Kings or Pawns by J. J. Sherwood

Goodreads Summary

The first book in JJ Sherwood's Steps of Power epic fantasy series. The Kings, Book I: Kings or Pawns is a political intrigue that spirals into an action and adventure series as the final events unfold. 

8,994 P.E.—The elven city of Elvorium has become corrupted to the core by politics. With his father dead and the Royal Schism at his back, Prince Hairem ascends the throne as king of the elven world on Sevrigel. Young and bold, Hairem is determined to undo the council’s power, but the brutal murders by an assassin loosed within the city threaten to undermine the king’s ambitions.

As corruption and death threaten to tear Elvorium apart from within, the warlord Saebellus threatens the city from without, laying siege to Sevrigel’s eastern capital. With the elven world crumbling around him, Hairem finds himself in a dangerous political balance between peace and all out war.

My Thoughts

So. Good.

I am ready for the next book! Now, it took me a little bit to get into this book.  The beginning felt a little slow.  But then... it hooked me!  I couldn't get enough!

I had the pleasure of receiving the audiobook version, which was great for me because my schedule has been so busy lately.  I was able to listen to the book at times when holding a book and reading would not have been possible.  I very much enjoyed the audiobook!

There isn't much I can say about this book other than READ IT!  You must!  So Good!  Ahhhh!

*Note: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Kids, Camels, & Cairo by Jill Dobbe

Goodreads Summary

A lighthearted read about my personal experiences as an educator abroad.

Traveling across the globe to work in an international school in Cairo, Egypt, was not exactly the glamorous lifestyle I thought it would be. I cherished my travels to the Red Sea, delighted in visiting the Pyramids, and appreciated the natural wonders of the Nile River. However, I also spent days without electricity or internet, was leered at by rude Egyptian men, breathed in Cairo’s cancerous black smog, and coaxed school work from rich, apathetic students. 

Why the heck did I do it? So I could experience the unexpected, explore the extraordinary, and bask in the thrill of adventure! 

Whether you’re an educator, a traveler, or just a curious reader, you will be astounded at this honest and riveting account of learning to live in an Islamic society, while confronting the frustrating challenges of being an educator in a Muslim school.

My Thoughts

I love reading about a person's life.  The chance to get a glimpse of their world, experiences, and adventures is fun to me.  I've always liked the idea of leaving everything behind and moving off to a completely different place, but I know that I would never really have the nerve to do it myself.

I honestly can't say that Egypt would be my first choice to live, though.  It may be neat to see Pyramids and things like that but I really don't think I would be happy living in the Middle East.  I think I would rather go to Europe or someplace like that.

I enjoyed Jill Dobbe's writing style very much.  She gave just the perfect amount of information without overdoing it at all.  I am very much a fan of being able to picture places and things when I read and she made it easy to do so.  I'm glad that I could experience Cairo, all of the ups and downs, through Jill's words.

*Note: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

ReejecttIIon: a number two by Daniel Clausen & Harry Whitewolf

Goodreads Summary

By reading ReejecttIIon, it’s likely you’ll discover: colorful short stories, funny flash fiction, hilarious cartoons, riveting reviews, wondrous anagrams and other assorted skits and titbits of under-achieving literary genius.

If you’re lucky, you might come across sci-fi tales about the privatization of words, horror stories about hair and ruminations on indie writing. It’s also possible that you’ll find commentary on the hazards of greedy literary agents and stories about washed up movie directors who receive financial backing from space aliens.

Publisher’s Meekly calls it: “a thought-provoking fable about technological hubris and the hazards of bioengineering.” (*This may or may not be referring to Jurassic Park and not ReejecttIIon.)

Reader’s Indigestion says: “this book quietly stands as one of the most powerful statements of the Civil Rights movement.” (*This may or may not actually refer to To Kill a Mockingbird and not ReejecttIIon.)

But why not read this seriously comical scattergun book and see what you can discover about ReejecttIIon for yourself?

My Thoughts

ReejecttIIon is unlike any book I've read before.  There were parts I really liked and then some parts I wasn't crazy about.  All in all, it kept me pretty entertained.

At times, while reading this book, I wondered what in the world I was reading!  I could myself laughing out loud several times.  There were also times that I was completely confused about what I had just read.  It made for a very interesting read.

