In one of the Supreme Court’s most sweeping rulings in modern times, a five-man majority has effectively nullified a critical provision of the Fourteenth Amendment of the Constitution of the United States. The “oathbreaking insurrectionist” Donald Trump—a designation unchallenged by either the Supreme Court majority, the Colorado courts, or even his attorneys—will never be disqualified […]

Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2024/03/06/the-constitution-turned-upside-down/

Sophia Rose is here with a rustic contemporary romance. Come check out her thoughts on Fish Out of Water by Katie Ruggle.

Fish Out of Water
by Katie Ruggle
Genres: Contemporary Women
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

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WHY DATE A MOUNTAIN MAN? Because he knows how to pitch a tent.

When Dahlia Weathersby’s sister disappears on what should have been a simple day hike, Dahlia immediately heads deep into the Colorado Rockies to find her. Knowing she’ll never survive the mountains alone, she convinces the local hermit—adorably grouchy survival expert Winston Dane—to be her guide. All it takes is a good helping of Dahlia’s charm…and just the teeniest bit of blackmail…before she’s got all six-foot-something of him wrapped around her finger. But even with her very own mountain man in tow, things aren’t going to be easy. There are:

Long hikes through gorgeous wilderness? Check. Bears? Check. A single shared sleeping bag? Check. Enough sparks to set the Rockies ablaze? Check, check, check. With everything the wilderness has to throw at them, it’ll take more than charm and some city girl ingenuity to make this trek anything but a disaster waiting to happen…and an adventure she’ll never forget.

The Rocky Mountains get unBEARably hot in Katie Ruggle’s brand-new romance packed with adventure, action, tall dark & scruffy heroes, and a sense of quirky humor that will be your next perfect escape.

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Sophia Rose’s Review

City meets Country in a Rocky Mountains backcountry setting and a missing person is at stake. 

It has been a few years since Katie Ruggle released a book and I was over the moon excited when I got the word Fish Out of Water was releasing.  While it is released as a standalone and a contemporary romance, I could see this being the beginning of a new series and it felt more like a mash-up of romcom and suspense harkening back to her earlier books.

Fish Out of Water has a funny start which drew me in quickly.  The heroine, Dahlia, who is city pretty to her core coming to the rescue of a sister who sends her a coded text that something went wrong on a simple hike.  There’s no way Dahlia can go up into those mountains alone for a rescue so she breaks into Mr. Crabby’s compound and coerces silent and reserved Winston Dane to lead her in.

Dahlia got on my nerves a great deal with her personality of constant chatter and pushiness which stood out particularly because Winston’s response was a grunt or silence.  I couldn’t blame him because she roped him in.  Dahlia gets the narration so Winston is something of an enigma especially since he’s the big and silent type.  But, on the other hand, there was chemistry.  They were funny in a grumpy-sunshine way and the forced proximity of sharing a tent led to the reclusive virgin showing he still had game that steamed up Dahlia’s world.

The sexual attraction and building romance definitely has the forefront and I did have the urge to tap them on the shoulder and remind them they were looking for a missing person out there in the sticks.  I was curious to know what was up with Dahlia’s sister.

The end was something of a rush when the romance, the suspense, and the happily ever after came together right in a row.  I forgot how her books did that.  I would have wanted a bit more relationship development and felt that two weeks was fast for some of the decisions they were making, but fiction, right?

And so, in summary, I am happy as a bug that Katie Ruggle is back in the writer’s chair and I look forward to her quirky rustic romantic suspenses.  I’d recommend this one for those who like a blending of romcom with suspense in a wilderness setting.

Amazon | Audible

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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2024/03/fish-out-of-water-by-katie-ruggle.html

D.C. Martin’s novel Hindsight is 2020 intricately weaves the saga of the McLean family across five generations. Central to this expansive narrative is Gerry McLean, a character grappling with the weight of history and the uncertainties of the future. As he confronts his life’s twilight, Gerry embarks on a journey of reclamation and retribution, addressing past wrongs inflicted upon his family. This family drama explores a rich tapestry of themes: love, decision-making, sacrifice, loss, and notions of the afterlife.

