If this book isn’t the absolute definition of slow burn, I don’t know what is. While I loved watching the hero, Cross, fight against himself to keep hIf this book isn’t the absolute definition of slow burn, I don’t know what is. While I loved watching the hero, Cross, fight against himself to keep his hands off Pippa, I was so happy when he finally lost all of his control. Cross and Pippa had amazing chemistry together; I loved that they were each other’s perfect match in intelligence. It warmed my heart to watch them fall in love with each other. The depth of the emotions in this book, reminded me of the previous book in the series. I am enjoying watching these scoundrels being brought to their knees by love. I think the thing I loved the most of this story was watching Pippa coordinate the night when she took over Knight’s tables to save Cross. It’s not often that theme is flipped on it’s head; I enjoyed seeing it. While I am so happy Cross and Pippa got their HEA with each other, I know I am quite saddened having to put this book down; I’m not ready to leave these characters behind. I hope they make cameos in future books in the series. Rated: 4.5/5.0—Overall, a wonderful second installment to an exciting book series. I can’t wait to read the other two books in the series to watch Temple and “Chase” get their HEAs....more
Twice Tempted by a Rogue (Tessa Dare) Read: Dec 17-30, 2020 One thing I loved about this book was how much these characters were drawn to each other. ThTwice Tempted by a Rogue (Tessa Dare) Read: Dec 17-30, 2020 One thing I loved about this book was how much these characters were drawn to each other. The chemistry between these two sizzled; I could feel the tension between the two as the story progressed. I loved watching the hero, Rhys, actively pursue the heroine, Meredith, and romance her through the story. It's not often I find stories where the hero actively desires to court and romance the heroine. I liked the history between the characters; the fact that Merry had always cared for and loved Rhys since she was a girl is heartwarming. Rhys was such a fascinating character in the first book of the series, I'm glad he found his HEA. It's always enjoyable to watch the big, strong, alpha hero who has a heart of gold find his lady love. My heart broke during the scenes when Rhys' past is revealed and all the pain he had to endure growing up under his abusive father. Knowing he went the majority of his life in pain hurt my heart and it makes the end of the story all the sweeter. My only complaint would be that I wished we could have had more interaction with them after they were married. Throughout the majority of the story, it was known that Rhys wanted to marry Meredith but it was only at the end of the book; the last few pages, that we are treated to them interacting as husband and wife. Rated: 4.25/5.0 - Overall, I enjoyed this story and these characters. I'm eager to read more of Tessa Dare's books. Shelves: rogue, historical romance, alpha, ust...more
This year I was fortunate enough to attend a virtual event at work called the Global Leadership Summit 2020. Lysa Terkhurst was one of the speakers atThis year I was fortunate enough to attend a virtual event at work called the Global Leadership Summit 2020. Lysa Terkhurst was one of the speakers at the event. I was interested in reading her stories and learning more about what she offers (books, bible studies, etc.). Back in August during the event, this book wasn't published yet but I had preordered it. When it arrived in the mail, I immediately started reading it. Normally I enjoy fiction books but this year I have felt the need to work on myself to better myself with everything that is going on. This was a good book and Lysa had a lot of good points; some of what I learnt, I feel like I will need to come back to this to really soak it in. Forgiveness is such a heavy topic; especially for myself, a HSP introvert who specializes in overthinking.
Rated: 4.0/5.0 - Overall, a wonderful way of thinking in terms of forgiveness. It's such a heavy topic that I know I'll come back to this book and continue to get something new out of it....more
“#1 New York Times bestselling author Johanna Lindsey now reveals the tempestuous story of Jacqueline Malory whosRead: Sep 7-13, 2020
Official Summary:
“#1 New York Times bestselling author Johanna Lindsey now reveals the tempestuous story of Jacqueline Malory whose furious desire for revenge leads to a confrontation with the handsome pirate who abducted her—and sparks a much steamier kind of desire.
For the first time, James Malory and his Anderson in-laws agree on something: It’s payback time for the culprit who kidnapped James and Georgina’s beloved daughter Jack from her American debutante party and whisked her away to the Caribbean, no matter that she escaped unscathed. James figured out who masterminded the dastardly plot and is leading a fleet of ships to the West Indies to deliver some Malory-style retribution.