I can see why ReejecttIIon has so many great reviews already!  It was funny, confusing, entertaining, weird, and a bunch of other things all wrapped up in one.  Not bad, not bad at all!

*Note: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Hire Train Monitor Motivate by David J. Waldron

Goodreads Summary

The transformational workplace of the twenty-first century is front and center. Are you ready to navigate its twists and turns toward reaching your career goals and dreams? In Hire Train Monitor Motivate, author and veteran organizational leader, David J. Waldron, offers powerful, yet simple techniques that can dramatically improve your organization, team, or individual career achievements in today’s hyper-competitive local and global marketplaces.

This practical book will teach you how to master the art of workplace effectiveness by first making a lasting commitment to placing people first, whether a customer, recruit, staff member, or coworker. Then hire, or get hired for an optimistic mindset; train, or be trained for delivering quality products and services; monitor, or allow monitoring for regulatory compliance; and motivate, or stay motivated for enduring performance.

As a practitioner more so than an academic, Waldron, presents unpretentious, everyday workplace rules that when implemented, or followed, can transform your organization, team, or individual career to one of lasting distinction. Master the proven techniques for playing the game the right way and learn how to practice leadership or teamwork by inclusion toward making your workplace a great place to learn, earn, and grow.

Hire Train Monitor Motivate guides the reader toward recognizing his or her essential role in today’s transformational workplace. A work environment—whether for-profit, nonprofit, or in the public service—that requires an understanding and buy-in to the Millennial Model, the cultural transition of the now predominant generation that, according to Waldron, is fast becoming the new standard in organizational behavior, group dynamics, and individual effectiveness. This horizontal hierarchical model will likely drive the influential organizations, teams, and careers of the twenty-first century as the vertical hierarchy of the Baby Boomer generation did in the twentieth century.

Waldron guides the reader in embracing crucial areas of the modern workplace. Join him as he explores the emerging dominance of the expert economy; the importance of lifelong learning and perpetual career development; and how to be an active participant—as opposed to the spectator—on the precipice of reinventing compensation and worker equality. Plus, why accepting the significance of work/life balance will remain necessary to sustainable career success.

Whether an owner, donor, leader, manager, supervisor, or staff member, make a commitment to your essential role in the transformational workplace. Read Hire Train Monitor Motivate, today, and make your workplace a great place tomorrow. Your organization, team, and career are counting on you. 

My Thoughts

This is definitely not the typical book that I would read.  The author sent a review request to me and I wasn't sure if I should agree or not, since this isn't my area of expertise, but I went ahead and said yes :)

I was a little worried that this would be a boring, hard to read and understand kind of book.  It actually wasn't.  Now, I do not run my own business nor am I in a position where I hire people, but I can certainly see how this book would be a good read for those in a work leadership position.  I think that the tools you learn in this book can be a great help in that area.  Hire Train Monitor Motivate seems like a wonderful and helpful read for those who are in a human resource position.

*Note: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

The Exiled Seven by Blake Renworth

Goodreads Summary

When Alariq is exiled from his home city-state for a crime he did not commit, only six stand by his side, convinced of his innocence and steadfast in their loyalty. 

The seven dwarfs must set out from Ishtara to look for a new place to call home, but in doing so, they make a discovery that puts them all in danger. They are rescued and taken in by a mysterious and beautiful outsider, who lives alone in the depths of Loraheem Forest. What follows is Alariq’s struggle to come to terms with his exile, as those around him seek to make a place for themselves in this new life. Soon, however, it becomes clear their situation is more complex than they initially realized, and they begin to wonder if there is more behind Alariq’s exile than simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Told in a unique storyteller voice, this reversal and reimagining of the classic fairy tale explores the themes of shattering betrayal, the subsequent struggle to trust again, and the basic desire to take control of one’s own destiny.

My Thoughts

I absolutely loved this book!!!  I could tell just by looking at it and reading the bulb on the back that I was going to enjoy it.  But, honestly, I don't think I knew just how much I would love it!

I was so drawn into the story, so wrapped up in each character, I never wanted to put it down!  Unfortunately, I do have a job...I couldn't read this as much as I wanted to.  It really is crazy to me that it took me over a week to finish this book!

