Fuddles and Puddles by Frans Vischer

July 11, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Fuddles and Puddles by Frans Vischer
Publisher: Aladdin
Genre: Childrens, Contemporary
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

An out of control canine named Puddles disrupts the charmed life of the fat, pampered cat, Fuddles in this charming follow-up to Fuddles and A Very Fuddles Christmas.

Fuddles finds that his perfectly pampered life of luxury comes to a screeching halt when his family buys a new puppy, Puddles. Howling and barking? Incessant licks and ball-fetching? Will Fuddles ever find a way to cope with his new frenemy?

Enemies to friends…with cats and dogs. Sign me up.

I loved the first book, Fuddles, because I got to meet the character of Fuddles, a pampered cat. Everyone knows a Fuddles—spoiled, too smart for their own good and on the verge of a disaster. In this book, Fuddles gets a wake-up call in the form of a puppy named Puddles. Puddles is everything Fuddles dislikes – loud, energetic and annoying.

I liked this book because it showed how sometimes people drive each other nuts (in this case animals), but we have to learn to work with it. Sometimes, those individuals end up being more than we think, too. I liked the way these two characters had to work out their issues. It’s a cute story and will keep the attention of young children.

If you’re looking for a fun book that teaches a lesson without being preachy, then this book is for you.

Filed Under: Reviews, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , ,

Rolling in the Deep by Morgan Malone

July 10, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Rolling in the Deep by Morgan Malone
The I’ll Never Say I Do Club Book 2
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

I dare you, I double, triple dare you, to go online for three months and really look at the guys who are out there just waiting to fall in love with the awesome women you are! I bet you that you will all be head over heels and engaged by the end of the year!

Seri, Emily, Jessica, and Olivia made a vow in college never to marry when they formed The “I’ll Never Say I Do” Club. At 40, they are all rich, successful, and alone. Then Seri meets and falls in love with a man she improbably met online. At her Maine wedding, she issues a challenge to her three bridesmaids: three months to meet a man they want to marry. The consolation prize if they fail: a New Year’s trip to Hawaii. What have they got to lose?

Emily Livingston has a secret. She’s managed to keep her troubled past hidden from almost everyone for over twenty years. Only her dear friends, Seri, Olivia, and Jessica, know about the scar from the tragic accident that shattered her dreams. And destroyed her heart. She runs her personal life like she runs her growing physical therapy and fitness practice: smooth, efficient, and reserved. Men are temporary pleasures reserved for vacations and business trips. Never close to home. Until she breaks all the rules with a one-night stand too close for comfort.

Wolfgang Biddle Wharton, rich, gorgeous, super-star conductor, appears to have the world at his feet. But he knows what it is to look for new dreams when the old ones die. Wolf arrives in Saratoga Springs as a guest conductor for the Philadelphia Orchestra, looking forward to a relaxing summer residence in the Spa City. What he finds is a woman who immediately attracts him and almost as quickly dismisses him. Not used to being thwarted, Wolf sets out to woo and win Emily, at least for one more night.

They have nothing in common. Except lost dreams and rebuilt lives. And an attraction that is not satisfied in one-night. Wolf wants more, but it will take all his patience and perseverance to win Emily’s trust. Fighting against her friend’s prediction that she would find love by summer’s end, Emily must face her past before she can reveal to Wolf the injury that is more terrible than the one that almost took her life: the scarred remnants of her shattered heart.

They’re both in over their head, but it’s oh so good.

I already knew I’d like this book because I loved the first book in the series, Someone Like You. It was great to catch up to the characters and see where the author took the stories. I also liked that the characters are cookie-cutter. He’s a conductor and she’s in physical therapy and fitness.

I plowed right through this book in no time because the writing moved along so well. It did. I was swept away with the characters and loved every second. I got emotionally involved with them, too. I wanted to see them do well, have a happy ending and break down so they could build each other back up.

Wolf comes across as a bit snooty to begin with, but I liked how the author peeled the layers back on him to make him a great character. So caring, too. I could see him before the orchestra, as well. Emily took a bit of time for me to like her, but that seemed intended. She’s got a crust on her that needed some help in being knocked off. I understood why and no spoilers, but I loved her journey to getting there. It was great and so was the chemistry between her and Wolf.

If you’re looking for a solid romance that will stay with you long after the last page, then this is the one for you.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , ,

In Five Years by Rebecca Serle

July 7, 2023 By Leave a Comment


In Five Years by Rebecca Serle
Publisher: Atria books
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, Women’s Fiction
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Lavender

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Dannie Kohan lives her life by the numbers.

