The Ace of Clubs (Red Dog Conspirarcy #3) by Patricia Loofborrow | A Book Review

I got this ARC from the author. I had the first book of this series in my TBR but I haven't read it. I decided to read this first and then go back to it. Honestly, I have no idea what the series is about. Somehow, my thought was this was some kind of story about families and rivalries. I have read a series which also have playing cards on the title and I thought this book would have the same theme or type of characters. True enough, my first impression was correct. This is about rivalries, families, and power.

As I said, I went on blind on this one. I would like to be surprised and I was surprised. I found this book very intriguing. It has its mystery, thrill and a host of various characters that will make you dizzy. The main character, Jacq, a very smart woman is one I really liked. I imagine her to be like Kare Warne, the first ever woman detective/spy. A woman in a world dominated by men, money and power. A world where wealthy families rule the land. She is a very strong character that I found myself rooting for. I want her to succeed and punished those guilty of crimes and treachery committed against Jacq and her friends.

Unexpectedly, I got riveted into this story. The plot and the dynamics of the characters was very intriguing and I just can't help myself wanting to know more. I expected to be confused and lost, knowing I started with the third book instead of the first. But I wasn't. This third installment contained enough information to keep me abreast of the story. It had supplied enough background data to make me understand how the story ended up in this current narrative. It seemed like I did not miss the first two books at all. 

I had a theory as to the true identity of Jacq. I think her father may be the guy in the mask not really Peedro. Hmmmm...As to the perpetrator of the bombings and killings, I am not sure yet. I think I have to read book two.

I give this 4/5 ace of clubs cards. I found myself intrigued and willing to participate in this conspiracy. I wanted as much to be part of the story. I wanted to help Jacq unravel all the secrets and the connections. I can't wait for the next book and I felt bad because I did not have the second installment of this story. I just can't afford to miss it. Thank you, Miss Loofborrow, for the ARC. This is truly an engrossing work.

I think they love you as best as they can, you Daddy especially. But sometimes other things make it so they don't know how to love you very well.

- Patricia Loofborrow, The Ace of Clubs - 

Along Came a Wolf (The Yellow Hoods #1) by Adam Dreece | A Book Review

I got this book a few months back through Twitter and have forgotten about it. I was reminded when the author sent me a follow-up email. Sorry Mr. Dreece for the delay, finally here it is.  This book has gotten a lot of attention. This has been rated five stars and have been called readers' favorite. It was also a finalist for 2015 International Authors Network for Book of the Year.

I just love stories with heroes that are underestimated. Heroes that are looked down because of their size and youth. They are often viewed as lacking. The heroes of this book are no stranger. They are three twelve-year olds--Tee, Elly and Richy. This trio has a fascination for adventure, fun and discovery. Most fortunate of all, they get to try Nicolas Klaus' amazing inventions. Nicolas Klaus is Tee's grandpa. He and Tee are very close and they talk a lot. Their conversations are what I love most about this book. 

The book started with Tee rolling down the hill in a fast-moving contraption and right from there, the story was all excitement, laughter and gets more interesting as it progresses. Each chapter is entitled with references to Little Red Riding Hood. There were also references to other fairy tales that we grew up with. The references were often amusing and hilarious. My favorite was the love team of Eg and Bakon. I was laughing out loud when I came upon this. The cutest and most delicious name for a couple. Brangelina and KathNiel couldn't hold a candle to it. It was also very amusing to note that the villains were outwitted by these three smart kids. In the end, the good won and prevailed against the bad guys. This book also reminded me of my favorite movie The Three Ninjas. These three youngsters were like the three brothers --Rocky, Colt and Tomtom. They won over guns and muscles by sheer wit and teamwork.

One other thing that fascinated me about this story were the contraptions and inventions of Nicolas. They were really awe-inspiring and I really had fun picturing how they look like. Aside from the smart dialogues, this book also reminded me of the fun things I did and the games I played and mastered when I was a kid. They were so incomparable to the toys and the kind of fun kids have these days. The games involved a lot of physical exertion, coordination and strategy. Just like what the trio here were always up to. Oh, what fun times they were.

I give this book 5/5 cute yellow sweat shirt with hoods. I am looking forward to more adventures with the yellow hoods. I am rooting for these three to continue defeating the villains and for Grandpa Nicolas to share more of his inventions to the world. Thank you, Adam Reece for this story. This is a very nice start to a very wonderful series.

...rules are fine to guide you, but not to keep us from doing the right thing.

- Adam Dreece, Along Came a Wolf -