Last month, to nearly everyone’s surprise, the subject of gas stoves—and whether the government might soon ban them—dominated a few news cycles. It all began when a member of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said that his agency was looking into the health hazards of using gas stoves and that “any option is on […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2023/02/01/no-smoke-no-fire/
Narrated by Holly Adams, Highland Dragon by Genevieve Jack is the sixth audiobook in the paranormal romance series, the Treasure of Paragon. This time we are off to Ireland to meet Xavier as Avery Tanglewood agrees to retrieve him. Romance, magic, danger and swoons await you…..
Highland Dragon
by Genevieve Jack
Series: The Treasure of Paragon #6
Narrator: Holly Adams
Length: 8 hours and 55 minutes
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Source: Audible
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Rating: 
Heat Level: 
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.5x
Sometimes the things that keep us safe hold us captive. Avery Tanglewood has had enough of rearranging her life for the sake of others. After years of prioritizing her family over herself, she’s ready to strike out on her own, even if she’s not sure what she wants to do with her life. If only she was brave enough to face the backlash the truth will bring.
He’s a prisoner of the past. For hundreds of years, Xavier has used his dragon magic to protect his Highland clan inside a pocket of space called the builgean. Thanks to his unique magical abilities, generations have enjoyed peace and prosperity while cut off from the modern world. But when a fairy trickster captures him and claims his throne, his refuge becomes his prison.
Can they free each other from the chains that bind? Avery agrees to journey into the builgean to persuade Xavier to help with the crisis in Paragon, but she finds a mysterious stranger in his place – a problematic complication, considering she can’t leave the pocket without Xavier’s assistance. Worse, although she frees the captured dragon, he refuses to comply without winning back his land and his clan first. And the longer Avery spends in Xavier’s world, the harder it is to remember why she should return to her own.
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The Treasure of Paragon is a fun series with each book dealing with one couple as the dragon siblings of Paragon reunite. The overall series arc deals with witches & dragons and the fate of the dragons’ world, Paragon.
In Highland Dragon, we learn about Xavier when Nathaniel asks her to go into a pocket frozen in time in 1745, Ireland. He and Xavier built it, but only a human can enter. Avery is the oldest Tanglewood sister and not a witch. She has sacrificed for her sister and mother. Now that they are ok, it’s time for her to discover herself and this trip, while dangerous, seems like the perfect opportunity to spread her own wings.
The tale that unfolds was delightful, suspenseful and swoon-worthy. From the time we entered the bubble, I was enthralled. Xavier is no longer the Laird of the castle, and she’ll need to save him before she completes her mission.
I loved the characters from the brownies to the townfolk. Xavier is every bit the highlander and his reactions to modern day Avery had me laughing more than once. Avery discovers things about herself and I enjoyed seeing her find her power.
While one could listen to this a standalone, I recommend you listen in the order of their release, to best appreciate the overall arc. We get some chapters from previous characters which are important. Plus, there are spoilers and updates regarding previous characters.
Holly Adams narrates and delighted me with her voices for Avery and Xavier. Even her voice for the villain enhanced the story. I pictured him as Gargamel from the Smurfs…lol. I recommend listening to the series as it lends perfectly to this format.
Amazon | Audible
USA Today bestselling author Genevieve Jack writes weird, witty, and wicked-hot paranormal romance and fantasy. Coffee and wine are her biofuel, the love lives of witches, shifters, and vampires her favorite topic of conversation. She harbors a passion for old cemeteries and ghost tours, thanks to her years attending a high school rumored to be adores the beaches of the southeast, where she spends her days with her laptop and one lazy dog.
Holly Adams is a classically trained, award-winning actor and narrator who loves every single thing about stories and the beings that inhabit them. With her attention to tone and character integrity, Holly enjoys narrating pretty much anything, and specializes in action-adventure/fantasy, mysteries/thrillers, and the subtle comfort of self-help nonfiction. Holly’s first language was Southern, after which her family moved around a lot, finally settling in rural New York. Combined with a love of languages and her professional training, these experiences gave her a range of regional Southern dialects and an excellent capacity for accent and dialect in general. When not behind a mic, Holly continues to perform on stage, in films, and with the circus, especially Red Nose.
