Book Review: Melody Bittersweet and the Girls Ghoustbusting Agency by Kitty French

Melody Bittersweet and the Girls Ghoustbusting Agency is the first book in a series by Kitty French. Life’s tough for Melody Bittersweet. She’s single, addicted to sugar and super heroes, her family are officially bonkers, and she sees dead people. Is it any wonder no-one’s swiping right on Tinder? Waking up lonely on her twenty seventh birthday, Melody finally snaps. She can’t carry on basing all of her life decisions on the advice of her magic 8 ball; things have got to change. Fast forward two months, and she’s now the proud proprietor of her very own ghostbusting agency - kind of like in the movies but without the dodgy white jumpsuits. She’s also flirting with her ex Leo Dark, fraternising with her enemy in alleyways, and she’s somehow ended up with a pug called Lestat. Life just went from dull to dynamite and it’s showing no sign of slowing up anytime soon. Melody’s been hired to clear Scarborough House of its incumbent ghosts, there’s the small matter of a murder to solve, and then there’s the two very handsome, totally inappropriate men hoping to distract her from the job.

Melody Bittersweet and the Girls Ghoustbusting Agency was a quick read, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Melody has a wacky family, that wants the best for her but has their own ideas on what that might be.Once she gets her new job up and running. A conflict with the ex boyfriend,  a handsome ghost, and an old murder mystery make Melody's effort to secure her first paying job as a ghost removal service is off to an interesting start. I really enjoyed the wacky secondary characters and the complexity of the mystery and danger that Melody finds herself embroiled in. While it certainly was a cozy mystery, there was enough danger that I was worried a few times for the safety of our main players. I liked that the book offered a clear resolution for the characters, rather than leaving readers hanging until the next book, while leaving enough possibilities for future craziness and chaos that I want to see what happens next. A nearly perfect balance, and one that is hard to write.

Melody Bittersweet and the Girls Ghoustbusting Agency is a fun cozy. mystery with a ghostly bent. I liked the characters and that it was complex while still being lots of fun. I do believe that I wil keeping my eye it for the continuation of this series.

Book Review: This is Not the Abby Show by Debbie Reed Fischer

This is Not the Abby Show by Debbie Reed Fischer is a charming middle grade novel. Abby is twice exceptional—she is gifted in math and science, and she has ADHD. Normally, she has everything pretty-much-sorta-kinda under control. But when Abby makes one HUGE mistake that leads to “The Night That Ruined My Life" and lands in summer school. Abby thinks the other summer school kids are going to be total weirdos. And what with her parents’ new rules, plus all the fuss over her brother’s bar mitzvah, her life is turning into a complete disaster. But as Abby learns to communicate better and finds friends who love her for who she is, she discovers that her biggest weaknesses could be her greatest assets.

This is Not the Abby Show is a wonderful coming of age story about a young girl that just happens to have ADHD. She faces the family trouble and social conflicts that most children do, along with the self doubt and struggles. However, she has the added challenge of ADHD. It does not define her, but it is a part of her. I loved her personality and how hard she works to be a good person, and the best Abby she could be. I found the book to be heart warming and relatable- and I think that anyone that feels like an outsider will relate to the story as well. Young readers with ADHD might see something of themselves in Abby, but like the book points out every person, regardless of diagnosis, is different. The secondary characters felt just as real as Abby. I thought all of the situations, conflicts, and resolutions were very realistic and well done. It stayed with me long after I finished the book. 

This is Not the Abby Show is a realistic, heart warming story about a girl finding her talents and forging new friendships while facing the daily struggles of ADHD. I think this is a great read for those facing similar challenges and for those that love someone facing them. I thought the authors notes afterward were also particularly helpful for adults that want to help and understand. 

Book Review: A Very Jaguar Christmas (Heart of the Jaguar) by Terry Spear

A Very Jaguar Christmas is the fifth book in the Heart of the Jaguar series by Terry Spear. While you do not need to read the books in order, reading the other books by Spear in the series will give you a good idea of the characters and world before diving in head first. Even though you really do not need to read all the books in order, I have enjoyed everything I have read by Spear and if you like one then going back to fill in the blanks or pick up one of her other series will new no chore. 

As a protector of all jaguar-kind, Guardian agent Demetria MacFarlane isn’t surprised to get a call near Christmas—but when she’s sent to protect a cub whose species she didn’t even know existed, her holiday season gets complicated. And it doesn’t help that her partner is a distraction of the hottest kind.Hotshot JAG agent Everett Anderson can handle dangerous poachers and wildlife traffickers, no problem…but kids? Everett fears he’ll be stuck cub-sitting under the Christmas tree, but working with one sexy Guardian she-cat may be the best present he’s ever gotten.