More interested in revenge than in finding a husband during her first London Season, Jack is furious that her father left her behind. Then an intriguing stranger leads her and her older brother Jeremy to her mysterious abductor. But instead of capturing him, the Malory siblings wind up as his “guests” on a ship sailing away from England. As Jack re-engages in a battle of wills with her all too attentive captor, she realizes he is no ordinary pirate, perhaps no pirate at all, but a nobleman determined to settle a score that dates back to the days when her father was known as Captain Hawk—and what endangers her most is the increasingly passionate attraction they feel for each other.”
My Thoughts:
While I am sad that this series is over, I do feel that these later written books aren’t up to the same standard as the previous books in the series. There is just something lacking in the story. I don’t know if it is the way the story is written. The dialogue is good. The bantering is nice. There is just something missing for me as a reader. I think it’s a more tell than show element. I feel there is a lack of emotional intimacy between the characters. The Malory-Anderson family is huge and I do applaud the author for keeping everyone straight but it’s been so long since I read the other books in the series that I’m getting characters mixed up and I don’t always remember everyone’s backstories. It’s also odd for me to read stories that are about children of main characters who had their book in the past. It’s strange for me.
Rated: 3.5/5.0—Overall, I will miss this large family. I think that they were a good example and inspiration for many of the historical romance books that have been created lately. I think a re-read is in order. I remember really enjoying James and Georgina’s book....more
“#1 New York Times bestselling author Johanna Lindsey blends passion and humor in a dazzling Regency-era novel iRead: Aug 17-21, 2020
Official Summary:
“#1 New York Times bestselling author Johanna Lindsey blends passion and humor in a dazzling Regency-era novel in which a disastrous debutante becomes the toast of the town with a little help from a friend of the Prince Regent’s.
Threatened by powerful enemies, William Blackburn, Earl of Ketterham, lives in exile in the Scottish Highlands with his daughter, Vanessa. When she comes of age, William urges her to return to her mother in England to make her debut. Raised with all the advantages and freedom a boy would have, Vanessa doubts she can fit into the mold of a proper young lady. Still, she agrees to re-enter fashionable society, determined to end the vendetta against her father, never imagining the high price she will have to pay.
Lord Montgomery Townsend enjoys living on the edge, courting danger as he fixes potentially scandalous problems for the Prince Regent. While hiding out at the home of the Countess of Ketterham, Monty watches a disaster-in-the-making as his hostess tries to prepare her estranged daughter for a match with the pompous son of a powerful family. Puzzled as to why independent-minded Vanessa submits to being turned into a puppet and wants to marry the arrogant rogue, Monty nonetheless steps in to make her dreams come true. But no good deed goes unpunished, and soon he faces more pressing problems, including the temptation to upend Vanessa’s wedding plans so he can marry her himself!”
My Thoughts:
While I would normally adore everything about this kind of book (smell of pages, beautiful cover, pretty font, etc.), there is something lacking in the story line and the way it was written which doesn’t evoke any feelings or emotions which allow me to connect with this story. The story line plot isn’t bad. The characters do banter with each other and tease each other well. There were moments which caused me to laugh out loud. However, there is just something lacking in this story which feels so strange and different from the author’s previous stories. The way it is written, the lack of emotional intimacy, the feeling of being told rather than being shown by the lack of describing words/phrases/etc. bother me. This uneasy feeling I had caused me to rush through this book so I could put an end to it quickly so I could move on to something which I hope I will be able to connect with and enjoy more.
It’s always sad to think about when creatives pass away and this is the end of their providing that art to us. I believe this is considered the author’s last book before her passing. And while I was rather disappointed after reading this, it is still such a bittersweet experience to know that this is the last fresh content that we would ever receive from this author. (Even though I strongly believe that someone must have been helping her write or even a ghostwriter hired to write her later books as they have a different voice to them compared to her other stories.)
