THE ULTIMATE FUN ADULT ACTIVITY BOOK by Julie DeManovich

Nonfiction, Puzzle Activity, Recreation

4 ½ ****+

Blurb: The Ultimate Fun Adult Activity Book: Logic Puzzles, Sudoku, Mazes, Word Searches, Crosswords, Acrostics, Coloring, and More!

Thoughts: I am someone who loves puzzles – word, number, logic—you name it. And I loved this book. It’s the title I have an issue with. First, my teenage grandkids could handle this book, so the “adult” is totally unnecessary. And “Adult Fun” gives off certain connotations that have nothing to do with what is in the book.

Okay, that being said, I really did like this book. I will, however, suggest very strongly that if you want to do the puzzles, you buy the book as a physical copy and not an e-book as it was sent to me for possible review. And yes, I am going to do just that—go buy a physical copy.

There are all sorts of puzzles in here: find differences, crosswords, sudoku, scrambles, word search, logic, mazes, coloring pages, and more. There are several sections, each one of which is a different theme, such as “Whodunnit” or “famous artists” or “explorers” and more. They run the gamut from very easy to challenging and yes, there is an answer key at the back.

Recommended.

Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book from Zeitgeist (Penguin Random House) with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

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RIDING SHOTGUN by Amy Lane

Fiction, Contemporary Gay Romance (M/M)

4****

Blurb: Val Royal’s tight family has always had his back, but they love to interfere in his life. That interference almost sends him over the edge when they arrange for Rory McCauley, security specialist, marksman, and hound-dog smartass, to ride shotgun as security on his latest run. Hot, bossy, and sharp as a tack, Val ticks all Rory’s boxes, but Val’s looking for something real, and Rory’s allergic to intimacy. Besides, their gig running refrigerated bull semen from Bakersfield to Austin could make or break Val’s buddy’s ranch, so Val’s understandably pretty focused on the job. Rory still wishes Val would let him help Val, uh, *relax*. As Val and Rory work to keep their payload safe from a couple of determined saboteurs and they get to know each other as smart, competent, fearless professionals, sparks fly, and Val starts to fall for Rory’s roguish charm. But can he convince Rory their romance would be worth more than a straight shot to Austin—that it would be a love worth coming home to?

Thoughts: This was a fun, quick read. I liked Val and his entire family! I want to know that family! Rory was good too and his devotion to his son was well done. What didn’t work well for me was the instant relationship. Okay, the author did hold off the hot sex for at least a week, but that part of the story just didn’t grab me. However, the whole trucker vibe did. My brother was a cross-country driver and I got to see his cab. Those things are amazing. And them trying to stay away from the bad guys was fun and adventurous. Overall, it’s a quick, fun story with lots of action and some hot sex. And a HEA that satisfies.

Recommended.

Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

LARK LAKE LODGE by Maggie Eliot

Fiction, Romance, Second Chances

4****

Blurb: Note to self: when attempting to reboot your life by selling everything you have, cashing in your 401k and moving across the state to refurbish a massive, old inn, it might be good to check place out first. Lark Lake Lodge was the only thing I ever got out of my dumpster fire of a marriage to my selfish, lying ex. And okay, maybe I daydreamed a bit too much about a charming hideaway that merely needed a good cleaning and some throw pillows. Instead, I got a post-apocalyptic refuge for inhospitable creatures. And don’t get me started about the broken windows, bug infestation, and actual trees growing indoors. But the most unexpected thing I found upon arrival was Harlan. My woodsy, taciturn, bookish, hot dad neighbor was always at the ready to help me when I needed it. On one hand, the side of me wanting to be an independent badass bitch was reluctant to take his help. On the other, he was really handy, and I was in a constant state of jelly-legged, red cheeked, crush energy when he was around. While my new home near Saugatuck, Michigan was picturesque, and the adorable Bassett hounds Harlan bred stole my heart, I quickly learned that a relationship with two people who’ve been destroyed by uncaring exes can turn into a roller coaster ride of complications.

Thoughts: This was a fun story about two people who couldn’t be more different who finally come together in a HEA that satisfies. (Okay, come on, this is a romance. I’m not giving anything away here.) Harlan is a backwoods loner who runs a kennel and is known as a hermit in the small town where he lives. Maisie is a newly divorced woman who got control of an aging lodge she got in the divorce. Ready to start over and stand on her own, she ends up sitting on the steps of the dilapidated lodge with a broken key and crying. Then Harlan shows up. While he could easily solve all her problems, she is determined to be an independent woman and ends up sleeping in her truck rather than his guest room. The lodge is full of trees, wild animals, broken windows, and bad plumbing. Harlan and Maisie hit it off eventually, but there are a lot of problems, distrust, and arguments before they finally get their HEA. (Note: there are quite a few hot, lusty scenes).

