December 21, 2022 - Staff Reviews

Shameless

By William Bernhardt

Release Date: March 22, 2022

Ebook Available from WV Reads!

https://wvreads.overdrive.com/media/8814212

3 Stars - A fast-paced read that's part mystery and part courtroom thriller. I was new to the Splitsville series and found a lot to like in this entry. This was both dark and humorous at times, and the storyline regarding the human trafficking industry was engrossing. But I'm not sure I ever really connected with this entire plot or cast of quirky characters.

Bernhardt's work is hit and miss for me, and this one was somewhere in between. I liked to see him branch out from the Ben Kincaid series, and Kenzi is a strong female lead. Her backstory opens up a lot of possibilities for great stories. I liked her relationship with her sister and potential boyfriend Alex. She's clever and determined. But somehow, her relationship with her family and daughter felt more like filler to me, which was a disappointment. I needed a bit more everyday woman, softer side or something like that, to relate to her.

This started off on the wrong foot a bit, and I'm not sure I truly clicked with this one because of it. I loved the realistic dialouge and the sharp scene and location descriptions. And the violent opening is also almost trademark Bernhardt. Plus, it's important to the plot in ways you don't imagine until later. But I felt a little unsettled by it, maybe it left me off-kilter. The original ideas with Kenzi's firm handling mostly civil and divorce cases, dealing with her dad's, etc. might really grab some readers. It just didn't hold my attention as a subplot. The human trafficking angles were fascinating but a bit hard to take too. And I didn't appreciate that the political jabs started early. As an independent, I don't like fictional characters having such strong opinions in the way of making opposite party people look like clowns. It's better left out or mostly off the pages. While this was entertaining, I don't think I'm eager to hop into the rest of this particular series. But the aspects that didn't work for me may be enticing for other readers.

(NS)

December 13, 2022 - Staff Reviews

Out of the Blue

By BJ Daniels

Release Date: January 1, 2022

Ebook Available from WV Reads!

https://wvreads.overdrive.com/media/6367634

3 Stars - For being a short read, there sure was a lot going on in Buckhorn, Montana. Daniels' long running series moves right along here. This time bartender Davey is the hero. Who will steal this big heart of his? There's a little suspense as well, worth the quick read.

I'm not really a follower of this series, but this was a great short story. I think that fans of the Buckhorn romances probably find plenty to like in this, or perhaps it's just not enough. Daniels really fills the pages! Davey's a bit naive but he's a good guy so it'd be hard not to want the best for him. He's considerate and hardworking. Melissa and Tanya are both sort of vying for his attention, in VERY different ways. Mel is a darling and they've got a great friends-to-lovers storyline. But Tanya was more sympathetic than I expected too.

I liked that Tanya was shady but it was actually kind of hard to hate her. I could see why Davey was blinded by her. Although, he's definitely not my usual favorite type of hero. I wanted him to wake up and see what was right in front of him. Melissa could have stepped up a little too but she was shy and quiet also. There were fun supporting characters as well like the comical Ralph and Wilbur, bar patrons and amateur thief trackers. Plus, we had a sufficiently grim background villian too. The steam levels were low, perfect for romance readers who prefer a little less heat and more sweet. I couldn't believe this little story was packed with romantic tension, multiple POV, dialouge, plus some mystery as well. There was a little frustration and suspension of disbelief needed from the main characters. But overall, this exceeded my expectations. I don't want to spoil the ending, but it's also sufficiently wrapped up too. I don't think anyone would have to read this series to enjoy killing a little time one afternoon. It might even get one hooked!

(NS)

December 7, 2022 - Staff Reviews

The Heat Is On

By Jill Shalvis

Release Date: June 25, 2013

Ebook Available from WV Reads!

https://wvreads.overdrive.com/media/1239335

4 Stars - This fun little beach read had surprising intensity! Bella and Jacob both had major commitment phobia but were adorable together. When Bella's dates come under attack, Jacob's determined to get to the culprit before he gets to them. 

Shalvis has a cute message at the beginning of this about having fun writing for HQ Blaze series. I think the level of fun she had showed with this one. This isn't an angsty read though there's plenty of drama. Jacob's a great hero, especially fun to see with Bella and his brothers. Bella was a bit more difficult to understand. She's baker and traveler, not one for settling down. Her list of real friends is small so it makes her instant connection with Jacob extra sweet. Both of these two do a lot verbal pushing away while pulling each other closer. It got to be a bit much here and there.

