You Had Me at Big Foot

About the Book:

You Had Me at Bigfoot: A Daphne Drew Mystery

Title: You Had Me at Bigfoot
Series: A Daphne Drew Mystery#1
Author: Mengxi Seeley
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishers
Release Date: July 7th, 2026
Genre: Cozy Mystery

Rookie journalist Daphne and war photographer Clark investigate a missing maid and rumors of Bigfoot sightings—uncovering danger, buried lies, and unexpected romance deep in the Pacific Northwest wilderness.

Rookie investigative journalist Daphne Drew is finally on assignment—though it’s not exactly the hard-hitting story she imagined. Sent to cover a high-society wedding at an opulent Pacific Northwest lodge, Daphne expects floral arrangements and champagne flutes, not whispered rumors of a missing maid . . . or reports of Bigfoot sightings.

She’s not alone. Tagging along is Clark Finklestine-Henry, a decorated war photographer with a haunted past—and a camera sharp enough to catch more than just candid reception shots. Together with their loyal dogs, Daphne and Clark begin to suspect something much darker is lurking in the forested shadows of the hotel grounds.

As wedding guests arrive and tension simmers beneath the surface, Daphne and Clark uncover a tangled web of lies, legends, and lost fortune—one that ties the vanished maid, some returning friends, and the infamous DB Cooper together in a mystery that’s anything but folklore.

Book Review:

What a fun story! Cozy mysteries are not my go-to, but I really enjoyed this one and am excited to read more about Daphne and Clark!

I enjoyed Daphne’s POV. She was in a transition period and feeling a bit adrift. However, she was also determined and upbeat. I admired her resilience as she focused on her new position with Hannah’s company. Daphne felt very classic mystery and I loved the references to Nancy Drew and Scooby Doo. Clark was also really fun and I loved their dynamic. He was the practical and realistic foil to Daphne’s more vibrant energy and love of paranormal. They meshed well together and I loved how they complemented each other.

The story was a lot of fun and I appreciated the cozy vibes. It was definitely an intriguing mystery, but wasn’t too intense either. I also loved the side characters in this! Hannah and Jilly were so sweet and I loved the dogs. All the characters at the hotel were also so interesting and really made the world feel real. I was rooting for Daphne and Clark to solve the mystery and it was an altogether enjoyable read! This is a cozy murder mystery with nondescriptive mystery elements.

I received an ARC.

Once Upon a Rose

About the Book:

Title: Once Upon an Apple
Series: The Galamere Chronicles #2
Author: Gabrielle Landi
Release Date: March 19th, 2025
Genre: Fairytale Retelling

A cursed lord, a feisty librarian, and their disguised pet dragon.

Being the first librarian in their small town is everything Beatrice Montgomery has ever dreamed of–except no one in town knows what to make of her, or the library. But spending her days surrounded by books is an occupation beyond her wildest dreams, and she’ll do whatever it takes to make the library a success.

Lord Alexander Dunham’s time is running out. Providing for his estate and the people dependent on him before his curse ruins his life is his first priority–and that means he needs a wife, immediately. Proposing a marriage of convenience to the feisty librarian seems like the perfect plan: he gets a wife, she gets funds for her library, and the sorcerer trying to steal his estate gets nothing.

Even with his lips sealed about the curse, a transforming dragon watching his every move, and a wife who’s winning over everyone on their estate, their marriage of convenience should have solved all of Alexander’s problems. Unfortunately, he’s falling for his wife, and it’s causing a new problem: he’s no longer willing to die. Can Alexander and Beatrice outwit the most powerful sorcerer in the Northlands, or will Beatrice lose the man she’s growing to love?