The characters are realistic and interesting, though I did just want to grab Maisie and shake her sometimes. The descriptions of the lodge are disgustingly fun – ugh! I’m surprised she didn’t run from that! But overall, a decent romantic story about two broken people starting over and finding love the second time around. Well done.

Recommended.

Disclaimer: I was given this book in hopes of doing a review, but not required. All thoughts and opinions are mine alone and not influenced or solicited by anyone.

THE ATTENTION FIX by Dr. Anders Hansen

Nonfiction, Self-help, Psychology

5*****

Blurb: In this powerful guide, Dr. Hansen provides groundbreaking strategies to reclaim your focus and mental well-being. Unveiling the evolutionary reason for our distractibility, The Attention Fix sheds light on the toll our constant connection to smartphones and digital devices takes on our mental well-being. Backed by extensive research and studies, Dr. Hansen’s insights are scientifically proven and enriched through his exploration of the intricacies of the human brain. With The Attention Fix, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of the latest scientific research on the brain and the true effects of unrestricted social media use, breaking free from the cycle of mindless scrolling and demotivation. Curb your addiction to screens and cultivate deep, single-task focus to experience a renewed sense of happiness, improved health, and enhanced productivity. Break free from the addiction cycle of mindless scrolling and demotivation utilizing Dr. Hansen’s groundbreaking strategies.Dr. Hansen’s expertise and insights are trusted by renowned experts and influential figures in mental health, fitness, and overall well-being. Learn about the latest scientific research on the brain as you gain a comprehensive understanding of the true effects of unrestricted social media use. Cure smartphone addiction and cultivate attention management skills to ease anxiety, find better focus, and decrease attention deficit symptoms. Understand the impact of our evolutionary traits in the modern world and explore the consequences of our physical and mental traits. Uncover the detrimental impact of unrestricted social media use on your brain and empower yourself to reclaim your attention span.

Thoughts: The beginning of this book is what really caught my attention as I scrolled through several pages of nothing but dots. 10,000 of them to be exact. This is the history of humanity. Eight dots equals how long in that history we’ve had cars, electricity, and running water. Three dots equals computers, planes, and cell phones. And one single dot is for those who have never been without modern technology. I found that intriguing.

The book itself is rather short – 189 pages – and easy to read. Rather than giving you a lot of psychological rhetoric, he breaks that all down into bits you can actually understand. He does point out the negative impact that our phones/electronics have on us, especially young people. I also liked that at the end of the book, he breaks it all down into small bites that we can use to help ourselves. Things like: get 2 hours of exercise per week (this actually helps with focus); log your cell phone use; turn off the electronics an hour before bed, and more. The suggestions are something we can all do in order to help ourselves.

Recommended.

Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book from Zeitgeist (Penguin Random House) with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

@zeitgeist #partner

THE SPIRIT OF VANDERLAAN by Susan Harris Howell

Fiction, Paranormal,

4****

Blurb: When beloved professor, Samantha Hayes, learns that her favorite four students live in as many of her old dorm rooms, she wonders how it happened and for what purpose. As she and her student entourage explore the possibilities, they uncover a death years ago and what appears to be the ghost of the dearly departed. All of this stirs up Samantha’s long-held fear that she was responsible for that death, challenging all she thought she knew about herself and the work she holds dear. They must figure out what happened before Samantha gets fired for “dabbling in the paranormal.”

Thoughts: This was an interesting story. Samantha Hayes is a college professor who has a group of five students who help her with research. Then they discover that all of them live in the same rooms she had in college years ago. The blurb pretty much tells it all as far as that all goes, but there is a lot more going on. But there’s a lot more going on as well. She’s up for tenure, but the professor who is the head of her committee is an old rival. He gets her blackballed and put on suspension, but she’s determined to fight back. But how do you fight old lies and ghosts from your past that may be real ghosts?

I enjoyed this story even though it was a little slow at times. But the whole issue with her tenure and her past creates interesting challenges that keep you reading to the end.

Recommended.

