Book Review: Bonnie and the Beast by Alexa Black

Bonnie and the Beast by Alexa Black is very short, I would call it a short story rather than even a novella. The Beast's castle has been lonely since an angry sorceress cursed her years ago, and resigned herself to it a long time ago. But now a woman has promised to brave the curse, and for the first time in too many years the Beast has someone to talk to—and perhaps even break the curse. But tricking people into visiting your castle isn't how you find a soulmate. And looking stranger than a werewolf doesn't help.

Bonnie and the Beast is at a bit of short erotica. The Beast is waiting for a promised girl to come to her castle and make the attempt to break a curse. I still have no idea what the beast looks like and could not even hazard a guess because five eyes and some serious claws and teeth? I felt like there was room for a bit of character growth, or at least some insight into them. There was a little bit of information on each through the story, but not enough to let me care about either. It seemed like it was an excuse to write a sex scene between a curvy girl and a female something rather than a story. I was annoyed at the length, and at the lack of character depth. A bit more story would have been appreciated but this might just be what someone else is looking for. 

Book Review: The Crooked Sixpence (The Uncommoners) by Jennifer Bell, Karl James Mountford

The Crooked Sixpence is the first book in The Uncommoners series written by Jennifer Bell and illustrated by Karl James Mountford. When their grandmother Sylvie is rushed to the hospital, Ivy Sparrow and her annoying big brother Seb cannot imagine what adventure lies in store. Soon their house is ransacked by unknown intruders, and a very strange policeman turns up on the scene, determined to apprehend them, with a toilet brush. Ivy and Seb make their escape only to find themselves in a completely uncommon world, a secret underground city called Lundinor where ordinary objects have amazing powers. There are belts that enable the wearer to fly, yo-yos that turn into weapons, buttons with healing properties, and other enchanted objects capable of very unusual feats. But the forces of evil are closing in fast, and when Ivy and Seb learn that their family is connected to one of the greatest uncommon treasures of all time, they must race to unearth the treasure and get to the bottom of a family secret before it’s too late.

The Crooked Sixpence is a fantasy coming of age story with great middle grade characters and compelling world. While the idea of object holding magic and family secrets about magic, are not new ideas, I think the characters and action made the concepts fresh and exciting. The caring and grit Ivy has made me happy. I love seeing girl characters using both compassion and intelligence to save the day rather than one or the other. The family relationships and secret were well done, although more could have been done with Ivy and Seb. I found that they went from the typical siblings that annoy or ignore each other to perfect team without really addressing anything or even noticing. I did think that the mistrust of those they met in Lundinor, and the coming understanding and acceptance of the way it works was very well done. I enjoyed the world building and character development, and I would love to learn more about the creatures and object that populate the realm. 

The Crooked Sixpence is one that I had a had a couple false starts with, only because it was not what I was in the mood to read the first couple times I picked it up. Once I actually get reading past the first couple pages I was completely engaged. I enjoyed the characters, the story, and the world. I look forward to seeing more from this series.

Book Review: Her Dark Half (X-Ops) by Paige Tyler

Her Dark Half is the seventh book in the X-Ops series by Paige Tyler. While there are parts of the story that you can only fully enjoy if you know the bigger picture, this romance can be enjoyed on its own as well. 

Trevor Maxwell is a coyote shifter with an attitude, a covert operator, and trusts no one, especially his devastatingly beautiful new partner. Alina Bosch is former CIA, the newest operative on the covert team, and hired to spy on her partner. They are teamed up to catch a killer. But when the mission becomes much more dangerous than they expected, they're going to have to ignore the attraction between them and learn how to trust one another to come out on the other side. 

Her Dark Half does a good just of looking at trust issues and partners. Trevor and Alina both have good reasons not to trust easily, and I think that part of the story, and their developing relationship is well done. However, somehow I just never really connected with either of them, and was more interested in the large corruption plot and the other relationships that were touched on in the story (Tanner's in particular). I did like that many of my questions about who did what were answered, and while some twists and turns were exceptional, I felt like others were just too easy. I think I might be done with this series, but I will admit wanting to know the outcome of some of the pairing I know will happen, but have not yet.