A Very Jaguar Christmas has characters that are feeling with loss and a hard job, shifter special ops, but have put off a conversation for far too long. They have been tossed together. On a welfare mission, and then in taking care of a werewolf cub, when they had no idea that other kinds of shifters even existed. Since there is significant backstory between the par some of the romance seems to go vey fast- but I like that they actually talk things out and discuss feelings rather than just attraction. Spear is good at that, but it always makes me happy when a paranormal romance steps back from the insta love or lust and lets the couple find their way together. Some of it seemed too easy, I am not sure why, but while I loved the story and the characters there was not the danger and drama factor that is normally part of this series. It was good, but I missed that element of suspense. 

A Very Jaguar Christmas is a sweet story and a fun read. I liked the characters and their connection- as well as connection this book made to bridge the gap between Spear's different series. I am very interested to see where the world she has created goes now that things are now connected.     

Book Review: Boy Meets Witch by G.A Rael

Boy Meets Witch by G.A Rael is the first book in the White Cat Chronicles. On Amazon I have seen the book titled as Bad Witch with a very different cover, although Netgalley and Goodreads still have the title as Boy Meets Witch. 

Harper Adams is a witch on the run--from her past as a faith healer turned accidental arsonist, and from the power she's kept locked away her whole life. She thinks she's finally found a place she can settle down and call home in the picturesque town of Cold Creek, Vermont, but a mysterious white cat who may or may not be bent on taking the curvaceous witch's soul has other plans. Harper's compassion gets the best of her and earns her an unwanted reputation as the town miracle worker as well as the ire of sexy veterinarian and militant atheist, Darren St. Clair. Cold Creek's residents have a few supernatural secrets of their own, and Harper will have to face the destiny that led her to the last place a witch in hiding needs to be--that is, if Darren doesn't have her chased out of town with a pitchfork-wielding mob before she gets the chance.

Boy Meets Witch has an interesting premise and some good characters. I liked the depth of Harper's character, even thought she sometimes seemed less forward thinking than I would like, but I gave her the benefit of the doubt most of the time. I really liked Darren, and thought that with actual conversation he could have had a larger role in Harper's story and the larger series, but I could be wrong. I thought the building of the town and its unusual inhabitants was hinted at. more than stated, and I liked some of the mystery involved in just who (or what) everyone is and the possibilities that they could be just about anything. The danger and magic were well done, and I enjoyed the feel of the story, but did not get completely enthralled. The story was interesting, and enjoyable, but never crossed the line to amazing. 

Boy Meets Witch is an interesting start to a new series. I am not sure yet if I am going to be picking up Trial by Fire or 'Til Death- the next books in the series. If I do I will be sure to share my thoughts. 

Early Book Review: The Time Museum by Matthew Loux

The Time Museum is a graphic novel by Matthew Loux. It is currently scheduled for release on February 21 2017. The internship program at the Earth Time Museum is a little unusual. For one thing, kids as young as twelve get to apply for these prestigious summer jobs. And as for the applicant pool, well, these kids come from all over history. When Delia finds herself part of the applicant pool at the Time Museum, the last thing she expects is to be sent on time-traveling adventures with the others. From a cave-boy to a girl from the distant future, Delia's team represents nearly all of human history! They're going to need all their skills for the challenge they've got in store, defending the Time Museum itself!

The Time Museum got off to a slow start, but picked up speed quickly. First off, I really enjoyed the bright and quirky art style. It captured my attention and had me looking for hidden details and clues on every page. It was just fun and well done all on its own. Now as for the story, I always love the oddball characters, and Delia fills that role perfectly. She is smart and a free spirit, but awkward in the way teenagers are when they have not really grown into their full size and personality. Stumbling into the possibility of an internship at the Earth Time Museum and the adventures that awaited her there was just what she needed. There are multiple layers of mystery going on, along with the coming of age, getting along with peers, and fending off dinosaurs. For instance, just who is the Earl and what does he have to do with the Museum? This was just such a fun read, and a delightful find that will appeal to middle grade, young adult, and new adult readers the most. I am hoping to see more of this in series in the future.

The Time Museum is a fun, colorful graphic novel that kept me happy and entertained. I think any reader that likes adventure, science, or mystery will find this well worth the read. 