I find it interesting how many times in romances, the woman is the one with one foot out the door. Girls can be reluctant to give up their freedom too, and not just in regards to dating. More like, they don't always want to buy a house, pets, and give up traveling. It's always refreshing. The side characters were cool but not particularly funny or memorable except for Jacob's brothers. Now, for the mystery. This is not a whodunit on the level of Agatha Christie of course. But I admit I didn't know who the bad guy was until he revealed himself. There was quite a series of suspenseful moments in this one, making it easy to not put it down. I wouldn't say there were any fabulous action sequences or explosive scenes. But there was just enough intrigue to keep this one exciting. This would be a perfect paperback for romance readers to grab for a weekend trip or rainy day on the couch.

(NS)

November 29, 2022 - Staff Reviews

The Bedroom Experiment

By Kendall Ryan

Release Date: Feburary 11, 2020

Ebook Available from WV Reads!

https://wvreads.overdrive.com/media/4966608

3 Stars - This novella was entertaining but not as much fun as it could have been. Morgan and Isla make a cute couple and they're really just getting started. This quick and mostly dirty little read makes a nice addition for fans of these lovable hockey players but is also basically a standalone.

This is a short story that's heavy on the steamy scenes and light on substance. Kendall Ryan has a way with characters and this story is no exception. Morgan and Isla's little fling feels like the tip of an iceberg. I do wish we'd gotten Isla's point of view as well. Morgan's got a bad boy vibe but he's a good guy at heart. Isla's a bit of a mystery cause she's part girl next door and part siren.

We get a few mentions and some love from Morgan's teammates, but otherwise this could have been a completely separate story. It's not obvious where the idea came to tie this in here. Although, it could have made for a great little Christmas novella. I'm not sure these two's back and forth would have filled a whole novel. Their only conflict is that as teenagers, they became step siblings. No creepy vibes though because they never lived together or anything. But I wasn't really a fan of the ending. I wasn't sure what the purpose was to spending a year completely apart and then deciding to be together. There was no indication either one of them really pined away for the other. Why didn't they just stay together after hooking up the first time? I think a few more pages or chapters would have rounded these two out more and the story would have felt more complete.

(NS)

November 23, 2022 - Staff Reviews

A Tryst by the Sea

By Grace Burrowes

Release Date: March 1, 2022

Ebook Available from WV Reads!

https://wvreads.overdrive.com/media/7115106

3 Stars - The short novel was a bit more intense than the usual historical novella. Burrowes surprised me with the sobfest potential in this little rekindled romance tale.  Gill and Penelope are struggling to find themselves and figure out their future as they revisit their past on a lovely seaside trip.

Grace Burrowes was new to me so if she's inclined to such heart wrenching work, I was unaware. This definitely is not in the company of light and flirty historical romances but it has its own appeal. The mini saga of this long married couple was a moving drama. Gill and Penelope are still in love with each other but neither seems to realize it's mutual. There has been so much heartache in their pasts that it seems impossible to overcome. But once they face old struggles and really get to know each other again, it's all sweetness.

This one was a basis of miscommunication that's hard for me to abide. Many will say these two were young, kept apart by circumstances beyond their control. How could they know each other? But the excuses for ten years of distance and partial misery felt flimsy. Maybe this is a romance best suited to readers finding themselves at crossroads or looking back. Penelope is lovely and lonely and ready to move on. She's young but feels older than her years. Gill's been devoted to her in his heart and mind but not great at showing it. They've held themselves apart for fear of additional heartache. Facing what they've lost and learning to be brave for the chance at resuming their relationship is something they manage to do though. Gill stands his ground with his family, and Penelope figures out how to forge ahead with hope rather than resignation. It's basically a short version of a tragic little love story that shows it's never too late for a happy ending.

(NS)

November 22, 2022 - A Book & A Recipe

Happy Thanksgiving! - A little early.

We at Brooke County Libraries are very excited to share this wonderful recipe with you just in time for holiday, hopefully. This November we are sharing the recipe for Peach-Raspberry Pie straight from Pie Hard by Kristen Weiss. It's a quirk cozy mystery from the Pie Town series.

Let's get started, shall we?

Supplies:

2 pre-made piecrusts at room temp.

3 pounds firm-ripe peaches (about 6 large) cut into 1 inch slices.

2 tsp lemon juice, or to taste.

2 1/2 T cornstarch, divided.

9 T sugar, divided.

1/2 tsp ground ginger.

Pinch of salt.

8 oz raspberries (approx 2 cups).

