Happy BOOK BIRTHDAY wishes to... PRIDE COMES BEFORE A FALL by Virginia Heath!

Why hello there! 👋 

Nice to see you again.

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers. Today's BOOK BIRTHDAY post features the latest addition to the Miss Prentice’s Protegees series by author Virginia Heath via St. Martin's Griffin, and if you don't recognize that name by now, you're probably new around here. Don't worry, I'll catch you up 😉...

From the publisher...

Despite his many responsibilities, there is nothing Leopold Sloane, the 11th Duke of Debden, takes more seriously than the safety of those he loves. When one of his sisters is injured at a protest rally, he drags his family to Bath for the summer to keep his reckless and rebellious siblings out of harm’s way. The only flaw in his plan is his overwhelming but inexplicable attraction to the new chaperone he has hired to watch out for them. An outspoken conundrum of a woman who soon causes him more trouble than both his sisters combined...but who calls to his soul regardless.

From the moment Portia Kendall read her first revolutionary pamphlet beneath her bedcovers at Miss Prentice’s School for Girls, she realized that her true calling was to make the world a fairer place for the masses downtrodden by the aristocracy. A calling that led her to Equitas, a radical newspaper that champions reform. But as Portia discovers, writing doesn’t pay the bills. To make a living, she must push aside her principles and serve the very people she criticizes weekly in her column. A temporary position as a chaperone in the home of a pompous duke seems like the perfect way to earn enough to follow her heart. Unfortunately, the duke who hires her seems to be more dashing and noble than pompous and soon begins to call to her heart too—as much as she tries to deny it. But dare she risk her principles for love or will her pride always come before a fall?

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FROM ME...

I know, I know, I'm a broken record on this topic, IT BARES REPEATING...

THIS IS ONE OF MY AUTO BUY AUTHORS! 🙌

 I love her characters, her storylines, the wit and wisdom she pours into every corner of her works. Leopold means well, but protection to some is overbearing to others... and he never counted on that added buffer he was adding for his sisters being someone his own intentions might grow to include. Portia sets out with good and noble intentions herself, but soon her righteous quest is sidetracked by the truth beneath the pomp and circumstance, leading her to contemplate which takes priority...her goals, or her heart. ❤️ I tell you, fair readers, you're in for a treat as these two clash, but eventually find their way to deliver that happy ending we do desire. *sigh* 

So HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY to the latest addition to her catalog and the third FABULOUS installment of the MISS PRENTICE'S PROTEGEES series! (*WOOT WOOT*) If you're a Historical Fiction fan, you do not want to miss this one, let alone the rest of the series... available now via St Martin's Griffin. 

Special thanks to the publisher for eARC access via NetGalley. (THANKS!) Be sure to snag your copy today wherever books are sold...or, if you're like me, await your preorder to arrive in your mailbox 📬... anxiously, but excited 😊!

Until next time, if it looks good...READ IT!

CAMP NETGALLEY: Fancy Dogs by Tini Malina, translated by Tammi Reichel - REVIEW!

Hi there readers!

Welcome back to another day here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers. While they posts on my site are a little more scant this year, I'm much more active over on Instagram, so be sure to follow along for more adventures! That being said... today's post is a little HERE and a little there, but a whole lot of bookish fun! 

Have you heard of it?

Have you ever been?

Okay, so it's not a place you go, but a thing you do online with other bookish fans, and it totally rocks.  Here's the skinny from the source...

How to Participate in Camp NetGalley

July 13 – July 27

Select a Read Now book from the Camp NetGalley carousel. You must download the book before July 27.

July 28 – August 13

Read your selected book and begin to write your review. Use our review tips below for assistance!

August 13

Submit the review by this date to earn the 2026 Camp NetGalley badge for your NetGalley Profile.

SOUNDS FUN, RIGHT?

WELL, HERE'S MY FIRST TITLE TO KICK IT OFF BECAUSE I SERIOUSLY PLAN ON TRYING TO DO AT LEAST ONE, IF NOT TWO MORE!