Book Review: Who Are You: The Kid's Guide to Gender Identity by Brook Pessin-Whedbee

Who Are You by Brooke Pessin-Whebdee is an illustrated children's book with a straightforward introduction to gender for anyone aged 3+. It presents clear and direct language for understanding and talking about how we experience gender: our bodies, our expression and our identity. An interactive three-layered wheel included in the book is a simple, yet powerful, tool to clearly demonstrate the difference between our body, how we express ourselves through our clothes and hobbies, and our gender identity. A short page-by-page guide for adults at the back of the book further explains the key concepts and identifies useful discussion points. This is a one-of-a-kind resource for understanding and celebrating the gender diversity that surrounds us.

Who Are You is helpful and understandable resource for children, and the adults in their lives, in dealing with the idea of gender identity and all of its implications. I like that the book uses the ideas that everyone is unique and that how anyone feels about themselves is valid, and can change. My favorite point is that no one knows you better than you. While I can see some problems with the youngest children and this philosophy- like when my daughter decides she feels like a wolf and hence must act and be treated like one, however when the book is used to further or begin a discussion about gender and identity I do not think this will be a real issue. The additional questions and discussion information was thought provoking as a solo reader, but I think it could be a valuable tool for having or leading this discussion one on one or with a group.

Book Review: Wrong Side of Hell (DeathSpeaker Codex) by Sonya Bateman

Wrong Side of Hell is the first book in the DeathSpeaker Codex by Sonya Bateman. Hauling dead people around Manhattan is all in a day's work for body mover Gideon Black. He lives in his van, talks to corpses, and occasionally helps the police solve murders. His life may not be normal, but it's simple enough. Until the corpses start talking back. When Gideon accidentally rescues a werewolf in Central Park, he's drawn into the secret world of the Others. Fae, were-shifters, dark magic users and more, all playing a deadly cat-and-mouse game with Milus Dei, a massive and powerful cult dedicated to hunting down and eradicating them all. Then a dead man speaks to him, saying that Milus Dei wants him more than any Other. They'll stop at nothing to capture him and control the abilities he never knew he had. He is the DeathSpeaker. He is the key. And he's not as human as he thought. Life was a whole lot easier when the dead stayed dead.

Wrong Side of Hell is a urban fantasy that strays towards the darker side, but still with flashes or humor and fun. Gideon has had a hard life, and when his normal gig of shuttling dead bodies from crime scenes to the morgue gets stranger thanks to a werewolf and dead bodies talking to him his life spirals out of control. He discovers that the things that go bump in the night are real, and he is at least partially one of those things. He is smart, resourceful, and able to make due without much. I really liked his personal ethics and desire to protect those in need, even werewolves.I enjoyed the character development for Gedeon and a couple of the biggest players- and thought the big bad and conflict were extremely well done.


Wrong Side of Hell is a nice introduction to the series, but I felt like there must have been something that came before this book even though it is a series starter. I wanted more background on the fae players- or at least their species, particularly when things got really interesting. I also feel like Gideon's human companions had more to them than we saw here- and I want more background and active participation from them. I am hoping that this book handles the set up for the larger story arch, and that the later volumes include this more detailed information. In fact, I fully expect that it does and plan on testing the theory. I will let you know when I get there. I am interested to see where this goes.

Book Review: Catology: Inside the Twisted Mind of Our Feline Friends by Adrian Searle, Oliver Ninis

Catology: Inside the Twisted Mind of our Feline Friends by Adrian Searle and Oliver Ninis is a collection of over eighty cartoons that give readers a glimpse into the minds of their feline companions. Just what is your cat thinking? As it gazes up at you, are those eyes filled with love and admiration or spite and scorn? From the author of the award-winning 101 Uses of a Dead Kindle and If Dogs Could Swear comes a hilarious insight into the twisted, venal, self-serving psychology of our cutest four-legged sociopaths. Catology is a psychiatrist's view of your moggy; a brilliant, unforgettable and twisted look at the many bizarre, ridiculous and instantly recognizable scenarios in which cat owners find their beloved pets every day.

Catology: Inside the Twisted Mind of our Feline Friends is a fun and cute collection of cartoons. Some were funnier than others, and some will speak to particular readers more than others. The artwork is done in black and white line drawings, and like the humor some are more appealing than others. I enjoyed the read, some of the cartoons made me chuckle, but others had me shaking my head and moving on to the next page. Occasionally I found the artwork to be less skillful or complete than on other pages. This might be a good gift for some cat lovers, but this cat fan was only mildly amused rather than laughing out loud, which is what I was hoping for.