Rated: 3.0/5.0—Overall, a bit of a disappointment from what I was expecting. I think the thing I loved most about this story was the ending when Monty gifted Vanessa with a stable full of mares for her to start her own horse breeding farm with her horse. One other thing I liked about this story, I adored that Monty called Vanessa sweetheart, it’s one of my favorite pet names....more
“On the island of Friday Harbor, magic is in the air—and destiny is a force too powerful to defy…
As the proprietorRead: Jul 2-6, 2020
Official Summary:
“On the island of Friday Harbor, magic is in the air—and destiny is a force too powerful to defy…
As the proprietor of a successful boutique hotel, Justine Hoffman has the life she has always wanted. But there is still something missing: Love. A spell was cast on Justine when she was born, with the result that she will never find her soul mate. But she is nothing if not determined and eventually Justine finds a way to break the enchantment—never dreaming of the dangerous complications that will follow…”
My Thoughts:
I love this author. While I am sad that it’s the end of another one of her book series, I’m so happy I read this book. Her stories are always good for a pick me up. I loved the section in the middle of the story when the hero, Jason, saved the heroine, Justine, when she had overturned in the kayak. It was heartwarming seeing the care he had for Justine while trying to warm her up after the rescue. Their instant attraction, sexual tension and chemistry, and emotional connection between the two main characters are my favorite elements of a romance story. Kleypas always manages to write a romantic love story where her characters have such a connection with each other.
Rated: 4.25/5.0—Overall, a wonderful story by my favorite author. Even stories which aren’t my favorite from her, always has something in them which I love. I can’t wait to read more of Kleypas’ books. I am not looking forward to the day when I have read every single one of Kleypas’ books. I hope she continues to write wonderful romantic stories....more
“In a thrilling Carpathian novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan, a woman fights Read: Apr 22-Jun 28, 2020
Official Summary:
“In a thrilling Carpathian novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan, a woman fights to free herself from the grip of the vampire trying to possess her...
In a beautiful compound hidden away from the world, Emeline Sanchez tries to blunt the pain that has wracked her body ever since her terrifying ordeal in the labyrinth beneath the city—when she was forced to exchange blood with an evil master vampire.
Now, it’s his voice that haunts her...that calls to her in the dark...that never lets her rest. And while the children that she helped to free from his clutches struggle to heal, watched over by their Carpathian protectors, Emeline knows one thing: She must sacrifice herself to keep them all from harm...”
My Thoughts:
The Dark Carpathian series is one of my favorite book series. I love the premise behind this series with the Carpathians who are fated to be mated with their true, one, and only soulmate. The last few books of the series introduced the Ancients; Carpathians who have locked themselves away like monks to protect their people and to live with honor until they can find their lifemates. The whole idea of this brotherhood has intrigued me since I first read about it. It has been one of my favorite elements of this book series, the idea of the Carpathian series as a family unit, in addition to the romance stories of each pairing.
In this story, we find an Ancient, Dragomir, who finds his lifemate in Emeline who was captured by a master vampire in previous book in the series. I found I could really connect with the heroine’s struggles of finding her self value. Although our past circumstances aren’t at all similar, Emeline had a tumultuous past and went through really horrific things in her life, it is a common human response that I believe many people, especially women can relate to.
What I loved the most was Dragomir’s patience and his willingness to reassure his lifemate when she had issues believing certain things about herself or the way she perceived a situation. Their love for each other is one of my favorite things about watching a Carpathian lifemate couple fall in love or be in love with each other.
Rated: 4.25/5.0—Overall, a wonderful installment to this series. I really liked this couple. I am saddened that their story is over; I didn’t want to let them go....more
Continuing with my 2021 series re-read, this is the third book of the series. As it was the first time I reSecond Reread Review
Reread: Aug 15-22, 2021
Continuing with my 2021 series re-read, this is the third book of the series. As it was the first time I read it, I could not put this book down. The book was funny, and Gabriel and Penny’s romance was filled with sexual chemistry. I was reminded by how loving Penny was and how much Gabriel needed and wanted that love. Gabriel is certainly my favorite type of hero: strong, independent, self-made, and who makes his own way. A gruff individual with a secret heart of gold who is longing to belong somewhere.
Rated: 4.75/5.0
--------
Original Review
Read: Apr 10-11, 2020
Official Summary:
“They call him the Duke of Ruin.
To an undaunted wallflower, he's just the beast next door.