At first glance, the novel may seem centered on vengeance, yet it transcends this premise, delving into the complexities of familial love and the multifaceted nature of loss. Martin deftly examines the parent-child relationship, capturing its myriad facets, from misunderstandings and misconceptions to petty feuds and the profound love that ultimately prevails. The narrative employs various literary techniques such as flashforwards, flashbacks, dream sequences, and foreshadowing. This approach skillfully unveils character depth, allowing readers to engage more meaningfully with their decisions and motivations. These elements enrich the storytelling and enhance relatability, making the characters’ experiences more resonant. The shifts between various characters’ perspectives, though creative, can occasionally disrupt the narrative flow, leaving readers searching for clearer coherence. A chronological approach might have offered a more streamlined and deepened understanding of the story. The inclusion of Gerry’s book alteration is an intriguing element, although its necessity to the overall plot may not be immediately evident to the reader. The pacing starts off gradually but gains momentum, evolving into a compelling read.

Hindsight is 2020 by D.C. Martin is a richly layered exploration of family dynamics, generational impacts, and the complexities of human relationships. Its gradual crescendo from a slow start to an engaging narrative mirrors the intricate unfolding of the McLean family saga. This book is a notable addition to readers who appreciate multifaceted family dramas and the exploration of the human condition through fiction.

Pages: 214 | ASIN : B0CFYFM6JY

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/03/06/hindsight-is-2020/

Trial of Roses, the inaugural installment in Joshua A. Landeros’s The Law of Might prequel trilogy, introduces readers to Sinhar, a young warrior with aspirations to join the Mystic Order. This pursuit is not just a personal ambition for Sinhar, who has been shaped by a lifetime under the specter of war, but also a commitment to safeguard his homeland. The narrative, which can be enjoyed independently or as a precursor to the Pantheon series, navigates the perilous trials Sinhar must endure, where the prospect of survival is uncertain.

Landeros masterfully creates a world brimming with magic and mystery, captivating the reader in a realm where every decision holds the weight of life and death. The novel skillfully draws one in with its initial chapters, setting a tone rich in promise and excitement. As the story unfolds, the focus shifts more towards advancing the overarching plot, a move that aligns with its role as a prequel. This narrative choice, while occasionally placing the characters in the backdrop, adds to the anticipation of how these characters will further develop and influence the world in the broader context of the series. The balance between character growth and plot progression is a delicate dance, and Trial of Roses intriguingly sets the stage for future explorations in this enchanting universe. This book is an engaging read, particularly for those seeking a fantasy novel that is both accessible and rich in story and lore. Landeros’s talent as a storyteller is evident, and there is a genuine intrigue to see how Sinhar’s journey evolves in subsequent books.

Trial of Roses is a captivating novel that is perfect for readers who love to explore the world of dark fantasy. Its intricate storyline and rich historical context make it a compelling read. The author, Landeros, has skillfully woven together a tale that is both imaginative and thought-provoking, leaving readers eagerly anticipating what he has in store for them in his future works.

Pages: 131 | ASIN : B09NZDQYYP

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/03/06/trial-of-roses-a-dark-epic-fantasy-novella-law-of-might-book-1/

Angel Dunworth’s The Knight, The Pig-Wizard, and The Dragon presents a delightful exploration of friendship and self-discovery. The story centers around Buttrumple, a would-be knight hindered by the ridicule his name incites. Despite this, his unshakeable bond with Steve, a magician with the peculiar ability to only transform objects into pigs and pork products, anchors him. Dunworth cleverly constructs a narrative where Buttrumple, at Steve’s behest, embarks on a daring rescue mission to thwart a dragon menacing local villages.

Joining Buttrumple and Steve are Mandolin, a shape-shifter limited to morphing into geometric shapes, and Glyth, a strong but impatient dwarf. This unlikely quartet sets off on a journey marked by both valor and unpredictability. The dynamics among the characters, particularly Buttrumple’s evolving relationship with his team, are deftly portrayed. Dunworth excels in illustrating how their differences become strengths, navigating challenges with both brawn and brains. Dunworth’s storytelling shines in its ability to captivate young readers through varied settings and underlying positive themes. The narrative serves as a reminder to look beyond first impressions and celebrates the uniqueness of each character. The book’s dynamic, humorous tone keeps the pace brisk and engaging, offering an original plot that is compelling and instructive. Dunworth has crafted a whimsical, magical world where the true essence of desire and the value of friendship are profoundly explored.

