Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

The Last White Ruby: The Vanishing Polar Circles is a collection of poetry written by Ronnie J. Smith. Smith is a professional aviator whose flights took him over both poles, and he was also the in-theater Commander of Operation Deep Freeze which enabled him to spend 2005-2008 in Antarctica. His poetry shows the deep inspiration he gathered from his flights over, and time spent, on the ground in the polar regions. Many of his works are free verse and rely upon the pairings of sound and sense to impart their own internal rhythms. In Iluliaq, the sound and sense pairings work with the repeated refrains to heighten the tension and reflect the subject of the waves lapping on the ice.

Smith’s work is rich in imagery that builds the mood at the same time that it creates endless vistas in the reader’s mind’s eye. He frequently uses alliteration and the repetition of vowel sounds to marry the form of his words to the sense of his subject. In The Only Road, the lines: “Star-eyed falcons stun/ Those frozen seas” illustrate his use of alliteration in a palindromic form that’s evocative, pleasing to the ear and dramatic. At times, Smith’s use of refrains creates a chant-like rhythm; a music that seems to stamp and roll and immerse itself into the reader’s consciousness.

I must confess that I have long been enraptured by the polar regions, and have spent untold hours enchanted by the tales of those explorers Smith memorializes in his poetry, and awed by the photographic images of those icy wastes and the harsh grandeur. And while I’ve never been more than an armchair adventurer in those polar climes, I felt, reading The Last White Ruby, as though I were in the presence of a kindred spirit, albeit one whose adventures are indeed first-hand.

Smith’s words capture the magic, mystery and majesty of his subject, and I frequently found myself reading the same lines aloud over and over, letting my tongue and mind taste the meeting of form and sense. His images are crystalline and flowing all at once, and his style is reminiscent of that of the Victorian poet, Alfred Lord Tennyson, and Edgar Allan Poe. I was drawn to Smith’s tributes to Amundsen, Shackleton and Hillary, and bemoaned anew the plight of Scott’s ponies in Sonnet to the South Pole Ponies.

The Last White Ruby is the real deal. It’s a collection of marvelous poetry that spoke so directly to me that I’m still seeing vast white canyons, summer dusks flowing into dawn and the ineffable sadness of what has been irretrievably lost. The Last White Ruby: The Vanishing Polar Circles is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Joel R. Dennstedt for Readers' Favorite

Markings in the Cave, a brilliant collection of short poems by Paul Tait, is a profoundly personal selection of one man’s musings – perhaps unheard by the silently attentive universe that he addresses. A theme emerges from these plaintive ruminations of the soul – an unusual, contrapuntal theme told in both harmonic and discordant tones – that seems to stress a tenuous but ever-present tension between the suffering in the world and the hope embedded in religion, with a frequent interjection and nod to the comforting distortion of personal spirituality.

These poems are concise and often highly structured, but like a waterfall over boulders they always flow. The verse often ranges from the subliminal to the sublime, evoking from the wreckage of an imperfect world the possibility of hope and sacred redemption, though always with a shred of doubt. Whether pondering the elusive state of marriage or the illusive promises of death, the poetry resonates with both raw and ethereal truths that are almost fully realized, but fortunately not quite.

Paul Tait has created from his musings in Markings in the Cave a perfect and exquisite minor gem on which to gaze and from which to reflect on one’s own fallible existence in this world. Have we been abandoned to our lowly selves by our Creator, leaving us with the question asked in I Need the Moon to Renew my Eyes: Or are all God’s given gifts/Interminable rifts/With the sovereignty of man? Must we despair, as offered in The Haunted Face of the Soul You Deserted: You are not prepared – you cannot divert it/The haunted face of the soul you deserted. Must we proclaim as one man does in Empty Net: Still, I can’t help needing/What I haven’t got.

The poet is not afraid to include a subtle rhyme or two to make his poetry sing, but every rhyme is situated perfectly within the rhythm of its verse, and these poems would be much the less without them. I feel very fortunate to have chanced upon this poetry.

Reviewed by Kerliza Foon for Readers' Favorite

Regina Duke has outdone herself in this contemporary romance novel, The Wedding Wager, Colorado Billionaires Book 1. With less than a month until his 25th birthday, Kevin Wake is growing more and more doubtful that he will meet the perfect candidate to present to his mother as his fiancée. If he does not find a candidate in the next couple of weeks, his entire inheritance will be lost and his brother and sister will be at the mercy of his father. With nothing left to lose, he places a 'help wanted' ad in the newspapers. Time has almost run out when a perfect candidate appears, Megan Mully. Only one problem. She seems too good to be true. Can Kevin really trust her or does she have a secret agenda that she's hiding from him? Is she working with his father to keep him from his inheritance?

Regina Duke's The Wedding Wager is a comically sweet romance. Megan and Kevin were adorable, and I loved the wholesome appeal of their story. While this novel fits the genre of contemporary romance, it is not your typical romance in which the male and female leads spend most of the book worried about how quickly they are falling in love, and if their partner loves them back. It offers a nice reprieve from that angle most romance novels take on and gives the reader a different spin on family drama. I give this book kudos for the well written way in which it is presented. The characters have both their flaws and strengths, and the plot has interesting twists and turns.