Wealthy and ruthless, Gabriel Duke clawed his way from the lowliest slums to the pinnacle of high society—and now he wants to get even.
Loyal and passionate, Lady Penelope Campion never met a lost or wounded creature she wouldn’t take into her home and her heart.
When her imposing—and attractive—new neighbor demands she clear out the rescued animals, Penny sets him a challenge. She will part with her precious charges, if he can find them loving homes.
Done, Gabriel says. How hard can it be to find homes for a few kittens?
And a two-legged dog.
And a foul-mouthed parrot.
And a goat, an otter, a hedgehog…
Easier said than done, for a cold-blooded bastard who wouldn’t know a loving home from a workhouse. Soon he’s covered in cat hair, knee-deep in adorable, and bewitched by a shyly pretty spinster who defies his every attempt to resist. Now she’s set her mind and heart on saving him.
Not if he ruins her first.”
My Thoughts:
I LOVED this book. The author writes so well; her characters are entertaining and funny and the romance was filled with sexual chemistry. Penny and Gabriel were meant to be together. Both are survivors of their own painful pasts, but they need each other to complete the other. Penny had so much love to give and Gabriel desperately wanted and needs that love. I loved the Beauty and the Beast theme to the story; I loved their chemistry together. I also loved the addition of the cute animals to the story. Gabriel is my favorite type of hero, one who is a strong, independent, and self-made man. Someone who makes his own way. A gruff individual who secretly has a heart of gold who is longing to belong somewhere. Gabriel shares strong correlations to my favorite type of characters: Severus, Draco, Ben Solo, Niklaus, etc. My heart melted every time Gabriel was gentle with Penny. He is such a romantic and he didn’t even know it. It was certainly fun to watch Penny tame her beast. :)
Rated: 4.75/5.0—Overall, a wonderful addition to the series. I could NOT put the book down. I can’t wait to read the next installment of the series. I was sad when I finished this book as I adore both of these characters and I didn’t want their story to end....more
“Childhood friends Mackensie, Parker, Laurel and Emmaline have formed a very successful wedding-planning business Read: Apr 3-9, 2020
Official Summary:
“Childhood friends Mackensie, Parker, Laurel and Emmaline have formed a very successful wedding-planning business together. While helping thousands of happy couples to organise the biggest day of their lives, three of the four women have all found love themselves - but workaholic Parker remains resolutely single.
Her business is her life and she devotes all her energies to it. But as she is forced to re-evaluate her friendships, Parker finds that someone is about to divert her focus...”
My Thoughts:
I believe this one was my favorite one out of the entire series. I loved watching the two main characters (Malcolm and Parker) fall in love with each other; they’ve had scenes together since the second book and I’ve felt their chemistry since they first met. Honestly, I would have loved to read more about Malcom; he is such a fascinating character. I enjoyed seeing the strong friendship between Parker, Laurel, Emma, and Mac. It was a lovely ending to finish the series with the marriage of Mac and Carter, who started this series. I never thought I would enjoy reading so much about wedding planning and coordination as I did in this series. I would love to find more books with this as a backdrop.
Rated: 4.25/5.0—Overall, my favorite book of the series. It included my of my favorite themes/tropes. I adore the hero Malcom, it’s not often to find a hero who is a mechanic - I loved the mentions of cars. I wish there was more to this story as watching Malcom and Parker’s romance started before this book and I would have greatly enjoyed watching their story continue....more
“Wedding baker Laurel McBane is surrounded by romance working at Vows wedding planning company with her best Read: Mar 25-Apr 2, 2020
Official Summary:
“Wedding baker Laurel McBane is surrounded by romance working at Vows wedding planning company with her best friends Parker, Emma, and Mac. But she's too low-key to appreciate all the luxuries that their clients seem to long for. What she does appreciate is a strong, intelligent man, a man just like Parker's older brother Delaney, on whom she's had a mega-crush since childhood.
But some infatuations last longer than others, and Laurel is convinced that the Ivy League lawyer is still out of her reach. Plus, Del is too protective of Laurel to ever cross the line with her-or so she thinks. When Laurel's quicksilver moods get the better of her-leading to an angry, hot, all-together mind-blowing kiss with Del—she'll have to quiet the doubts in her mind to turn a moment of passion into forever...”