Her Dark Half is a good continuation to the larger story arch, which I was glad to see some serious movement on. However, I was not as engaged with the characters as I have been in previous books, and this is by no means the end of the series.I felt like it might have closed the book on part of the story, but there is a whole new angle for the series to continue on with. 

Book Review: The Impending Possession of Scarlet Wakebridge-Rosé by S.L. Saboviec

The Impending Possession of Scarlet Wakebridge-Rosé  by S.L. Saboviec is a stand alone novel set in the same world as the Fallen Redemtion series (which I have not read).  

Scarlet Wakebridge-Rosé, busy executive and less-than-stellar mother and wife, has a problem that only an exorcist can solve. Except she’s not precisely a devout Catholic parishioner any longer, and to gain assistance from the Church means telling a whopping lie of omission. Fortunately, she discovers Father Angelo Ambrosio, whose commitment to helping the afflicted means he’s willing to overlook the things Scarlet prefers to keep hidden. Unfortunately, his sordid past keeps him under a microscope with the bishop, who’s not so liberal in his views. But the demon harassing Scarlet is relentless. It makes its motives clear: in a previous life, she struck a bargain, promising it her body on her fiftieth birthday. Now, she and Angelo must unravel the mystery surrounding her forgotten past in order to stop the possession by next week or risk losing her to the depths of Hell forever.

The Impending Possession of Scarlet Wakebridge-Rosé  is a story with an interesting premise and a diverse, if not slightly twisted, cast of characters. It is a supernatural thriller that also deals with homophobia and the related issues in the church, and society in general. I liked that no one seemed to be written as a token character to fit the desire to be diverse, they just happened to be who they were. That is not always how the characters seem, but it did play completely organic which I liked. Scarlet was a well written character, and while her stubborn nature is key to the story, she frustrated me on several occasions as well. Although I have to admit that Father Angelo and Zoe were my favorite characters in the book, much more so than Scarlet. I found Zoe's voice to be much stronger and more engaging than Scarlet's, and I thought Angelo's character was very compelling and I was much more engaged with his well being than Scarlet's.

The Impending Possession of Scarlet Wakebridge-Rosé  just did not grab me. Perhaps if I had read the related series I would have enjoyed it more, or maybe my reading style and the author's writing style do not compliment each other. However, I can think of so many readers that would enjoy this read and that I would happily recommend it to.

Early Book Review: Cast No Shadow by Nick Tapalansky, Anissa Espinosa

Cast No Shadow is a graphic novel written by Nick Tapalansky and illustrated by Anissa Espinosa. It is currently scheduled for release on October 10 2017. Greg has lived in Lancaster his whole life. The town's always had its quirks, and being born without a shadow means he's counted among them. When Greg discovers an old mansion in the woods just outside of town, he didn't expect to meet a smart, beautiful, funny, and dead teenaged girl named Eleanor. Yeah. He's in love with a ghost. And before he knows what's happening, Greg finds himself at the wrong end of a history lesson when the town's past, and his own, threaten to pull the two of them apart permanently.

Cast No Shadow is an engaging graphic novel. I enjoyed the unusual lack of a shadow from our main character, and the story that stemmed from that. I really liked how that played out. I also liked that Greg faces some realistic family issues, and complicated friendships. His imperfect life made his emotions and the trouble he faced that much more real and relatable as a reader. While there is a romance involved, I also liked that his best friend is a girl and the idea of girls as more than a romantic interest is clear. Although, the fact that she has her own romance negates that a little bit, her clear personality and utter lack of fitting the 'girl best friend' stereotype did help a little. I like that the town and most of its inhabitants are a little odd, and the story is unexpected in many ways. I thought the art did a wonderful job of bringing the story to life, adding details and little bits of information that made the read even more enjoyable. The combination of heart felt emotion and facing real life struggles of family and friend relationships along-side the paranormal aspects and humor struck a chord with me.