The Knight, The Pig-Wizard, and The Dragon not only sparks imagination and creativity in its young readers but also teaches self-acceptance and respect for others’ individuality. It’s an enchanting journey through a unique fantasy world that resounds long after turning the final page.

Pages: 100 | ASIN : B0CQRL3DG3

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/03/06/the-knight-the-pig-wizard-and-the-dragon/

Broken Pencils by J.R. Rice delves into the turbulent life of Jonah Tarver, a teenager from Oakland facing the challenges of adolescence, family strife, and personal mental struggles. The story unfolds over a significant day in Jonah’s life, marked by key events: prom night, the eve of his birthday, and the anniversary of his best friend’s death. This convergence of milestones catapults him into a whirlwind of chaos and uncertainty.

The narrative paints a vivid picture of Jonah’s environment, where the constant arguments of his parents form a continuous, unsettling backdrop. Jonah strives to protect his younger brother from their family’s deteriorating dynamics. Compounding his distress is the strained relationship with his father and the perceived betrayal by his friend Trevon and girlfriend Taniesha. Prom night becomes a pivotal point as Jonah plunges into a world of drugs, alcohol, and reckless behavior, leading to unforeseen consequences and revelations, including a discovery about his father. J.R. Rice’s Broken Pencils is more than a story of a teenager’s life; it’s a reflection of how things from the past can unfold in a single day. This book is a poignant exploration of choice and consequence, distinguished by Rice’s skill in creating authentic, complex characters. These characters, each entangled in their own struggles, bring a rich, multifaceted perspective to the narrative. At its core, the novel grapples with the theme of brokenness, portraying it not as a defect to be mended but as an intrinsic part of the human experience. While it subtly addresses the experience of young black individuals, the book does not make race its focal point. Instead, an undercurrent of mental health issues weaves through the narrative, offering a layer for readers to uncover and interpret.

Rice offers an emotionally resonant, thoughtful, and philosophically charged narrative in Broken Pencils. It serves as a compelling reminder of the weight of our choices and their indelible impact on our lives and those around us.

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/03/06/broken-pencils/

In Risky Business in Rising China, author Mark Atkeson delves into China’s transformative journey from a once isolated Communist state to a formidable player on the global economic stage. This comprehensive exploration covers the nation’s progress over the last four decades, illuminating the intricate challenges and triumphs of its swift modernization. The book opens with an engaging recount of the seismic shifts witnessed in China since the 1980s, particularly focusing on the economic boom that remarkably improved the lives of millions.

Atkeson’s narrative style is notably descriptive. He employs rich language and vivid imagery, effectively drawing readers into the scenes he depicts. For instance, his account of an early visit to China is strikingly atmospheric—describing a city shrouded in darkness and mystery, accentuated by sparse lighting and an almost tangible silence. His adept use of sensory details, such as the biting cold and distinct odors, deepens the reader’s engagement with the story.

The book’s approachable tone further adds to its accessibility and appeal. Atkeson presents a captivating analysis of how China’s authoritarian regime manages the intricacies of a market economy while retaining its authoritative grip. The book also thoughtfully examines the juxtaposition of tradition and modernity, offering insights into China’s evolving identity in the international arena, a nuanced equilibrium that Atkeson navigates with skill. The author’s personal experiences lend a unique authenticity to the narrative, enriching it with firsthand insights into the nation’s diverse facets and intricacies. The book’s meticulous research is evident in its detailed presentation of China’s economic and social landscape, blending historical context, statistical data, and anecdotal evidence to paint a comprehensive picture of the nation.

Atkeson’s blend of thorough analysis and accessible writing style makes Risky Business in Rising China a valuable read for anyone seeking to understand China’s rapid evolution and its broader implications. It offers an intriguing glimpse into a transformation that has profoundly impacted global history, providing a foundational understanding of China’s future trajectory and, by extension, the direction of the world at large.

Pages: 315 | ASIN : B0CM2QXVDN

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/03/06/risky-business-in-rising-china/