My Thoughts:
I strongly liked the main trope/theme of this story: unrequited love and falling in love with one’s best friend’s brother. It was enjoyable watching Laurel and Delaney (Del) push each other’s buttons throughout the story. I was shocked and excited when Laurel gets fed up with things and just grabs Del and gives him a kiss which ultimately changes his perception of her… I loved the friendship between Parker and Laurel in this story and seeing how determined Parker was to not let her friend and brother dating ruin their relationship was very sweet.
Rated: 4.0/5.0—Overall, a fun story. I loved the fight and kiss at the beginning of the book which set the scene for Laurel and Del’s romance. Seeing Del try to contain his protective feelings towards his sister and honorary sisters was fun to watch. It was fun when Del’s plan to invite Malcom to the Fourth of July party to even the numbers backfired on him when Parker unexpectedly kissed Malcom to rile Del’s feathers....more
“Emmaline Grant has always loved romance, so it's really no surprise that she has found her calling as a weddingRead: Mar 21-24, 2020
Official Summary:
“Emmaline Grant has always loved romance, so it's really no surprise that she has found her calling as a wedding florist. And she gets to work with her best friends Mackensie, Parker and Laurel - she couldn't ask for a better job. Yet while men swarm around her, she still hasn't found Mr Right.”
My Thoughts:
The main heroine of this story, Emma, is such a romantic. It was really fun watching her and Jack fall in love with each other. A lovely story but I would have to say it is my least favorite of the series; there was just something about this book that didn’t fully connect with me. I also thought the ‘big fight’ at the end of the book was rather poor taste.
Rated: 3.75/5.0—My favorite part of this book was the tense introduction between Parker and Malcom. I also adore the character of Del. Such a wonderful brotherly type figure for the entire ‘quartet’ of girls. ...more
Nora Roberts cordially invites you to meet childhood friends Parker, Emma, Laurel, and Mac—the founders of Vows, Read: Mar 1-15, 2020
Official Summary:
Nora Roberts cordially invites you to meet childhood friends Parker, Emma, Laurel, and Mac—the founders of Vows, one of Connecticut's premier wedding planning companies.
After years of throwing make-believe weddings in the backyard, flowers, photography, desserts, and details are what these women do best: a guaranteed perfect, beautiful day full of memories to last the rest of your life.
With bridal magazine covers to her credit, Mackensie "Mac" Elliot is most at home behind the camera—ready to capture the happy moments she never experienced while growing up. Her father replaced his first family with a second, and now her mother, moving on to yet another man, begs Mac for attention and money. Mac's foundation is jostled again moments before an important wedding planning meeting when she bumps into the bride-to-be's brother...an encounter that has them both seeing stars.
Carter Maguire is definitely not her type: he's stable, and he's safe. He's even an English teacher at their high school alma mater. There's something about him that makes Mac think a casual fling is just what she needs to take her mind off dealing with bridezillas and screening her mother's phone calls. But a casual fling can turn into something more when you least expect it. And with the help of her three best friends—and business partners—Mac must learn how to make her own happy memories.
My Thoughts:
The start of a new series by Nora Roberts. I have had these books for years on my to-read-bookshelf. I haven’t read her books in such a long time. Watching Mac being blind sighted by the nerdy, clumsy hero Carter was a fun read. I enjoyed watching them fall in love with each other. The secondary character of Carter’s three legged cat, Triad, was a wonderful touch as well. It is a lovely contemporary story which is not a genre I’m actively interested in. However, it was a nice retreat and enjoyable escapism novel.
