Book Review: Dirty-Talking Cowboy (Kinky Spurs) by Stacey Kennedy

Dirty-Talking Cowboy is the first book in the Kinky Spurs series by Stacey Kennedy. Emma Monroe has returned to River Rock, Colorado, after the death of her grandmother. Now she’s inherited a farm full of abused animals and she’s working as a waitress at the local hotspot, Kinky Spurs. The last thing Emma wants in her life is a man, as she’s still recovering from a recent heartbreak. But when a sensual and powerful cowboy, Shep Blackshaw enters her life, Emma begins to want things she shouldn't. Shep knows sex shouldn’t be on his mind. He’s got a world of responsibility on his shoulders. He’s attempting to save his late father’s cattle ranch, Blackshaw Cattle Company, from foreclosure. But Emma’s heated reactions to his touch make ignoring her impossible. She’s the perfect distraction to make him forget that his father’s company is a sinking ship. While their nights only heat up, soon emotions become tangled into the mix. 

Dirty-Talking Cowboy is a hot a steamy romance, with an alpha hero that is a little too perfect. Shep is sexy, a hard worker, and while he is controlling he also takes the time to be sure of the emotional well-being of those he cares about. I love that he can be slow and gentle in his conversations and takes care of those around him, and hat consent is a priority in bedroom- that is not always the case with strong alpha heroes. Emma is sweet and smart, reeling from heartbreak and the loss of her grandmother. Changes and grief are taking up most of her head-space as she tries to heal and move forward. I liked that they are both pretty self aware of their issues, and what they need. I like that they talk through the issues and do not force things. The attraction and chemistry between them is powerful, maybe a bit too much to be real but since I read for escape I was fine with that. My biggest problem with the book is that Shep is too perfect. He is strong, willing to work hard, is patient even when he needs to struggle with it. Emma is fairly perfect too, but at least she is struggling with trust, and allowing herself to feel. I enjoyed the secondary characters as much as the main players, and look forward to the next two books in the series, since the story made the next couples pretty obvious. Now, I really need to read those books because I want to see them find their happy endings. 

Dirty-Talking Cowboy is a steamy contemporary romance. The sex is steamy, the characters a little too perfect, but the ride is highly entertaining and well worth the read. 

Book Review: The Colors of History by Clive Gifford, Marc-Etienne Peintre

The Colors of History is a children's non fiction book written by Clive Gifford and illustrated by Marc-Etienne Peintre. Color has played an important part in history, in unexpected ways that most of us never realize. Why did Roman emperors wear purple? Which color is made from crushed beetles? What green pigment might be used to build super-fast computers of the future? Find out the answers to these and many more questions in this vibrant exploration of the stories behind different colors, and the roles they've played throughout history. From black to white, and all the colors in between, every shade has a story to tell. Each color group is introduced with a stunning and interpretive double-page spread illustration, followed by illustrated entries exploring the ‘colorful’ history of particular shades. With vivid, thought-provoking illustrations and engaging bite-sized text, this book is a feast for the eyes and the mind, ready to enthrall budding artists and historians alike.

The Colors of History is a well organized collection of information about the importance and roles of color in the world in general, and history in particular. The combination of well done illustrations and interesting information about the different shades of yellow, red, purple, blue, and green. Shades of black, white, and those grays in between is included at the end just prior to the index. I found the information to be well researched and written. I think it will capture the interest and attention of middle grade and older readers. I knew some of the information, but enjoyed the read and learning new bits of information very much. I found the read to be fascinating and entertaining, and I think that many others will enjoy it as well. 

Book Review: I Flipping Love You (Shacking Up) by Helena Hunting

I Flipping Love You is the third book in the Shacking Up series of contemporary romances by Helena Hunting. I have read the first book in the series, but somehow missed the second. You do not need to read the books in order or as a series to fully enjoy the reads. 

Rian Sutter grew up with the finer things in life. Spending summers in The Hamptons was a normal occurrence for her until her parents took everything years ago. Now Rian and her sister are getting their life, and finances, back on track through real estate. Not only do they buy and sell houses to the rich and famous, but they finally have the capital to flip their very own beachfront property. But then she catches the attention of a sexy stranger who comes with his own set of complications.  Pierce Whitfield doesn’t normally demo kitchens, install dry wall, or tear apart a beautiful woman’s dreams. He’s just a down-on-his-luck lawyer who needed a break from the city and agreed to help his brother work on a few homes in the Hamptons. When he first meets Rian, the attraction is undeniable. But when they start competing for the same pieces of prime real estate, the early sparks turn into full-blown fireworks. 

I Flipping Love You is a book that started off great. I loved the confrontation the starts the entire story, and loved Rian's personality and wit. Pierce spoke to me a little less than Rian, but his determination and self awareness kept me on board. I was a little disappointed with how quickly Rian when from banter and refusal to having sex on the beach, but just because it would not have been my choice it does not mean it could not happen. The complications with our characters arguing over real estate and business were well handled, at least until neither Rian or Pierce were actually paying any attention to it- and then it because suddenly important again. Getting caught up is normal, not expecting the other half to be just as oblivious bothered me a little. I do not know why, but this little things added up and just left me enjoying the story less than I expected, I still liked the characters, but I was not engaged with their story or left wanting more when I turned the last page. It was still enjoyable, and plenty steamy, but it just did not hold up to what I expected or hoped for. 