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 F.

2. In mixing bowl, toss in cut peaches, lemon juice, and 1/4 cup of sugar.

3. Let rest for 30 minutes. Then, pour off any excess juice, reserving 1/2 cup.

4. Return the reserve juice to the bowl.

5. Add ginger, salt, and 2 T cornstarch, and toss.

6. In a separate bowl, toss the raspberries with 1 T sugar and remaining 1/2 T of cornstarch.

7. Line the pie tin with one crust and poke it with a fork 4 or 5 times.

8. Pour half the peach mixture into the crust and layer on top of it half the raspberry mixture.

9. Add the remainder of the peaches and then what's left of the raspberries.

10. Cut the second crust into strips and weave it over the pie in a lattice top.

11. Trim the edges so that 1/2 inch hangs over the pie tin and crimp.

12. Place pie into freezer for 20 minutes.

13. Remove pie from freeze and dust crust with a bit of sanding sugar. Put the pie on a cookie sheet  and bake approx. 30 minutes, until the crust is slightly brown.

14. Reduce the temp to 350 Fand bake another 45-60 minutes until the crust is deep, golden brown.

15. Cool before slicing.

What a fun, unique pie to bring for Thanksgiving! Forget the classic apple and pumpkin, mix it up with a new dessert maybe. 

Let us know how it goes too. We love to hear from our readers in the comments or on any of our social media pages.

Don't forget - check in next month for a Christmas recipe!

Intrigued by the story? Check out our ebook copy on WV Reads!

https://wvreads.overdrive.com/media/4258145

Images and info are courtesy of WV Reads, Google, etc.
 

November 17, 2022 - Staff Reviews

Thunder Point

By Jack Higgins

Release Date: September 1, 1994

Ebook Available from WV Reads!

https://wvreads.overdrive.com/media/613586

3.5 Stars - Escapist fiction at its best. Sean Dillon is at the start of his lengthy book series and intriguing as ever. He's got that broody bad boy side down to an art and it's hard to tell what he's thinking. Half this book takes place on the island of St. John which makes it perfect for a day at the beach or on the couch. While a bit plodding and repetitive, this old-fashioned little action thriller was a lot of fun.

Jack Higgins is up there with Clancy, Cussler, and Ludlum as some of the most noteworthy globe-trotting story authors of the late 20th century. I've read the fewest of Higgins books but he still has a great style all his own and a fascinating main man in Sean Dillon. Dillon's background is uniquely crafted to make him stone cold yet likable. Every great assassin has a backstory that makes him already suited to the spy game and his is acting. But he wasn't an actor for long before the IRA managed to snatch him up. Now he's in a bind and forced to work for the government. 

The side characters here are simpler but fun as well. Poor Henry is a diver in the wrong place at the right time. He finds a remarkable discovery in the clear Carribean waters that sets everything in motion. It's not a treasure per se. But a lot of people want it. Enter his friend Jenny, a roommate he more less rescued that fills the heroine roll. Her part probably leaves a bit to be desired by modern feminists but I thought she was likable and had a redeeming grit. Ferguson and Carney end up as Dillon's crafty and amusing sidekicks for most of it, even if Dillon isn't technically the boss. This isn't a mystery as much as a straightforward treasure hunt, fight, and race type of story. Some aspects of the plot you can see coming but are none the less entertaining. Despite it being a relatively short book, there is a little skimming and it wouldn't made a great audiobook. For example, Dillon lights up a cigarette for something to do countless times and a few sections are more info dumps than research discoveries. Overall all though, it's an exciting little sea worthy tale that's worth the trip into the past.

(NS)

November 9, 2022 - Book Club Preview

Thanks for checking in for our November book club pick!

This month we're reading and discussing Night by Elie Wiesel.

The meeting will be on Thursday, November 17th at 5pm, virtually and at BCPL. This will be our last discussion for the 2022 year.

About the book -

Night is a 1960 memoir by Elie Wiesel based on his Holocaust experiences with his father in the Nazi German concentration camps at Auschwitz and Buchenwald in 1944–1945, toward the end of the Second World War in Europe. In just over 100 pages of sparse and fragmented narrative, Wiesel writes about the death of God and his own increasing disgust with humanity, reflected in the inversion of the parent–child relationship as his father deteriorates to a helpless state and Wiesel becomes his resentful, teenage caregiver. "If only I could get rid of this dead weight ... Immediately I felt ashamed of myself, ashamed forever." In Night everything is inverted, every value destroyed. "Here there are no fathers, no brothers, no friends", a kapo tells him. "Everyone lives and dies for himself alone."