FEEL AT HOME by Elle Brownlee

Fiction, Contemporary M/M Romance, Level 4 heat

4****

Blurb: Solitary photojournalist Philip Conyers is out of money and out of time. One year after pausing his work chasing stories across the globe to buy and fix up his dream house, a series of events has him flat broke, creatively clogged, and out of options. Philip must sell—and then is stuck as months pass without any offers. Enter tech millionaire Zak Springer. He needs space and quiet away from New York City to think up the next big idea, and Philip’s upstate place is the perfect retreat. He wants to rent it for six months, price is no object, and oh yeah, Philip is welcome to stay. What can Philip do but agree? Living with easygoing Zak proves interesting for Philip, a dedicated loner. Despite their different circumstances, Zak understands him in a way no one ever has, and the attraction that simmers between them is undeniable. With their days together numbered, Philip decides it’s safe to indulge in a fling—until he realizes he never wants this life in his dream house with his dream man to end. Can Philip open his heart as well as his home, or is he doomed to lose them both?

Thoughts: I enjoyed this story even thought I thought it was a little slow at times. But the characters and the setting imagery were worth the time, as was their relationship. Philip and Zak don’t seem like they’d go together. Philip is a shy, quiet photojournalist who stays in the background while Zak is an ex-football star turned tech millionaire who doesn’t mind the limelight. But somehow, they work. There are several very hot love scenes that show how well they work together. But it is their work on the house together that shows how much they actually care for each other.

I will say this about some of the imagery – the part of the story during the storm and flood – very real and the emotions done well, but this might be a slight trigger for some readers in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Just be forewarned.

I’m glad things worked out for them in the end, though I had hoped that Philip’s earnings on several projects would have made him feel better about himself. But, there is a happily-ever-after ending that satisfies and that makes everything better.

Recommended.

BRIDGING LIVES by

Fiction, Contemporary Romance, M/M Gay

5*****

Blurb: Cliff Anderson hopes to build on the legacy of his late parents, but that dream seems lost when his California homestead is lost to a wildfire. Devastated, he travels to Oregon to stay with his aunt and uncle on their dairy operation while he makes plans for his future. College professor Brandon Forest has always yearned for a family and a home of his own. Maybe that’s why, despite being busy with his job and his side gig as a fantasy author, he’s stayed on as a seasonal worker at the dairy farm. The farm feels so welcoming, and working on their dairy farm might be the next step in building the life he’s dreamed of. Then he meets Cliff. As Cliff and Brandon confront their own broken pasts, they build a connection that runs deep. Laughter and shared experiences prove to be strong medicine for the wounds life has inflicted on them. Cliff hasn’t let go of his past or the hopes he had for the farm in California. Will his future burn down as he holds on to lost hopes, or can he blaze a new path with Brandon?

Thoughts: This author really knows how to pull out all the stops when it comes to emotions. They had me from page one as Cliff is trying to save plants from his family farm as wildfires sweep in and he barely escapes. With nowhere else to go and no other family, he heads to his relatives in Oregon. He helps his aunt and uncle on their dairy farm while he tries to figure out what to do next. While there, he meets Brandon, a part-time college professor, writer, and friend of the family. Their attraction is instant, but their relationship takes a while to build, though it does.

The situations with wild fires, family farm struggles, and more are realistic. The author does an impressive job with imagery and the use of all the senses (Cliff’s clothes smelling of smoke, the devastation on the farm). The characters are believable and the romance builds slowly – even though there are several very hot scenes. This is the first book I’ve read by this author, but it will definitely not be the last.

Recommended.

Disclaimer: All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not solicited or influenced by anyone or anything. Thanks to Dreamspinner Press for providing this copy.

MISTLETOE, MUTTS, AND MURDER by S.A. Kazlo

Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Holiday

4****

Blurb: Christmas is coming and children’s book author, Samantha Davies, and her lovable dachshund, Porkchop, are caught up in the holiday festivities in beautiful upstate New York. Sam’s parents, Chuck and Barbara, who have been enjoying their retired life in sunny Florida, have flown into Wings Falls to spend the holidays with Sam and meet her new boyfriend, Detective Hank Johnson. Sam is also busy hosting this year’s Christmas party for the Loopy Ladies, Sam’s rug hooking group. The Loopy Ladies know how to party and are enjoying an evening eating, drinking, and making merry… until Santa crashes the party. Unfortunately, this Santa is Sam’s next-door neighbor who her parents have had a long-running feud with. When not playing the local mall’s not-so-jolly old St. Nick, Leo Sayers is a newspaper reporter, and he announces to the group that he’s written a damning article accusing Sam’s dad and his close friend, Herb Feinstein, of some very shady dealings in their past. To preserve peace on earth—and among the Loopy Ladies—Chuck and Herb escort Leo from the party. Only, not long after being sent on his way, Santa is found dead—lying in the snow, run over by a plastic reindeer, with a string of Christmas lights around his neck! Are Sam’s father and Herb now on the naughty list? If Sam can’t prove them innocent of murdering Santa, she’s afraid their stockings will contain handcuffs and a one-way ticket to prison this year!