I Flipping Love You is a book that fans oft he author and series will definitely want to read. However, if you have not read Hunting's work before, do not start here because it is a good book, but not her best. 

Book Review: Plantopedia: A Celebration of Nature's Greatest Show-Off by Adrienne Barman

Plantopedia: A Celebration of Nature's Greatest Show-Off by Adrienne Barman offers readers a collection of amazing plants from all over the world, chosen for their unique traits and characteristics, with fun illustrations by Adrienne Barman. Meet the 'evergreens', the 'edibles' and the 'elderly' plants that have outlived the dinosaurs in this alphabetically-ordered encyclopedia. Filled with fascinating flowers, curious crops and wonderful weeds, this book will keep young explorers busy for hours. 

Plantopedia: A Celebration of Nature's Greatest Show-Off is a well organized and amusingly illustrated collection of plants from around the room. The books are grouped in to eclectic groups based on color or other important characteristics. Some of the groups include big eaters, air fresheners, poisoners, rock plants, dyes, impostors, salads, and tasty fruits. While I would not call it encyclopedic in any way I found the grouping to be well done although it is far from complete. I think the cute illustrations and small bits of additional information could capture the attention of young readers. While I enjoyed some of the images and labeled pictures, I was not impressed with the selection, but think it could be interesting for young readers with a love of plants.  

Book Review: Royal Secret by M. Knopik

Royal Secret by M. Knopik is a novella about two men with secrets. To save his kingdom from war, Raven married Prince Nicholas—as a princess. But on their wedding night, instead of his secret being revealed, Nicholas refuses to have any intimate contact with his new bride, and even goes out of his way to maintain distance between them. To make matters worse, the queen makes increasing demands for an heir. When Raven overhears Prince Nicholas ask his best friend, Lord Henry to father the child, he panics. He turns to the only person he can trust—his chambermaid, Emilia. With her help, he soon learns that the Prince has a secret of his own.

Royal Secret is short and sweet in its way. I liked the fact that the main characters got to know each other slowly, and that there is more than just a single story line happening in the novella. I loved getting to know Raven and discover his secrets, and the connection and care for Emilia. I was a little disappointed that he was not trans but in the position of pretending to be female because of family obligations. I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to explore those boundaries, but the story was still an interesting read. I do feel like we learned very little about Nicholas in comparison with Raven and I would have liked to know more about his emotions and thoughts- rather than just what I can cobble together from observations.

Royal Secret is a good, quick read for those looking for a different male/male romance. The Goodreads information on this book labels it as the start of a series, but I have yet to find more.

Book Review: Walking in the City with Jane: A Story of Jane Jacobs by Susan Hughes, Valerie Boivin

Walking in the City with Jane: A Story of Jane Jacobs is a non fiction picturebook written by Susan Hughes and illustrated by Valerie Boivin. From the time she was a young girl, Jane Jacobs' curious mind made her a keen observer of everything around her. When she grew up, she moved to New York City, a place full of new wonders for her to explore. It was there she realized that, just like in nature, a city is an ecosystem. So, when city planner Robert Moses proposed creating highways through the city that would destroy neighborhoods and much of what made New York great, Jane decided she couldn't let it happen. She stood up to the officials and rallied her neighbors to stop the plans and even got arrested! Jane's bravery and ideas had a huge influence on urban planning that is still being felt today.

Walking in the City with Jane: A Story of Jane Jacobs is an engaging informational picture book, offering readers a fictionalized story of the life of Jane Jacobs, one of the world's greatest urban thinkers and activists. I think the stylized art gives a feel for the time and location, it is interesting and enjoyable to look at. I found the story to be well told and interesting. I think young readers that love cities, streets, and exploring will fully enjoy the read. I think those that get bored easily in school, and are always looking to explore, will relate to Jane and her story. Nature loves and those interested in ecosystems and how cities and the world in general work will also be captivated by the story. I am not sure that it will be interesting to all readers, but it was well done and engaging in my opinion. At the end of the book there is a brief biography of Jane Jacobs to further inform or inspire readers.

Book Review: Built to Last (Black Knights, Inc) by Julie Ann Walker

Built to Last is the twelfth, and final,  book in the Black Knights, Inc series by Julie Ann Walker. While the romance between Sonya and Angel is new to this book, the background of how our characters got to this point is well established in the previous books. I think to fully enjoy and understand what is at stake, and the depth of some of the characters, it is important to read this series in order rather than jumping this far along. 

What appears to be a tricked-out motorcycle shop on the North Side of Chicago is actually headquarters for the world's most elite covert operatives. Deadly, dangerous, and determined, they'll steal your breath and your heart. After a mission-gone-sideways forces Jamin "Angel" Agassi to change his identity, he's determined to bring down the world's worst crime syndicate kingpin once and for all. That's going to be the easy part. Keeping Interpol agent Sonya Butler from discovering who he really is—and blazing another trail into his heart—is the challenge.

