Romance Review: A Duke by Default

* Book 2 in the Reluctant Royals series *

Portia's hit rock bottom - she knows that she's got to pull herself together. So she creates a list of new rules - no drinking and no men. She also accepts an internship in Scotland. Of course her parents think it's just another scheme, but she's excited about the possibilities. Even after she meets her boss - the sexy grouchy sword maker who doesn't want her around. She's not about to let him stop new Portia from rocking her internship - especially when she discovers information that could change his life.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I loved how Portia started paying attention to herself and her needs - even as she got sucked into more drama. I liked how started to understand the chemistry of her brain and used tips to help her. I love how she empathized and supported people. I admired how she took over her internship - even when Tav was being a jerk. I like how he came around and realized he as being a jerk. I also loved his interaction with kids and how he supported the community and gave back. I loved learning about swords. I enjoyed watching Tav attempt to navigate through society and learn all the rules. A great slow burn romance that leaves me waiting for the next book!

Cover Thoughts: Adore it

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have for public library romance collections

My vacation

Two weeks ago, I took a week long vacation with my husband. We were supposed to go to Glacier National Park, but because of the wildfires, we changed everything at the last minute. And it was wonderful. We did lots and lots of hiking.

First we went to Bryce National Park. Because of the time different, our bodies were way off. We woke up wicked early. But we went into the park and watched the Sunrise - from Sunrise Point.

 

Then we hiked the inner loops and saw all the hoodoos.

We took a drive through the rest of the park and took some photos

Glen Canyon:

We did some kayaking here to some narrows.


Then we hiked in the narrows for a bit. It looked like something out of a Starwars movie.

Then we went to Horseshoe Bend. Which was a short hike, but it was in the full sun and it was HOT. But the view was worth it. 

We went to Zion National Park next, which was pretty cool. We spent the most time here going on lots of hikes. The first one was Observation Point - and it was the worst. Mostly again because of the sun and the heat. It was really great for the first third. The middle third was ok. And that last third almost broke me. But I made it. 

Here's a cool part from the first part:

The top was worth it.

We had lunch here on the Quad, as I like to call it. Or the Lodge Green as everyone else calls it. Not a bad place to have lunch.

My favorite hike was the river hike. We did this on the last day. It was the last day there and it was mostly all in the shade. The scenery was gorgeous. We had river shoes which made everything squishy, but better to walk in. We got up early to beat the weather and the crowds. We had lunch again on the Quad and just soaked up the scenery. 

 

Here's a small waterfall:

It was a beautiful vacation. 

Review: Chasing Light

I adored this book - it's mostly photographs of the First Lady during the second term of President Obama. The photos are gorgeous and simultaneously make my heart hurt and make it happy. 

They're a mix of photos from official events and moments before events. 

The photos are from a female photographer - Official White House Photographer Amanda Lucidon. And they are stunning.

This is a great coffee table book that will make you smile.

Board Books

I've read a couple super cute board books so far this year, so I thought I'd share them with you.

I also think board books make the perfect gift for baby showers. When I get them, I don't buy the classics. I like to buy either the Touch and Feel books or recent ones that I've loved like these:

This is the second feminist baby board book and both are cute.

Plus it's never too early to learn that everyone should be treated equally.

This series is also fun. Of course I love the girl power book best!

This one is a touch and feel book - with a little pop-up at the end that makes it a super fun book.

Picture Book Review: So Tall Within

This is a picture book biography of Sojourner Truth.

It doesn't gloss over slavery - it mentions the horror of it. Of course it packs a punch but it's also very inspiring. It shows the strength of Sojourner Truth and her determination.

The illustrations are also powerful.

A must have for both schools and public libraries.

* This comes out in two weeks - make sure it's on your list.

Top Ten Tuesday: Quiet YA

This week's topic is Quiet YA - books that are really great but haven't gotten a lot of buzz. I really love this topic. Here are some Quiet YA titles that I've read this year. I'm also including a few middle grade reads too...

- meme from That Artsy Reader Girl

YA:

MG:

Clearly, I haven't read as much YA this year as I usually do...

Cozy Review: Death on the Menu

* Book 8 in the Key West Food Critic Series *

Hayley Snow's mother just scored the most amazing catering job ever - a three day conference at the Harry Truman Little White House, trying to improve relations with Cuba. Hayley's stretched thin with helping out and writing articles for Key Zest magazine.

On the first day of the event, Hemmingway's medal is stolen from the house. Later that night, a worker turns up dead - murdered. His family begs Hayley to look into his death. She reluctantly agrees.

But the conference is only running for two more days and tensions are already high. Can Hayley help solve the case before it's too late?

My Thoughts: I'm so glad this series is back - it's such a fun one to read. I adored the special guest at the conference - that was fun to read. I liked learning more about the political tensions between the two countries,, Hemmingway, and the Little White House. Of course I enjoyed catching up with old friends like Lorenzo and Miss Gloria. And as usual, this book made me hungry. I really wanted to try to mojito cake! Another delicious installment.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: This series should be in your mystery section!