Fancy Dogs

by

Tini Malina

Translated by Tammi Reichel

NorthSouth Books

Release Date: October 6th, 2026

This charming Picture Book for readers of all ages has appeal for dog lovers across the board... whether your pup is fancy or not! Through simple yet charming illustrations, and a limited, but bright color palette, this canine companion is brought to life in all the magical versions of himself. From prim and proper traffic stopper to shoe chewing mud puppy, it reminds us that EVERY pup has multiple sides to their spunk and spark which makes them truly AMAZING... and not unlike PEOPLE.

No pupper, nor human, is all one thing or another. We're multifaceted, layered, and always able to surprise. My Maddy is a sweetheart. She wears dresses and pj's, will politely alert when someone or something is at the door...BUT... she'll also roll in the grass if she finds a spot she especially loves regardless of her outfit, and chew and unattended cord (out of the blue... that's been in the same spot for 2 years 🙄).

The point is puppers (and people) and made up of all sorts of feelings, colors, and whatnot. Even the fancy pup likes to get out in the muck, while the outdoors loving pupper may be in love with a bath and a good snuggle. One must not judge purely on looks alone. You've got to give others a chance to truly SHINE 🌟 and show you their true rainbow 🌈 of colors because that's what makes them who they are, and THAT'S BEAUTIFUL, fancy or not.

Special thanks to NorthSouth Books, Inc for making this eARC available during the 2026 Camp NetGalley event. (THANKS) For more information on this title, be sure to stop by their site, or seek it out at your favorite online retailers for preorder in advance of its October 6th, 2026 book birthday!

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

WHAT'S THE BUZZ?: The Earl's Unlikely Bride by Ella Matthews - REVIEW!

❤️ COMING NEXT WEEK, a big title for Historical Romance fans from an author whose work I've featured right here before! It's the first release in author Ella Matthews new DASHWORTH BROTHERS series, and OOH, it's so GOOD! 🔥 

Ready or not, fair readers, here comes your sneak peek...

THE EARL'S UNLIKELY BRIDE

 (The Dashworth Brothers, Book 1)

by

Ella Matthews 

9571142006527

About the book...

One summer to make her his…

After four failed seasons, Emily Hawkins is tired of following the rules. Aside from crossing swords with her lifelong enemy, Freddie Dashworth, she is an exemplary member of Society. But after all this time, she’s yet to find a husband and life with her over-bearing mother is becoming intolerable.

Freddie returns to his childhood home to help look after his orphaned niece. His neighbour, Emily, has been his nemesis for years. The infuriating miss is the only woman immune to his charms and there’s nothing he enjoys more than her disapproving glares. It’s a shame he can’t stop thinking about her, because she clearly despises him.

One minor indiscretion later and everything in Emily’s ordered world changes. The one person on her side appears to be Freddie but can she trust her former antagonist? And what will happen to her when she does?

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A great pick for Historical Romance fans and a wonderful release from this talented author.

I ADORED both Freddie and Emily, through and through! They both had challenges (she, an overbearing mother that never saw her...he, an aunt that deserved solitude, as well as an unspoken one he struggled with on his own), but they came together (in a SPECTACULAR way!) to become the family they each always needed, the couple they didn't expect (because others saw it, just... not... them), and a beautiful example of love trumping all. Their connection felt genuine, their love fantastic, their time with the little girl was priceless (she's precious!), and the moments these two shared, whether snarking at one another or clashing in a more physical sense 😉, are not to be forgotten.

❤️ Can't wait for readers to get their hands on this one next week because trust me you won't want to miss it! I can't wait for the next one and am clearing a spot on my TBR to await its arrival! 🙌

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About the author...

Ella Matthews lives and works in beautiful South Wales. When not thinking about handsome heroes she can be found walking along their coast with her husband and their two children (probably still thinking about heroes but at least pretending to be interested in everyone else).