She is nothing like her lifelong best friend—the wild, whimsical, believes-in-fate Bella. Her meticulous planning seems to have paid off after she nails the most important job interview of her career and accepts her boyfriend’s marriage proposal in one fell swoop, falling asleep completely content.

But when she awakens, she’s suddenly in a different apartment, with a different ring on her finger, and beside a very different man. Dannie spends one hour exactly five years in the future before she wakes again in her own home on the brink of midnight—but it is one hour she cannot shake. In Five Years is an unforgettable love story, but it is not the one you’re expecting.

Something strange happens to Dannie, a corporate lawyer. Dannie lives in New York with her fiancé, David, when one night she wakes up five years in the future with a different man. They spent some heated moments together; then Dannie wakes back up in her present. What happened to David? Why weren’t they still together?

Suspense is achieved with this in mind, and it increases when Dannie’s best friend Bella introduces Dannie to her new boyfriend, the man Dannie had woken up next to in the future. Dannie would never betray Bella or David, so she is determined not to allow herself and Bella’s boyfriend to become close, but they do—in a way. Dannie increases her efforts to get closer to David and speed up the time until she marries him, yet she still hesitates.

This story is a good exploration of friendship and being true to oneself. Dannie’s job is an expedient backdrop to the plot and offers a peek into a demanding industry. Dannie makes some hard choices, especially when she receives some shocking news. She discovers more about herself and faces strong emotions.

In Five Years is an entertaining book showing life in New York at its best. It is worth the read.

Filed Under: Mainstream Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

The Heartstopper Yearbook by Alice Oseman

July 6, 2023 By Leave a Comment


The Heartstopper Yearbook by Alice Oseman
Publisher: Graphix
Genre: LGBTQ, Graphic Novel, Contemporary, YA (15+ yrs)
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

The Heartstopper Yearbook is packed full of exclusive content from the Heartstopper universe: never-before-seen illustrations, an exclusive minicomic, character profiles, trivia, and insight into Alice Oseman’s creative process, narrated by a cartoon version of Alice herself. In full-color for the first time, this companion book is perfect for fans of Heartstopper!

More Heartstopper? Yes, please.

If you like the Heartstopper books, then you’ve got to check out the yearbook. These are bits and pieces about the series as well as early drawings and tidbits by the author about the series. Hardcore fans will eat this book up.

I liked seeing the evolution of Charlie and Nick because it showed they weren’t fully formed when the author started them and there was some growth beyond the story. I liked seeing the way the author handled the issues with each character, too. There were snippets of other characters and their stories, too. I liked seeing a bit in on the teachers, too. They’re my favorite characters of the series.

If you like the Heartstopper series and want just a little more of these characters, then this is the book for you. Check it out.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Kitty’s Cuddles by Jane Cabrera

July 5, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Kitty’s Cuddles by Jane Cabrera
Publisher: Holiday House
Genre: Childrens (1+ years – Toddlers), Contemporary
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Bear has a cozy, fluffy cuddle; Elephant, a big, strong cuddle; even Porcupine has a careful, prickly cuddle. But Kitty’s brother hugs the best! Follow along Kitty’s journey and learn that there are many different ways to show affection, and all of them matter most when shared with others.

Kitty just wants to cuddle.

I loved this book because it showed how many different ways you can cuddle. It’s a good illustration for children learning different animals and aspects of those animals in a very simplistic way. I also liked that the story showed variety. Not one cuddle is better than another. They’re all equal. It’s a sweet little story and good for young readers or those being read to. The ending was the best for me.

If you’re looking for a cute book to read to your child or for your child to practice with when starting reading, this is the one you want.

Filed Under: Reviews, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , ,

Zen and the Art of Brazilian Sticky (& other roofing tales) by Gennita Low

July 4, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Zen and the Art of Brazilian Sticky (& other roofing tales) by Gennita Low
Publisher: GLow World
Genre: Contemporary, Humor, Fiction
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Life as a roofer is hard work. Endless hours beneath a blazing sun, pounding rain, howling wind and even the occasional hurricane (you’d be surprised at the calls during a hurricane).

But there are lots of laughs and moments of Zen if you spend time with Gennita’s cast and crew. There is nothing like watching life through the eyes of a female roofer who writes romance books, a bunch of “crapenters,” a grumpy Airborne Ranger Vietnam Vet, and a stucco man affectionately dubbed “the Brazilian Sticky Man” with a flair for creative renaming of just about everything under the sun. In fact, his “Semen Maker” is probably the star of the show, with its Zen way of giving meaning to daily shenanigans.

How a few mispronounced words, a little laughter and friends can make the day!