Once Upon A Rose is a Beauty and the Beast fairytale retelling and the second book in the Galamere Chronicles. Each standalone book is a retelling of a beloved story or fairy tale, with the swoon-worthy sweet romance of a Hallmark movie, the wholesome and heartwarming feeling of cozy fantasy, and the comfort of a found family of friends, with a sprinkling of danger and a dash of magic.Tropes:

❤️ Marriage of Convenience
❤️ Beauty and the Beast Retelling
❤️ Forced Proximity
❤️ Grumpy/Sunshine

Book Review:

This was so cute! It was so easy to read and I finished it in one day! I loved the cozy vibes and the fairytale inspiration.

I loved getting to see Beatrice’s story after meeting her in the earlier stories. She was a librarian, which is a booklover’s dream! I adored her willingness to help Alexander and her practicality in addressing the curse. It was so natural to follow her POV . Alexander was so sweet! I loved his care for his work and getting to see him fall for Beatrice. He was so honorable and really cared about her.

I flew through this story and was so excited to see how it work out. It was just what I was hoping for a low-stakes, high swoon, fairytale inspired story!

Her America

About the Book:

Her America: Eight Women Who Transformed the Nation

Title: Her America
Author: Heather B. Moore
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publisher
Release Date: August 4th, 2026
Genre: Historical

Her America recognizes eight remarkable women who refused to wait for permission to prove a woman’s worth in society. They fought for American independence, the abolition of slavery, women’s suffrage, and civil rights with their pens and their voices, empowered by their unwavering convictions and courage, to challenge the status quo. Through vivid fictional vignettes and meticulously researched nonfiction accounts, Her America immerses readers in these women’s crucial role in transforming this nation.

Mercy Otis Warren ignited a revolution with her politically impassioned plays and became the first published female historian of America.
Sojourner Truth electrified audiences with her “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech and turned her freedom into a crusade for abolition and equality.
Elizabeth Cady Stanton authored the Declaration of Sentiments, launching the women’s suffrage movement.
Susan B. Anthony built an unstoppable campaign for women’s voting rights that reshaped American democracy.
Harriet Tubman rescued enslaved families through the Underground Railroad and later commanded Union troops to freedom.
Eleanor Roosevelt redefined the role of First Lady and shaped the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Jovita Idár founded schools, organized resistance, and wielded her pen to defend Mexican American civil rights.
Marguerite Higgins broke barriers as a Pulitzer Prize-winning frontline war correspondent.

Her America is an essential addition to any collection on women’s history, social justice, and the power of courage in action. It is perfect for classrooms, book clubs, and libraries, as it invites discussion, inspires leadership, and connects past to present with clarity and mastery.

Book Review:

This was a really interesting read! I love history so much, and this was a fun book that highlighted the women heroines of the past. Oftentimes history books pass over these stories, so I was really excited to read this book.

I enjoyed the various women who were picked for this book. It was fun to have a mix of different women, some who were more familiar to me and others who I didn’t know as much about. I really enjoyed getting to hear different stories that weren’t covered in traditional history books. Also the style of fictional vignettes along with a nonfiction account kept me engaged the entire time. While this took a little bit to get used too at first because I was expecting a more traditional nonfictional style, it made the book feel different and fun.

The individual stories were shorter than a full length book because it was a full book split into 8 separate stories. While I understand this format is shorter, I would have loved to see a more nuanced approach to these women’s lives. The book focused on the more positive parts of the stories, and I would love to hear even some of the criticisms of these women’ s lives. Ultimately, no one is perfect, so I think historical biographies can balance celebrating figures while also being honest about their failures.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves history! It is full of fun and quick short stories about women who you may or may not have heard about before.

I received a complimentary copy of this book

Horseshoes and Honeymoons

About the Book:

Horseshoes and Honeymoons: A Sweet Contemporary Romance (Healing Springs Ranch Book 4)

Title: Horseshoes and Honeymoons
Series: Healing Springs Ranch #4
Author: Jody Hedlund
Publisher: Northern Lights Press
Release Date: August 4th, 2026
Genre: Contemporary Romance

He thought he’d experienced the McQuaid legacy of love with his childhood sweetheart. But he’d been wrong. Or had he?

