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: , , , ,

This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub

June 26, 2023 By Leave a Comment


This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub
Publisher: Riverhead Books
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Time-Travel, Contemporary, Recent Historical
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Lavender

What if you could take a vacation to your past?

With her celebrated humor, insight, and heart, beloved New York Times bestseller Emma Straub offers her own twist on traditional time travel tropes and a different kind of love story.

On the eve of her fortieth birthday, Alice’s life isn’t terrible. She likes her job, even if it isn’t exactly the one she expected. She’s happy with her apartment, her romantic status, and her independence, and she adores her lifelong best friend. But her father is ailing, and it feels to her as if something is missing. When she wakes up the next morning, she finds herself back in 1996, reliving her sixteenth birthday. But it isn’t just her adolescent body that shocks her, or seeing her high school crush—it’s her dad, the vital, charming, forty-something version of her father with whom she is reunited. Now armed with a new perspective on her own life and his, some past events take on new meaning. Is there anything that she would change if she could?

Emma is forty but gets to be sixteen again. Now’s the time to change some things. On her fortieth birthday, Emma wakes up in the home of her single father, and she’s a lot younger. So is he. She has some decisions to make.

Emma interacts with her teenage friends and boyfriends and alters history. Then she goes back to her present and sees the differences. In many ways, her life is better, but still, something is wrong.

Also, in her present, her dad is dying. Can she change this? She is going to go back and try.

Probably the best feature of this book is the relationship between Emma and her dad. He’s an author, and he’s doing the best he can to be a great dad. He and Emma are close. There are many touching father-daughter moments in this book.

Sam, Emma’s best friend, makes for a good sounding-board as Emma opens up to her and tells her what’s really going on. Their relationship is well-developed too.

Other characters come into play. Their importance lies in how they make Emma ponder things and make changes. She comes to realizations along the way.

The time travel aspect is clever, and one doesn’t know quite what to expect. This is a fun book more about relationships than anything.

Filed Under: Reviews, Science Fiction/Fantasy Tagged With: , , , , , ,

All Rise: The Story of Ketanji Brown Jackson by Carole Boston Weatherford

June 23, 2023 By Leave a Comment


All Rise: The Story of Ketanji Brown Jackson by Carole Boston Weatherford
Publisher: Random House Kids
Genre: Non-Fiction, Contemporary, Recent Historical, Childrens (6+ yrs)
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court, is an inspiration and role model to children of all ages. Award-winning author Carole Boston Weatherford tells her story of perseverance, dignity, and honor in this uplifting picture book biography filled with colorful and dynamic illustrations from Ashley Evans.

Whatever she did, wherever she was, Ketanji Brown Jackson rose to the top.

From the time their daughter was born, Ketanji Brown’s parents taught her that if she worked hard and believed in herself, she could do anything. As a child, Ketanji focused on her studies and excelled, eventually graduating from Harvard Law School.

Years later, in 2016, when she was a federal judge, a seat opened on the United States Supreme Court. In a letter to then-President Barack Obama, Leila Jackson made a case for her mother—Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson. Although the timing didn’t work out then, it did in 2022, when President Joe Biden nominated her. At her confirmation, Ketanji Brown Jackson became the first Black female Supreme Court justice in the United States.

Lyrical text by renowned author Carole Boston Weatherford and evocative illustrations by Ashley Evans combine to make this an inspirational and timely read.

What a great person and what a wonderful biography for kids.

I picked up this book because I wanted to know more about Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson and this book was wonderful for letting me learn about her. There is a lot of information about Brown Jackson, but it’s not overwhelming. It’s told in a bit of a sing-song manner that’s good for early readers to pick up on. There’s a nice cadence to it. The illustrations add to the story and show how Brown Jackson was able to rise to the highest court in the United States. I liked learning about her and how she managed to overcome the obstacles in her life.

If you’re looking for a book that’s informative and uplifting, then this is the book for you.

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

Dandylion Summer by Frann Preston-Gannon

June 22, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Dandylion Summer by Frann Preston-Gannon
Publisher: Godwin Books/Henry Holt and Co.
Genre: Childrens (6+ yrs), Contemporary, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Frann Preston-Gannon’s Dandylion Summer is a sweet, character-driven picture book.

When two sisters make a wish upon a dandelion, the seeds scatter and bring them Dandylion, a friend to play with all summer long. Together, they go on lots of adventures.

As the seasons change, Dandylion must say goodbye―but fall is on the way, with new friends to meet and wonders to explore!

Two sisters, one summer and a big ‘ole lion.

This is a whimsical story that’s just right for this time of year–early summer. This book flows well and the characters are fun. The little girls and Dandylion are great. I liked how the lion is part of summer and shows the fun of the season. I love how the girls explore with the lion and don’t keep him to themselves but share him. Just like summer, he should be shared. I loved that this is a good story for young readers or someone wanting to be read to.

If you’re looking for a good summer book that’s entertaining and sweet, then this is the book for you.