Translated into 30 languages, the book ranks as one of the bedrocks of Holocaust literature. It remains unclear how much of Night is memoir. Wiesel called it his deposition, but scholars have had difficulty approaching it as an unvarnished account. The literary critic Ruth Franklin writes that the pruning of the text from Yiddish to French transformed an angry historical account into a work of art.

About the author -

Wiesel was 16 when Buchenwald was liberated by the United States Army in April 1945, too late for his father, who died after a beating while Wiesel lay silently on the bunk above for fear of being beaten too. He moved to Paris after the war and in 1954 completed an 862-page manuscript in Yiddish about his experiences, published in Argentina as the 245-page Un di velt hot geshvign ("And the World Remained Silent"). The novelist François Mauriac helped him find a French publisher. Les Éditions de Minuit published 178 pages as La Nuit in 1958, and in 1960 Hill & Wang in New York published a 116-page translation as Night.

He was a professor of the humanities at Boston University, which created the Elie Wiesel Center for Jewish Studies in his honor. He was involved with Jewish causes and human rights causes and helped establish the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D. C. In his political activities, he also campaigned for victims of oppression in places like South Africa, Nicaragua, Kosovo, and Sudan. Wiesel was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1986. The Norwegian Nobel Committee called him a "messenger to mankind", stating that through his struggle to come to terms with "his own personal experience of total humiliation and of the utter contempt for humanity shown in Hitler's death camps", as well as his "practical work in the cause of peace", Wiesel delivered a message "of peace, atonement, and human dignity" to humanity.

Interested in the story? Check out the ebook copy we have on WV Reads!

https://wvreads.overdrive.com/media/729732

Do you love this book? Are you intrigued by the book club pick? Let us know! We love to hear from our readers in the comments or on any of our social media pages.

Images and info are courtesy of WV Reads, Wikipedia, and Google.
 

November 8, 2022 - Staff Reviews

 

Hook, Line, and Sinker

By Tessa Bailey

Release Date: March 1, 2022

Ebook Available from WV Reads!

https://wvreads.overdrive.com/media/6303596

3 Stars - This long love story from newly minted rom-com queen Tessa Bailey has so many cute factors. Hannah and Fox have super chemistry but also make a perfect quirky couple for a light read. This book really would have been great at half the length, I think. But music lovers, small town tv show watchers, and friends-to-lovers fans will find so much to like.

Tessa's more intense romances from back in the day were solid four-star reads for me. Now the whole romantic comedy tidal wave sweeping the romance novel nation wipes me out. Fox and Hannah are instantly likable and easy to root for as a pair. But after awhile their almost respective insecurities weigh down the story. Hannah's not content to be a supporting actress in life and she's trying to squeak out of her comfort zone. Fox finds his world upside when faced with a roommate he has romantic feelings for. Gotta feel for them both.

I'm not a fan of the story being told in texts and song lyrics. I need dialouge and showing not telling. But it's a cute way to be modern and heartfelt so that's fine for many readers so I'm in the minority. The whole classic music but throw in some Lana Del Ray thing went over my head. I have simple music tastes but I'm sure headphone wearers everywhere will eat all that up. The book has a very fun Gilmore Girls vibe. Plus there's plenty more Brendan and Piper for fans of the first book. I found that one somewhat forgettable so this can be a standalone. Bailey wastes little time turning up the heat on these two. And I was oddly into all the side drama with Sergei. I was a bit exhausted at the halfway point though and discouraged when these two had made little progress on themselves and the pursuit of a meaningful relationship. Still, there's lots of fun to be had here in Westport! Tessa's very unique style is sure to charm as always.

(NS)

November 4, 2022 - Staff Reviews

 

Take a Chance with Me

By Kristen Proby

Release Date: January 25, 2022

Ebook Available from WV Reads!

https://wvreads.overdrive.com/media/6436009

3 Stars - Another likable entry set in Proby's Seattle universe. I was really looking forward to Cam and Maggie's story, and it fell just a bit shy of expectations. Maggie's fiery personality is central here as she battles her past. Cam's a strong, supportive shoulder that she needs to lean on.

There was so much build up to Maggie's story in her branch of the Seattle families. And I was ready to devour her and Cam's book. Proby oddly didn't work any suspense and only a little steam into this one. She chose instead to highlight Maggie's struggles since getting out of an abusive marriage, and her lifelong friendship with Cam that becomes more. Cam's more patient with her than I could have probably been to be honest. But these two did have a lot of chemistry and a beautiful relationship with her family.