Reviewed by Elizabeth Butts for Readers' Favorite

The Bloodline (The Friessens Book 2) is a powerful family story, with a heartwarming romance between a strong male lead and a woman who he rescued once (and seems to feel needs constant rescuing and protection). Andy married Laura, a former maid at his family's estate, and they moved without a word to Montana. With their children, they carved out a life together, raising cattle and just living. Until hearing of his mother's death, he didn't think twice of the family he walked away from - because they weren't really a family at all. In the end, his current family is challenged by his deceased mother trying to control him from the grave. So what is more important in life? Family? Wealth? Love? Power? These are the temptations facing Andy in The Bloodline (The Friessens Book 2).

Lorhainne Eckhart wrote a beautiful romance that is not just a romance between a man and a woman, rather, it is a romance novel about the love of a family. A man and wife and their children. The beautiful bond between a mother and her baby as she nurses. The unconditional love that a father has for his children as they run to him, having only been away from each other for a day. You feel the strength of the family unit in this novel, and that is a beautiful thing. I would have loved to know more of the back story. What happened before this book? What had the mother done? What happened to the oldest son (an illness is referenced toward the end). But all in all, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Andy, Laura, and their family in The Bloodline.

Reviewed by Rosie Malezer for Readers' Favorite

Love on the Rocks is the first book in the Love on Tour series by Kay Harris. After a hitchhiking misadventure during a two-week break from her park ranger job, Dani Roberts finds herself sitting at the next table, early one morning, from rock stars Henry (Hank) Tolk and Sean Rush in a small town diner in Nevada. Before she knows it, Dani is on her way to Phoenix on their tour bus and is taken under Sean’s protective wing, much to the dismay of his female fans. When one of the roadies makes a move on Dani at the intermission of one of their concerts, she instinctively reacts with a kick, but not half as violently as Sean reacts when the spiteful, jealous female groupies decide to play a practical joke on Dani, putting her life in danger. As soon as Dani realizes that she has fallen hard for a man whose life is the polar opposite to her own, the time comes when she has to make a choice which will change her life forever.

What an emotional roller-coaster ride! Love on the Rocks shows how different two lives can be, and that love can be found in the most unlikely place. Kay Harris seems to have found the secret ingredient which turns a book into a classic novel, making the reader crave more. There are so many different personality types, yet they all seemed to click perfectly. Dani’s character is so down to earth and sassy, able to keep her cool at all times, and it works in her favor. The arrogance of the roadies and the snobbery of the groupies was enough to put me off fame for a lifetime, but the new elements which came with each chapter kept me enthralled and begging for more. I was extremely excited to learn that Kay Harris has two follow-up books in the Love on Tour series, and I will be happily adding them to my personal book collection. I thoroughly enjoyed Love on the Rocks and I recommend it to readers who enjoy a great cocktail of love, drama, action and humor.

Reviewed by Michelle Randall for Readers' Favorite

Cypress Falls is a sleepy little town in Louisiana that gave rise to three sisters; twins Georgia and Ginger, and their older sister, Risa. At one time, Georgia and Risa sang together in a local band, but that is all water under the bridge and food for a longtime grudge that is probably being held against the wrong person. Georgia and Ginger now live in LA, and are coming home for Risa's only daughter's wedding. With sibling rivalry, old boyfriends, and lost loves, it is bound to be an eventful weekend. The Lonely Hearts Club is the story of three sisters, each lonely in their own way and for very different reasons. Author Sandra Edwards weaves together an old-fashioned tale of younger sister making it big and older sister feeling slighted with exes and might-have-beens to form a heart-warming tale of second chances.

The Lonely Hearts Club is the second book in the Southern Charmers series, and who doesn't love a story about some good ole southern men, with looks and charm. As the story develops, we learn that the longtime grudge between Georgia and Risa is really only one sided, and it is being fueled by someone who uses it to their advantage. Old feelings are rekindled and new romances bloom in the garden and backyard of the south. Author Sandra Edwards does an amazing job making you feel for each character and see their side of things. I found myself wanting to smack certain self-involved characters that were using the sisters for themselves, and just waiting, impatiently, for the truth to come out and the sisters to find their place together again. This is a wonderful book, nothing you wouldn't want your teen to read. Great for all ages of readers!

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

The Right to Bear Arms is the first book in the Wild Operatives series by Vivienne Savage. Before I begin, can I just say, OH MY GOD!! This was ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC. The story follows Daniela Reyes, a recently divorced woman, who is now living alone. She is finally away from her abusive husband, but just as her luck would have it, she finds a huge black bear sleeping in her hammock. Little did she know that this bear was going to change her life, but for good or for bad? She feeds the beast and soon he comes back to her every single day. They begin an unlikely friendship that turns to something more when she finds out that her bear is actually a man.

Russell Hawkins is a were-bear. He likes to live his life alone with his dog in the woods, but when he encounters Daniela, he cannot help himself. She needs protection from her abusive ex-husband and he likes her a little too much. Soon, he wants more than just friendship, but with her ex-husband looming around the corner as a threat, can they stay together? Or will the past get the better of them?