SITE

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Much thanks to author Ella Matthews for pointing be in the direction of the NetGalley eARC for request. (THANKS!) Let it be known, the eARC was received for review, but the opinions expressed are entirely my own. This title releases NEXT WEEK, so mark your calendar, or preorder your copy today!

Until next time, remember, if it looks good... READ IT!

Farewell 2024, HELLO 2025 Releases!: The Last Bookstore on Earth by Lily Braun-Arnold - REVIEW!

Should old acquaintance be forgot?  I guess it REALLY depends on the acquaintance.  Considering the story I'm featuring today, it's a little bit of both.  But I digress...today we're saying GOODBYE to 2024, and HELLO to 2025.  It's here whether we're ready or not...and hopefully you're more ready than not...but if you're reading list isn't ready, I've got another for your TBR right here.  It's a YA lit Dystopian title set to release January 7th via Delacorte Press, and it's one of those stories you can't help but be caught up in, yet the exact why is illusive.  Ready for more?  Here we go!  Ladies and gents, today's ebook of choice...

The Last Bookstore on Earth

by

Lily Braun-Arnold

9780593899489

Delacorte Press

About the book...

The world is about to end. Again.

Ever since the first Storm wreaked havoc on civilization as we know it, seventeen-year-old Liz Flannery has been holed up in an abandoned bookstore in suburban New Jersey where she used to work, trading books for supplies with the few remaining survivors. It’s the one place left that feels safe to her.

Until she learns that another earth-shattering Storm is coming . . . and everything changes.

Enter Maeve, a prickly and potentially dangerous out-of-towner who breaks into the bookstore looking for shelter one night. Though the two girls are immediately at odds, Maeve has what Liz needs—the skills to repair the dilapidated store before the next climate disaster strikes—and Liz reluctantly agrees to let her stay.

As the girls grow closer and undeniable feelings spring up between them, they realize that they face greater threats than the impending Storm. And when Maeve’s secrets and Liz’s inner demons come back to haunt them both, they find themselves fighting for their lives as their world crumbles around them.

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Have you ever read a book where nothing much happens and yet EVERYTHING happens?  It's not a mover and shaker type of story, and yet you can't turn away from it.  I think it's the humanity in the writing, and the eeriness of the reality painted before our eyes that really caught me in its spell.  I could step back and see that we hadn't moved very much in the story, and yet I couldn't care less.  I was caught in the here and now, but also the glimpses at the past as we gradually build the history of what happened in the world and in HER world.  The her in that statement is Liz.  I could easily see myself in her place, and while I'd like to say that I would have had a more Maeve take on the change in circumstances, meaning that I could keep things light, keep moving, and do what was needed whenever needed, I think I'd really be more of a Liz whereas I would want to preserve what I could of normal everyday life, and try to make a go of things where I was at versus taking on the newly changed world.  The thing is the place that they've landed isn't even their final destination because everything that's already happened is about to come back again in possibly an even worse way.  The good news, they've been through some of it at least before so they know what to avoid, but the bad news is that a world in turmoil tossed into MORE turmoil doesn't always take that change kindly.  Some fight back...and sometimes the one with more bite wins.

This was an incredible story that kept me turning pages.  I needed to know what happened before, but I wanted to see what would happen in the present.  Honestly, I'm still curious what would happen in the days to come, but I'm not certain this is the type of story that would benefit from an additional release.  I think it's meant to leave you with the feelings built during the story, while making you imagine what might still occur.  I'll warn you the feelings do get heavy, and some scenes are definitely more traumatic than others, but I wouldn't miss out on the experience for the world.  If you enjoy Young Adult Fiction with a Fantasy/Dystopian flair, this is wholeheartedly the story for you.

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About the author...

Lily Braun-Arnold is currently an undergraduate at Smith College studying English. When she isn’t writing, she can be found working at her local independent bookstore, Watchung Booksellers, or daydreaming about living in outer space.

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Special thanks to the Random House Children's team for the approval on NetGalley for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links above.  This title is set to release January 7th, 2025 via Delacorte Press, so mark your calendar, or preorder your copy today!

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT...