I felt like this one just wasn't as tightly plotted and had some tropes I generally don't enjoy. Cam is Maggie's much older brother's best friend, and while I was buying Maggie's crush on him, I couldn't see Cam's side as much. Maggie's almost too indecisive and capricious. I can understand her reluctance to change and commitment but frankly, her life was shaped by her own bad choices so. There's a really weird aspect of the plot involving money left behind by her husband. Cam's got secrets that are left really, really vague. I feel like Proby should have doubled down somewhere to up the excitement levels a little. Either they have a secret passionate affair or end up in danger from one of Maggie's beau's lifestyle choices. This one was definitely entertaining though, slightly saucy but mostly sweet. Just felt like a bit was left on the table.

(NS)

October 28, 2022 - Staff Reviews

Dead or Alive

By Tom Clancy & Grant Blackwood

Release Date: December 7, 2010 

Ebook Available from WV Reads!

https://wvreads.overdrive.com/media/611981

3.5 Stars - A worthy if wordy entry into the Ryan series that moves so many of Clancy's best characters more into the modern world of terrorism. Plus, we get to see some new guys in action too. This may not be the series top work, but it's certainly entertaining. I personally found it a breath of fresh air in comparison to the latest ones.   It's a transition novel of sorts, but surely worth the effort for anyone into the Ryan universe.

This one has much more going than the previous entry (Teeth of the Tiger). It manages to maintain an exciting pace. It was fun to revisit one of my favorite series and hit some stories I missed. Blackwood isn't my favorite author of the series but this one still has enough trademark Clancy style to feel authentic (which sadly hasn't been the case since Greaney left the team in like 2016). Jack Jr. is falling nicely into his super spook role now, taking on more fieldwork than his father did, but still learning as an analyst too. Jack Sr. is considering another run for the presidency but he's pretty content returning to his life as a non fiction writer and scholar.

Unlike the prior novel that started with a bang and quickly fizzled, this one manages to do better. The Campus is still getting established. We're getting juicy back stories on all the characters that will soon make up the team. From rehashing some of Clark's war stories to meeting Army Ranger in trouble Sam Driscoll, it's all a lot more exciting. I'll say it's still a lot of info but it's Clancy's way of painting very dynamic characters. Also the hunt for The Emir is really livening up. We've got more action, even in the first half of the book. Of course, everyone likes to complain this second series isn't vintage Clancy. It doesn't bother me. This is still like 85% Clancy. A few things bugged me. Why did they make a point of Ryan discussing his election campaign with his staff but not his family? Did Sr and Jr really not get into Jack's new job position or they did they? There's still a bit of dragging around the two-thirds mark. But overall, this is a great entry in the Ryan cannon of books and made me disappointed in the newest novels all over again. This isn't an easy weekend read, but that just means there's plenty to sink your teeth into here. Lots of action and intriguing characters all over the place.

(NS)

October 25, 2022 - Staff Reviews

Wild Temptation

By Mari Carr

Release Date: September 7, 2019

Ebook Available from WV Reads!

https://wvreads.overdrive.com/media/4961095

4 Stars - This little romance was equal parts sweet and steamy and a fun surprise. May was independent and determined but learned to let her soft side show. Lochlan was a bit of a jerk but once he found May's real side, he really stepped it up for her. Very easy read and enjoyed it more than expected.

Mari Carr had fallen off my radar and admittedly some of her books are a bit too 50 Shades for my usual taste. I dropped into the middle of this series but felt like I could easily follow along with the family history. I loved May because she was so strong while still being sweet. All too often in fiction, these girls have a cold streak a mile wide. Lochlan maybe felt a tad over the top but really few ladies wouldn't love his take charge side. It's not just in the boardroom and the bedroom. He's really supportive of May even when she pushes him away in an effort to protect her heart.

There was so much more to this one than the blurb. May has two adorable nieces and a mother she's taking care of and she wears the weight of her little world on her shoulders. Enter Lochlan and he shows her how to ask for help and let go, literally. I won't lie. There's a lot of cliches in here like insta-love and virgin heroines and alpha male posturing. But the first half where Lochlan was stepping in with May's family and welcoming them into his own really had me. Things really steamed up for the second half, probably moreso than most sensitive readers could skip over. But there's a good chance they could skim over the sexy times and like the story overall just fine. Carr's racier set-ups that are mentioned off handedly here as tying in with the big family didn't appeal to me. But I'll definitely read a few more from this series.