Executive protection agent Dustin McQuaid is always in control of himself and is considered the best bodyguard in his agency. But he has one rule: Assignments to guard women are off-limits. When he’s asked to protect the woman he once loved and hoped to marry, he refuses at first, but the large bonus might be just what he needs to launch the app he’s been developing.

When a stalker begins to haunt billionaire heiress Silver St. James, she agrees to have Dustin as her bodyguard, telling herself that she won’t fall for him again—not after he rejected her back in high school. She’s happy running her equestrian therapy ranch, and she has no desire to renew a relationship with the man who broke her heart.

As the stalker closes in, Dustin concocts a plan to keep Silver safe by pretending that they’re honeymooners. But the more time he spends with her, the more out of control he feels as he falls fast and furiously for her again. Can they both let go of the insecurities of the past to embrace a new future together? Or will they push one another away once again?

Billionaire heiress
Bodyguard
Grumpy-sunshine
Opposites attract
Second chances
Forced proximity
Swoony kisses

Book Review:

This was another fun book by Jody Hedlund! This series is a lot of fun and I was excited to read this one! Horseshoes and Honeymoons is the third book in Jody Hedlund’s Healing Springs Ranch series.

Dustin was a complicated character. He feared being out of control and allowing his emotions to control him. He had to learn to let others in. I love how Silver could work her way through his walls and help him relax. Silver was a lot of fun! She was lively and enjoyed helping others. She did have some fears especially after experiencing a break-in while she was home alone.

They were definitely sweet together. They had history and had been friends before but time and circumstances drew them apart. It was interesting to read about them reconnecting and interacting. Dustin was definitely closed off while Silver was trying to get to know him. They had to learn to work through their feelings as Dustin sought to protect Silver. The story was interesting and I wanted to see who was after Silver.

The romance was a little more passionate then I was expecting but it was still closed door. Dustin and Silver were definitely attracted to each other but I liked how they emphasised the other characteristics that they appreciated. I enjoyed this book and I would recommend it to those who enjoy bodyguard romances with hints of second chance. Horseshoes and Honeymoons is a closed door contemporary romance.

Book Highlights:

Second Chance Romance

Bodyguard romance

Family themes

Fake relationship

I received a complimentary copy

Nothing to See Here

About the Book:

Nothing to See Here: A Sweet Royal Romance (Royal Rebels Book 1)

Title: Nothing to See Here
Series: Royal Rebels #1
Author: Dana LeCheminant
Release Date: July 30th, 2026
Genre: Romantic Comedy

He’s the last man she’d ever trust.
He’s also the only one who can help her.

Astrid Storme has spent her career as a royal intelligence operative in Candora trusting her instincts, and they’ve never failed her. Until now.

With a growing anti-royalist movement slipping through the cracks of every investigation, Astrid is one misstep away from losing everything she’s worked for. Desperate to get ahead of a threat no one else seems able to trace, she makes a risky choice: recruit Prince Hendrik Alverra, better known as Hex—the reckless royal with a talent for getting people to talk and a reputation for not taking anything seriously.

The biggest problem is the fact that Hex loathes Astrid.

Though Hex ignores protocol and breaks every rule she gives him, he somehow still manages to get them closer to answers than Astrid has been in months, leaving her career as a spy on shaky ground. But the deeper they go, the more Astrid begins to see cracks in the persona he presents to the world. Beneath the arrogance and charm is a man who notices too much, hesitates when he shouldn’t, and looks at her like he’s trying to understand her instead of manipulate her.

With powerful enemies closing in and a dangerous invitation pulling them into the heart of the conspiracy, Astrid can’t afford to be wrong—not about the mission, and not about him.

Because if Hex isn’t the man she thought he was, then everything she’s built her investigation on is wrong. And Candora will pay the price.

Nothing to See Here is a closed-door romantic adventure filled with sharp banter, high-stakes intrigue, and a slow-burn romance. If you love capable heroines, complicated heroes, and twists that keep you guessing until the very end, grab your copy today!