Another thing that totally surprises me is just how much I like this book when so many questions were left unanswered!  Usually, I would be so frustrated with the ending that I would give the book a lower rating.  Weirdly, I still loved The Exiled Seven!  It just made me want to read the next book even more.

I loved the cover, I loved the originality, I loved the surprises, I loved the characters!  The Exiled Seven is a book unlike any other I've ever read.  So refreshing and such a joy!  I can't wait to read the next when it comes out!

*Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

The Adventures of Kid Humpty Dumpty: Humpty Dumpty Meets Shellga by Benjamin Boyd

Goodreads Summary

Young Humpty Dumpty wants to make friends with Shellga, the new girl in town. But every time he works up the nerve to talk to her, Sunny Side Up and Sunny Side Down (the very "anti-boy" Sunny Side Twins) do their best to scramble his plans. 
After his failed attempts to talk to Shellga and getting an "F" on his spelling paper, poor Humpty is starting to feel pretty rotten. But with the help of his grandpa Dumpty and best friend, Eggden, things may not be so hard-cooked for little Humpty after all! 
Follow the adventures of a lovable little egg-boy before he took his famous fall from the wall in this original offshoot from a classic children's tale. 

My Thoughts

The Adventures of Kid Humpty Dumpty: Humpty Dumpty Meets Shellga is a cute little children's book.  I can see myself reading it to my class next week.  It was fun to see that poor Humpty Dumpty has apparently always been a bit clumsy!

This was a nice little story with pictures that kids will enjoy looking at as you read.  I like the message that it gives about friendship.  The Adventures of Kid Humpty Dumpty will be a nice addition to the little library in my classroom.

*Note: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

The Song Poet: A Memoir of My Father by Kao Kalia Yang

Goodreads Summary

From the author of The Latehomecomer, a powerful memoir of her father, a Hmong song poet who sacrificed his gift for his children's future in America

In the Hmong tradition, the song poet recounts the story of his people, their history and tragedies, joys and losses; extemporizing or drawing on folk tales, he keeps the past alive, invokes the spirits and the homeland, and records courtships, births, weddings, and wishes.

Following her award-winning book The Latehomecomer, Kao Kalia Yang now retells the life of her father Bee Yang, the song poet, a Hmong refugee in Minnesota, driven from the mountains of Laos by American's Secret War. Bee lost his father as a young boy and keenly felt his orphanhood. He would wander from one neighbor to the next, collecting the things they said to each other, whispering the words to himself at night until, one day, a song was born. Bee sings the life of his people through the war-torn jungle and a Thai refugee camp. But the songs fall away in the cold, bitter world of a Minneapolis housing project and on the factory floor until, with the death of Bee's mother, the songs leave him for good. But before they do, Bee, with his poetry, has polished a life of poverty for his children, burnished their grim reality so that they might shine.

Written with the exquisite beauty for which Kao Kalia Yang is renowned, The Song Poet is a love story -- of a daughter for her father, a father for his children, a people for their land, their traditions, and all that they have lost.

My Thoughts

This was the third book that I read in a row that was so deep and sad and heart warming all in one!  It was like a love poem from daughter to father and it really was beautiful.

I always find it so interesting to go back in time through a book and read about people's experiences.  My heart aches when I read about war and loss.  I get so emotional when I read about tough life situations!  This book did all of that to me!

It is possible that I should have waited a little longer after reading The Song Poet before writing a review because I'm having a somewhat difficult time finding the words I want to say.  I think I'm sill a bit emotional!  Get it!  Read it!

*Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

The Last Cadillac: A Memoir by Nancy Nau Sullivan

Goodreads Summary

Middle-age is challenging enough, but when Nancy Nau Sullivan suddenly finds herself caring for two children, grappling with her mother’s death, and caring for her ailing father while at the same time navigating a contentious divorce and dealing with long-simmering sibling rivalries, she wonders how she can keep herself sane. Things get even more complicated when her siblings accuse her of “kidnapping” their father and carting him—and his Cadillac—off to Anna Maria Island, Florida, where they are greeted by Hurricane Josephine. In this gripping memoir, Sullivan guides the reader through the chaotic whirlwind of unexpected and unwanted change and offers a common sense and humorous guide to surviving family relationships.