...and wishing you and yours a happy new year!

PRE BOOK BIRTHDAY BUZZ: Whisper Network by Chandler Baker

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're spreading a little PRE BOOK BIRTHDAY BUZZ for a title set to release NEXT TUESDAY (July 2, 2019) via Flatiron Books.  It's a work of Fiction with a healthy dose of Mystery Thriller thrown in for a scandalously intriguing time between the pages.  The thing is though...as fictitious as it may be, it COULD happen...which makes it all the more curious.  So, if you're ready, let's get down to business!  Today's title in the spotlight is...

Whisper Network

by

Chandler Baker

9781250319470

Flatiron Books

About the book...

Four women learn their boss (a man who’s always been surrounded by rumors about how he treats women) is next in line to be CEO—what will happen when they decide enough is enough?

Sloane, Ardie, Grace, and Rosalita are four women who have worked at Truviv, Inc., for years. The sudden death of Truviv's CEO means their boss, Ames, will likely take over the entire company. Ames is a complicated man, a man they’ve all known for a long time, a man who’s always been surrounded by...whispers. Whispers that have always been ignored by those in charge. But the world has changed, and the women are watching Ames’s latest promotion differently. This time, they’ve decided enough is enough. 

Sloane and her colleagues set in motion a catastrophic shift within every floor and department of the Truviv offices. All four women’s lives—as women, colleagues, mothers, wives, friends, even adversaries—will change dramatically as a result.

"If only you had listened to us,” they tell us on page one, “none of this would have happened."

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This is a book that certainly holds its secrets until the bitter end...but then again, don't most of us?

It's a story that could have been ripped from the headlines, a story that we've seen played out in various fields in the #metoo movement, a story that should never have to be contemplated as to whether or not it is fact or fiction...and yet, we do.  The women presented here are smart, strong, beautiful, capable, and still fall victim in many ways to the outrageously odious  "charms" of one Ames.  The simple truth is that he was someone with issues that chose to wield his power in the workplace in VERY unethical ways.  He could have chosen the high road.  He could have stopped what he was doing and been happy with the achievements in life he had.  He could have...but he wouldn't.  Sometimes the only way to stop someone like that is to expose them for the degenerate  they are...which leads us to a harder truth.  He may have been able to be stopped several victims ago...if only someone had spoken up.  

Now, it's not their fault that he continued on his twisted path. It's not their fault that other women were subjected to his horrible person in verbal or physical encounters.  Speaking out is never an easy step...but it should be.  There should be a system in place that helps victims like this.  There should be an unbiased response to cases raised of this nature, so as not to single out the victim or the perpetrator, but to get to the truth and stop the violence from whichever direction it is occurring.  I'd love to say that everyone that speaks up is doing so with an honest heart, but in today's world...some are only looking for their five minutes in the spotlight, no matter the cost.  It doesn't mean that EVERY case raised is a false alarm though, and sadly, the majority aren't. 

Here, we have strong female characters that may have fallen prey to unwanted advances, but when things looked like they would become darker still, they were unwilling to be just victims.  They were willing to take on "the man", go against the grain, band together and seek justice, even when things looked to be their worst.  They may fail, true...but they wouldn't do so quietly...and so the ending to their story would be set to a victory song come what may.  Oh, and readers...that song is played loud and clear for many reasons, not least of all the surprising twist near book's end.

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About the author...

Copyright Rob Baker; from publisher's site

Chandler Baker grew up in Florida, went to college in Pennsylvania, and studied law in Texas, where she now lives with her family and an ever-growing pile of books. Although she loves spinning tales with a touch of horror, she is a much bigger scaredy-cat than her stories would lead you to believe. In addition to the High School Horror series, Chandler is the author of the young adult novel, Alive.Chandler Baker lives in Austin with her husband and toddler where she also works as a corporate attorney. She is the author of five young adult novels. Whisper Network is her adult debut.