Rated: 4.0/5.0—Overall, a lovely staring book to a new series by an old author....more
“They are the outcasts of humanity. Blessed with power. Cursed by fate. Driven by passion. The SentinelRead: Dec 28, 2019-Feb 3, 2020
Official Summary:
“They are the outcasts of humanity. Blessed with power. Cursed by fate. Driven by passion. The Sentinels have returned…
Out Of The Shadows
At six-foot-three and two-hundred-fifty pounds, Fane is a natural born guardian. A flawless mix of muscled perfection and steely precision, he has devoted years of his life to protecting a beautiful necromancer. But after she found love in the arms of another, Fane has been a warrior adrift. He swears allegiance only to the Sentinels. And no woman will ever rule his heart again…
Into The Fire
Not only a powerful psychic, Serra is that rare telepath who can connect to minds through objects. When the daughter of a high-blood businessman is kidnapped, Serra agrees to help. But when she stumbles onto a conspiracy involving secrets sects and ancient relics, her life is in mortal danger--and Fane is her only hope. Is the warrior willing to risk his body, his soul, and his heart, for Serra? Or will one last betrayal destroy them both?”
My Thoughts:
It’s been a long time since I’ve read anything by Alexandra Ivy. I had forgotten her talent with creating multifaceted characters and grand fantasy storylines. I love her supernatural romances. However, I had a tough time reading this book. It is nothing against the storyline or the characters, I feel like I had a mental block while reading this which didn’t allow me to fully connect with the story and the characters.
The main characters, Fane and Serra, had a whole unrequited/keep love at bay to protect the other theme going on. This theme is one that I do enjoy but this time, it put me a little on edge. Watching these two flip-flop back and forth until the middle of the book when Fane finally realizes that the one he loves is in danger and he should stop denying himself and her a chance at happiness together.
I am happy they both finally realized they love each other and were open enough to take that chance with each other to have their HEA. The ending of this story heavily implies that Bas and Myst’s story is coming soon; I really enjoyed reading about Bas and seeing how vulnerable he is through his compassion and love for his daughter Molly. She’s such a sweetie, I wish there were more scenes with her in this story. Another obvious coupling was Wolfe and the Mave, Lana. He’s carrying such a torch for her… oh my word. I swear, the tension between these two were off the charts.
Rated: 3.75/5.0—Overall, it was an entertaining read even though it took me a very long time to finish, but I blame my own mental prowess for not being in the proper frame of mind to truly appreciate Ivy’s hard work in this novel. As badass as these characters are, I think I would have enjoyed a bit more vulnerable moments, it really helps cement a connection between me (the reader) and the characters....more
Official Summary: They say that opposites attract. But what happens when one has been devastated by betrayal and the other is so jRead: Dec 12-22, 2019
Official Summary: They say that opposites attract. But what happens when one has been devastated by betrayal and the other is so jaded that his heart is made of stone? Enter the world of Friday Harbor, an enchanting town in the Pacific Northwest where things are not quite as they seem and where true love might just have a ghost of a chance….
Alex Nolan is as bitter and cynical as they come. One of the three Nolan brothers who call Friday harbor home, he's nothing like Sam or Mark. They actually believe in love; they think the risk of pain is worth the chance of happiness. But Alex battles his demons with the help of a whiskey bottle, and he lives in his own private hell. And then a ghost shows up. Only Alex can see him, Has Alex finally crossed over the threshold to insanity?
Zoë Hoffman is as gentle and romantic as they come. When she meets the startling gorgeous Alex Nolan, all her instincts tell her to run. Even Alex tells her to run. But something in him calls to Zoë, and she forces him to take a look at his life with a clear eye and to open his mind to the possibility that love isn’t for the foolish.
The ghost has been existing in the half-light of this world for decades. He doesn’t know who he is, or why he is stuck in the Nolans’ Victorian house. All he knows is that he loved a girl once. And Alex and Zoë hold the key to unlocking a mystery that keeps him trapped here.
Zoë and Alex are oil and water, fire and ice, sunshine and shadow. But sometimes it takes only a glimmer of light to chase away the dark, and sometimes love can reach beyond time, space, and reason to take hold of hearts that yearn for it…”
My Thoughts: This is my favorite book of this entire series. There was just something so special about this story which I connected with deeply. Alex’s character always interested me from the first book of the series and I was really excited to read his story. Getting a glimpse into his head and thoughts, it reminded me a lot of some of my other favorite characters. The poor man had gone through so much, his choice of behavior isn’t all that surprising.
I loved the romance between him and Zoe. I felt they were perfect for each other. Watching these two fall in love with each other was such a treat. My heart was singing throughout the entire book. The secondary romance between Emma and the Ghost Tom was a lovely parallel to the main romance. I am happy Tom and Emma got their second chance.