First, I have to note that the author has done work as a roofer. Really. She’s a tiny woman, but I can imagine her holding her own on a roof. That said, this book is a collection of stories loosely based on her time roofing.

This was a funny book. Hands down. I was told to get it because I’d laugh out loud. Normally, I’m not much for bursting out laughing while reading, but with this book, I did. Jenn is the head of the roofing crew and she works with the Brazilian stucco man. BSM as she refers to him, has a tendency to change words. His stucco is his sticky and his cement mixer is his semen maker. I hadn’t thought there could be that many ways to mess up those words and make the conversation veer right into the dirty, but it’s possible. I loved the stories and could actually see most of them happening.

The writing flowed well because it felt like I was reading a story by a friend or at least a conversation with a friend. I won’t give too much away, but if you’re in the mood to laugh, then this is the book for you. Give it a try.

Filed Under: Mainstream Fiction, Other, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

Immortal Ink: A Tattoo Coloring Book by Tania Maia (Author), El Rose (Author), François Gautier (Author)

July 3, 2023 By Leave a Comment

Immortal Ink: A Tattoo Coloring Book by Tania Maia (Author), El Rose (Author), François Gautier (Author)
Publisher: Plume
Genre: Art, Non-Fiction, Coloring Book
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

More than just a coloring book, Immortal Ink is a true celebration of tattoo art.

Featuring 45 incredible designs from talented tattoo artists, each illustration is as inspiring as it is fun to color. With artwork in eight different styles including Americana, Japanese, blackwork, and steampunk, each daring design offers you the opportunity to unleash your own creativity as you add your choice of stylish color. The accompanying text delves into the history and ethos of each genre and explores the rich and fascinating symbolism behind individual elements used in every spectacular piece.

Beautiful and distinctive, Immortal Ink will celebrate an art form that has captivated us for generations.

A coloring book for adults that’s a wonderful step into the world of tattooing and what’s behind the design.

I hadn’t taken up the fun of coloring in adult coloring books until the last few years. Now I see what the excitement is all about. The art in this book is tattoo art, which is already fantastic, but now it’s up to the person with the colored pencils to add the pop of color. I liked that. I also liked that there’s a description with each design that’s not just a simplistic line about what the image is, but why the art is popular and what it symbolizes. That’s fascinating.

If you’re looking for a coloring book with not only images, but education and a great sense of fantasy, then this is the coloring book for you. Check it out!

Filed Under: Other, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

Honey & Ice by Dorothy F Shaw

June 30, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Honey & Ice by Dorothy F Shaw
Publisher: Red Queen Publications
Genre: Contemporary, Erotica
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Desi Profit has had her eye on the tall and delicious biker, Griffin Sinclair, for a while now. A little too tipsy one night, Desi confesses her obsession to a mutual friend and asks him to relay her fantasy to Griffin.
Having no idea if the message was delivered—and half praying it wasn’t—Desi runs into Griffin a week later. And when the hotter than hell biker puts her on the back of his motorcycle, Desi has no idea she’s in for the wildest, most exciting ride of her life.

Hot, quick and sexy.

I picked up this story because I wanted something for a lunchtime read that would be hot, quick and had a bit of raunch to it. I mean that in a good way and this short story delivered. The writing clipped along nicely and there was just enough story to keep my interest while being hot and fun.

Desi wants to be with Griff in the worst way. She’s just gotta have him. Griff wants her, too. This isn’t a romance, per se. It’s an erotic story, but that’s fine. It’s a snippet of their story and I know there has to be more, which is good because it made me crave more. I wanted to know what would happen to these people after this. That’s pretty great. I liked that this was hot, too. It hit the right points.

If you’re looking for something hot and short for a break or lunchtime read, then this is the book for you. I recommend it.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

Mo : A Woman’s View of Watergate by Maureen Dean

June 28, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Mo : A Woman’s View of Watergate by Maureen Dean
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Genre: Non-Fiction, Historical, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, Political
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Maureen Dean’s experience of Watergate centers on what clothing to wear according to the configurations of the stars (though she says she doesn’t exactly believe in astrology), and how a woman can spend time alone with her increasingly preoccupied, sleepless, and near-alcoholic husband. It is the extreme “”Penelope”” view. One she regrets in hindsight, for Maureen thinks the Watergate cover-up could never have become so dense if only the Nixon men had confided in their–presumably more moral–wives. As it was, what else was there for her to do but worry about knit dresses as she followed the incommunicado John Dean from Key Biscayne to San Clemente to Las Vegas to Camp David on the peregrinations that were supposed to save a government but finally toppled it? No one in politics talked to her, except politely, as a duty, or crudely, as a tomato; the power sincerely bores her; she thinks the pomp is childish–she’d rather be alone with her husband. Her book is actually a love paean to John Dean whom Mo sees as witty, supportive, loving and principled (we have to take it on faith since in this busy period he was rarely around); the “”collapsing world”” she is forever talking about is her home and expectations, not the country which she’s glad is purged of Nixon. It is a sentimental book by the unliberated housewife, but then, bourgeois sentiment may be a better emotion than the lust for power among those who ran the country: we cannot depend on nightwatchmen with astute eyes to catch all our criminals.