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

If Not for the Cat – Haiku by Jack Prelutsky and paintings by Ted Rand

June 21, 2023 By Leave a Comment


If Not for the Cat – Haiku by Jack Prelutsky and paintings by Ted Rand
Publisher: Greenwillow Books/Harper Collins
Genre: Childrens (6+ yrs), Contemporary, Poetry, Animals
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Seventeen haiku composed by master poet Jack Prelutsky and illustrated by renowned artist Ted Rand ask you to think about seventeen favorite residents of the animal kingdom in a new way.

On these glorious and colorful pages you will meet a mouse, a skunk, a beaver, a hummingbird, ants, bald eagles, jellyfish, and many others. Who is who? The answer is right in front of you. But how can you tell? Think and wonder and look and puzzle it out!

A creature whispers:

If not for the cat,
And the scarcity of cheese,
I could be content.

Who is this creature?
What does it like to eat?
Can you solve the riddle?

How would life be if there wasn’t a cat?

This book doesn’t delve deeply on that subject, but what it does is show haiku about animals and makes the reader think. If not for the cat chasing him and the lack of cheese, the mouse would be happy. This book encourages discussion and has some beautiful paintings within.

I picked up this book thinking it might be a humorous book, but it was thought-provoking instead and I liked it. I liked how each haiku discusses the animal pictured and does it in a way that opens up discussion. What does the reader think?

The paintings are fantastic, and this book is good for younger readers or those being read to. It’s great for asking questions and wondering.

If you’re looking for something different, then this is the book for you.

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

Variation on a Theme by Thomas Watson

June 21, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Variation on a Theme by Thomas Watson
Publisher: Self-published
Genre: Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Lavender

On a bitterly cold night under the stars, an old man willingly embraces the end of his life. Illness and a revelation of betrayal have convinced him that the time has come. But in dying, Gregory Williamson discovers that time is not what he believes it to be, and neither are life and death. Granted a new awareness of the true complexity of existence, he is offered the chance to live another life. A life that will show him the powerful truth of love. A life that could make the world a better place.

Better, that is, from a certain point of view.

Greg is an old man about to die when he is confronted with an odd situation. He becomes 17 again, and this time, he should make different decisions, changing his life, but more importantly, changing the lives of others.

What would you do if this happened to you? Would you choose a different life partner? Greg dares to do so with interesting results. Luckily, he retains his memories of his past life; however, when he makes a new choice, he is put on a novel path, not knowing what to expect.

This is a charming story that features different types of relationships. Greg sees his parents and teachers through more mature eyes. He figures out a way to help his sister and friends as well, affecting their fate. Most importantly, Greg chooses to take a chance on the one who got away. This will put them both on quite a different path. Will this stick? Will there be bad consequences?

As things unfold, readers will wonder about these things and want to know more. Life and death situations arise, and there are surprises in this novel.

This is a good do-over book that many will likely enjoy.

Filed Under: Reviews, Science Fiction/Fantasy Tagged With: , , , ,

Llama or Alpaca? by Jamie Rice

June 20, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Llama or Alpaca? (Bullfrog Books: Spot the Differences) by Jamie Rice
Publisher: Bullfrog Books
Genre: Non-Fiction, Contemporary, Animals, Childrens (6+ yrs)
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

In Llama or Alpaca?, beginning readers will learn to spot the differences between these mammals. Carefully leveled text relays what the mammals look like and how they behave. Each page then asks readers to name which one is shown in the photo. Answers appear upside down on the bottom of each page, making reading for learning interactive and fun. A See and Compare spread shows and labels each insect side by side, while a Quick Facts feature lists even more information about their similarities and differences. Children can learn more about llamas and alpacas online using our safe search engine that provides relevant, age-appropriate websites. Llama or Alpaca? also features reading tips for teachers and parents, photo labels, a picture glossary, a table of contents, and an index. Llama or Alpaca? is part of Jump!’s Spot the Differences series.

Llama? Alpaca? With this book, you’ll know the difference.

I’ll admit it. I had no idea that there was a difference between llamas and alpacas. Why? Because I’d never read about them. I’ve done that now and I feel a lot stronger about telling them apart. This book not only explains the differences but shows them on the pages. It’s written in an easy manner that will be good for emerging readers or those being read to. There’s even a fun test at the back to reinforce what’s been learned.

If you’re even a little interested in llamas and alpacas, then this is the book to check out.

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

Hedge Lion by Robyn Wilson-Owen

June 16, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Hedge Lion by Robyn Wilson-Owen
Publisher: Andersen Press USA
Genre: Children’s (0 – 6 y.o.), Contemporary
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

Discover your inner-roar with Ida, and your inner kindness with Hedge Lion!

Ida sees Hedge Lion every day on her walk around town. Hedge Lion wants everyone to think he’s a hedge. Nobody’s scared of hedges. But Ida is brave, she notices things that other people don’t, and she’s not fooled. She knows Hedge Lion is a lion, she just needs to help him find his roar. Along the way, Ida learns to be patient and kind, and Hedge Lion learns to be brave and confident.

Everyone needs a cheerleader sometimes.

Ida was such a good friend to Hedge Lion. I smiled every time she encouraged him to do something that he felt shy or uncertain about. She knew exactly how often to bring up new stuff for him to try without pushing him too much. It was lovely to see their friendship evolve and the hedge lion become a better version of himself over time.