TWITTER  |  SITE  |  INSTAGRAM

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Special thanks to Amelia at Flatiron Books for the NetGalley invite/access for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is set to release July 2nd, 2019 (as of this post) via Flatiron Books, an imprint of MacMillan Publishers, so mark your calendar or pre order your copy today!

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

Bridges by Maria Murnane

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're diving into book two from a newish to me author whose previous work I loved (no, really!  Check out my review for WAIT FOR RAIN and you'll see!) and most recent release, aka the title featured today, was a wonderful follow-up.  It's book two in the Daphne White collection and while yes, it would be most wonderful if you read the preceding book first as the relationships are that much brighter, the laughter that much more fulfilling, and the struggles that much more understandable, if you're simply unwilling to budge, it can work as a standalone.  Trust me though, you're not gonna want to leave it at just that.  *wink wink*  Anywho, before I fan girl on, allow me to introduce today's book of choice...

Bridges:

A Daphne White Novel

by

Maria Murnane

About the book...

It’s a piece of news Daphne never expected to hear: Her globe-trotting friend Skylar, who vowed never to get married, is engaged! Time to celebrate in Manhattan—Skylar’s treat, of course. After years scaling the corporate ladder, she can more than afford it.

Daphne arrives in NYC with news of her own—the novel she’s finally finished appears to be going nowhere but the trash bin of every publishing house around. She’s devastated but plans to keep her disappointment under wraps, something that becomes trickier when she sees Skylar’s spectacular apartment. Could her life have been like this if she’d chosen a different path?

What Daphne doesn’t know is she’s not the only one with a secret. Skylar and their friend KC are also holding something back, but what? As the trip unfolds, the truth about each woman emerges, along with tears.

And laughter. And love.

The fun-loving trio readers fell for in Wait for the Rain is together once more. Here's to the power of friendship!

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Here we are with another adventure for the spunky, fierce, and simply lovable trio we first met in Wait for Rain, only this time, the venue is NEW YORK CITY!  Woo hoo, right?  Well, it is and there is much to celebrate...but there is also much to uncover.  You see, although they are the closest of friends, they're still human so insecurities, fears, and doubts rear their ugly heads from time to time creating tiny rifts that when put under increased pressure tend to explode in spectacular ways.  Let's just say that between Daphne's attempts at being published, and the secrets that both her besties are hiding, we're looking at a relocation for Mount Vesuvius.  Good thing true friendships are built to last...supporting us through our hard times and bringing us together to celebrate the best of them...and these ladies are about as true blue as you can get.

It was a pleasure catching up with the gang again and seeing the sights that the big apple has to offer, even when it's a whirlwind of a short stay.  I won't go into too much detail because the secrets are half the surprise, but I will say that each one harbors it for their own reasons, and, once out, are better for it.  I was surprised by Daphne's intense interest in keeping the results of her publishing quest silent after all the soul searching and revelations in book one, but then again, it went with her nature.  Still, I wanted to give her a big hug and the clichéd "it's going to be alright" speech because seriously, she was in pain!  Speaking of pain, our girl K.C....OMG!  What the hey!  I could instantly tell something was up as she just wasn't herself, but goodness!  Trying to keep that in with all the emotional tidal waves she was having...talk about strength.  It IS good to be able to lean on other sometimes though, and I'm so glad she has these two.  Last but not least, the girl of the hour...Skylar!  Her news is probably most surprising, given her personality and past, but you can't help but be happy for her.  The growth she shows (and we're not talking monetarily) is heart warming, truly.

In the end, another checkmark in the WIN column of my book for this author.  It was a short but wonderful read, perfect for a summer vacay pick up or weekend indulgence.  Recommended for Chick Lit, and Women's Fiction fans in the older teen and adult age ranges....not for content, but for the maturity of the story.

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About the author...

A former PR executive who abandoned a successful career to pursue a more fulfilling life, Maria Murnane is the best-selling author of the Waverly Bryson series (Perfect on Paper, It’s a Waverly Life, Honey on Your Mind, and Chocolate for Two, which received a starred review in Publishers Weekly), as well as Katwalk, Wait for the Rain, Bridges and International Book Award winner Cassidy Lane. At her speaking engagements Maria shares the “story behind the story,” an entertaining tale of courage, passion and perseverance that has inspired audiences across the country to follow their dreams—no matter what.