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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/02/highland-dragon-by-genevieve-jack.html
When the White Knight Falls is a cathartic coming-of-age story of a young woman named Kate, a classically trained musician. Kate, along with Alec, put together a band called Kilbride. Her love interest Alec is her rock and support but will not disrespect her and will only be intimate if they have a “covenant” together. On top of the romantic struggles, Kate has reservations about their new band member Walt because there seems to be something “off” about him. Can Kate and Alec’s relationship survive all that is thrown at them, and can they turn their passion for music into a successful band?
I loved this thrilling story. This suspenseful novel is beautifully written in the third person focusing on the protagonist Kate McCoy. I empathized deeply with Kate and felt her wounds and the true feelings she had hidden beneath the surface, not what she showed in front of the other band members. Wallace did a great job showing us, the readers, how Kate came to be the way she is and what stands in the way of what she truly wants.
Virginia Wallace’s writing style is beautiful, and her ability and talent for making the reader feel like they are going through Kate’s life events with her are astonishing. There were moments in the story that I found heart-wrenching and frustrating, just as Kate herself felt. However, within the novel’s first quarter, I felt for Alec as well, and I desperately wanted to see Kate and Alec come together as their true soul mates.
When the White Knight Falls as it is an excellently written and enjoyable contemporary romance novel. There is a wonderful building of suspense throughout the entire story that keeps readers holding on till the end. I can not wait to see what Virginia Wallace writes next.
Pages 235 | ASIN : B08TMYZZV1
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/02/01/when-the-white-knight-falls/
Young Julien is excited for the end of the school day; he has finished all his work and is now ready to settle in and read the latest comic starring his favorite superhero, Bluebullet! Just as he gets to the book’s exciting parts, a dapper crow hops up and starts squawking. Julien tries to shush him unsuccessfully. Returning to his story, he is interrupted again, this time by sneezing bees! Alas, this is not the end of the distractions. At one point, Julien losses his temper with the creatures around him, and suddenly out of the sky, appears none other than his hero, Bluebullet. Can his hero help him sort out his mess and finish reading his comic?
Shrieks and Sounds and Things Abound: The Quiet Wants of Julien J. is a fantastically well-written children’s book about dealing with tough emotions. Author Dr. Drew Palacio has written a story that many children will relate to. The frustrations of trying to concentrate on something, be it reading, building a lego set, or doing school work, sounds, and other activities, can be extremely distracting. This especially reminded me of my son, who is on the spectrum, and all distractions can trigger reactions like Julien has in this book. The advice that Bluebullet gives Julien is perfect and written in a way that elementary-level children can comprehend and put into practice.
Shrieks and Sounds and Things Abound is a wonderful children’s book on dealing with strong emotions and learning an appropriate way to respond to things. This imaginative story is perfect for teachers and families to help children learn how to control their feelings without lashing out and teach them skills that will last them a lifetime.
Pages: 32 | ISBN : 1953021506
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/02/01/shrieks-and-sounds-and-things-abound/
In Sport: A Stage for Life: How To Connect With the Touchstones of Elite Performance And Personal Fulfillment, readers are immersed in the world of Water Polo and other sports as the authors share interesting facts, aspects, and tips about their favorite sports and others. Cristiana Pinciroli and Pedro Pinciroli have written an intriguing and enlightening book that is relevant in both the world of sports and real life. Both father and daughter were professional water polo players who participated in major leagues and big tournaments worldwide. Cristiana played in Italy and captained the Brazilian national team for more than a decade, while her father, Pedro, represented Brazil at two Olympics, among other major sports events. As you read about the stories of these two prolific sports icons, you realize that sports are not just for fun, as they also play a critical role in the wellness of society.
I like how Cristiana starts the book. The author familiarizes the reader with her story, writing about her father’s achievements and how her inspiration for sports was born. Cristiana Pinciroli is an engaging author. Her writing gives one a sense of realization. When talking about her background and family, Cristiana makes the reader feel every moment of her writing. She chronicles funny stories and witty tales and is authentic in her writing. Cristiana’s love for the game is moving, and her dedication and passion are admirable. When writing about water polo, the author ensures that even readers that are not familiar with the game grasp how it is played. The readers get it all from the rules, how the scores are counted, training, and tips on being a good player and playing in big matches.
Sport: A Stage for Life is well written, and one of my favorite things in the book is the historical tidbits. There is a ton to learn about Latin America and the western world and the changes that have been happening over the years, whether in politics, sports, economic changes, and social transformations. One can draw many lessons from the authors’ lives and other sports professionals discussed in the book; endurance and competitiveness are some of the greatest elements of a great sportsman or sportswoman. Practice every chance you get and build your confidence with every game. Both big and small games are important, as there is something to learn.
