Quick note: I don't post a lot here anymore. Mostly books and planning linkups once a month. On Instagram I am posting quite a lot, and there is where you will find most of my commentary on all of the civil rights work going on right now. I am working out all of my thoughts, all of my goals, and what I am learning, and how I can be a better ally. :) I believe that Black lives matter. I believe that systematic changes need to be made in our country. So now, I'll talk about books. But I didn't want to let this post go on without this info. :)
I have been reading a lot.. but have been very behind on writing my reviews... I got some of them written, so I can link up for SUYB today! :)
Mum's the Word by Staci Hart (Bennet Brothers #3) - own, ebook
5 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy contemporary romance. Read Coming Up Roses First.
When Maisie Bower is called home to work for her family, her controlling mother and her desire to sink small business Longbourne Flower Shop will quickly become too much. Maisie's goal has always been to work on her outreach program, but now she must take her place as the heiress of Bower. When a chance encounter puts her in the path of Marcus Bennet, the eldest of the Longbourne Flower Shop family, she knows he's off limits, but she can't keep her distance. Can the two have love without risking the fate of their family businesses?
Would call this a modern day re-imagining of the Bennet family from Pride and Prejudice. This is a re-imagining of Mary's story. Which is to say... not much of a story originally.
I should have written my full review ASAP after reading this, and I didn't. But what I can tell you is... I really really loved this book. I thought that Marcus and Maisie were so sweet, and their story was adorable. I loved the beginning, such a meet cute. It all felt very dramatic, and their "forbidden" romance was super fun to read. I loved Maisie's work creating a community outreach program, what an amazing idea. The romance was swoony, there was so much intensity and certainty. I loved that. It wasn't one of those romances that is just mis-communication start to finish. Which is always a breath of fresh air! As usual, I loved the meddling Bennet brood and all of the good natured ribbing and shenanigans. Though I loved the romance, I think the Bennet family as a whole is always my favorite part of these books.
Hold Your Breath by Katie Ruggle (Search and Rescue #1) - library, ebook
4.5-5 Stars - I highly recommend if you enjoy action/suspense with some romance. This ends on a cliff hanger, and is part of a 4 part series.
Lou has escaped her controlling ex-boyfriend and moved to a remote part of the Rockies to join a volunteer dive rescue team. She's determined to make it on her own, and learn mountain life. When a dive team ice training unearths a body, a mystery unfolds to identify the victim, and find the killer. As things get more dangerous, Lou's dive team captain, Callum, has her questioning her need to "go it alone". Will they find the killer, before the killer kills them?
I haven't really read a lot of romantic suspense, it read mostly like suspense, but with a little bit of romance. I didn't quite know what to expect but I loved this book! It was so action-packed and fun to read. The dive team in the mountains of Colorado was a great start for this series, and it made for really interesting plot points. I was compelled by the mystery and the suspense, and I was excited to see what would happen. I kept thinking things would calm down, and then there was just SO MUCH ACTION. So many more things kept happening. I often get bored when I read mysteries, but that didn't happen with this one for me! If you like to read action/suspense, I'd recommend this one!
Fan the Flames by Katie Ruggle (Search and Rescue #2) - library, ebook
4 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy action/suspense with a little bit of romance. You need to read Hold Your Breath first. This ends on a cliff hanger, and is part of a 4 part series.
Rory Sorensen owns a gun shop in town and is known for her no-nonsense attitude and peacefully staying in the middle of the good guys and the bad ones. The latter being the ones who buy her not-so-legal stock of guns. When she defends her shop from a robbery, killing a gang member, she'll find herself on the wrong side of the battle for the first time. Ian Walsh, a fire fighter and a gang member is used to being in the middle, but he'll find himself choosing sides to protect Rory.
I really enjoyed this book, though not quite as much as the first one. It took me a little bit of time, but I ended up really liking Rory and appreciating her character and what she had to go through with an extreme childhood. I liked Ian, and I thought that their relationship was tentative and sweet. I enjoyed the action and how it tied into the first book, though it wasn't quite as compelling as the first book for me. I'm excited to see where the series goes!
The Beast of Beswick by Amalie Howard - own, physical book
4.5-5 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy historical romance, especially the grumpy one falls for the sunshine one trope.