Book Review:

Oh my goodness! What a story with such crazy twists and turns! Nothing to See Here returns to Caldora for the twin princes. I was so excited and it did not disappoint.

Astrid was such a fun character. The majority of the story is through her perspective and it is so exciting to follow the political intrigue through her eyes. She was determined, intelligent, and stubborn. I loved her quick thinking and natural instincts.

Astrid was forced to work with Hex for his skills, but as they dug deeper into the plot she saw more of him too. He was so different than the persona he presented and it baffled her. I loved how they were able to connect and show each other who they truly were. They pushed each other and saw what the other didn’t. It was so cool to see them work together.

The story was full of twists and surprises! It took some time for everything to come out, but I loved seeing the clues throughout the book. It was full of secretive espionage and undercover work. I loved the excitement of it all! Callum was a lot of fun and I loved his snark. It was also so lovely to see cameos too! I adored this story and am impatiently waiting for the companion! This is a royalty romcom with spy elements. It has only kisses.

I received an ARC.

Stay Here with Me

About the Book:

Stay Here With Me: A Single Dad + Nanny, Small Town Romance (Kings of Eden Falls Book 4)

Title: Stay Here with Me
Series: Kings of Eden Falls #4
Author: Judy Corry
Release Date: July 7th, 2026
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Working as the nanny for her best friend’s brother was supposed to be simple.
Until the single dad she can’t have starts looking at her like she’s everything he wants.

Nora Miller knows that her best friend’s brother is completely out of her league. He’s older, extremely successful, and still carrying the quiet heartbreak of losing his wife two years ago.

But when Theo’s nanny suddenly quits and he asks Nora to fill in, she can’t turn him down.

As long as no one discovers her hopeless crush on her new boss, everything should be fine.

Theo Archibald is doing his best to rebuild his life after loss, but no matter how many dates he goes on, nothing ever feels right—something, he tells himself, that has nothing to do with his daughter’s new nanny.

But with Nora filling his home with warmth and laughter, it’s getting harder to pretend he doesn’t notice her. And somewhere between the stolen glances and late-night talks, the lines begin to blur, and he realizes he’s thinking about her in ways he shouldn’t.

She’s younger.
His sister’s best friend.
His employee.

But when she’s in his arms and the ache in his chest finally quiets, it’s hard to care about the rules he swore he wouldn’t break.

And when the woman who’s become his daughter’s favorite person starts to feel like the home he never thought he’d find again, he has to decide if a second chance at love is worth the risk… or if some lines should never be crossed.

STAY HERE WITH ME is a slow-burn, forbidden, single dad romance about second chances, found family, and falling for the one person you were never supposed to want.

Tropes & Vibes:

Single Dad x Nanny
Best Friend’s Brother
Forbidden Romance
Age Gap
Live-In Nanny / Forced Proximity
Slow Burn
Widower Hero
Found Family
She falls first, he falls harder
Healing & Second Chances

Book Review:

This was honestly so cute and sweet! I was super excited about this book because I wanted to see Nora and Theo get their happy ending. It was worth the wait! Stay Here With Me is the fourth book in Judy Corry’s Kings of Eden Falls.

I liked both Nora and Theo from the beginning. They were both just trying to figure out life. Theo was honestly still trying to navigate raising his daughter without his wife and Nora was trying to figure out what she wanted to do. I love how Charlotte brought them together. They both adored Theo’s child.

The characters felt real and their struggles felt real. I liked how they handled things like adults. They had some growth and stretching to do but they were willing to work with each other. There were small miscommunications but it fit the characters and didn’t feel overblown. It was fun to see some old characters and also see the hints of the next books.

I would recommend this book to those who enjoy forbidden romances (he’s her boss, she’s the nanny) with lots of feelings and cute scenes. Stay Here With Me is a fade to black contemporary romance.