My Thoughts

The Last Cadillac is a wonderfully written story!  You can feel the love through the pages as you read.  I haven't lost either one of my parents so I can't imagine the feelings that come with losing them.  My heart ached for Nancy as I read but I was also thankful for her being blessed to spend the time that she had making memories.

It's sad how the decline and loss of family members can stir up such conflict among other family members!  I have seen it happen so many times!  I appreciate how "real" Nancy is with her writing about all of the situations and emotions that arose during this time in her life.

This was a very good book and I am so thankful that I was given the opportunity to read it!

*Note:  I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

All But Normal: Life On Victory Road by Shawn Thornton

Goodreads Summary

Growing up, Shawn Thornton's life was anything but normal--but then, so was his mother.After waking from a coma following a car crash, Beverly Thornton's once sweet and gentle disposition had been replaced by violent mood swings, profanity-laced tirades, and uncontrollable fits of rage. Inside the Thornton house, floors and countertops were piled high with dirty laundry and garbage because Bev was unable to move well enough to clean. Dinners were a Russian roulette of half-cooked meat, spoiled milk, and foods well past their expiration dates. A moment of frustration might prompt her to hurl a knife at Shawn, his brother, Troy, or their dad or to vehemently cuss them out, only to shower them with love and affection moments later as though nothing had happened. And God help the family cat!On several occasions, Bev even tried to jump out of the car on the highway while Shawn and his brother struggled to keep her inside. Yet this same woman was also a devoted Bible reader, Sunday school teacher, and friend to the elderly, poor, and marginalized wherever she went. How the same woman could be a saint one minute and a nightmare the next was a constant source of frustration for the family. Then one day, after decades of embarrassing outbursts, a surprise discovery finally helps the Thornton family come to grips with Bev's mysterious condition and brings Shawn to a startling realization that changes the course of his life forever.A heartwarming coming-of-age story, "All But Normal" is a powerful reminder that sometimes the "broken" people in our lives are the ones who need fixing the least.

My Thoughts

All But Normal is such a wonderful book.  It is full of hope and faith and it opens your eyes to a world that so many people have to live in and deal with that you may never know about. Once I picked it up, I didn't want to put it down.

I have never dealt with a circumstance such as the situation in this book.  I've never had to live or even be around anyone with Traumatic Brain Injury, TBI, so I can't even imagine the pain that this family had to go through.  The way Shawn Thornton opened up about his childhood so that others could see his testimony is truly wonderful.

This was a very good book and I am so pleased that I was given the opportunity to read it.

*Note:  I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Road Trip by Grace Jelsnik

Goodreads Summary

The Road Trip to Hell and Back

Dr. Noah Severson, veterinarian and reluctant environmentalist, must expose the devastation unleashed on the environment by hydraulic fracturing, “fracking,” of the subsurface shale by a greedy gas company and its silent partner, the Environmental Protection Agency.

Victoria Winslow, heiress and socialite, long obscured by the shadow cast by her legendary mother, seeks her true identity on the open road, behind the wheel of her father’s new Jaguar.

Thomas, thirteen-year-old recently orphaned runaway, searches for the brother who was stripped from him by the man pretending to be his uncle.
Mule, English mastiff and unwitting drug smuggler, wants relief from the agony caused by the million dollars’ worth of drug-filled condoms clogging his digestive tract.

Ricky, four-year-old kidnapped orphan, waits for his brother to rescue him from the outlaw biker who kidnapped him.

A road trip that begins in Denver becomes a race to Evergreen when these five take a collision course to their respective destinies, and Noah, Victoria, Thomas, Mule, and Ricky find themselves the target of an outlaw motorcycle gang, an unscrupulous sheriff, Colombian drug smugglers, oil industry enforcers, and EPA specialists. The asphalt between Billings, Montana, and Evergreen, Colorado, is littered with bodies by the time they reach their final destination.

Grace Jelsnik, author of Tranquility (hazardous waste disposal), White Girl (genetically modified organisms), Dominoes (religious zealotry), and Sparrow (rump militias), takes on her greatest challenge to date in Road Trip, a tale of a nation gone mad in its attempt to free itself from dependence on foreign fuel.