Lord Nathaniel Hart has been wounded in battle, and left by those he loves. He's grumpy, angry, and disagreeable. Thus his new name, The Beast of Beswick. When Lady Astrid Everleigh finds herself in desperation to keep her younger sister out of the clutches of an evil man, she'll offer herself to Beswick in exchange for protection. He's incredibly tempted, but also very reluctant. Can they save each other?
I should have written my full review ASAP after reading this, and I didn't. THIS WAS SO CUTE! I looooove a wounded hero who is super bristly. I love a marriage of convenience plot. I'm very unused to men refusing that offer in these books, so that was a fun change. I can't remember all the details of this right now. But I know I loved it. It was really swoony, really steamy, and really feminist. If you love those things in a historical, I think you'll love this. I can't wait to read more books by Amalie Howard!
Floral Embroidery: Create 10 Beautiful Modern Embroidery Projects Inspired by Nature by Teagan Olivia Sturmer* - ARC, ebook
5 Stars - I really enjoyed this how-to book for beautiful floral embroidery.
I love this gorgeous embroidery book. The author's introduction and dedication to her craft at the inspiration of her grandmothers is so heartening. It gives the reader inspiration that we can learn from our elders, and take their advice into our own lives as we grow. I appreciate the simple guide to needed supplies, and basic stitches provided by the author. I've never done proper embroidery, and found her directions very easy to follow. I appreciate that she also provides exact floss colors to use for each pattern, as well as the patterns themselves. I think that the gorgeous photos of the embroidery projects make the craft even more enticing to learn. The only thing I would have loved to see was a photo or two of the author with her grandmothers either in the introduction or at the end of the book. I can't wait to try out these embroidery patterns using this book!
A Secret for a Secret by Helena Hunting (All In #3) - ARC, ebook
3.5-4 Stars - I recommend if you have read the rest of the series.
When "Boy Scout" Ryan Kingston gets some life-changing news, he decides to do what he never does, get drunk. When a beautiful woman sits next to him at the bar, also wallowing, they decide to get drunk, and consequently spend an amazing night together. Weeks later, at the starting meeting for the NHL season, King recognizes the manager's new assistant, it's the woman he had a one night stand with... and the manager's daughter. Queenie is running away from one bad decision after another, but spending the night with King wasn't one of them. When her father gives her the rule not to date men on the team, her and King try to keep it platonic.
I love this series so much, it was super fun to see the characters from the other books again! I love the bromance between King, Rook, and Bishop. (woah I just caught that... chess pieces...!). I thought that the differences between King and Queenie were adorable and made them a great couple. There was a lot of chemistry and tension to swoon over. They balanced each other out really well, and it was so fun to read about their relationship. I liked her aspiring career as an art therapist and a look at Alex and Violet's kids. I felt like there were a few too many conflicts in this story for me, but that overall I enjoyed the book. Looking forward to seeing what comes next... and I hope it's what I think it is!
Beltane: Rituals, Recipes & Lore for May Day by Melanie Marquis - own, physical book
4 Stars - I recommend if you are interested in learning about the sabbats of the year, specifically May Day.
One of my goals this year was to learn more and to read more non-fiction. I found myself learning about the wheel of the year, and interested to learn more about each sabbat. This book focuses on Beltane or May Day. I love mythology, symbology, and holidays, so it was really fun and informative to read about this ancient festival and how it evolved over the years. I also enjoyed learning about symbols for this part of the year, and activities to do, recipes to make, etc. I wasn't personally interested in the ritual/spell portion, but I found this book really useful all the same. I'm excited to learn more about the sabbats as the wheel of the year goes on. :)
Dreamer's Pool by Juliet Marillier (Blackthorn & Grim #1) - own, physical book
CW - mentions of sexual assault. Not vividly described on the page.
4 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy historical fantasy with a bit of mystery.
When Blackthorn makes a deal with a mysterious other folk, she is sprung from her prison, along with her silent prison mate, Grim, but has to set aside her goal of vengeance for seven years, agreeing to assist anyone who asks for her help. The two travel to Dalraida and begin helping the people of the city. When the prince, Oran, comes to them with a curious issue, they must solve the mystery of his changed fiancee, before he must wed her.