(NS)

October 20, 2022 - Staff Reviews

The Recovery Agent

By Janet Evanovich

Release Date: March 22, 2022

Ebook Available from WV Reads!

https://wvreads.overdrive.com/media/5808615

3 Stars - Evanovich is still trying to find her footing in this new treasure hunt series. Gabriella Rose has a whole new backstory and set of skills that set her apart from her other quirky, comedic heroines. I loved the Recovery Agent idea. Those looking to mix it up their reading lists with a jungle adventure will have a lot of fun. But I think it's going to take a few more books for her to reach Plum levels of fortune and glory.

I've read all of Evanovich's Plum and Fox + O'Hare novels, plus some of the standalone romances. And the Indiana Jones films are my absolute favorites. So you can imagine my excitement. Gabriella has all of the trademark heroine boxes checked plus she gets to have actual skills! She's got the crazy family, small town childhood sweetheart complicated history, and an affinity for finding trouble. Rafer Jones is her ex-husband who has his own curious set of talents and a major soft spot for his ex. We actually get a little POV from him too! But I felt like I never really got into either of their heads for more than a minute or two.

Disclaimer: honestly, I'll read just about any treasure hunt tale set in a tropical, mysterious atmosphere. But I think that was the problem. I've read too many adventure tales to be impressed with this plot. Evanovich relies mostly on humor, characters, and an easy read quality not plots. But she falters here. She made an odd choice in not going first person POV and left a lot on the table. It seems liked she short changed Rose and counterparts in development. Some of the dialouge and jokes were really cringey. While the sidekicks and villians are equal parts funny and menacing, no one actually feels dangerous. Which makes for great light reading but lets down a swashing buckling style adventure just a little. And I found this really difficult to read at times. The depictions of settings and the treasure details had my head spinning. Like why are they searching for a Peruvian treasure on an island by Costa Rica? Are they after the Seal of Solomon or a ring or is it the same thing? We're in the ruins or a cave... Her terse and quick descriptions don't apply as well to exotic locations as they do to small town Jersey. I'm not sure where she'll take Gabriella Rose next after throwing so much into this one but we'll see. It was still quick and light and hopefully this improves with age like her other series.

(NS)

October 13, 2022 - Staff Reviews

Sierra Six

By Mark Greaney

Release Date: February 15, 2022

Ebook Available from WV Reads!

https://wvreads.overdrive.com/media/6273224

3 Stars - The Gray Man returns in spectacular fashion as always. This series always manages to stay fresh. Court's in India this time with a new set of clients to help, and he stumbles upon an enemy from his past. So we get some fascinating flashbacks to his early days working under Zach and Matt as Sierra Six. This one might have actually made two more exciting short novels or novellas, but fans of this action series will still find plenty to get excited about.

Greaney has somehow managed to use the sam format and style successfully with the Gray Man for years, but he changes up just enough to avoid a rut for most readers. His characters always have plenty of personality that keeps things fun throughout all the shootouts and action. However, this is not his best showcase for character development in my opinion. Court is at his best when he's being himself of course. And he was finally starting to have some kind of relationship with Matt, Zach, and Zoya in Relentless. That made Relentless way superior on the entertainment side. Here once again he goes back to working with and rescuing strangers which is just okay.

I think part of my problem with the set up is that we know not to care about anyone in this book much. Sure, it's kinda fun to see Court at the mercy of Zach. But we already know how all that works out. And he is still already the Gray Man. We sort of did all this in Back Blast already. I didn't like the tech girls either. Both of them felt thrown in for the sake of appealing to everyday female readers. Frankly, I liked some of call girls, models, and outright spies in previous books more because they felt more real. I liked both sides of the story, past and present. And there was a good flow of flashbacks to updates that harkened back to the Clancy Command Authority days. But there was a lot of info and a lot of characters to take in in between action sequences. While I was so excited for this one's release, I found myself able to put it down for awhile and pick it back. This series has been full of peaks and valleys and surprises though. So no doubt I'll be back to the next one. And this probably would not be a bad starting place for a new reader to Gray Man, maybe even better.

(NS)

October 5, 2022 - Staff Reviews

Riggs

By Sawyer Bennett

Release Date: October 26, 2021

Ebook Available from WV Reads!

https://wvreads.overdrive.com/media/6790880

3 Stars - Another solid series entry, but this book takes awhile to pick up steam (in more ways than one). Riggs and Veronica aren't the most instantly likable characters, which seems to make them a surprisingly good match. The storyline relies heavily though on Riggs' teenage sister Janelle, who is sweet but a bit much. Overall, readers who stick with it will find this worth the read, and it leads to a crazy spinoff start to the next hockey saga.

