes for a pair of cowboy boots. Natalie Lane's got no time for newbies, and there's nothing she can't do to keep a farm up and running. But when a handsome city-slicker rolls into town with nothing but bad farmer's instincts and good intentions, Natalie's heartstrings are pulled. She's about to teach him a thing or two about how to survive in Sweetheart. And he's about to teach her a thing or two about love...

Danger Sweetheart takes jabs at just about every romance trope out there- but frankly without having read the author’s forward I would have just thought the book was silly, trying too hard, and likely would not have finished it. Even having read the explanation of the book I was not impressed. There were a couple fun moments that kept me reading, but I think the effort to achieve a parody or satire felt too forced to make it really work for me. I almost put it down, but I was too curious to see how one of the promise tropes was worked in to walk away. The characters occasionally offered the quirky fun I expect from Davidson, in such an over the top way necessary in a parody, and that was the other thing that kept me reading when I might have otherwise given up.

Danger Sweetheart made me sad. I love the writing style of Davidson, how her characters are quirky and can laugh at themselves (and each other) and move forward. I think in trying so hard to be funny the charm that usually keeps me happily read was lost. 

Early Book Review: Not Today Celeste: A Dog’s Tale about her Human’s Depression by Liza Stevens

Not Today Celeste: A Dog’s Tale about Her Human’s Depression by Liza Stevens is a picture book that is currently scheduled for release on June 21 2016. Celeste thinks she is the happiest dog in the world. But when she notices something different about her human, Rupert, she wonders if things will ever be the same again. This heart-warming story reflects some of the feelings and experiences that a child whose parent, sibling, or caregiver has depression may face. The story provides reassurance by explaining what depression is and how it is possible to find help.

Not Today Celeste: A Dog’s Tale about Her Human’s Depression can be a great tool for helping young children understand what depression is, and cope with times when someone they love is suffering from it. The illustrations are charming and offer soothing colors and some smile worthy moments. Like Celeste, often children in this situation think that the mood and behavior changes of someone going through depression might be their fault. This book helps reassure them that it is not true, gives clues as to how to recognize depression in others (and themselves), and how they not just cope but also help. I really liked that is a comprehensive guide for parents and professionals at the end of the book that offers advice on discussing the topic with children. I think this book and the resources in it can be valuable for social workers, child and school counselors, psychologists, parents and foster parents.  

Early Book Review: You Had One Job by Beverly L. Jenkins

You Had One Job by Beverly L. Jenkins is a collection off funny photographs illustrating epic fails. It is currently scheduled for release on July 12 2016. If someone hangs a stop sign upside down or paints crooked lines on a highway, count on someone else to snap a photo and post it online.  You Had One Job! is a collection of hilarious pictures features job-related disasters and general ineptitudes. All of these new, never-before-seen images are accompanied by witty captions. 

You Had One Job is fun to flip through, and a great book to make you feel better about any mistakes you might have made on the job. My only issue with the book is that the internet and social media in particular is already flush with similar pictures. While these are new, they are not unexpected or amazingly more amusing than those I have already seen via blogs and Facebook. It is a fun, silly book- and worth a look or addition to a collection of coffee table books if you have one. However, there is nothing terribly new to notable here, mainly do to the sheer number of mistakes and pictures already out in the world.