Cast No Shadow is a graphic novel with a unique twist to teen romance. I enjoyed the art and the story and think that many readers from middle grade on up through adults will enjoy the read.

Early Book Review: Tobor by Guido van Genechten

Tobor is a picturebook by Guido van Genechten that is currently scheduled for publication on October 11 2017.  Ben receives a very special present for his fifth birthday. Unlike Ben's stuffed animals who can't move on their own or talk, Tobor is different; with a press of his square nose, Tobor comes alive, suggesting and playing games, talking and asking questions and soon he becomes Ben's best friend. Sometimes friendship develops where you least expect it.

Tobor is a delightful picturebook with artwork that captured my attention right away. Ben plays with and interacts with his stuffed animals the way many imaginative children do, as if they are alive. However, when he is gifted with Tobor- a toy that can actually talk and play rather than one that can only do these things in his imagination, he is as obsessed as anyone would expect a child to be. I loved the adventures and interaction the pair have. I liked that Ben got tired of Tobor's constant desire to play. More than anything, I liked that Ben came to see that a toy that walks and talks is great, he also sees the importance and fun that can be found with a little more variety. I think could be a good classroom or family discussion starter about new friends and how different people play different ways, and that we can all come together and find a happy medium. 

Book Review: His Alone (For Her) by Alexa Riley

His Alone is the second book in the For Her series by Alexa Riley. The first book was Everything for Her, which I did not read. While having read the first book will give you a better insight on the characters and their connections, I was able to fully enjoy the read.

Ryan Justice may be her boss, but nothing will stop him from making her his. Paige Turner is trying to outrun her past, but there it is, tossed back in her face anytime she manages to get two steps ahead. Her need for Ryan got in the way of revenge, took her off course. Redirected her focus. Before she knew it, he'd made his way into her life. Into her heart. True love doesn't let secrets as big as these stay buried. And when the truth about Paige's father is finally exposed, Ryan will do anything to fix everything. Paige has always been his and his alone.

His Alone is a contemporary romance, with an over the top alpha male ready to do anything for the woman he cares about, even when she has no idea he feels that way. Yes, a little stalkerish- but somehow Riley makes that work in this series. I liked that Paige is aware that his possessiveness should bother her, but since she has the same reactions to him I would call that even. The book starts with the pair already at a low simmer, and it does not take long for the pair to catch fire. The physical obsession is similar to the paranormal romances where 'mates' find each other and then cannot keep their hands to themselves. I did like that there was some danger and reveal with Paige's history, and that love is the answer to everything. However, the stalker style is not romantic to me, although entertaining for a weekend read. My only other issue several epilogues and a bonus scene. I love getting a little extra, but every time I thought I was done and could go wash dishes or something I discovered another two pages that I could not leave unread.

His Alone is the perfect read for those looking for a hot read, and that enjoy the controlling male leads. If you liked the first book, which is described fairly well in this installment, then I expect that you will enjoy this one as well. 

Book Review: Conjuror (Orion Chronicles) by John & Carole E. Barrowman

Conjuror is is the first book in the Orion Chronicles by John and  Carole E. Barrowman.  I did not know that this book, and subsequent series,  is a spin off of a previous trilogy starring Em and Matt Calder called Hollow Earth. While I still understood the story and could enjoy the read regardless, I think that those that have already read the earlier series will get much more out of these read than those of us that are coming in cold. 

Sixteen-year-old twins Matt and Em Calder are Animare: they can bring art to life, and travel in time through paintings. They work for Orion - the Animare MI5 - protecting the secrecy of their order and investigating crimes committed by their own kind. It's dangerous work. But when they are sent to Edinburgh to find a teenage boy who can alter reality with his music, they are drawn into something more dangerous still. For this boy, Remy, is the Conjurer's Son. And he carries something that could change humanity for ever.