One other thing I liked about this story was the events in this book happen simultaneously to some of the events of the previous book. I honestly wish this book was twice as long, I wasn’t ready to let go of Alex and Zoe quite so soon after I turned the final page.
Official Summary: “Lucy Marinn is a glass artist living in mystical, beautiful, Friday Harbor, Washington. She is stunned and blindRead: Dec 8-11, 2019
Official Summary: “Lucy Marinn is a glass artist living in mystical, beautiful, Friday Harbor, Washington. She is stunned and blindsided by the most bitter kind of betrayal: her fiancé Kevin has left her. His new lover is Lucy's own sister. Lucy's bitterness over being dumped is multiplied by the fact that she has constantly made the wrong choices in her romantic life. Facing the severe disapproval of Lucy's parents, Kevin asks his friend Sam Nolan, a local vineyard owner on San Juan Island, to "romance" Lucy and hopefully loosen her up and get her over her anger. Complications ensue when Sam and Lucy begin to fall in love, Kevin has second thoughts, and Lucy discovers that the new relationship in her life began under false pretenses. Questions about love, loyalty, old patterns, mistakes, and new beginnings are explored as Lucy learns that some things in life—even after being broken—can be made into something new and beautiful. Rainshadow Road is the second book in Lisa Kleypas's Friday Harbor series.”
My Thoughts: Sam and Lucy had such a fantastic love story. The small elements of the supernatural with Lucy’s talents with glass and Sam’s natural affinity for nature and plants… it made the element of the stained glass window with the tree and moon even more symbolic. While both Sam and Lucy had no secrets with each other with their intentions and their fears of commitment, it was fun to watch them both fall in love with each other. They couldn’t keep their hands off each other and before they knew it, they had done what they thought was the unspeakable and had fallen in love with each other. Sam is such a good support system for Lucy while she was healing from what her ex-boyfriend did to her.
One thing which really gave him props in my mind was after her ex-boyfriend came to him to make a deal for Sam to take out Lucy, he didn’t keep that a secret from Lucy. Misunderstandings, while they may be good plot devices, are incredibly annoying. I am thankful he didn’t lie to Lucy about that.
I think my favorite thing from this whole story was just the contradictory character of Sam; he was afraid to let Lucy close but he was very caring and protective of her while she was staying at his house healing from her injuries. And to find that he’s such a nerd deep down… it was a fun revelation. The small scene with Zoe and Alex in the kitchen hopefully means that they will get a story… there was such tension between the two. I can’t wait to read the next book of the series.
One rain-slicked night, six-year-old Holly lost the only parent she knew, her belovRead: Dec 3-5, 2019
Official Summary: “ONE LITTLE GIRL NEEDS A FAMILY
One rain-slicked night, six-year-old Holly lost the only parent she knew, her beloved mother Victoria. And since that night, she has never again spoken a word.
ONE SINGLE MAN NEEDS A WIFE
The last thing Mark Nolan needs is a six-year-old girl in his life. But he soon realizes that he will do everything he can to make her life whole again. His sister’s will gives him the instructions: There’s no other choice but you. Just start by loving her. The rest will follow.
SOMETIMES, IT TAKES A LITTLE MAGIC…
Maggie Collins doesn’t dare believe in love again, after losing her husband of one year. But she does believe in the magic of imagination. As the owner of a toy shop, she lives what she loves. And when she meets Holly Nolan, she sees a little girl in desperate need of a little magic.
…TO MAKE DREAMS COME TRUE
Three lonely people. Three lives at the crossroads. Three people who are about to discover that Christmas is the time of year when anything is possible, and when wishes have a way of finding the path home…"
My Thoughts: I love Lisa Kleypas’ books. I am always guaranteed a wonderful read. This is her second contemporary series she has written. I am amazing at her talent with contemporary and historical time frames. She does such great work in both worlds. While this was the first installment of the new series, it was the size of a short story or novella. It was a wonderful taste into the world of Friday Harbor watching the main characters Maggie and Mark fall in love with each other. Little Holly was such a delight as well even though romance stories with little children are not something I am naturally drawn to but Lisa did such a great job with this charming character. It was a short and sweet story. I can’t wait to read more bout these Nolan brothers. They seemed to have such a difficult life but they make wonderful heroes in these romance stories.