My Thoughts

This is the first book by Grace Jelsnik that I have read and it was certainly a good read.  I was a bit skeptical when I read what it was about.  I'm not really into political kind of books and I can't say that I've even been interested in fracking (not even sure I knew what it was until this book).  And, honestly, I didn't necessarily enjoy those specific details...but, the back stories and adventures, I did enjoy.

The characters were enjoyable and realistic, the story was adventurous, and I can certainly see myself recommending this book to fellow book lovers!  Thank you, Grace Jelsnik, for sending  a copy of Road Trip to me!

*Note: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Monkfish Maggie and the Bungalow Stairs by CatchphraseDan

Goodreads Summary

“Maggie stepped forward and rubbed her eyes in disbelief - how was this possible? A giant stone staircase stood in front of her, climbing high up through an ugly hole that had appeared in the ceiling. Maggie strained her eyes and looked for the end of the staircase, but it climbed and climbed into the darkness of the loft.” 

When Maggie returns home from the market one spectacularly normal day, two things in particular strike her as strange. 

• Firstly, a rather peculiar set of stairs have sprouted from her otherwise stairless bungalow. 
• Secondly, and probably most concerning of all, her husband Nesbitt is nowhere to be found…

Where is Nesbitt? Why have these extraordinary stairs appeared - and more importantly, what lies beyond them? Evil? Good? Monsters? Head lice?! 

Join Maggie as she searches low, high and even higher for Nesbitt, in an intriguing debut adventure that will captivate children and adults alike. 

Love stairs? This story is for you! 
Hate stairs? It’s for you as well! 
Don’t care either way? Me neither - have yourself a read! 

Written by CatchphraseDan and bursting with over 50 enchanting illustrations by the mystical Berg Norcross, Monkfish Maggie and the Bungalow Stairs will dunk you deep into a barrel of mystery and then wring you dry like a limp blue flannel. Sit yourself down and open your mind hole, because this story is coming at you… 

…Now!

My Thoughts

Let's see...is Monkfish Maggie and the Bungalow Stairs a typical children's fairytale?  Nope.
Is that a good thing?  Oh yes!

This was such a delightful book!  I found it to be a hoot!  Yep, I said a hoot!  Seriously though, it was a funny book and to be perfectly honest, it's not just a children's book!  I'm certainly not a child but I loved it!  This would be a great book to read aloud with your kids because you certainly wouldn't be bored while reading it!

I really enjoyed Monkfish Maggie and the Bungalow Stairs!  Thanks Catchphrase Dan!

*Note: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Evelyn dear Fender by Rodney Jones

Goodreads Summary

Isn’t believing you have a chance, even when you don’t, better than knowing you don’t when you don’t?

Evelyn Hatfield sets out to be the first to reach the mythological land of Methania. But before her epic journey can begin, she must first suffer high school jealousies, the apathy of conformity, and a pair of clueless parents--all while learning to sail.

Through chance, and a few innocent manipulations and half-truths, Evelyn finally sets sail for the distant horizon where she and her stowaway monkey, Bobo, do battle with their most fearsome enemy, the weather... and lose. Shipwrecked on a tiny island, 4,000 miles from home, she meets Fender Spigot, an equally shipwrecked explorer from Methania who, having never heard a language other than his own, gibber-jabbers his way into her heart.

Regardless of their communication issues, they manage to help each other escape the island—Evelyn, sailing east, and Fender, west—only to discover that absence makes the heart grow fonder. But how can they, again, find each other with such a monstrous ocean and a thousand misunderstandings between them?


My Thoughts

Evelyn dear Fender was quite an interesting book.  It is told from two different perspectives, Evelyn and Fender.  I enjoyed that aspect because they couldn't really speak to each other due to the fact that they basically spoke different languages, some of the same words but with different meanings.  I found that pretty interesting.  They had to find other ways to communicate, like through pictographs.

The only things that I didn't love...well I can't even mention without spoilers!  They weren't bad, just not what I wanted to happen.  All in all, Evelyn dear Fender is an enjoyable read that I recommend to all who enjoy reading fantasy type books with a touch of humor!

*Note:  I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

The Dragon of Time: Gods and Dragons by Aaron Dennis

Goodreads Summary

Scar, an amnesiac mercenary, has been hired by Zoltek, leader of the nation of Usaj, to battle Kulshedran soldiers. With the promise of asking Zmaj, the All God, about his past, Scar lends his fighting prowess, but there is more than kings warring for territory in the world of Tiamhaal; there are Gods and Dragons vying for men's souls.