I made it a goal to read more of Juliet Marillier's work this year, and so far that has been really enjoyable. I read Harp of Kings last year and fell in love with her writing. Earlier this year I read her unfinished Wildwood series and thought it was very fun. I started this series next, because it was shorter than some of her others. :) I was a little bit surprised to find that this novel contained very few fantasy elements, but did have a mystery. I enjoyed the quick start to the novel and the intrigue related to Blackthorn's new purpose in Dalraida. I liked that both Blackthorn and Grim were both very complicated characters. They both have a lot of hurt and baggage, and that plays a big part in their stories. I liked them as a team, and that they balance each other out. Oran was also an interesting character, but I admit I found him a little bit helpless, and thought that his disagreement with his friend was pretty silly. However, I overall liked all of the characters and the setting, and am excited to continue with the next two books in the series. I am interested to see if they will be situational mysteries? We shall see. Still out of Marillier's books nothing has topped Harp of Kings, but that's ok. I am enjoying the ride. Her writing is always great, and her worlds are always very interesting. This is definitely a very "Me Too" era book, written back in 2013.
The Deep by Rivers Solomon* - ARC, ebook
CW - self harm, attempted suicide. Alluded to.
3-3.5 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy unique fantasy, with vivid world building. This is a novella, but it felt more like a short full length novel to me.
Yetu is the historian of the underwater people descended from slaves thrown overboard from their captor's ships. She bears the weight of their entire history, and it is taking it's toll on her. She is emaciated and has forgotten about the yearly remembering ceremony, where she gives the people of her world the history, and is free of its burden for a short time. She makes the incomprehensible choice to flee to freedom, but can she leave her people to her former suffering? What will happen if they cannot contain the history and end their society as the world knows it?
Wow, first of all, what a unique concept for a fantasy novel. It pulled me in immediately, and the history gives a second meaning to the story that follows. I was very interested in the world that was created and the magic of their history as well. I connected to Yetu's anxiety and overwhelm, but did have a hard time relating to her journey within the novel. While it was very interesting, and short, I didn't find myself having trouble putting it down. It had sort of a slow pace, that I was having trouble connecting with at this time. The way everything came together in the end was very satisfying and and felt relatively powerful. I will say, even with as much as a romance lover as I am... I don't think this story needed the romance. The connections that were made could have been achieved in other ways. I'm not against it, but it felt like a little bit of an afterthought, or an extra. Overall this this book is a really interesting new piece of fantasy. I recommend it if you are looking for something different and engaging.
Marshmallow by Megan Wade (Sweet Curves #1) - borrowed KU, ebook
1 Star - I can't really recommend this one.
I don't know how to rate this one. I was so excited to find this adorable looking set of romance novellas featuring plus sized women! The beginning of this book was so cute: a plus sized instagrammer gets asked to do a cover shoot with a male model that she's had a crush on for a long time. She was very body positive and fun, and I was so excited for the rest of the story. However, the love story was so questionable. :( HIGHLIGHT FOR SPOILERS: There is an 11 year age gap, she's nearly a virgin, and never had a boyfriend. He knows she's his soulmate, and decides (WITHOUT ANY CONVO) not to use birth control, and to intentionally get her pregnant because they are meant to be. WHAT?! Then she immediately starts feeling not good enough for him, because he's hot and she's plus sized... and I know that everyone has insecurities, and that's fine to share and be realistic about... but she was only body positive in this story when he was appreciating her body. That's not really body positivity. I know these novellas are labelled as instalove, over the top, alpha male, etc. etc. but there is a difference between those things and how I felt reading this. Because I WANT to like this series a lot, and there were redeeming parts to it.... and they only take an hour to read, I WANT to at least read the next one... but I don't think it is going to get better. So I guess I'll stop here. :(
The Delicate Deception by Cat Sebastian*** - ARC, ebook
4 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy historical romance. This one has LGBTQ+ characters.