Book Review: Damned if He Does by Marcella Burnard

Damned if He Does by Marcella Burnard is an urban fantasy romance. Though damned for his earthly sins, Darsorin Incarri likes being an incubus. Prowling women’s dreams to siphon off their sexual energy for Satan's consumption has its perks: an array of infernal power and a modicum of freedom. All he has to do is hold up his end of his damnation contract – five women seduced, satisfied and siphoned per night for eternity. So when he encounters gorgeous, bright, and funny Fiona Renee, it’s business as usual. Deploy the infernal charm and rack up another score. Except it doesn’t work. She’s immune. He has to find out what’s gone wrong or face Lucifer's wrath. Fiona Renee has the life she’d always wanted: a career, a home, a cat with a bad attitude, and peace. When a man shows up in her bedroom in the middle of the night demanding to know why her dreams turn to nightmares every time he tries to seduce her from within them, Fiona winds up negotiating a contract with a demon that allows him access to her life. She never anticipated that it would also give him access to her heart. If she's going to fall in love at all, something she never thought would happen, shouldn’t it be with someone who’s alive? If Fiona wants to hang on to Darsorin, she has to find his true name, the one he’d been given at his birth over a thousand years ago. But Satan, himself, stands in her way. Even if Fiona can dodge Lucifer, she and Darsorin have to face the question neither of them can answer: What happens to a dead man if you manage to wrest his soul from the Devil?

Damned if He Does is an urban fantasy with a strong theme of redemption. Darsonin is an incubus that is fairly content with his lot, until he sees Fiona. Her personality and his inability to seduce her have him obsessed. I love the slow development of friendship between the pair, and how connected they are. Particularly since Dar is all about sex- literally- and Fiona is asexual with no desire to partake. Add in a nosy landlady,  interfering sister, Old Scratch and the hellish contract binding Dar, and so many issues about the past and present that the odds were not in our couple's favor. I really like the conversation and deeper connection between our couple, and while I am not a prude when it comes to love scenes in romance, I love that they actually build a solid connection and sex was not the focus. I really liked that Fiona's sexuality is presented as real, not a gimmick or something to be cured. Dar respects her feelings and desires (or lack there of) even though he craves sex. He appreciates her and the things that bring her joy, rather than seeking his own. This made me very happy.

Damned if He Does is a nice story about love and redemption, with a paranormal twist. I like that Fiona's sexuality was handled candidly and seriously rather than as a gimmick.

Early Book Review: The Duke (Victorian Rebels) by Kerrigan Byrne

The Duke is the forth book in the Victorian Rebels series by Kerrigan Byrne and is currently scheduled for release on February 7 2017. The previous books are (in order) The Highwayman, The Hunter, and The Highlander. You do not need to read the previous books to enjoy this one, but the books are all great fun and give series readers a little extra insight on the secondary characters of this story and the missing time of Collin's life. I some how missed reading book two, which I do plan on remedying as soon as possible.


They say that now His Grace, Collin Talmage, Duke of Trenwyth has only one hand, he might finally be a mere mortal, but no one seems willing to test the theory. Rich as Midas, big as a Viking, beautiful as Adonis, and lethal as a feral wolf, he is the English Empire’s golden son. But now he’s lost everything. Most of his family died in a terrible accident, his protégé and closest friend betrayed him on the battlefield, and his left hand was cut off while he was a prisoner of war. The only thing that’s kept him going until now is the memory of a night spent in the arms of a mysterious raven-haired woman almost a year ago. Imogen Pritchard is a nurse by day, but a fallen woman by night. Seduced on the job years ago by a Duke who mourned for the loss of his family, Imogen has never shaken the memory of the man’s despair or the pleasure he brought to her. But as the threat of betrayals, blackmail, and secrets abound, Imogen and Collin are thrown back together in a dizzying swirl of dangerous games.

The Duke covers a good chunk of time, and like the previous Victorian Rebels books features a strong broody male and a woman that has seen some of the worst ills of society and the treatment of women and the poor of their time.  Imogen's struggles to pay off her father's gambling debt lead her to working to jobs to protect what is left of her family. When fate turns against her she takes steps to hide the things she has been forced to do, and to secure her younger sister's future. The fact that she cannot forget the man that took her virtue and than her job despite saving his life makes things even harder. Collin has faced loss and betrayal. He hunts for the woman that granted him peace before a disastrous mission does nothing but offer disappointment. Little does he know that she saved his life and is right next door. The secrets and danger color every exchange and keep things very interesting. I liked the level of intrigue and think that the understanding of both sides of the story make it very compelling. Stubbornness and fear are at the heart of the conflicts between Collin and Imogen- and seeing them find their way to each other was highly entertaining, though very emotional at times. I will admit to not knowing the full extent of who the serial killer was, and that aspect of the story was full of twists and turns. I am interested to see what might be next for one secondary character in particular, and fully expect more in this series.


The Duke is another solid historical romance from Byrne. Readers that are already fans will not want to miss it, and new readers who enjoy romance with secrets and strong characters will become new fans.