Tag: family

REVIEW: Fall Into Temptation by Lucy Score

REVIEW: Fall Into Temptation by Lucy Score

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Gia is looking for a fresh start for herself, her step-son Evan, and her daughter Aurora, so she rents a spot in Blue Moon where her dad has made a home. And Blue Moon has real potential – her yoga studio is catching on, the kids are settling into a routine, and her landlord, Mayor Beckett Pierce, is a real temptation.

But Gia’s baggage – her irresponsible ex – and Beckett’s baggage – grief, and a drive to focus solely on helping his family back to solid ground after some rough years – could ruin their chance at love before it can even begin.

Review

Lucy Score has become my go to author for vacations. And this, the second book in the Blue Moon series, was vacation-perfect. Two great main characters with tons of chemistry, two great kids, and a family and community you’d love to be part of. The relationship is spicy, but the romance vibe is cozy. I really enjoyed it!

While I generally dislike reading series out of order, I also don’t love reading e-books on vacation. And I have the first book in this series, No More Secrets, as an ebook. Having read series like this before – Knockemout, Story Lake – I felt like I could dive in with couple 2 in the series and go back and pick up couple 1 later. And I was right. I had no issues starting here. (But I also picked up books 1 and 3 in print for Mother’s Day so I can dive in during my next vacation.)

Score fans should definitely put the Blue Moon series on their TBR. There are 7 books and a novella in this series, so there’s tons to enjoy! (Language, sex)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read.

REVIEW: The Big Fix by Holly James

REVIEW: The Big Fix by Holly James

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Kensington in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Penny had let her sister Libby talk her into visiting the estate sale. Libby’s grumpy neighbor had died, and she wanted to finally get a look inside his house. But when Penny meets the grumpy neighbor’s gorgeous nephew, Anthony, she realizes her sister has set her up.

When the dead body falls out of the closet, though, Penny forgets to be annoyed about the fix up.

And when she realizes she actually recognizes the dead man, she starts to panic.

Anthony is hiding things. And there are people watching him. And those people have this crazy idea that Penny is his girlfriend, and therefore “leverage.” So when it all goes wrong, she’s completely caught up in the chaos.

Review

This was so fun! I was sold from the first chapter. I enjoyed the characters, and the writing is terrific. Before I knew it, I was completely caught up in the story. The main characters are great, and I enjoyed the mystery/adventure. There were even laugh-out-loud moments. Every time I set this down, I looked forward to picking it up again.

If you love a mystery/light suspense/adventure story with a side of romance and some laughs, you should absolutely pick this up and give it a try. It’s a fun ride from start to finish. If you are looking for something fun to take along on your summer vacation, this would be a great choice. (Language)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥♥½ = I loved it! Would re-read.

REVIEW: Story of My Life by Lucy Score

REVIEW: Story of My Life by Lucy Score

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Once upon a time, Hazel Hart was a best-selling romance author. But these days she’s not writing – and sometimes not even showering. It’s been a tough season. At a recent author event with 600 rabid readers, she had less than 20 come by her table. And she’s five days away from losing her home thanks to her recent divorce. The hits just keep coming.

When she comes across a news article from Story Lake, PA in her idea file, everything changes. A story starts flowing in her brain like they used to. And the thought of a fresh start in a small town like the ones she used to write sets her heart pounding. So on impulse she buys a house – the house from the article –  sight unseen, in an online auction.

What Hazel finds in Story Lake – the house, the townspeople, the gorgeous yet grumpy contractor – isn’t at all what she expected. But it could be just what she needs.

Review

Not only is Lucy Score the undisputed queen of rom-coms in my opinion, but she is also the queen of brother trios. I thought the Knockemout guys were amazing, but they have nothing on the Bishop brothers (the whole family, really). I am in love.

This was a home run from the begining. I loved everything – the main characters, the quirky town, the Bishop family, the bantering brothers, the raccoon. All of it. This is the perfect sort of book for me. I’d read things like this every day. My only complaint is discovering this perfection on book 1. I discovered Riley Thorn when there were three books in the series. And I found Knockemout when the whole trio was done. I could blitz through multiple treats in a row with those. With this, I’ll have to settle for re-reads for a year. But the wait will be worth it!

Lucy Score fans and rom-com fans should not miss this! (Language, sex)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥♥ – Outstanding!

REVIEW: Unicorn Time Machine by Dana Simpson

REVIEW: Unicorn Time Machine by Dana Simpson

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary and Review

Another fun collection of comics starring Phoebe and her unicorn, Marigold, including strips about a landscaping business, knock-knock jokes, toast, faeries, cats, mute buttons for the world (if only!), unicorn award ceremonies, unicorn tic-tac-toe, and … time travel.

Phoebe gets to meet her dad as a kid thanks to magical time travel, complete with a great Star Trek reference I thoroughly enjoyed. Between that and watching Marigold falling to the cozy charms of cats, I was a happy reader. Super funny. I think there’s lots here for readers to enjoy!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read.