Bennett's crisp way with words and plotting isn't on its best display here. The story drags for about the first third or so because Janelle's presence linking the two leads is only so interesting. Once everyone's pasts start to come to light and the sparks start to fly, it's a much better story. Riggs is gruff and antisocial but he has a soft spot for his little sister and later Veronica and his team. Veronica seems a bit too jaded and misdirected at first, but she grew on me just like she did on Riggs. 

I love this author's ability to really weave in a bit of suspense even when that doesn't seem like it's going to be part of story. We get a bit of adrenaline pump at about the fourth quarter point. Everything really picked up once Riggs and Veronica shared some page time without Janelle. Some of the steamy scenes were enough to make you blush, but there's not an abundance of them in the second half. Riggs and Veronica slowly get to know each other and help Janelle find her footing. Janelle was an odd case. There's a lot of emphasis that's she almost eighteen, very independent, and well adjusted. So it felt very forced that she would be copping such an attitude and need someone to stay with her. There's a lot of fun with returning characters too, and a really wild lead in to the characters we'll see in the next spin-off series.

(NS)

September 28, 2022 - Staff Review

 

You Don't Own Me

By Mary Higgins Clark & Alafair Burke

Release Date: November 6, 2018

Audiobook Available from WV Reads!

https://wvreads.overdrive.com/wvreads-wvlc/content/media/3830013

3 Stars - Another suspenseful tale from this talented writing duo. Laurie was easy to like though, a widow whose a smart investigator and single mom. On the flip side, we had Kendra who was much more of a mystery of course. Is she or is she not a victim? 

I hadn't been reading this series but Laurie's character makes this a formidable standalone. My biggest issue here was a lot of repeated information. This wasn't quite a quick, sharp story. Laurie's got a fascinating backstory, willing to stand her ground and tossing a few quips. Laurie's fiancee and family were fun too. Kendra was harder to like, seeming nearly impossibly naive. But she's definitely relatable for any woman who has struggled with the balance of marriage, children, and a career.

So, Clark's trademark on and off screen villians were great here. And Burke seems to contribute a modern touch to the writing. This felt very true to Clark's old form and format, moving her very 90s heroines into today's world with emojis and such. For me, the story dragged in places though. Alex was a very intriguing character who wasn't well used in the beginning. A former defense attorney turning judge could be a book itself. Also, the "stalker" element wasn't used to its potential. The full explanation of the term Gaslighting was a perfect example of a useless and boring info dump. If you haven't seen the movie, you still know the term. And if the book had actually started out and hit a fast-pace, moments like that wouldn't have come off so dull. Suspension of disbelief I think is required involving Kendra as well. Is she clueless? Is she lying to us and herself? I suppose it all added to the mystery. This was a quick though slightly less intense story better suited to casual reading than high thrills.

(NS)

September 22, 2022 - Staff Reviews

 

Shielding Sierra

By Susan Stoker

Release Date: January 4, 2022

Ebook Available from WV Reads!

https://wvreads.overdrive.com/media/6004102

2 Stars - Not bad but underwhelming ending to Stoker's later Delta series. Sierra and Fred are likable on their own and make for a sweet couple. The pacing is off in this one though and a bit too repetitive of previous stories for those following this big and bad team. But if heart-wrenching, slow-burn romances are a favorite, this one might suit you just fine.

Some of Stoker's best writing skills and assets are on display here. Her ability to show everyday women overcoming obstacles and surviving harrowing experiences is front and center. Her touch with sentimental scenes and quickly forging a strong bond between the couple with friendship is showcased too. But Sierra is almost too perfect. She's small but mighty. If anything, she's a bit distant and whiny. But who could blame her after so much time in captivity? Fred aka Grover is an excellent hero as well. Willing to put himself in danger for her or his friends without a second thought. 

