This book dragged. Mostly because Sabrina is insufferable. I couldn’t take her BS and the longer Graeme put up with it the more I lost respect for him too. There was also the frequent presence one of the most unlikable heroines I’ve come across in highland romances, Ainsley, throughout the book. The characters all just kept saying things that either weren’t true or contradictory to everything that had happened leading up to the story. Ultimately I couldn’t even buy the chemistry or romance between Sabrina and Graeme. I’m really hoping I like Grant’s book better. 

This might be one of my new favorite books! I love Logan and Donella and their romance was so sweet and enjoyable to read. The Kendrick family in general is very loveable, but the addition of Joseph melts your heart. Highland romances don’t typically touch on racism, and the few times I’ve read stories that include it it’ll really poorly done. However in this book it felt properly included and addressed without being the main story, or overly cringey in acknowledging it. This is a book I would probably revisit! 

I had high hopes for this book, after loving The Highlander's Princess Bride, and it's been on my list for so long but I was incredibly disappointed.  The main problem was how much I disliked Ainsley.  This could have been a great story with a loveable cast, but Ainsley was infuriating.  And I know I should have more compassion for her, given her assault, but she just continued to be terrible.  It didn't help that she was somehow aware of her being spoiled, selfish, etc. while doing absolutely nothing to change it.  Meanwhile, Royal is so wonderful and patient.  It made Ainsley that much more unlikeable.  It also made it difficult to really buy into their chemistry or love as the book went on.  I love the rest of the cast though, so hoping that the rest of the series is more enjoyable, considering the Kendrick clan is pretty loveable.

A lovely and epic end to the series. This is my niece and nephew’s favorite and I can see why. The artwork is incredible and the adventure and suspense will have kids excited for more. All with some really great lessons sprinkled throughout. 

I really enjoyed this book and I’m glad I picked it up prior to reading the Clan Kendrick series. Nick and Victoria were well rounded characters and I enjoyed reading their story. But the best part was definitely how ridiculous the men of the Kendrick clan are. It helped balance the dark themes and background plots. 

I got this from the library while requesting all of the books in the wonder series, not realizing it was a picture book. It’s a great way for parents to instill kindness and accepting of physical differences to children who are not yet old enough to engage with the original book. 

I was so excited for this book, since The Fastest Way To Fall. And Cord and Pearl’s story did not disappoint!  I’m in love with them both, although there were times I wanted to shake Pearl and ask her what’s stopping her. At least more aggressively than her sisters. The whole cast of characters was wonderful and I’m really hoping to see more of the Harris family in future books, especially since you can’t help but fall in love with Tye, Shea, and Bri. Even a book about Mason would be awesome! 

This book was alright. It started with a lot of potential but towards the middle it started to drag a bit and I started to find Cassie annoying, especially the way she kept whining about being a failure. Frederick was really sweet but I think ultimately I didn’t really feel the chemistry between the two much except in the beginning. If there was a book about Reginald I would probably consider reading it, since he might have been my favorite part of this book. 

Keeping in mind that this book was published a decade ago, I didn't expect it to be perfect and it wasn't.  I wish the core ideas were better adopted in Corporate America today, and overall this is one of the better written and more effective business and career development books I've read.  The main pitfalls I believe are in the instances where Hewlett puts the burden on women and people of color to conform to what is a biased environment, rather than challenge leaders to check their own bias in these instances.  Mainly in the chapter on Executive Presence, Hewlett starts with a great foundation for what drives executive presence but ends with tips that essentially uphold the rules and standards created by and for white men.  And this is after acknowledging how people of color especially are constantly having to choose between meeting this higher set of standards placed on them to conform and being their authentic selves, cultural or religious identities included.  I would be interested in an update from the author, including what the CTI has accomplished since this book was originally published.

Loved this bonus epilogue! Ramanu is so cute and I love him and Lenora together.