WOW, this was one super novel. I absolutely loved it. Russell is such an amazing man; he was kind, generous and supportive, and protected Daniela with all his might. The fact that he is hot is a bonus as well. This literal bear of a man is everything we all wish and dream for. I found myself sighing on occasion too. Plus, Savage let the story build and let their relationship take its course before she took their relationship to something more. I really liked that.

Reviewed by C.J. Anaya for Readers' Favorite

To Tame The Wind is a delightful historical romance set against the backdrop of a warring France and England, while the American Revolution comes to its eventual conclusion. Author Regan Walker develops an intriguing love story amidst rough seamen, handsome privateers, and dangerous pirates. Our journey begins with a kidnapping when privateer Simon Powell takes the beautiful Claire Donet as his captive, holding her ransom on his ship in exchange for his crew and schooner which was stolen by none other than Claire's father, Jean Donet, a French pirate.

Walker did a beautiful job in the opening of this book, pulling the reader in with a little intrigue as Claire sneaks out of a convent to see a masquerade. This choice leads to unhappy consequences which become the heart of her own internal conflicts. Powell's personal struggles involve a scandal surrounding his parentage and the need to feel loved and accepted, despite his unorthodox entry into society. Both strong-willed and stubborn individuals, Claire and Simon tend to butt heads in the most delicious ways imaginable. This captive scenario is so clever because it puts them at odds with one another, but their chemistry and underlying tension can't be denied. It's that tension that keeps you turning page after page to see what will develop next between Simon and Claire.

Wonderful historical facts are sprinkled in, giving the plot depth and texture without bogging down the story. The descriptions of the countryside are simple, effectively pulling you into the beauty that Walker must have seen for herself. I thought To Tame The Wind was beautifully written, a real swashbuckling adventure that will leave you feeling anxious to delve into more of Walker's heartwarming romances.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

The Para-Portage of Emily, Shadow Seduction Series Book 1 is a romantic paranormal thriller written by Muffy Wilson. Emily Macque is a successful attorney and a partner in her father’s law firm, and she seemed to have it all -- until she was diagnosed with a serious and potentially fatal heart condition. Her father has asked her to handle his recently deceased partner’s probate and legal matters relating to his estate on a remote island in Lake Michigan. It’s the dead of winter, and the lake is filled with ice floes. Emily is not at all comfortable with the idea of taking the car ferry out to the middle of nowhere, but she has Barkley, her Havanese pup, with her for companionship, and she knows getting some rest is crucial for her very survival. When she finally arrives at the island, she’s enchanted by the timeless atmosphere of the place and soon feels a deep connection, as though she belongs there. That feeling intensifies when she actually arrives at Uncle John’s estate.

Muffy Wilson’s romantic paranormal thriller, The Para-Portage of Emily, Shadow Seduction Series Book 1, is an atmospheric and haunting tale about a young woman whose professional successes have been achieved at the cost of her personal life. Wilson’s picturesque descriptions of the island’s natural beauty and community made me long to move there, even if the winter season does sound quite harsh and unforgiving. I especially enjoyed the background story of Colin Jorgenson, the maritime captain who built much of Uncle John’s estate and pined away after the untimely death of his beloved wife. I found it deepened the suspense and mood as Emily finds herself courted in her dreams. This is a highly sensual and erotic story that is not appropriate for young readers nor for those who prefer squeaky-clean romance; however, the sexual interludes are both loving and respectful, and I did not find them at all offensive. While I found the ending a bit abrupt, I’m willing to wait and see what happens in the next book in the series. The Para-Portage of Emily, Shadow Seduction Series Book 1 is highly recommended.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Clarence and the Traveling Circus is a children's storybook written by Melissa Northway and illustrated by Carolyn Le. Clarence is so clumsy that the kids in town call him Clumsy Clarence. He's useless at sports, but his clumsiness disappears when he's juggling. Clarence can juggle anything and even used to juggle his dog and cat until the cat hid up in a tree. When Clarence's dad tells him that the circus is coming to town and that they're having juggler try-outs, Clarence gets excited and dreams of being chosen. He's scared to appear at the audition, however, as he figures everyone will expect him to be clumsy, so he disguises himself with a caped costume and a mask. When it's his turn, Clarence is fabulous and definitely the best juggler in town.

Melissa Northway's Clarence and the Traveling Circus has such a positive and inspirational message. Clarence overcomes his fears and shines. He's able to rise above the dreaded name, Clumsy Clarence, and be a star. Carolyn Le's artwork beautifully complements the story. Each panel is intricate and painted in glowing colors. I found myself getting lost in the details of each picture. There's a great bonus in the back of the book for aspiring Clarences - a step-by-step guide to juggling! I've never gotten past juggling two balls at the same time and can't wait to try adding more using these instructions. There are also circus facts, exercises and learning challenges back there as well. Clarence and the Travelling Circus put a smile on my face as I read it, and I'm still smiling. It's very highly recommended.