Sport: A Stage for Life is an inspirational self-help book that gives readers insight into making personal transformations. This well-written book has 12 chapters that take you through the ins and outs of sports and enlighten you on life hacks. The authors may have written about sports, but shared lessons can help the reader in their day-to-day activities. Whether focusing on health, discipline, setting goals, being spirited, or following your dream, Cristiana and Pedro Pinciroli have tips that will help you elevate your mindset and whole being.
Pages: 449 | ASIN : B0B3M2XL6K
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/02/01/sport-a-stage-for-life/
In the thriving and evolving art scene of Los Angeles, a mystery envelopes the community, and James Terra, a well-known artist, seems to be at the center of it all. With one minor accident after another, James begins to realize that everything that is happening to him and his loved ones may all be connected, but the reason for such intentions always leaves him blank. As he begins to connect the dots, he slowly realizes that someone powerful has other plans for the art community, and his role in the scheme of things is far larger than he expected.
Off Kilter, by M. Lee Musgrave, is a compelling novel that packs the right amount of art, romance, and mystery that keeps its readers intrigued with every chapter it throws. From the start of the book, the author’s writing style will have readers drawn further into the storyline and drama. The author has a fantastic method that mixes creative and descriptive writing, beautifully enhancing the imagination of readers for each setting and what takes place in it. Furthermore, the way each clue was gradually given was well thought out, unlike some mystery novels that offer a “savior” in the novel that immediately solves the mystery. Instead, this allows the audience to piece together the mystery in their own time, identify the culprit, and bask in theories based on what they have read.
For somebody unfamiliar with fine arts, I could comprehend the parts of the novel that heavily feature it and dig up clues that the author wanted me to get from the conversations and descriptions. Moreover, I would recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys mystery novels. The setting of the story is one of the most famous places in the world, the City of Angels. It takes place in current times, during the rise of COVID-19, so it will be easy for readers to imagine the world the novel built.
Off Kilter is the exciting sequel to M. Lee Musgrave’s first mystery novel, Brushed Off. This romantic thriller keeps readers engaged and on edge as the mystery slowly unfolds. Readers will love following along as James discovers who is behind all the trouble that plagues him in this fascinating new mystery thriller.
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/02/01/off-kilter/
The third installation in the Griffin Knight series is the best yet! Griffin and his friends are faced with hunting down a serial killer in New York City before he claims his next victim. As two women from a New York City neighborhood are reported missing, the only clue linking the disappearances is that they frequent the same stretch of blocks making up an east-side neighborhood. Griffin, currently on leave due to his injuries from the Seattle adventures, is called back into action to help Noah, his closest thing to a partner, solve the crimes. The story is steeped in intrigue right from the beginning, which is one thing the author is very good at doing. There’s rarely a dull moment in Miguel Angel Hernandez Jr.’s books and that is plain to see in The Nocturnal Devil.
Although Griffin is still dealing with the trauma of the events of taking down Colossus, and losing his friend Felix, he finds comfort in a new love interest, Samira. She is a doctor who works with the police department and she helps to heal his body and calm his mind. I enjoyed the throughline in this series because of its consistency and long time fans will be able to pick this book up and find it even more intriguing because of it.
When the case hits several dead ends, Griffin reaches out to Ashe to use her hacking abilities to help solve the crimes. Ashe is also keeping a watchful eye over Griffin as Sapphire hires assassins to ambush Griffin at his home. Ashe proves to be very helpful in using technology to identify the potential serial killer. I enjoyed the multiple layers to the mystery and the technical aspects of unravelling it. The killer is a character that was fascinating and he is definitely one that readers will not soon forget, especially the twisted and deadly fight that Griffin is lured into.
I was happy to learn more about Griffin and his background. I also enjoyed the integration of advanced technology into the story. I have no idea if something like Smart Goggles and the Theia drone exists, but they are interesting and well-thought-out tech that adds a James Bond or Jason Bourne quality to the story. From the suspense, the chilling account of the killer, the use of technology, and the background of Griffin, The Nocturnal Devil is a sensational crime thriller that delivered excitement and intrigue in equal measure.
ISBN: 978-1-959354-04-8
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/02/01/the-nocturnal-devil-a-griffin-knight-mystery-thriller/
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Celebrating Black History Month with biographies and memoirs of change-makers
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