REVIEW: The Cranky-Verse by Katherine Battersby

REVIEW: The Cranky-Verse by Katherine Battersby

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Cranky Chicken and her pal Speedy are back with a few new adventures:

  • First, the two friends try to figure out why their turtle, Wags, keeps saying, “Beep!”
  • Then, when Speedy gets hurt and becomes Cranky Worm, Cranky Chicken wonders if she has to become Cheerful Chicken.
  • Finally, their little family goes camping! And… fishing!?

Review

This graphic novel reader was a HOOT! I loved the sweet addition of Wags to the group. Each of the stories was a wonderful exploration of aspects of friendship – loving nicknames, seeking understanding/communication, feelings, helping hurting friends, sharing – along with an outdoorsy adventure.

The humor here is subtle but prevalent. I didn’t even know I needed to see Speedy’s version of “fishing.” (Speedy is worm…) This was a delight from start to finish! Hand this to your young readers – or cozy up with your lap readers – for these fantastic friendship tales.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read.

REVIEW: Beast of the North Woods by Annelise Ryan

REVIEW: Beast of the North Woods by Annelise Ryan

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Berkley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Andy Bosworth was working his way through the snowy winter woods with his fishing gear when he spotted the man, mauled by some sort of animal. As he raced to the river for better reception to call for help he encountered the likely animal. But Hodags aren’t supposed to be real! He could never tell anyone that was what he saw. But keeping it to himself doesn’t keep him from becoming the primary suspect.

Andy’s aunt, Rita, works for cryptozoologist – and Odds and Ends shop owner – Morgan Carter. And Andy’s father, an attorney, wants to hire Morgan to investigate Andy’s Hodag sighting as part of his defense.

Morgan would love to say no. The Hodag is a fictional cryptid, and she has her hands full with her shop and watching over her shoulder for her merdourous ex. But she can’t say no to Rita.

Morgan encounters local business owners who want her to leave and not tank the local economy with bad stories about their beloved Hodag.  And there are other weird things going on as she investigates. But nothing as mysterious as the creature she spots in the woods.

Review

This was a twisty adventure for Morgan and her friends! I was guessing all the way to the end how this was going to work out. I enjoyed both how the murder mystery was solved and also the solution to the Hodag question.

Readers who enjoy intricate mysteries that will keep you guessing should check this series out. I loved book 1, Death in Door County. I skipped book 2 (the opener was a few steps too far for me in terms of violence), but my husband has read it and really enjoyed it.

You don’t have to have an interest in cryptids to follow or enjoy these books. Most are aware enough of the Loch Ness Monster and Bigfoot to follow the first two books. The Hodag here in book 3 is a bit of a niche cryptid, but as a Wisconsin girl, I was familiar with it. I did ask two friends from Wisconsin – one who spent several years there for grad school and another who grew up not too far from where I did – and neither had heard of a Hodag. So this story might be a bit more unique for the average reader (although the author does a great job with plenty of backstory). Cyrptid fans will get a kick out of this.

I realized as I read this that while I enjoy the intricate mysteries and the cryptid connections, I have not really clicked with the main characters in the series – thus a “lower” rating than you might expect from my written review. Character connection really matters to me. I think my husband will continue with any future books that might come along, but this is not a great fit for me, so I’ll probably move on from here. (Violence, TW: Stalking)

Rating: ♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥½ = Good +

REVIEW: Very Bad at Math by Hope Larson

REVIEW: Very Bad at Math by Hope Larson

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and HarperAlley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Verity Nelson has it all – she’s running for her third term as class president, she has the highest grade in both English and Social Studies, she’s undefeated in debate club, first chair clarinet, AND is determined to follow in the footsteps of her idol, Representative Hazel Shaw. The only place she’s NOT top of the heap?

Math.

Very and her VP, Bree, have worked all year to deliver on Very’s campaign promise of a class trip to Danger Hollow. In fact, they’ve been so busy, Bree had to give up her successful – and tasty – Pizza Wizards business. But Very is in danger of losing her spot on Student Council if she doesn’t pull up her grade in math. She gets assigned to a math help group.

But Very’s extra hours devoted to math aren’t making a difference. She’s still failing, and her role as class president is slipping through her fingers. And she takes her feelings out on her closest friends.

Review

This was fantastic! I loved Verity. The author does a great job showing how skilled and gifted she is at many things while also struggling at not only math but she also struggles with inscecurity and shame.

Very’s teacher, parent, and friends surround her with love and support – and also call her out when they need to. The ups and downs of Very’s story are super normal and realistic for middle schoolers. But Very is still held responsible for her choices.

I loved this from the start, but I was over the moon when Very’s idol shows up in a “grass roots,” person-of-the-people way. It left me with a warm feeling of hope and possibility. Highly recommend!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥♥½ = I loved it! Would re-read.

REVIEW: Daindreth's Assassin by Elisabeth Wheatley

REVIEW: Daindreth’s Assassin by Elisabeth Wheatley

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Amira has been a tool of others for most of her life. First by her mother and grandmother, for the Istovari Sorceresses. Then as her father’s fixer and assassin. Never fully able to pursue her own will.