Amelia Allenby has embarrassed herself and her family in the ballroom, and has removed herself to the country for some solitude. She can't stand pretending to be something she's not, small talk, etc. She avoids everyone at all costs, taking very early walks to make it so. One day, she finds her walks interrupted by an intriguing, but infuriating stranger. Sydney Goddard is back in the country at the estate he inherited due to his brother's death. This is the last place that he wants to be, until he interrupts Amelia's morning walks. He doesn't tell her that she is technically a tenant on his estate, and she doesn't tell him her history either. They quickly become more than friends, but can their unnamed relationship survive so much deception?
This was a fun and quick historical romance. I liked the writing style and the characters quite a bit. I thought that Amelia was refreshingly herself, and Sydney's grumpiness and dislike of the upper classes made them an interesting pair to read about. Amelia tended to get so up in arms with Sydney that there were just some very funny sections of the book. Amelia suffers from some kind of social or generalized anxiety, and as a fellow anxiety sufferer I felt it was portrayed in a realistic and thoughtful way. I loved that Sydney was so understanding and helpful related to her anxiety. That was very sweet and something you don't find in historical romance to this extent. It was also nice to see some representation for bisexual characters in historical romance. It wasn't a huge element of the story, but approached in a matter of fact way, which I rather liked. I really enjoyed Amelia's relationship with her friend Georgiana, and Sydney's friendship with Lex. They were all very off the wall, and really funny as a group. There were some very hilarious conversations and bromances happening. It makes me want to read more of the series just to laugh at conversations between more fun characters. I appreciate the Cat Sebastian is diversifying the romance genre!
Pumpkin by Megan Wade (Sweet Curves #2) - borrowed KU, ebook
2 Stars - I can't really recommend this one. :(
Yet again, I don't know how to rate this one. On the plus side (har), this book was better and less problematic than Marshmallow (I think). Because the characters already know each other, it seems less strange when they get together and everything is so intense. I thought that the Thanksgiving plot was cute, and that there was a lot less in the way of body issues in this one. (they were not non-existent, but it was better). There wasn't a ton of insecurity, she wasn't only thinking about herself in terms of what he thought, etc. HOWEVER, HIGHLIGHT FOR SPOILERS: there were still some problems here for me. There is a thirteen year age gap between them and she is NINETEEN. He noticed he had feelings for her when she was SEVENTEEN, and moved away to keep his distance. He tried to never be around when she was to avoid what he felt was inappropriate feelings. Is this good or bad? He tried not to act on it, and didn't until she was 19... but it still feels a little creepy. It does feel a lot less creepy than the other book though. Like with Marshmallow, she doesn't have any sexual or dating experience, which makes it a little bit creepier. But I do understand that she liked him the whole time... which is something that wasn't surprising to me. Preteen girls often have crushes on friends' older brothers. Again, the "I must get you pregnant immediately" thing is so confusing and weird to me. Why? Is this a kink? At least they had a tiny convo about it this time. The epilogue was cute, and overall this one was less problematic than the last. I don't have issues with age gaps, more just the combo of all of these things made it feel kinda weird. Yet again, I am thinking I might read the next book because they are so short and I want them to be good... I don't know.
Mermaid Inn by Jenny Holiday* - ARC, ebook
4 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy contemporary romance, this is a bit Hallmark-y but steamier.
When Eve Abbott's great aunt passes away and leaves her her famous "Mermaid Inn", Eve must go back to Moonflower Bay and try to sell it. She's avoided the town, and its inhabitants for the last ten years, and has no desire to go back. Her first act of laying low? Getting stuck on the roof of the inn, and having the sheriff (her ex and high school sweetheart), Sawyer called to rescue her. When she finds out that she is not allowed to sell the inn for a year, she wrestles with her past and where her future will take her.
You know that Taylor Swift song It's Nice to Have a Friend? I love it, it's just so cute. Evie and Sawyer remind me of the people in the song. They grew up together, they did everything together, and they grew into more. The second chance romance isn't usually my favorite, but the familiar trope of a woman moving back to a small town she doesn't want to be in, and getting sucked in is one that I really enjoy. So the pairing of the two worked well for me. I loved the town of Moonflower Bay. I loved the quirkiness, the characters, the traditions, the lake, etc. I liked that the older residents of the town were conspiring to match make the younger folks. That was really cute, and honestly it would have been fun to see a little bit more of it! I thought that this book had a nice mix of serious and funny, and was overall pretty darn fun. I would have liked some more flashbacks to when they were kids, just to round out more of their history. I loved the family aspect with Sawyer's sister Clara and their found family with their friends. It will be fun to read more books in this series and see what happens with Jake, Law, Maya and the matchmakers. I loved the bromance between the guys so much. So many little things about this book appeal to me as well, I LOVE mermaids and moon flowers, so all of the symbolism and traditions related to those were so much fun to me. If you enjoy Hallmark-y small town plots with a bit more steam, and some quirkiness along the way I think you'll enjoy this fun summer read.
Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker, Illustrated by Wendy Xu - library, ebook
3 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy ya graphic novels.
Nova works in her grandmother's bookshop, and is a witch. When she sees a white wolf in the woods one night she realizes it is her childhood crush Tam. Tam is battling a horse demon, and soon Nova, Tam, and the nanas will find themselves trying to save the town from the horse demon.
I had seen people reading this and decided to give this a shot in between books. The illustrations were so cute (especially the cats and forest creatures), and I enjoyed the story, though it ultimately felt a bit too teenagery for me. It was a cute, witchy graphic novel with lots of representation from ability to sexuality. I loved the nanas and the family dynamic. The family dynamic with her parents, etc. wasn't explained at all which was kind of confusing... I wish there would have been more there. I loved the holiday aspect, the whole story was very cozy. There was not a lot of back story on their Nova and Tam's relationship, I wish that there would have been more flashbacks. Without them it felt a bit instant. I enjoyed the puns thrown in. The magic system wasn't particularly explained and I don't think I really "got" the spell that they did for connection or why it continued the way it did as the story went on. Lastly, as a foodie and someone who loves food in books, I wish that we would have heard more about the actual mooncakes. They are mentioned in passing once, and that was all we got. Overall this was cute, with great representation, but ultimately too teenagery I think, for me.
Gone Too Deep by Katie Ruggle (Search and Rescue #3) - library, ebook
5 Stars - I highly recommend if you enjoy action/suspense with a bit of romance. You need to read Hold Your Breath first. This ends on a cliff hanger, and is part of a 4 part series.
When Ellie's mentally ill father calls her and tells her he's being followed and he is going to their family cabin in the remote Rockies she is terrified. She flies to Colorado and aims to hire a guide to take her to the cabin, hoping that her father hasn't perished in the snow, or at the hands of possible killers before they find him. George Holloway, is search and rescue's best nature guide, and reluctantly agrees to help Ellie find her father. Along the way it becomes clear that Ellie has no wilderness experience, and George is in way over his head. When the journey becomes dangerous, he'll find himself protecting Ellie with everything he has.
THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD. I enjoyed this one just as much as the first book, and enjoyed the survival and outdoor elements of the story. I loved George, he's just the sweetest hulking man ever. I loved Ellie too, and their contrasts were super endearing. I liked that this one was just as action packed as the others. The natural elements mixed with being stalked by a killer made for a very compelling read. A few spoilers (highlight to read): I wish this was Dual POV so bad. Oh it is, but very rarely! BECAUSE HE'S QUIET! His first kiss. GASP. Him missing her and holding her hat. I totally saw the ending coming. BUT I DIDN'T CARE BECAUSE I AM SO COMPELLED. I CAN'T WAIT TO READ THE LAST BOOK!
Sweatpants Season by Danielle Allen - own, physical book
4 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy contemporary romance. Also a good diversity pick! Written by a Black author with POC characters.
When Akila meets Carlos in a photography workshop there is immediate chemistry. She is drawn to the quiet, passionate man and his work ethic. When she finds out he's a part of a despicable podcast, she's torn between her feelings for him, and her strong beliefs. When their relationship progresses, she'll have to have hard conversations, and decide what is most important to her.
This isn’t normally a book I’d pick up on my own. BUT The Ripped Bodice sent it to me in a care package, so I obviously had to read it. I’m so glad that they did send it because I really liked this book! I liked both Akila and Carlos, they were both driven and passionate. I enjoyed their enemies to lovers romance. It was very slow burn, and there was a lot of tension. I found this book super sexy, but also very feminist. That's a really good combo in my book. I also appreciated that there were tons of positive female friendships. Yas! This won’t be my last Danielle Allen book!!