My Thoughts

I'm still a little unsure of what I'm going to write, even while I sit here typing...
I keep going back and forth about my feelings on this book.  First of all, this isn't my typical genre.  I do like to read all books of all genres, but this isn't my favorite.  So, with that being said, I am trying to keep a very open mind while typing up this review.

I had a bit of a difficult time getting into this book.  It had a somewhat slow start.  I found it to be a little confusing at first so it didn't exactly pull me in.  After a little while though, when I felt a bit more like I knew what I was reading about, it was more enjoyable.  I actually feel like my son would like to read this because it had a "Greek Mythology" feel to it and he loves Greek mythology.

All in all, it was a pretty enjoyable book.  If you enjoy fantasy/Greek Mythology type books then you may enjoy this one!

*Note: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Riker's Calling by Rico Lamoureux

Goodreads Summary

From school bullies to the crime-ridden streets of his hometown of Los Angeles, Jeremy Riker has always felt the need to do something about the injustice surrounding him. Just as he sets out on his journey as an urban warrior, he unknowingly gives rise to an obsessive adversary, who ends up becoming one of the most notorious serial killers the city has ever known. Dubbed by the news media as The Spyderco Killer, the methodical psychopath roots himself deep into Riker's life for the long haul, until his own madness propels everything into an intense climax.

My Thoughts

I do love a good mystery/thriller!  Riker's Calling is a very fast paced, action packed, enjoyable book.  There were a few times when it lost me a bit, but for the most part I found it to be a pretty good read.  I do think that the reason I found a few things lacking in the book is that it was indeed a pretty short book.  There didn't seem to be quite enough character development for my liking but that is generally what you get with books this length.

If you are in the mood for a mystery/crime thriller type of book but you're short on time, this would probably be a great book for you!

*Note: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

The Ivory Caribou by Caroline McCullagh

Goodreads Summary

Is it a love story? Or is it an adventure story? Or is it a commentary on the tragedy of war? It is all of these, and more.  Award Winning Author Caroline McCullagh weaves a thrilling and dynamic story around Anne O’Malley’s genealogical search for the story of her late husband’s father that takes her to the far North of Canada to find new relatives among the Inuit culture, to Europe behind the lines in World War I, and back to the small Inuit village where she finds romance. The Ivory Caribou won Best Unpublished Novel in the San Diego Book Awards. 


My Thoughts

I think I say this a lot, but I really am such a blessed person!  People send books to me to read and review, some of which I probably wouldn't have picked up on my own, and they end up being wonderful!  The Ivory Caribou is one of those books.  I honestly don't think I would have chosen to read this book on my own because it's not the typical kind of book that I enjoy.  Most often, when I actually go to a store and pick out books for myself, I choose books that are either somewhat exciting/action packed, someone recommended them or, if they are contemporary fiction, have characters that I can relate to (around my age, similar lifestyles, things like that).  The Ivory Caribou doesn't really fit any of those.  But, I really enjoyed it!

Anne O'Malley is an older woman, a widow, and she doesn't have any children.  I wasn't sure how much I would be able to get into her life.  But I was drawn right in!  Her inward struggles and loneliness reached right into my heart and there were times when, because of work and being a mom, I had to put the book down to do something and I realized that I was feeling Anne's sadness so deep that I had to remind myself that it was just a book!

I really enjoyed all of the journal entries from her father-in-law.  Surprisingly, I have come to love historical fictions books lately and this has several touches of that element wrapped up in it.  Such an enjoyable bonus!  I also really enjoyed learning so much about the Inuit culture!  Again, something that I wouldn't have necessarily expected to enjoy as much as I did.  There were also a few romantic situations but they weren't "graphic" or inappropriate.  Just sweet and, well, romantic!

I definitely recommend The Ivory Caribou!  A very strong 4+ stars!  The only reason it's not a full 5 stars is because it ended a bit abruptly.  However, I realize that it's probably because this is book 1 of The Anne O'Malley Arctic Adventures series.  Still, I found myself wanting a bit more in this book.  Very Good though!  Read it!!!

*Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.