When Amira is sent to assassinate Daindreth, the Archduke and future emperor, when he comes to marry her siser, she discovers a secret that could destroy everything. Amira has a power that could save Daindreth from a secret… affliction, so she offers herself and her gifts to save her sister. But Daindreth’s secrets go deeper than the assissin even realizes.

Review

I have been following the author – and her delightful Book Goblin character – on social media for awhile now, but last summer I ordered a copy of the first book in this romantasy series. And I enjoyed it! The magic system here is fascinating, and I’m not convinced I understad it fully after just one book. I am intrigued by the Istovari sorceresses and what that history and Amira’s past could mean for her future with Daindreth.

The “villains” of the story include “demons,” which might turn away some readers. This is another piece of the magic system that still has revelations in store. The author does a good job of telling an understandable story while still holding back pieces she can reveal later. I might have to pick up book two, Daindreth’s Outlaw, and see what happens next!

Rating: ♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥½ = Good +

REVIEW: The Wondrous World of Violet Barnaby by Jenny Lundquist

REVIEW: The Wondrous World of Violet Barnaby by Jenny Lundquist

Posted on by Jaymie

[I recently discovered some unpublished reviews I wrote several years ago. I’m posting these now as they were originally written.]

Summary

The Charm Girls (from The Charming Life of Izzy Malone) are back, finishing up their month of grounding. (Things in the last book got a bit out of hand!) Aunt Mildred has challenges for the girls to undertake as their club continues.

Violet’s life has taken a humongous turn in that month. Her dad has remarried which means they are moving in with her new step-mom and her kids. Violet’s mom has been gone for a year and a half, and now everything is changing again.

Violet’s trying. She really is. Her mom always said if you can’t say something nice, say nothing at all. So rather than spew her frustration over all she’s had to give up, she keeps it all inside. She’s not even sure she can tell the Charm Girls how she really feels. They complain about their moms, but at least they still have them.

When Violet finds a final letter from her mom, with a Christmas To Do list, she decides to try to make this Christmas a little better by focusing on her mom’s list. But with everything going on at the new house, the Christmas To Do list might not be enough.

Review

This was a delight. I loved spending time with the Charm Girls again. And I adored Violet’s story. Violet is my kind of kid – an only child, a word nerd, and I could identify with her grief. Her struggles with her loss and the huge changes to her family were completely realistic. Violet tries to manage these major life changes on her own. That’s hard to do for an adult, much less for a middle schooler. I love the coping mechanisms she learns – writing letters, and sharing the burdens with friends and family.

I hope there will be more Charm Girl books in the future. The entire community is a delight. And I’d like more stories so I can see how Violet and her new family are doing as they continue to negotiate their new life together. I can’t recommend this series highly enough. Both books are an absolute treat!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥♥½ = I loved it! Would re-read.

REVIEW: The Not-So-Boring Letters of Private Nobody by Matthew Landis

REVIEW: The Not-So-Boring Letters of Private Nobody by Matthew Landis

Posted on by Jaymie

[I recently discovered some unpublished reviews I wrote several years ago. I’m posting these now as they were originally written.]

Summary

Oliver is a major history nerd – and proud of it. He loves all things Civil War.  He reads Civil War books and even does battle reenactments. His room is decorated with flags and other memorabilia he has found online. When his history teacher announces a Civil War project, Oliver is thrilled.

He’s less thrilled about the details of the project. First, he has to have a partner. And his teacher puts Oliver with Ella, an unkempt girl who seems to be failing all of her classes. Second, they have to research Private Raymond Stone – a guy no one’s heard of. It’s bad enough to Ollie that he has to work with a partner he doesn’t want. But he doesn’t even get to focus on one of the generals or battles he already loves.

Everything about this project is going to challenge Oliver – challenge his concept of friendship, his understanding of history and the Civil War, and his understanding of himself.

Review

Outstanding! I absolutely adored this book! It’s smart and informative and SO funny! The premise is excellent. There are some great history lessons worked in around an engaging story with great characters. The three kids at the center of the story are fantastic. Ella is maybe the most complex, but Ollie and Kevin have some fun depth and interesting stories. Mr. Carrow, the history teacher, is a hoot! He’s my favorite kind of teacher – he knows his material, he’s committed to keeping his students engaged with creative lessons, and he’s funny. The English teacher plays an excellent role in the story, too.

Family is another fascinating theme in this book. Ella’s family is the obvious one that first comes to mind – distracted parents, perfect older sibling, and Ella feels invisible. Ollie’s family, by contrast, is committed to helping Ollie and his sister pursue their own interests. And there are hints at other interesting families throughout the book.

The Civil War sections of the story are fascinating. The author is a history teacher, and he does a great job of making the information accessible and interesting to readers.

This book is the full package – terrific story, characters you care about, and lots of laughs and heart!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥♥ = Outstanding!