The Friendship Fling by Georgia Stone

July 21, 2025 By Leave a Comment


The Friendship Fling by Georgia Stone
Publisher: Harper Perennial
Genre: Romance, Contemporary
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

No one would ever call Ava Monroe a people person, which isn’t ideal for a barista in a busy London coffee shop. She’s sarcastic, blunt, and cynical, and her relationships are strictly no strings attached. With her best friend Josie soon leaving for a year, Ava knows she’ll be all alone unless she shakes up her routine. But she can’t risk bringing chance back into her carefully controlled life.

Then insufferably cheerful, country-hopping, undeniably gorgeous Finn O’Callaghan rolls into her coffee shop with a horrifying proposal —a strictly friends-only summer fling. Finn needs a local to help him complete his London bucket list, and Ava needs to reassure Josie she won’t be on her own. And it’s only for a few months.

To Ava’s surprise, their mismatched friendship of convenience becomes oddly tolerable, and as they work their way through Finn’s list and around the sun-drenched city, from rooftops and floating bars to nights at the museum, their adventures—and Finn’s company—start to feel . . . nice. Incredibly, terrifyingly, dangerously nice.

Still, rules are rules—Ava has good reasons for them—and as the days get shorter, Finn’s departure gets closer. Because that’s the thing about summer: it always ends. Right?

Sunny to cloudy…I enjoyed this book.

This book is a twist on the sunshine/grump trope in that she’s the grump. I liked that it wasn’t the usual. He’s pure happy and that was refreshing. Ava and Finn are very much opposites, but this touches on the opposites attract trope and was a fresh telling.

Georgia Stone’s writing is simple, but that’s a good thing because it allowed me to breeze through the book and get emotionally attached quickly. I rooted for these characters. I liked that there was a shelf-life to the relationship and how the characters worked through it. It was nice.

This is an easy read, it’s breezy and would be good for a hot afternoon. It’s a good beach read. If you’re looking for a slow burn romance that’s fun, then this might be the one for you. Give it a shot!

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

Movie Review: Sea Lions of the Galapagos

July 21, 2025 By Leave a Comment


Sea Lions of the Galapagos
Writers: David Fowler, Richard Wollocombe, Hugh Wilson, and Keith Scholey
Director: Keith Scholey and Hugh Wilson
Starring: Brendan Fraser
Publisher: Disneynature, Disney
Genre: Children’s (0 – 6 y.o.), Middle Grade (8 – 12 y.o.), Young Adult (14 – 18 y.o.), Non-Fiction, Contemporary
Rating: 4 Stars (8 Stars on IMDB)
Reviewed by Astilbe

In the heart of the Pacific Ocean lies a magical cluster of islands, home to a unique collection of castaways. Disneynature’s “Sea Lions of the Galapagos” dives underwater with Leo, a sea lion pup who’s learning how to navigate life.

Everyone deserves to find a place to belong, including sea lions.

I was impressed with how well this documentary balanced the many different audiences it was created for. Fraser explained even potentially scary scenes involving sharks chasing sea lions in such a calm and friendly tone of voice that I’d feel comfortable watching this with the little ones in my life. It isn’t always easy to find family-friendly stories that appeal to kids and adults of all ages and include extra information about the life of a sea lion for those who are old enough to read between the lines in certain shots, so it was wonderful to find something that can work nicely on so many different levels.

There were sections about Leo’s life as a young adult sea lion that I felt were a little slow, especially for any preschoolers or young children who might watch this. While the Galápagos Islands and ocean are beautiful, I would have gone for a full five-star rating if there had been a little more action about halfway through this film. With that being said, so much depends on the attention span of viewers and what they find most interesting in a documentary.

Some of my favorite scenes were the ones that showed a few games sea lions play together underwater. I didn’t know they were so playful with each other or that they used various things that can be found on the ocean floor in similar ways to how humans use toys. This was something I could have spent the full film time exploring!

Sea Lions of the Galapagos was a gentle and wholesome story for all age groups.

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Musings, Movie Review, Television Show Tagged With: , ,

32 Days in May by Betty Corrello

July 18, 2025 By Leave a Comment


32 Days in May by Betty Corrello
Publisher: Avon
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Nadia Fabiola wants to lose herself in Evergreen—the Jersey Shore town where she grew up vacationing with her family—and never look back at her glamorous, gainfully employed former self. After a shocking lupus diagnosis turned her life upside down, she’s desperate for a sense of control over her body, her life, and her mental health. Nadia plans on keeping her life small and boring, while continuing to ignore her sister’s relentless questioning.

Nadia’s sister isn’t the only person worried about her. When her rheumatologist not-so-subtly sets her up with his infamous former-actor cousin, Marco Antoniou, Nadia is skeptical. But Marco is gorgeous—despite carrying his own baggage from a very public burnout. After a messy (but fun) first date, they decide that a May-long fling could be just what the doctor ordered: no commitment, no strings, just one month of escape.

Their undeniable chemistry starts to feel a lot like something more and while Marco pulls Nadia deeper into his life, she is dead set on keeping her diagnosis from him. But there are only so many days in May, and only so much pretending she can do. As the stress of their whirlwind romance takes its toll on Nadia’s health, she’s forced to decide if a chance at love is worth the risk of trusting someone new.

Travel from the Jersey Shore to Rome and back in this delightfully funny, beautifully honest exploration of love, intimacy, and vulnerability while living with a chronic illness.

A protagonist with a chronic illness. What a great concept.

At times, this isn’t an easy read, but it’s a good read. Why would I start with that? It’s not an easy read? The main character, Nadia, has a chronic illness. She has lupus and that’s not always fun to live with. It’s actually never fun to live with. But she isn’t letting it get her down.

I liked the author’s writing style. The author drew me right into the book and made me root for the character of Nadia. I liked the pairing of Nadia and Marco because they’re fun together. It’s just plain fun to have them together. I liked the time limit on the relationship and how the author handled that problem.

If you’re looking for a good slow burn romance for characters that aren’t the usual, then this is the one you’re looking for. Give this book a read. You won’t regret it.

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

Confessions of a Grammar Queen by Eliza Knight

July 16, 2025 By Leave a Comment


Confessions of a Grammar Queen by Eliza Knight
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Genre: Historical, Romance
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

There are no female publishing CEOs in 1960’s New York. And that is exactly what savvy, ambitious Bernadette Swift plans to change.

Bernadette Swift, a young copyeditor at Lenox & Park Publishing, is determined to become the first female CEO in the publishing industry. But first she needs to take the next step up that ladder with a promotion that her boorish and sexist boss wants to thwart. Seeking a base of support, Bernadette joins a feminist women’s book club at the New York Public Library, and soon, she’s inspiring her fellow members to challenge the male gatekeepers and decades of ingrained sexism in their workplaces and pursue their personal and professional dreams.

And that is precisely what Bernadette does on a daily basis: keeps her eye on the prize―equality for women in the workplace, and a promotion―while fending off the ire of her boss and the sabotaging efforts of a jealous coworker. With the support of her book club buddies and a certain charismatic editor at Lenox & Park who has completely fallen for her, maybe, just maybe, Bernadette will prove able to claim victory for herself and the young women coming after her.

She’s not about to be left at a desk to be a secretary.

This is a new twist on the romance genre because this character, Bernadette, isn’t a shrinking violet. She’s determined to get what she wants and I loved that.

This was a quick read and fun. I’m glad I read it. I will say the chapters from the dog’s perspective, while funny, didn’t always add to the narrative. I would’ve liked to have had Bernadette’s perspective all the way through. I do like the innovation in adding the dog and seeing things from his perspective, but it would’ve been more dynamic from just Bernadette’s POV.

Still, I liked her pluckiness. She’s not about to be bullied or shrink to the background. I loved her pushiness and know this is the kind of book readers of all genre-preferences would enjoy.

If you want a book that’s a good throwback to the ’60s and a fun beach read, then this might be the book for you. Give it a try!

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

On Two Legs and Three Wheels – The Travel Adventures of a Couple Overcoming Age and Disability by Cary D. Lowe

July 15, 2025 By Leave a Comment


On Two Legs and Three Wheels – The Travel Adventures of a Couple Overcoming Age and Disability by Cary D. Lowe
Publisher: Black Rose Writing
Genre: Non-Fiction, Contemporary
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

Can you continue traveling as you get older or if you are disabled? On Two Legs and Three Wheels answers that with an emphatic, “Yes!”

Multiple sclerosis disabled the legs of the author’s wife twenty years ago, making her rely on a mobility scooter, and now both the author and his wife are in their seventies. But none of that stopped them from traveling. On two legs and three wheels, they have traveled to twenty countries and twenty states. Perseverance, ingenuity, and flexibility have enabled them to overcome virtually all obstacles. These characteristics are on full display in the two dozen tales of their travels to locales as diverse as Alpine peaks, Caribbean beaches, desert canyons, and urban boulevards, via planes, trains, cars, buses, and ships.

Their adventures will inspire disabled and older people to keep traveling, while engaging in activities that thrill fully abled partners, as well. And their travel tales will delight and entertain readers of all ages and physical conditions.

A little help goes a long way.

One of the quietly difficult parts of having a chronic illness or disability is figuring out what one’s new limitations are. Sometimes what can be accomplished on a good day is impossible on a bad one, while at other times the restrictions are permanent. As someone who has personal experience with this issue although not with Trish’s specific diagnosis, I loved Mr. Lowe’s descriptions of how he and his wife figured out what she was capable of and adjusted to her new realities as multiple sclerosis slowly changed the rules of what her body could and couldn’t do. They had such creative and playful approaches to finding new ways of enjoying their trips together, including activities like scuba diving that at first glance might not seem like very accessible hobbies for someone who has limited mobility.

There were times when the descriptions of the places they visited felt a little repetitive due to the focus on wine and food. I found myself wishing that more time had been spent talking about what made their various destinations unique as I haven’t been to most of those locations myself. Of course, there were areas of many places that were not wheelchair accessible, but I would have liked to know more about their climates, cultures, historical places, museums, music, friendly locals, and other things that the author may have strong memories about.

Some of my favorite scenes were the ones that explored how Cory and Trish responded to other people’s curiosity about her illness and assistive devices and other accommodations she needed on her travels. Striking a balance between educating strangers on things like assistive devices, what it feels like to be disabled or chronically ill, and why some people need certain accommodations while also protecting one’s privacy isn’t always easy. The frustration they occasionally felt was understandable, but there were also empowering moments when a brief conversation with a stranger may have permanently changed that person’s mind for the better about these topics. It’s a delicate balance to strike at times but based on this memoir they sure seem to be doing a fantastic job of living their lives to the fullest and also educating the public about topics the average able-bodied person might not know much about.

On Two Legs and Three Wheels was a beautiful adventure.

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

No Bass No Party by Gary Shea

July 15, 2025 By 4 Comments


No Bass No Party by Gary Shea
Publisher: BWL Publishing
Genre: Non-Fiction, Auto-Biography
Rated: 4 stars
Review by Poppy

An outstanding account of the music business, A riveting story of determination and focus, Musical teenage dream come true, Against all odds musical ups and downs, Defying logic following your heart, Climbing the musical ladder of success, Fearless journey on the road to stardom, (You won’t read about the heads of chickens being bitten off or mounds of drugs being snorted from the naked bodies of sweaty groupies. No, what you will read about on these pages is the deep and intense journey into the very heart of rock and roll and what it takes to come out the other side. Gary Shea took that ride and has survived to tell his thrilling tale and there is no need for embellishment nor hyperbole—the truth is more unbelievable than fiction.

Gary is the bassist and co-founder of New England and Alcatrazz, two bands that burned very brightly during the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. Along the way, Shea walked amongst giants including Steve Vai, Paul Stanley, Todd Rundgren, Yngwie Malmsteen and a slew of others. He guides us through the machinations, madness and magic of the music world, beginning with his early fascination for bass players and rock and running all the way through to standing on big stages in big arenas in front of big crowds. For every step forward, the industry took two bites of his soul but owing to perseverance, passion and no little amount of pigheadedness, he endured and now reveals all his secrets. No Bass, No Party: Sketches of My Life in Music are masterfully told stories of what lies in the corners and ‘neath the bright lights of the music business. A rock and roll memoir you must read.

Steven Rosen, Music Journalist for Guitar Player Magazine and author of eight biographies including Tonechaser- Understanding Edward: My 26-Year Journey with Edward Van Halen.)

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started this book. Honestly, I’ve never heard of Gary Shea or the bands he was part of (I’ve since remedied that and looked them up on YouTube and listed to some really amazingly good music). But even though I’d not heard of him, or his bands, I was sucked right into this book.

The author shares his musical journey from the very beginning. He was exceptionally driven and determined and, boy, did he have to believe in himself to get through. His road was bumpy and unsure much of the time, but he persevered through it all and seems to have retained his joy in playing music despite the numerous setbacks.

This book was so easy to read and get involved in. The tone is quite conversational, as if he and I were just sitting down and having a chat. I really enjoyed that about the book. Only two things kept this from being a solid five-star book. First, there were quite a few grammatical and editing errors that I noticed. To be fair, I do editing as a second job, so am primed to find them. Many readers may not even notice them. And second, the book is ONLY about Mr. Shea’s music journey. I truly wish there had been just a little more personal details included. I was truly interested in him and just wished for a little more so I could get to know him a little better.

Still, this was a book I didn’t ever want to put down due to annoyance or boredom or any of the other things that make a reader stop reading. I’m glad I had a chance to read and review this book (and add some new music to my Spotify lists).

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

Once Upon a Bookstore: A Tale Told Through the Lens of Time by Leslie Gullo

July 9, 2025 By Leave a Comment


Once Upon a Bookstore: A Tale Told Through the Lens of Time by Leslie Gullo
Publisher: Allie Cat Press
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Lavender

Melinda Jenkins seemed to have it all — a successful career as a lawyer, a fiercely independent spirit, and a carefully crafted life of solitude. But when a routine assignment leads her to a small bookstore on Main Street, Melinda’s world is turned upside down.

As she delves deeper into the mysteries of the bookstore, she meets Jake Samuels — a charming and irresistible bachelor who challenges her beliefs about love and independence. Melinda must make a heart-wrenching choice: cling to her solitary life or take a leap of faith and embrace the love she never thought possible.

Leslie Gullo’s Once Upon a Bookstore: A Tale Told Through the Lens of Time offers an intriguing premise: a successful lawyer, Melinda Jenkins, finds her carefully constructed life upended by a mysterious bookstore and a charming bachelor named Jake Samuels. The book boasts a high rating, and for good reason – the initial setup is engaging, and the characters are undoubtedly captivating.

Gullo paints a picture of a fiercely independent Melinda whose solitude is both a shield and a source of contentment. The allure of the bookstore, whispered secrets within its walls, and the immediate spark between Melinda and Jake create a compelling hook. The author successfully introduces a layer of mystery from the get-go, drawing the reader in with the promise of uncovering secrets and exploring Melinda’s transformation.

The romance with Jake also adds to the charm. He challenges Melinda’s preconceived notions about love and independence, forcing her to confront her vulnerabilities and consider a life beyond her solitary existence. The “irresistible bachelor” trope is handled relatively well, with Jake possessing enough genuine qualities to make him a believable love interest.

However, the story unfortunately hits a snag in the middle. The narrative slows at one point and becomes repetitive. Despite the mid-book slump, the inclusion of a little bit of science adds an interesting layer to the overall narrative. This scientific element plays a role in the mystery surrounding the bookstore.

Once Upon a Bookstore offers a promising blend of romance, mystery, and a touch of science-fiction. The engaging characters and intriguing premise are strong draws, but readers should be aware of the potential for a slower, repetitive section in the middle. If you enjoy stories about self-discovery, charming bookstore settings, and a little bit of mystery mixed with romance, this book is worth picking up. The engaging beginning and intriguing elements might just be enough to keep you turning the pages until the end.

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

What My Refrigerator Said to Me by Bruce Wetterau

July 1, 2025 By 1 Comment


What My Refrigerator Said to Me by Bruce Wetterau
Publisher: Self-published
Genre: Fiction, Humor, Contemporary
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Lavender

To Coldly Go Where No Refrigerator Has Gone Before…

What can a talking refrigerator possibly have to say? Well, if you listen to all the AI hype, you’ll believe computers will be doing all the talking and thinking for us.

What My Refrigerator Said to Me’s twenty-one tales take you on a journey into the comic possibilities of life in the digital age, now and in the years to come. After all, why should the likes of Bill, Jeff, and Elon have all the fun imagining this futuristic stuff!

You’re sure to be amused by this book’s absurdly funny answers to such burning questions as: If computers can think, will they choose a life of crime? If your pet can talk, what will it tell you? Can science turn your brain into a desktop computer? Will there still be fortune cookies in 2052?

As is so often true of comedy, along with the laughs you’ll also find thoughtful insights into the people and devices populating our futuristic, digital world.

You get the idea. These richly imaginative tales will have you boldly going where no one has gone before–again and again! This collection of witty, laughable tales makes for a great read or great gift.

This book presents twenty-one humorous short stories that delve into the comical and occasionally bizarre aspects of our technology-saturated lives. Rather than focusing on dystopian fears, the author uses playful imagination to highlight quirky or disquieting possibilities that come from the technological progress. Readers will sometimes laugh at the absurdities of this digital age.

The premise prepares us for the lighthearted and speculative tone. The author tackles questions of the digital age with comedy. Though humor is central, the stories offer moments of thoughtful insight into humans. Scenes are outlandish but relatable.

Sometimes the tongue-in-cheek humor explores potentially sensitive topics concerning race and gender that may not resonate with all readers. There are cliches. Overall, the book is humorous and creative.

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

The Seal by Juliette N. Banks

June 27, 2025 By Leave a Comment


The Seal by Juliette N. Banks
Black Hawk Security series, Book One
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Action/Adventure
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

He’s sworn to protect, and never love again, but will she be the one to breach his walls?

My name is Josh Hawke, decorated SEAL and founder of Black Hawke Security. Some might call me arrogant. Women call me cold. Those who truly know me call me dangerous.

I’m all those things.

My priority is my elite team of former special ops who fulfill our contracts with governments and some of the most powerful people in the world.

When a famous rockstar hires us to protect his daughter, it’s just another job. Until I meet Cassy Cartwright and her intense green eyes send a bolt of chemistry through me.

She’s as infuriated as I am by it.

The last thing I want is private security intruding on my quiet, hard-fought-for life. Even if he is six foot four and the most gorgeous man I’ve ever seen.

Not interested.

Josh is going to distract all the clients in my hair salon and… protect me from the stalker who is out of prison and looking for me again thanks to my rock star father’s comeback hit.

But that’s all I want from him.

I can’t say I wasn’t warned—the book overview clearly stated this was a steamy romance with spice. But wow. My eyes were reading Tien Tsin chile pepper-level steamy!

The hero, Josh Hawke, is a decorated SEAL who openly admits to being arrogant, cold, and dangerous. He’s well aware of his eight-pack abs, which he maintains through regular workouts in the private gym at his Black Hawk Security (BHS) headquarters. Josh, along with his elite team of paramilitary experts, runs BHS, a company that provides high-stakes security services.

The chemistry between Josh and the heroine, Cassy, is immediate and intense. It’s easy to see why Cassy was taken in by his Alpha presence, good looks, and wealth—complete with his Maserati SUV and expensive clothes. Josh, in turn, was hooked from the moment he laid eyes on Cassy. Her photo captivated him, but in person, she was even more stunning. When their eyes locked, he was hypnotized by her green eyes.