One woman’s view of the whole Watergate ‘thing’ and how it affected her life.

I call Watergate a ‘thing’ because it’s more like a moving, crawling being in this book. It’s a looming monster and it takes a strong person to withstand such events. Maureen Dean is one of those people. I blew through this book in the matter of a few hours and loved every second. It was like reading a book by a dear friend or reading their diary. It flowed well and kept me captivated.

Maureen Dean is the wife of John Dean, the man who (among others) blew the lid off the Watergate scandal and helped bring down President Richard Nixon. This book isn’t so much about the case itself, but rather her dealings with the peripherals. How she helped her husband with testimony prep, the fear of being attacked, the confusion over what happened (and what she didn’t know about), and how it all made her life a bit miserable, but she still persevered.

I liked that this wasn’t a strictly political book. There is raw emotion there. She’s not a perfect person, either, and that shines through. That’s what I liked the most about it, her realism and personality.

If you’re looking for a book that’s part politics, part historical but mostly emotional, then this might be the book for you.

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Someone Like You by Morgan Malone

June 26, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Someone Like You by Morgan Malone
The I’ll Never Say I Do Series, Book 1
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Romance, Contemporary
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

“I dare you, I double, triple dare you, to go online for three months and really look at the guys who are out there just waiting to fall in love with the awesome women you are! I bet you that you will all be head over heels and engaged by the end of the year!”

Seri, Jessica, Emily and Olivia made a vow in college never to marry when they formed The “I’ll Never Say I Do” Club. At 40, they are all rich, successful and alone. Then Seri meets and falls in love with a man she met online. At her Maine wedding, she issues a challenge to her three bridesmaids: Three months to meet a man they want to marry. The consolation prize if they fail: a New Year’s trip to Hawaii. What have they got to lose?

Love ‘em and leave ‘em had always been Dr. Jessica Mizrahi’s motto. No way was anyone going to get inside her heart and hurt her. Again. On the night of Seri’s wedding, Jess falls into a hot and heavy quickie with a bold, bad boy chef. The next day, she’s back in Saratoga Springs and her busy practice, beautiful apartment and no men complicating her life. Then, the chef shows up in her hometown, to open a long-awaited restaurant right next door. Jess fights the attraction but she’s drawn to the warmth in his flashing eyes, the humor lurking behind his cocky smirks and the memories of their brief but blistering time together. He’s more than he seemed and is becoming more than she can handle.

Steve Cole is the hottest chef in Manhattan. For ten years, he’s clawed his way to the top, earning three Michelin stars. But he’s not happy. He dreams of intimate bistros in resort towns along the East Coast. He’s checking out a possible location in Maine when a brash and beautiful bridesmaid seduces him. Word for word and move for move, she’s his match and they end up in the hottest tryst he’s ever experienced. Then she’s gone. Until days later, when she literally knocks him down in front of Yaya’s, the first of his resort bistros. Steve can’t let his guard down and risk another broken heart. He’s got a restaurant to open in two weeks! He’ll keep it loose and lusty, no strings. Then he’ll move on.

Jess has vowed never to love any man and Steve refuses to trust any woman. But, the sparks that were ignited in Maine, are burning hot and bright in Saratoga. Doubts and fears from their pasts may be too much for them to overcome, but Seri’s challenge has given Jess hope. Does her sexy chef have the recipe for happy-ever-after?

She’ll never say I do…unless she does.

Having read other books by Morgan Malone, I knew I’d get a great happy ever after in this story and I wasn’t disappointed. The writing moved along at a great clip and I was totally engrossed in the story. I rooted for the characters and loved the dog. It’s a well-rounded story and one I recommend highly.

Jess and Steve aren’t supposed to work. On paper, they don’t. But in real life, they’re perfect for each other. I liked how they balanced each other and how they were both stubborn, too. They were very realistic, which is great. I could see my friends in Jess. I loved the way the romance blossomed, too. It wasn’t too fast, but just right.

If you’re looking for a story with strong-willed people, solid writing and a fun story, then this is the book for you.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , ,
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