Thoughts: I love the “Loopy Ladies” – especially when they refer to themselves as “Hookers”!! Oh, come on. They do rug hooking. But they’re a group of friends who are getting together for their annual holiday party at Sam’s home. And Sam’s parents are up from Florida to join in the festivities. Everything is jolly until their nasty neighbor shows up drunk and accuses Sam’s father and his best friend of corruption in the past. They “escort” him out of the house, but unfortunately a few hours later, he’s found dead in his front yard and Sam’s dad is the main suspect.

I loved the characters and that Sam is no spring chicken (she’s over 50). And has a slightly younger boyfriend. The descriptions of her parents are a hoot. In fact, description and imagery are really strong so you definitely get a sense of place and time. Actually, that was just a tiny bit of an issue for me as some of the descriptions in the beginning were a little slow moving. And the dogs are a cute addition. I will say this, though… I read a lot of these stories and knew who the body was going to be, but not the perp or the reason until the end, so nicely done there!

Recommended.

I GRADUATED. NOW WHAT? by Amanda McLaughlin

Nonfiction, Self-help, How-To

5*****

Blurb: Learn essential life skills, set goals, and ace adulting after graduation. Becoming a grown-up is no easy feat. Many new grads find themselves How do I find a place to live? How do I land a job interview? How do credit cards work? Whether this is you, or you know someone at this exciting but challenging stage of their life, worry help is on the way! This book gives you the basics to face the “real world” head-on. But adulting isn’t just about DIY repairs and budgeting like a pro (though you’ll find that in here too!). It’s about figuring out what success looks like to you. Setting goals and sticking to them. Finding joy and purpose in independence. Filled with fun prompts, exercises, and checklists,I Now What? goes beyond other “life skills” books to provide the tools young people need not just to survive, but to thrive at adulting. Easy-to-read and organized by topics like Home How-Tos, Money, Work & Career, Relationships, Set Goals, and Structure Your Time. Packed with useful tips and bite-sized hacks at the end of every sectionThe ideal graduation The guide you wish you had when you entered the real world—perfect for any student about to graduate, just graduated, or even a few years out of high school or college. Practical meets inspirational in this essential guide to building your best life in adulthood.

Thoughts: I wish I had had this book years ago–when I graduated, and then when my kids did. But I know for certain, this is going to go to my grandkids. I’ll probably buy multiple copies so each one has one.

The book is full of good advice and information on what to do once you’ve graduated. I loved the checklists like finding a roommate (if necessary), renting a place, buying groceries, budgeting, and more. It also helps you set long- and short-term goals. And what you need to do to reach them. There is so much information in this book that you can’t go wrong with picking up a copy of it. With this in hand, you’ll have a decent roadmap for your future.

Definitely recommended.

Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book from Zeitgeist (Penguin Random House) with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

@zeitgeist #partner

@penguinrandomhouse #partner

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STEAL MY HEART by Andrew Grey

Fiction, Contemporary Gay Romance

4****

Blurb: Hilliard Bauman’s life and his law practice are in Ohio, so when he inherits a home in California, his first instinct is to sell. Then again, his law partner is also his ex-partner, so maybe starting over wouldn’t be so bad. Either way, he needs someone to fix up the house first. That’s where Brian Mayer comes in. Brian Mayer will do whatever work he can get, whether that means dog walking or painting fences. But in a small town where everyone knows everything about everyone, finding jobs can be difficult—especially if you’ve been wrongly convicted of theft. When Hilliard hires him to fix up his great-aunt’s place, it’s a relief on Brian’s strained bank account… but tests Brian’s heart to its limits. As Hilliard digs into Brian’s case and the botched investigation of the original crime, things really start heating up—both between him and Brian and in what should’ve been a cold case. This time when cops try to lay the blame at Brian’s feet, he has Hilliard in his corner. Can they solve the mystery, put Brian’s past to rest, and find a new beginning together?

Thoughts: I enjoyed this story. The characters are realistic and there’s a bit of a mystery involved, along with the romance (and some heat!). Hill is an Ohio lawyer who inherited his great-aunt’s home in California. After going through a bad breakup, he moves there, but the house is in need of some work. He hires a neighbor—Brian—who does good work, but has a past—mistakenly convicted of a crime he didn’t commit. The two bond as Hill attempts to find out who really committed the crime. He’s also fighting with an uncle who believes the house should have come to him.

I liked both Hill and Brian. They’re both strong characters who have issues that they work on. The romance is perfect between the two of them and there’s a HEA that satisfies.

Recommended.