It would have been nice to have a little more character development for Ida. Hedge Lion learned an important lesson, but she didn’t change much as a result of their blossoming friendship even though there were a few different opportunities for her to do so. If more attention had been paid to her learning how to improve herself, I would have gone for a full five star rating for this tale.

One of the things I liked most about this picture book was how much room it left for interpretation. Was Hedge Lion real or a figment of Ida’s imagination? There was evidence to support either claim, and the plot ultimately made equal amounts of sense no matter which one a reader might choose to believe. That’s the sort of writing that makes me want to return to an author over and over again.

Hedge Lion was creative.

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

Aiden’s Charity by Lora Leigh

June 15, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Aiden’s Charity by Lora Leigh
A Novel of the Breeds, Book 11
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Erotic Romance
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

The forces of survival and destruction swirl in the darkest corners of men’s minds. The nature of the beast cannot be harnessed, and survival is the purest of all instincts. Survival of the species itself goes soul deep. But can the human heart accept and adapt as easily? Can Charity bestow the love and the acceptance that has always been a part of her, to the man whose very survival depended on the hardening of his heart, of his soul? And can Aiden maintain that cruelty now, in the face of the sacrifices she made? Only time and nature will tell…

A story of the Breeds, but also the struggle between the head and the heart.

I love the Breeds and have been asked recently who my favorite is. I can’t say I have a favorite because I’ve loved all the stories so much. This one was pretty good; I have to admit. Leigh writes captivating characters, even in a few pages. This story zinged along well, and the bedroom scenes were…HAWT.

Aiden knows there’s something about Charity that he can’t forget. He wants to believe it’s because he can’t stand her, but it’s more complicated. Charity has done something for Aiden to save his life, but it’s complicated because neither wants to give any. Seeing the push-pull and the crankiness was great. Leigh writes pretty darn good bitchy women and that’s completely a compliment. Her women are strong and steady, even when in unsteady situations.

If you’re looking for a book to singe the screen and features a great pair of characters, then this is the book for you. Recommended.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy Tagged With: , , , , ,

The Vegas Diaries: Romance, Rolling the Dice, and the Road to Reinvention by Holly Madison

June 14, 2023 By Leave a Comment


The Vegas Diaries: Romance, Rolling the Dice, and the Road to Reinvention by Holly Madison
Publisher: Dey Street Books
Genre: Non-Fiction, Memoir, Recent Historical
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

When you’ve come out the other side of the bizarre, twisted world of the Playboy mansion, where do you land? If you’re Holly Madison . . . there’s no place like Las Vegas!

After making the sudden decision to reclaim her life, Holly broke free from the sheltered, deceptive confines of the mansion (which meant exiting a hit television show) and was determined to start her life over . . . from scratch. Without the security of a job or relationship, she set out to reinvent herself on no one’s terms but her own.

Deciding to roll the dice and begin again in the glamorous and dreamlike city of Las Vegas, Holly quickly realized that while she may have left her past in the rearview mirror, the labels and stereotypes that came from it weren’t so quick to leave her. With a fierce commitment to take charge of her own narrative, Holly dives headfirst into a journey of self-discovery. After a whirlwind stint on Dancing with the Stars, she snags the coveted lead role in the Strip’s hottest new burlesque spectacular and lands a reality series spotlighting her new life as a single woman.

If her own television show and dream job as a showgirl weren’t enough to keep her busy, Holly explores the decadent, exclusive inner-world of Sin City, navigating it’s social and dating scene with humor and heart. When it comes to romance, she is met with an eclectic cast of characters, from fame hounds to long distance loves to the occasional celebrity and more than one tabloid mishap. In this reflective, heartwarming memoir, Holly learns that each dating disaster holds an important, and in some cases difficult to face, lesson about herself.

The Vegas Diaries is a comedy of errors, set against the glitz and glamour of the dazzling Vegas strip. Through the wild and crazy experiences on one young woman’s quest to “have it all,” Holly faces her fears, anxieties, and insecurities to discover that her journey to self-sufficiency is also her path to healing. Letting go of trying to prove herself to others, Holly finally gains the courage to confront her past-and in the process finds the life and love she deserves.

This girl gets knocked down, but she gets up again and keeps trying. Lesson to us all.

I liked Holly Madison’s first book and when I saw this one, I had to read it, too. I’m glad I did. She’s been through a lot, and it shows in this book. I could also get a feel for her sense of isolation and need to find herself. Her life seems to be all glitter and fantasy, but this book shows it’s not that all the time. Sure, she’s in fantastic situations, but there is always a grey side to the glitter. I liked how the author shows both sides and doesn’t mince words. She can’t understand why she seems to lose at love until she learns to love herself. It’s a powerful thing.

I wish it’d been more of a diary and less of reading conversations between her and her friends, but I can’t complain. The story kept my attention and made me want to read more. I wanted to see her finally find her happy.

If you’re looking for a somewhat fluffy Hollywood read, then this might be the one for you. It’s good for an afternoon read and will make you root for her all the more. Give it a try.

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