Conjuror is a book with a wonderful idea, but I had trouble getting lost in the story and connecting to the characters, particularly in the beginning. There were many references to things that must have happened in the Hollow Earth series with Em and Matt which left me floundering a little. I did enjoy Remy's character, and the way they all came together. I also liked that once I figured out who everyone was, most characters are multidimensional, even some of the characters that did not really need to be fully fleshed out to play their part. The world building and how the Animare worked were very well done, and once the book hit its stride it was a nice fantasy read. There was a lot going on, which I expect will be expanded on in they rest of the series, but at times it just felt like a little too many characters and story arcs in play all at once.

Conjuror is a book that I had trouble getting into. I will admit to picking it up based solely on the author, because I love him. However, while it was a good book I was not as wowed as I had hoped to be, most likely because of high hopes and not having read the previous series. 

Book Review: Maggie and the Wish Fish (Magic Animal Rescue) by E.D. Baker, Lisa Manuzak

Maggie and the Wish Fish is the second book in the Magic Animal Rescue series written by E.D. Baker and illustrated by Lisa Manuzak. The first book was Maggie and the Flying Horse, which I missed. However, I was quickly able to catch on to who the characters were and what was happening even without having read the first book. 

With each day, Maggie is finding it harder and harder to get along with her step-mother and step-siblings while her father is away. It doesn't help that every time Maggie finishes cleaning laundry, flying pigs swoop in to muddy everything up and get her into trouble! One day while she's out collecting berries and her step-brother is fishing, Maggie happens to catch a magical fish herself! The fish promises to make one of her wishes come true, but only if she frees him. Maggie wants a new family more than anything, but how much faith can she put into a talking fish?

Maggie and the Wish Fish is a story that takes the legend of the magic fish and combines it with Maggie's Cinderella like homelife. I like that Maggie is well aware of the fairy tale creatures and echos around here- which might have been explained in the first book. I really enjoyed the matter of fact way she looked at the world, even when things were less than fair towards her. I also liked that the adults in the story, and the other kids, were neither all good or all bad. Just like in real life, there are those that will help others, and those that are only interested in themselves.

Maggie and the Wish Fish is a good transitional chapter book for fairy tale and animal lovers alike. I will admit that I have come to expect more from Baker, but I still think there are many young readers that will love this series.

Book Review: Elementary She Read (Sherlock Holmes Bookshop) by Vicki Delany

Elementary, She Read is the first book in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series by Vicki Delany. Gemma Doyle, a transplanted Englishwoman, co owns and manages her Great Uncle Arthur's Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium in the quaint town of West London on Cape Cod. The shop--located at 222 Baker Street--specializes in the Holmes canon and pastiche, and is also the home of Moriarty the cat. When Gemma finds a rare and potentially valuable magazine containing the first Sherlock Homes story hidden in the bookshop, she and her friend Jayne (who runs the adjoining Mrs. Hudson's Tea Room) set off to find the owner, only to stumble upon a dead body. The highly perceptive Gemma is the police’s first suspect, so she puts her consummate powers of deduction to work to clear her name, investigating a handsome rare books expert, the dead woman's suspiciously unmoved son, and a whole family of greedy characters desperate to cash in on their inheritance. But when Gemma and Jayne accidentally place themselves at a second murder scene, it's a race to uncover the truth before the detectives lock them up for good.

Elementary, She Read is a fun and entertaining read. While managing a Sherlock Holmes themed book shop Gemma thinks much like the fictional detective. She is intelligent, but like most Sherlock based characters is lacking in social graces, which makes her life both highly entertaining and occasionally cringe worthy. I liked  the spirit and execution of the character. I also enjoyed the flighty nature of her great uncle, and her enduring friendship with the forthright Jayne. The mystery is well built, with several layers and twists, some of which were completely unexpected and others that were emotional satisfying. I really enjoy the read, and want to read more about Gemma, and her fellow residents of West London.

Elementary, She Read is a solid beginning to a series, and I am interested in the characters and the town. I think Sherlock fans, of all eras, and cozy or hobby mystery fans will enjoy the read as much as I did. I look forward to seeing where Gemma goes from here.