Content warnings: innuendos, steamy kisses, death of a loved one (past), he’s a widower (steamy bonus scene with email sign up at the end)

Book Highlights:

She was a gymnast

Single dad

Princess pirates

Best friend’s brother

Age gap

I received a complimentary copy

Say You Remember Me

About the Book:

Say You Remember Me: A Fake Engagement/Billionaire Boss Romance (Kings of Eden Falls Book 2)

Title: Say You Remember Me
Series: Kings of Eden Falls #2
Author: Judy Corry
Release Date: February 25th, 2025
Genre: Contemporary Romance

She’s everything he wants… and the one woman he can’t have.

Maddie thought her spontaneous kiss with a gorgeous stranger at an exclusive club was just that—a momentary spark with a man she’d never see again.

But when she arrives at her new job the next Monday, she’s stunned to find that her mystery man is actually Ian Hastings, her new boss…and their chemistry is far from a one-time thing.

Ian is captivated by Maddie, the small-town single-mom who just became his assistant, but he’s determined to keep their relationship strictly professional.

Yet resisting her is harder than he imagined, and keeping his hands to himself soon becomes impossible when a familiar face from his past forces him to ask Maddie for an unexpected favor.

A fake engagement.

To deflect his ex’s advances—and avoid unwanted rumors at a high-profile summit—Ian suggests they pretend to be a couple. But it isn’t long before their staged romance blurs into real feelings and Maddie and Ian find themselves tangled in a game of longing, secrets, and unexpected passion.

But when old wounds and hidden truths threaten to break through their careful façade, will they be willing to risk everything to turn this fake relationship into a real one?

Book Review:

4.5 stars

Ahhh! I was so excited for this one. I knew that Ian’s book was going to be great but I was even more excited when I saw that Maddie was the FMC. Say You Remember Me is the second book in Judy Corry’s Kings of Eden Falls series.

I adored Ian. he came across as a play boy billionaire but he was actually scared of letting others in. It was sweet to see him falling for Maddie and finding out that he wants something more to life than just work. I loved getting to know him better especially as he learned to navigate his fears of letting Maddie in.

Maddie was so strong and was just trying to make a life for her and Grant. I loved getting to know her better since I had heard of her from her siblings books but I didn’t really know her. She had had to shoulder a lot on her own as she raised Grant and tried to figure out things with her ex. But it was cool to see her able to just be present when she was with Ian. He helped her and cared for her.

The romance was sweet and I love the way that Maddie and Ian supported each other. They didn’t push each other too hard and were there for the other person. They definitely had some obstacles to overcome but it was lovely to read about them connecting and finding their person.

The story didn’t feel rushed and I was engaged the whole time. I loved seeing some old characters, especially Ian and Maddie’s families. I just wish there were more scenes with them. Grant was sweet and it was cool to see hints of new books to come.

I would recommend this book to those who enjoy contemporary romances. I loved reading about Ian and Maddie. They helped heal each other. I will say that this is a fade to black romance book so on the edge of closed door. There are innuendos and descriptive kisses. Maddie’s siblings have their own books in the Ridgewater High Romance series and Ian’s siblings have their own stories in the Eden Falls Academy series. Say You Remember Me is a fade-to-black contemporary romance.

Book Highlights:

Billionaire boss

Fake dating

Single mom

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

Veil of Deceit

About the Book:

Veil of Deceit: a heist romantasy (Hopelessly Bound Book 1)

Title: Veil of Deceit
Series: Hopelessly Bound Duet #2
Author: A. R. Conwell
Release Date: June 30th, 2026
Genre: Fantasy

“Come now, don’t tell me you’re afraid, little thief.”

Power comes at a price. Unless you steal it.

A mysterious orb has washed up on the shores of the most dangerous island in all the Seven Havens. It must be stolen before the bloodthirsty King of Grimhaven learns to harness it.

So, a crew is assembled. But in order to secure one of the members, a marriage alliance is required.