BLOG  |  SITE  |  TWITTER  |  FACEBOOK

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Special thanks to author Maria Murnane for the ebook for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, or her complete body of works, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title celebrated its book birthday just last month, so seek thee out a copy at your favorite online retailer.

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

Red, Green, and Justifiable Eatings

Hi there readers!

Welcome back to another day and another review here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.  Last night was a reading success story as I finished a fun title that I've been working on in dribs and drabs....alas, it's not the feature of today's review as I need to gather my thoughts about it first, but I've got a great one for you nonetheless.  It's an unexpected little read that I stumbled upon while breezing through the NetGalley site (www.netgalley.com) and well, once I read the title....I couldn't pass it up.  Ready for the big reveal?  Here we go.  Today's featured title is....

Honestly, Red Riding Hood Was Rotten!
by
Trisha Speed Shaskan

For instant access to the cover, take a quick second to scroll to the bottom of this post...since I typed and published it via Blogger app on my phone, I don't get the benefit of choosing its placement.  Anywho, back to the review.

Now this is a side of Little Red (and her Grandmother) that you've never seen before....though you may have wondered about it at some time.  Taking its cue (in my opinion since it reminded me of it so much) from 'The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs!' by Jon Scieszka.....wait wait wait.  Hold the phone.  You do know about that classic with a twist children's storybook...right?  It's the one by the Wolf himself that brings a whole new light to the events we had only previously seen through 3 little piggy sets of eyes...and as we all know, there are two sides to every story and boy oh boy can they differ.  Now back to THIS story....

We have another wolf penning his tale in an effort to shed a light of truth on the events Miss Red and gang exposed the first time around.  This time, the wolf is painted as the victim of circumstance and the ladies Hood...well, as narcissistic, mono-tone wearing gals who need to SERIOUSLY step AWAY from the mirror.  In other words, what happened next was justified and the wolf was merely in the wrong place at the right time.

Hmm,  I wonder...but then again if they really were that superficial what with that gorgeous red cape and all, how long would it take one of us to huff and puff and blow some sense into them?  Okay, so now I'm mixing fairy tales ala 'Hookwinked' (which by the way was a surprisingly good movie....if you haven't seen it or its sequel, definitely recommend checking them out), but you get my point.

To summarize, a cautionary title of being self-absorbed and traveling alone in the woods with baked goods that's good for the whole family.  The humor may hit home with older readers more, but the story itself along with the gorgeous illustrations (really, they're pretty brilliant) will capture the attention of one and all.  Take a chance and see the classic story through new eyes....and see just whose side you believe.

Ebook read via Aldibo app on my smartphone thanks to NetGalley.  (Thanks!)  To check out this title as well as their full catalog, visit them online at www.netgalley.com or follow along on Twitter (http://twitter.com/NetGalley).  This title was released from Capstone and is out there and ready for your reading pleasure.

Until next time....happy reading!

Today's Review Brought to You by the Letter "M"

Hi there readers!

Today is a new day and with it comes a new post here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers. My recent schedule change has been playing havoc with my online time *grumble* so pardon the momentary break yesterday. Being inundated with choices sometimes can seem like a good things, and truly it can be...but there are those days you simply wish you knew what the "right" choice was, you know? Could just be me but ya know sometimes....whew. Anywho, let's get back to a good version of being overwhelmed, shall we?

It's time to shed some light on another title you don't want to miss...and perhaps explain the "title" of today's post. You see dear readers, the title was chosen to fit the review and since today's book deals with mysteries, mummies, and Middle Grade reading...well, what better way to introduce it! Okay...so I admit it was a bit of a stretch, but hey...it caught your attention, right? ^_^ Now let's focus. If you have a reluctant reader in your family (close or extended) or even if that person is you, today's featured title may be just what the doctor (or librarian) ordered. Ready for a little literary fun? Today's book of choice is....