Cassy is independent, successful, and strong-willed. But even she can’t resist Josh’s charm—especially when he becomes the one person who can truly protect her.

And she needs protection. Years ago, Cassy was stalked and kidnapped by a dangerous man named Isaac, who’s now escaped prison. Her father wisely hires BHS to keep her safe. The suspense element in this story kept me on edge—every twist had me rooting for everyone’s safety. I felt a sense of relief when Josh was near, just like Cassy did.

The supporting cast is well developed and adds richness to the story. I especially enjoyed getting to know Josh’s crew at BHS—they’re the kind of characters I hope to see again in future books. Cassy’s world also feels real and grounded, especially through her connections at her salon. Her co-workers and clients added humor and warmth that balanced out the intensity of the action scenes.

One thing to note: there’s a fair amount of profanity, which I’m no stranger to myself. Sometimes a well-placed F-bomb gets the point across. However, I personally found the use of strong language in the sex scenes off-putting—it just didn’t feel romantic to me. That said, the scenes were easy to skim past and didn’t detract from the gripping suspense and solid plot.

Overall, The Seal was a fast-paced, action-packed, and thoroughly entertaining read. If you enjoy romantic suspense with high heat and high stakes, this one is definitely worth picking up.

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

Here, Now, and Forever by J.S. Frankel

June 25, 2025 By 2 Comments


Here, Now, and Forever by J.S. Frankel
Publisher: Extasy Books
Genre: Young Adult (14 – 18 y.o.), Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Romance, Contemporary, Historical
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

A flight into danger. A portal to another world. Adventures, danger, a new beginning, and a romance that spans forever.

Carl Goodman, a Merchant Marine sailor during World War Two, is shipwrecked off the coast of China and a temporary visitor at an American airfield, finally scores a ride to India to ship out on another vessel. Accompanying him is Ruby Matthews, a black nurse with her own set of problems.

Bad weather forces their plane to crash on an escarpment high in the Himalayas. As the only survivors with minimal supplies, they take refuge inside a cave where they discover a portal that leads them into an almost Eden-like garden.

After starting at odds, Carl and Ruby come to an understanding, and romance builds over time. However, their peace is interrupted by the arrival of an alien called Norlok, who has an agenda of his own. Defeating him is only part of the problem.

When rescue finally arrives, they find that eighty-five years have passed, yet they’ve retained their youth—until they return to the US, where they begin to rapidly age. Getting back to their garden is of prime importance, but will they be in time?

Anything can happen during a war.

Mr. Frankel’s plot twists are one of the reasons why I have consistently requested his books over the years. He knows exactly how many hints to hide away in his stories to give his readers a taste of what is to come without making it too easy to figure out where he’s going next. This makes the reading and reviewing process effortless because I am always confident that he’s going to keep me on my toes and throw a few curve balls my way as the plot spins off in a new direction. As always, this was such a fun combination of genres, and I loved seeing how he used World War II to leap off into times and places I never would have otherwise associated with that era. Without giving away too many details, there is a peaceful garden in this book that I found especially surprising and relaxing.

I would have liked to see more time spent developing the military subplot. Their reaction to Carl and Ruby’s existence was intriguing at first but didn’t quite make sense to me later on. Having more information about why they responded the way that they did and how willing they were to go along with almost anything the protagonists wanted would have made this a stronger book in my opinion. It is a minor criticism of something I otherwise enjoyed reading quite a bit.

Some of the most memorable scenes for me were the ones that explored what it feels like to be part of a minority group, whether that’s related to race, gender, religion, or other factors. Not everyone who is part of one or more of these groups has the same experiences, of course, but there is overlap between them that I think is helpful for everyone to take note of. The more compassion we feel for each other as human beings, the better if you ask me! While I can’t go into details about exactly what these characters went through without sharing spoilers, it was well worth my time and is something I think readers from every background should explore.

Here, Now, and Forever was adventurous.

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