Finnick Valengard and Lucianna Morrowe are not a love match. They’re more likely to swordfight than they are to kiss. Too bad their fathers didn’t consider that when they arranged their marriage for the good of the kingdom.In spite of their differences, the newlyweds will have to band together with the rest of their crew to cross the Heartless Tides, infiltrate the mazes of Grimhaven, and steal the orb right out from under the king. Can they do the impossible?

Find out in the first book of the thrilling Hopelessly Bound Trilogy: Veil of Deceit, a slow burn, no spice, high stakes romantasy.

Book Review:

What a start to the story! This was full of actions, secrets, and surprises. I was so excited to start this series and cannot wait to read the next book!

Finn is adorable! I already loved him from the Obsidian Academy duology, but seeing his determined protectiveness and care of his family just endeared him to me more!He had a strong sense of honor and was a support to Castien however he could be. However, being brought into an arranged marriage then jumping into an intense mission was a new experience for him. Finn had such a soft heart though he often hid his true feelings with action and charm. Oh Lucianna, I felt for her! Though her father cared for her and wanted good for her, her arranged marriage and the mission she found herself in, terrified her. She was constantly on guard and I honestly ached for her. Lucianna had so many fears and it kept her from those around her.

Finn and Lucianna were quite the pair. There was a lot of initial wariness and their close quarters brought more tension, even as they slowly began to see different facets of each other. They challenged one another and their skills complemented each other. I loved getting to see them work through their relationship, though it was slow going!

I loved getting to see Cas and Wren again! The team they put together was so fun and I loved getting to know them all. The book felt a bit like an introduction and slow unfolding of the initial story, but I loved the character exploration. It is within the world of the Obsidian Academy and though it can be read as a standalone,I would definitely recommend reading it. It gives depth and background to some of the relationships and the world. The story definitely has a strong adventure/heist element that I really enjoy and reminds me of classic fairytales and stories. I feel like the world was more clear to me in this book and I cannot wait to see how the story continues. It was definitely a cliffhanger ending though! This is a romantasy with some non descriptive violence, danger, and only kisses.

I received an ARC.

Spies, Lies, and Alibis

About the Book:

Spies, Lies, and Alibis: A low-spice, thrilling spy romance

Title: Spies, Lies, and Alibis
Author: Natalie Walters
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release Date: May 19th, 2026
Genre: Romantic Suspense

They were each other’s first love. Now they might be each other’s last hope. Perfect for fans of Ally Carter, Spies, Lies, and Alibis is an unputdownable binge-fest, full of laughs, heart, and mischief.

Cybil Langford has spent years hiding behind her polished, professional facade as the executive assistant to a powerful real estate mogul, where she’s perfectly positioned to collect intel on her boss’s criminal network. But when her mission leads her into the path of Lorenzo Ramirez–a ruthless crime boss with deadly plans–she’ll need every ounce of cunning and charm to stay one step ahead.

Then he walks back into her life.

Ben Bradley is deep undercover for the FBI, living under an alias, as a financial advisor with a reputation for helping the wealthy and corrupt launder their money. His target? Lorenzo Ramirez, a dangerous crime boss with his hands in everything from smuggling to murder. But when a familiar face from his past suddenly reappears, things get . . . complicated.

The last time Cybil saw Ben, he was an annoying prankster–and her first crush. The last time Ben saw Cybil, she stole a piece of his heart. Neither expected to run into each other at a high-stakes fundraising gala where crime, corruption, and undercover agendas collide.

Forced to work dangerously close, neither knows the other’s true agenda. Cybil sees the boy who once broke her heart, now a man whose motives are deeply suspect. Ben sees the woman he never got over but can’t determine if she’s an innocent caught in the crossfire or a willing accomplice. As they navigate a world of spies, lies, and fragile alibis, they must dismantle the walls around their hearts.

The intel is classified. The trust is fragile. And their covers are one lie away from blowing wide open.