Chicagoland Detective Agency, Book 2:

The Maltese Mummy

by

Trina Robbins

illustrated by

Tyler Page

For those of you that missed out on the fun in book one (which you can glimpse in my previous review), we meet up with this unlikely little group just after their last adventure that ended with them forming the agency that gives this series its name. This time around...Megan is all EXCITED. Why this time you may ask? Well, to put it quite simply....the BEST singer in the UNIVERSE is coming to their small town! That's right. Sun D'arc is coming to town ladies and gents and guess whose haiku wins her two tickets to meet him? Yep...Megan!

She is beyond stoked to be getting access to the special Q & A session that the fact that her report on it will run in the school newspaper only gains a back row seat to the excitement. Just as he's about to take the stage ... things get a little weird. First, he cuts the session short, barely speaking to anyone (add). Then, his manager, one Vora Schak, appears (not unusual) and looks VERY familiar (definitely unusual) despite her usual lack of presence in the spotlight. Add to that a mysterious new student that keeps popping up all over town, an impromptu backstage advantage, a medallion, and a whole lot of unproductive moping and you have the beginnings of a new case that needs cracking on the double. Will Megan and the crew be able to solve the mystery before it's too late? O_O

Book two of this series and all I can say is...I hope you're having as much fun with it as I am. Seriously! It's a graphic novel with a LOT of story to spare and characters you can't help but enjoy. Megan with her high spirited, haiku writing nature. If light were given a personality and spunk to boot, she'd be it. Raf, her best (well...only....human one at least) friend who's pretty much sick in bed through this adventure...but it doesn't mean that he can't help out and leave his mark on the story as well. Then we have their pal Bradley. Who's he? Oh...just a talking dog that they saved in book one...nothing strange or anything. Did I mention that he narrates the story at times in classic Bogart style? Yep...sure does. Adds a little something extra to it and keeps it fun. The rest of the cast is a rather mixed bag that will keep you guessing. Let's see you have a little evil, some ancient curses, secret identities...yep, "mixed" works well here.

As for the story itself, it turns out to be a "kid" version of the classic book The Maltese Falcon. Now that's not to say that adult readers wouldn't enjoy it (hello....adult speaking here!) but I mean how often do we get to see serious threads of a classic worked into a graphic novel.....successfully? Coming from a non-graphic novel enthusiast...that's saying something too. In my opinion, this wonderful middle grade work will not only entertain readers of today, but will also garner interest in the "original" story for additional reading options. There's never a bad time to revisit the classics!

By book's end, the baddies are uncovered and the case is laid to rest (hehe...small pun there...), leaving readers satisfied for now yet ready for more. No worries though...book three, Night of the Living Dogs, is on the horizon. -- adds to wish list -- In short, a pictorially on point book with a story that moves things along at a rapid pace which asks readers to uncover the mystery along the way...if you can. It's a brief adventure fit for readers young and old, girls and boys, animal and mineral (okay, so maybe not mineral) but one certainly worth taking.

ARC eBook read courtesy of NetGalley and Graphic Universe an imprint of Lerner Publishing Group. (THANKS!) To check out this title and more available right now, visit NetGalley online (or on Twitter) and discover a world of electronic reading at your fingertips. For more information on the publisher as well as their full catalog of books, be sure to visit their site. This book was released April 2011 and should be available through your favorite retail outlet should you feel the need to rush right over and grab a copy for yourself.

Until next time...happy reading!

GREEK: Best Frenemies by Marsha Warner

What’s up everyone?

How are you this fine Friday?

Good, I hope.

The weekend is almost here (a few mere hours and freedom!) and with it, a question shared by many of your fellow readers (including moi)….WHAT TO READ?  Before you let that stump you into a thoughtful pose, might I make a suggestion?  It’s a light and fun book just begging to be taken on your next trip to the beach or weekend reading escape for a fresh blast of YA fun.  Today’s book of choice is….