Just One of the Groomsmen by Cindi Madsen - own, physical book
3 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy contemporary romance.
Addie has always been "one of the guys". She plays football, joins eating contests, and plays poker every week. When one of her best friends, Tucker, moves back to town, things have shifted to something less platonic. With their buddy's wedding coming up, they can't risk causing drama or heartbreak within the group. But they also can't seem to keep their hands off each other. When Addie gets a job offer in another city, everything changes once again. -- work on this...
I don't know that I've read a "one of the guys" or "tom boy" romance before. It was a fun change of pace. I loved the group of guys and Addie. They were so funny and wiley. I liked the small town Southern setting, and with all of the quirky characters too. Especially because Tucker was a lawyer that moved back home, and also a bit of a "Golden Boy" this story often reminded me of Hart of Dixie. No complaints here. I thought that their relationship was really swoony, and the chemistry was great. The conflict fell a bit flat for me. I thought that Tucker was being pretty idiotic... but that happens. LOL Friends to lovers isn't my favorite romance trope, but I did enjoy this book. I think if the series goes on, I might enjoy the other books even more for that reason. Overall I enjoyed this one!
Girl Gone Viral by Alisha Rai*/*** - ARC, ebook
4 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy contemporary romance.
Katrina King, is a shy ex-model dealing with panic, living in seclusion. When she unexpectedly meets a man at a coffee shop, and bystanders take it upon themselves to create a fake relationship for them, she'll worry about her anonymity and what this means for her life. The man that she really wants is her long-time bodyguard Jas Singh. He's never made any interest in her known, but she wishes he would. When things get out of control with the viral tweet about her meet cute, Jas will drive her to his family farm to give her the seclusion she needs.
I love a good bodyguard romance. Especially a grumpy sort of silent body guard in a romance. I loved Jas and his calm desire to take care of Katrina. I love that he pined for her for so long. I loved Katrina and her sunny outlook and desire to be happy and care for others. The first book in this series was a little too "modern" (modern love series, I know...) for my personal tastes, but this one was just right. I loved the plot, and how they got away to his family's cabin together. As someone who personally deals with anxiety and panic attacks, I thought that Rai's representation of that in Katrina's character was really accurate and sensitively done. I hope that it helps get some awareness out there to readers. It actually choked me up a few times, because I've been there, and was lucky to have someone by my side to help me too. I really enjoyed all of the animals, and also Jas's family. I thought that they were all so colorful and funny. I loved the history of his family and the diversity in that area of California. The "I Love You" stole my heart. Swoon, this was such a cute book. Can't wait, as always, for more of Rai's books!
Monthly totals:
Read - 18
Owned - 6
Ebook - 13
Physical book - 4
Audiobook - 1
ARC - 6
Library/Borrowed - 6
Re-read - 0
Bought - 87 (13 physical books, 74 ebooks) - 57 books were freeee!++ :) -- also please note that the bulk were free because/I've bought so much because there so many free/discounted ebooks during quarantine!
To Let Go - 2
Yearly Totals:
Read - 52
Owned - 28
Ebook - 25
Physical book - 24
Audiobook - 3
ARC - 12
Library/Borrowed - 13
Re-read - 2
Bought - 480 (93 physical books, 387 ebooks) - 328 books were freeee! :)
To Let Go - 15
Linking up with Jana and Steph for Show Us Your Books today. :)
What have you been reading? What do you hope to read this month?!
Let's be friends on Goodreads!
XO,
Alexandra
* Asterisks denote titles that I was given advance access to by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. These reviews are my own opinion, and based on the edition of the book I was given at the time. Thank you Netgalley
**Double asterisks denote books won via a goodreads giveaway!
***Triple asterisks denote titles that I was given advance access to by Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. These reviews are my own opinion, and based on the edition of the book I was given at the time. Thank you Edelweiss!
****Quadruple asterisks denote titles that I was given advance access to by the author of the book in exchange for an honest review. These reviews are my own opinion and based on the edition of the book I was given at the time!
++ pro-tip: use your Amazon shipping at a slower rate to get e-book credits. I do it whenever I don't need something ASAP and it's resulted in a lot of free ebooks. I usually get them when they are $1.99, etc. Just make sure to use them before they expire!
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