Book Review:

As always Walters brings the banter and suspense to make a wonderful book! The book sounded really interesting so I was excited to try it out. I was intrigued by the story and wanted to see how everything would work.

Cybil and Ben were such fun and unique characters. They were so fun to read about. It was interesting to read more about them and get to know their backstories. They had history together but hadn’t seen each other in ages. They had a lot of funny interactions especially as they tried to keep secrets from each other. It was sweet to read about them reconnecting and seeing that there was more to the other person.

I wanted to see how everything would work out. Both Ben and Cybil had secrets but were trying to take down the bad guys. There was so much going on and I was on the edge of my seat. It did take me a little while to get into the story but I ended up really enjoying it. I can’t wait to see what else Natalie Walters writes! Spies, Lies, and Alibis is a closed door romantic suspense.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Graysen Foxx and the Treasure of Principal Redbeard

About the Book:

Graysen Foxx and the Treasure of Principal Redbeard (School Treasure Hunter) | Treasure Hunt - Book 1, Treasure Hunter Series (Graysen Foxx, School Treasure Hunter, 1)

Title: Graysen Foxx and the Treasure of Principal Redbeard
Series: Graysen Foxx
Author: J. Scott Savage
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishers
Release Date: March 7th, 2023
Genre: Children’s Fiction

Join Graysen Foxx on a wild, treasure-hunting adventure!

Ordinary Elementary is anything but ordinary. Below the classrooms are winding, abandoned, underground passages filled with lost treasures. Fifth-grader Graysen Foxx, aka The Gray Fox―finder of secrets, solver of mysteries, and explorer of the unknown―is hot on the trail of the legendary treasure of Principal Redbeard, which includes decades of confiscated gadgets, rare comic books, first-edition Pokémon trading cards, an original Rubik’s Cube, and a retro handheld video game.

Graysen is determined to find the treasure and share it with his fellow students. His nemesis, Raven Ransom―nicknamed “Red Raven”―plans to stop him and claim the prizes for herself, just like she did with the game-winning home run kickball everyone thought was lost on the roof of the school.

Wearing his adventurer-iconic fedora, journaling in his field notebook, and wielding his elastic stretchy hand, Graysen is ready for action. But can he avoid the second-grade spy network working for Raven? Could the third-grade twins, Maya and Jack, give him an advantage? Can he avoid the ruthless sixth graders while trying to protect the innocent first graders? And who is the mysterious Midnight Moth who is leaving cryptic notes and riddles?

It’s a battle between courage and cunning, smarts and shrewdness, charity and cheating. With the treasure on the line, can Graysen trust his rival―or is it just another one of her traps? May the best treasure hunter win!

Book Review:

I was excited to read a MG book, because I haven’t been reading too many recently. This type of adventure book was what I grew up reading! Ordinary Elementary is full of surprises, mysteries, like the underground passages filled with lost treasures. Graysen Foxx, aka The Gray Fox is a fifth grader treasure hunter and explorer. Upon hearing of the legendary treasure of Principle Redbeard, he is determined to find it and share it with his fellow students, as long as he gets to it before his nemesis, Raven Ransom, or the “Red Raven”. But as the mysteries pile up and the puzzles become more dangerous, will Graysen be able to win?

This was a really fun book for the age range! It was full of excitement and action. Graysen’s POV was interesting and provided a clear picture into the fantastical world of Ordinary Elementary. What a cool world! It had elements of classic adventure stories, with the unique setting of a elementary school. His narration felt youthful and lighthearted, while also fitting the treasure-hunter vibe of the book. It was humorous and silly at times, but I felt like it really fit the story.

The puzzles and mystery of the story was also really intriguing. I think young readers will enjoy following Graysen’s escapades and solving it along with him. There is little adult influence in this book, except for a few teachers. There is a strong emphasis on friendships and helping others throughout the story. I would recommend this to young readers who are interested in adventure stories or treasure hunts or just a fun story!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.