GREEK:

Best Frenemies

By

Marsha Warner

The annual CRU Sweetheart competition has begun!  It’s time to find out just which sorority girl has stolen the hearts of the Omega Chi boys for her sweetness, charm, and all around grace, granting her a title coveted by one and all…except Rebecca Logan.   Surprising?  Not to those that know her…I mean REALLY know her; she’s about as far from your typical idea of a “sweetheart” as peanut butter is to jelly.  They may go together in theory but they don’t exactly mix.  Bad news for her, she’s the ZBZ nominee (couldn’t have ANYTHING to do with her dating the president of Omega Chi now could it?); good news for her, she has a house of sisterly love to campaign on her behalf…if she’ll only let them…. 

Meanwhile in the Kappa Tau house…Cappy is contemplating the unthinkable, the unheard of, the multi-letter word that could start and end wars if someone took as much an aversion to it as he.  That’s right….GRADUATION.  It seems that Cappy is finally growing up and reaching for his dreams beyond the frat house...certainly helps that Casey (his on again, off again, on again girlfriend/love-of-his-life-even-if-they-don’t-always-know-it) is giving him a little healthy nudge along that path (go Casey!)…but with that decision he is saddled with another worry.  How will he be remembered?  Kappa Tau’s are all about the legacy they leave behind and while they may not be as traditional as say the Omega Chi’s, they are memorable nonetheless.  Enter Rusty, Casey’s ever eager, Engineering Major, little brother, for some inspiration and achieving his goal may be closer than he thinks…though how it all turns out is nothing short of unanticipated chaos. 

Welcome back to CRU!  Find your housemates and settle in for another installment of mayhem filled with friends, frenemies, and boy trouble to boot.  Who says college is all work and no play?  Apparently, they’ve never been to this campus….because fun is their middle name.  No matter the house, no matter the cause, fun will be had.  I love the fact that you can step right into these novels and feel like you’re one of the gang…especially if you’ve ever seen the ABC Family show.  The characters personalities are right on, their actions and reactions just what you’d expect.  Sounds predictable?  Not really….more familiar in that “old friends” way. 

All your favorites are back; (unless you liked Frannie and then…um, what’s wrong with you?  O_o  -- Just kidding…sorta…) from Ashleigh, the current ZBZ house president through an interesting turn of events, to Casey, the perpetual dater of both Evan and Cappy who has finally set her sites on one goal, from Rusty, the boy genius who always tries his hardest even when the going is beyond tough, to Owen, the out-of-the-closet Omega Chi that will back friends until the end no matter what house they pledge (a lesson learned from his pal Rusty). 

Let’s not forget Rebecca as she takes a fairly starring role in this book, whether she wants to or not, and manages to pull off an ending that…well, perfectly suits her and surprises us all; chalk it up to typical Rebecca Logan results (as in she wants what she wants and she wants it now….gotta appreciate a girl that knows what she wants, even if it’s unclear this time around).  It’s just great to spend time with all those we’ve come to know and love from this group without any one of them truly stealing the spotlight.  Each one crops up from time to time to make an appearance and say hello, a great balance achieved gracefully by the author.

I must make mention of one thing in this one that struck me as funny and great all at once.  I love the fact that Twitter is included in the story as the houses stalk the #crusweetheart hashtag for the current contest status.  It helps tie the make believe world of CRU into the real world we live in, thus making the reading experience that much more relatable (...and before you go searching the tag, no it doesn't really exist and yes I checked just for kicks.).  Recommended read for fans of the show, fans of the first GREEK novel, and those that simply love the Young Adult genre and are looking for a light fun read to chase your cares away for a bit.  The world of CRU fun and hi-jinx is calling…are you in?

EBook for review read via NetGalley courtesy of Harlequin Teen.  (THANKS!)  For more information on either of these great companies, be sure to stop by their respective websites, or follow them (1 or 2) (…still sounds stalker-ish....) on Twitter.  This title was released late last year so it should be primed and ready for a read on a bookshelf near you.

Until next time…happy reading!