I had to agree with a few reviews I read myself that the timeframe of captivity was too long. Sierra's been held for a full year and is still basically healthy. Why not make it 3 months? It would have been equally traumatic but more realistic. I suppose this was to show Grover's dedication to her but that aspect flopped. Also Stoker has sort of started incorporating her politics into her romances. I can't say that I approve. I love political thrillers but that's not what these books are so leave out the messaging. The first quarter of the book where Sierra and Grover are respectively rescued is hard to put down. But in terms of plotting, this was sort of like putting the cart before the horse. There's a lot of awkwardness after that, which isn't uncommon in Stoker's romances. Sometimes she uses it wisely but here it was just uncomfortable. Why wouldn't these two just go ahead and start up a relationship? Either way, these two are cute enough together to keep the story plodding along. Lots of shoutouts to all the other Stoker stories as well. Readers may either want to test the waters here or skip this one.

(NS)

September 21, 2022 - A Book & a Recipe

We've got a fun, Fall recipe to share with you today, readers! Thanks for checking in to get our September idea for dinner and a good read.

Today, we're featuring Cheddar Beer Soup from Susan Wigg's novel Family Tree.

Let's get started!

Ingredients:

1 tbsp butter.

1 tbsp olive oil.

1 rib celery.

1 carrot.

1 small onion.

1 med. sweet potato, peeled.

1 clove of garlic, minced.

1 tart apple, such as granny smith apples.

1-2 potatoes, diced.

1 sprig fresh thyme.

1 bottle of beer (recommended a good Vermont microbrew).

1/2 cup of cider, fresh or hard.

1 qt vegetable or chicken stock.

1 cup shredded Vermont sharp cheddar.

1 cup half-and-half or cream

Salt

Pepper

1. Clean and dice the veggies and apples. The sweet potato should be peeled.

2. Warm the butter and olive oil in a heavy bottom pan.

3. Saute the onion approx. 5 minutes, then add the veggies, apple, and thyme.

4. When slightly caramelized, add the beer and bring to low boil.

5. Add the stock and bring to simmer.

6. Cover and simmer for approx. 30 minutes, until veggies are tender.

7. Puree in blender with lid/cover. (Can do this in batches).

8. Blend on low while adding cheese a bit at a time.

9. Return the puree to the pot and whisk in the cream. Do not let it boil.

10. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Note: recipe originally adapted from a Hampton Winds Restaurant.

Does that sound like a delicious Fall dish? Are you brave enough to try it? If you are, please let us know! We'd love to hear from you in our comment section below or on any of our social media pages.

Interested in the story in Family Tree? Check out our ebook copy available from WV Reads!

Family Tree - West Virginia Reads - OverDrive

As always, images and info are courtesy of Google, WV Reads, author webpages, etc.

 

September 16, 2022 - Staff Reviews

 

Rogue Asset

By WEB Griffin/Andrews & Wilson

Release Date: December 7, 2021

Ebook Available from WV Reads!

https://wvreads.overdrive.com/media/6120480

2.5 Stars - I don't think I ever truly got immersed in this reimagining of the Presidential Agent series. It's definitely a reimaging not a sequel. This dynamic writing duo certainly knows their stuff. And here we've got an entertaining military rescue mission with decent dialouge a likable hero. But his name is McCoy not Castillo. This one is a solid series start but bound to disappoint some Griffin fans.

Griffin (and son) left off the Presidential Agent series in less than fantastic fashion nearly a decade ago. The ending of book eight was so abrupt, I called a bookstore to make sure I wasn't missing final pages. Charley's life was heading for retirement and family life, well-deserved and all. But the last mission was a bit hectic and rushed. Andrews & Wilson have a great reputation for their military authenticity in the action thriller genre. They definitely bring that aspect here, but they didn't do much with Charley. McCoy appears to be a fun and capable lead. And I'll say I love the concept of Charley mentoring him and showing him the ropes. More long-running series need to perfect this idea to keep things going!

So what we have here is a great set-up that's not sharply executed. This writing team is efficient with their word count and can write some solid dialouge, but I always feel like they struggle to really advance the plot. Even with their other series I've tried, they pace it like a movie, not a novel. But it does seem to be popular with many readers so it can work! Here though, we're just missing the fundamentals of Griffin's brillance. The stories were always long and dry, but characters were the fuel. Charley's friends are nowhere to be seen. And their antics and badass moves were a blast. His wife Svetlana was a great addition at the peak of the series and she isn't mentioned, to say nothing of their kid(s)? His grandmother shows up for a minute at an impossible age. Why even bother? The setting details used to appear frequently and there were several scenes per chapter, ending on cliffhangers. This doesn't flow that way at all. I think Putnam & Sons would have been smarter to write Charley into McCoy's new series and not the other way around. But if you're just looking for a military style story with smooth operator 

authors doing their own thing, give it a try.

(NS)