Built to Last is the final book in a long series, but Angel is a character we do not have much emotional knowledge of because of what he has had to do over the years. I was glad to finally get his story. Sonya is a strong, smart woman that stands up to Angel at every turn, and I enjoyed their banter and the depth of their story. It was interesting to discover the history, and the chemistry between the two. However, as much as I liked Sonya and they talk about the connection between the couple I just never really felt like it developed from anything. Both in the past and present I felt like it was a very quick jump from 'we should not' to love. I am not denying that it happens, but with the two layers of love story here I really never felt the developing relationship- it just was. The story was huge, but the relationship building seemed to be lost in the details needed to bring the pair together, and to wrap up all the loose ends of the series. I did love seeing Ace and Rusty continuing their story, and some of my favorite characters from the past reappear by the end of the book. I will admit that I did not remember every couple, and think I might have missed a few somewhere along the way. I did enjoy the story, and seeing everything come together. However, I did not connect with this story as much as I had hoped.

Built to Last offers series fans a solid conclusion, and a knowledge that their favorite characters have the happy ending they have fought hard for.

Book Review: Turn This Book Into a Beehive and 19 Other Experiments and Activities That Explore the Amazing World by Bees by Lynn Brunelle, Anna-Maria Jung

Turn This Book Into a Beehive and 19 Other Experiments and Activities That Explore the amazing World by Bees is a children's nonfiction book written by Lynn Brunelle and illustrated by Anna-Maria Jung. This is a kid's hands-on guide to understanding the world of bees, in a book that turns into a working beehive to house a colony of friendly, efficient—and non-stinging!—mason bees. It includes 10 science projects.

Turn This Book Into a Beehive and 19 Other Experiments and Activities That Explore the amazing World by Bees not only teaches young readers about the current decline in bee population and how we can all invite the pollinators to our yards. The different kinds of bees and wasps, how they live, how they are built and move, experiments, and more. The information is well organized and worded- making it understandable and accessible. The illustrations and experiment instructions are equally well done leaving readers with a wonderful balance of humor, information, and things to try and experiment with. I think the information here is very important, and things everyone should be aware of. Not just for the usefulness of pollinators, but for the health of the food web and our world in general. The jacket cover of the book is easily converted into a beehive with only a little tearing of the blank pages toward the end of the book, and there are more complicated plans for other. A flower chart and some hints and ideas to protect the hive once it is built and hung. There are also some resources for further research and companies that offer mason bee supplies included prior to the blank paged intended for use building your hive. 

Turn This Book Into a Beehive and 19 Other Experiments and Activities That Explore the amazing World by Bees is a well researched and organized book with a great deal of important information. I think this would be a great addition to classroom or home libraries in order to make the most of the experiments included. It would work well in a library setting as well- since it is only the jacket and some blank pages needed o build the hive advertised on the cover. 

Book Review: Highland Conquest (Sons of Gregor McLeod) by Alyson McLayne

Highland Conquest is the second book in the Sons of Gregor McLeod series by Alyson McLayne. I did not read the first book in the series, but the important happenings of the first book are well explained, and newcomers can easily enjoy the read without feeling the loss- although they might want to go back and read it after some of the female characters that feature in that story are described. 

Laird Lachlan MacKay never planned on leading his clan, but when his older brother was murdered, he was left with no choice. His vow to avenge his brother has led him to the MacPherson clan—and their bewitching healer, Amber. Amber MacPherson is desperate. Dressed as a boy to escape her clan's treacherous leader, she runs right into Lachlan—who orders her detained. At first she causes him nothing but frustration, especially when she blackmails him into helping her clan. But when she's threatened by the same man who murdered his brother, Lachlan will do whatever it takes to keep her safe—and by his side. 

Highland Conquest captured my attention from the start, and kept it through the entire read. I loved the unconventional meeting between Lachlan and Amber, and the slow growth of the relationship between the pair. Neither are looking for love, or plans to marry.  I like how much they have in common, and the way they argue and spar their way through the book. Amber is strong and smart, and sometimes a little too perfect and beloved by her clan. I understand how that kind of adoration came to be, but it also felt a little at odds with the way some moments of the story played out. I like that Amber is independent and willing to do anything to protect or heal others. Lachlan is well written as well, and I enjoyed his patient and resilient pursuit of Amber. I also like that he was not perfect, he was impatient in his pursuit of his brother's killer, and did not always say or do the perfect thing. However, this just made him a more real and complex character. The secondary characters were interesting and just as well constructed as the main players. The complexity of the search for the bad guy, and the effort he puts into death, destruction, and depravity is quite stunning. So much more than I expected, and watching it all play out had me on the edge of my sit. I will admit that I spent most of the last moments of the book waiting for the last shoe to drop, and was still surprised with some of the turns the final showdown took. I enjoyed the ride as the pair found their happy ever after, and think that the small details that were left unanswered will be handled as the series continues.

Highland Conquest is a heart wrenching and warming romance with a slow burn. I think the complex, independent characters really made the read, and I just might need to further explore the series.