Official Summary: “James Malory sets sail for America to honor a promise he made to his in-laws: His and Georgina’s daughter, JacquelRead: Nov 17, 2019
Official Summary: “James Malory sets sail for America to honor a promise he made to his in-laws: His and Georgina’s daughter, Jacqueline, will have her come-out in America. Judith and Jacqueline Malory are not simply cousins; they are inseparable best friends. Refusing to miss Jacqueline’s come-out in Connecticut, Judith convinces her parents to let her delay her London debut by a few weeks so she can accompany her cousin. Neither girl intends to fall in love during her first Season. But Judith’s plans are overturned when aboard ship she comes face-to-face with the ghost who has been haunting her dreams.
Unknown to the Malorys, deckhand Nathan Tremayne is a smuggler with a noose around his neck. Determined to carry out a covert mission in America that could gain him a pardon, Nathan senses that beautiful Judith Malory is trouble. Somehow the minx knows his secret—and now she’s blackmailing him into doing her bidding. While passions can soar on the high seas, Nathan knows this aristocratic beauty is merely amusing herself with a scoundrel like him.
When the unthinkable happens in Connecticut and the elder Malorys’ hands are tied, Nathan takes command of a dire situation. Captaining his own ship, he turns the tables on Judith, as he steers them into some intense Caribbean heat where he will fight with all his mettle to win the right to her heart.”
My Thoughts: It’s been too long since I read this series. It was a joy to read about these characters again; I have missed this family. This book was interesting, I couldn’t put it down. I liked the references to smuggling and Cornwall, which reminded me of Poldark. I loved watching the main characters fall in love. Judith and Nathan were very well suited for each other. I liked the element the “Ghost” sighting she had of him when they were younger.
Official Summary: “The moment Charlotte Vintage walks into his club, Tariq Asenguard’s blood is set on fire. The ancient CarpaRead: Oct 27-Nov 16, 2019
Official Summary: “The moment Charlotte Vintage walks into his club, Tariq Asenguard’s blood is set on fire. The ancient Carpathian had given up hope of finding his lifemate, but now he will do anything to make Charlotte his own. What Tariq doesn’t know is that Charlotte is using herself and her best friend as bait—to try to draw out the bloodthirsty killers who have already murdered Charlotte’s brother and mentor.
Charlotte is familiar with Tariq. Not only is he one of the richest and most eligible bachelors in the city, but he’s also a renowned collector of old carousel horses, which Charlotte restores. Their shared passion opens Charlotte up to trusting him with her life and with the desire she can no longer control. But it also makes her vulnerable to a centuries-old curse that will unite her and Tariq in a war against the enemies of humans and Carpathians alike…"
My Thoughts: Charlotte’s gift is being able to see things by traveling back in the past when she touches certain objects. I found this ability really interesting as I love history myself and to see the element of the antique carousel that the hero, Tariq, carved be used as an instrument of evil by the bad guy, Vadim was an interesting touch to keep the narrative moving along.
The fact that Val was able to tell that Liv was his life mate when she was only 10 was an interesting plot twist. I hope they get their own story in a future book.
Official Summary: “Gabrielle has had enough of battles, of wars, of seeing Gary Jansen, the man she loves nearly lose his lifeRead: Sep 27-Oct 26, 2019
Official Summary: “Gabrielle has had enough of battles, of wars, of seeing Gary Jansen, the man she loves nearly lose his life when it isn’t even his fight. Once he was a gentle and very human researcher. Now he’s a fearless and lethal Carpathian warrior with the blood of an ancient lineage coursing through his veins—a man Gabrielle still needs and desires and dreams of with every breath she takes. All she wants is a life far away from the Carpathian mountains, far from vampires and the shadows cast by the crumbling monastery that hides so many terrible secrets. But Gabrielle soon learns that promises made in the dark can pierce the heart like a dagger.
And she isn’t the only one in search of answers in the corners of the unknown...
Trixie Joanes has come to the Carpathian mountains in search of her wayward granddaughter, fearing that she has been lured there by something unspeakable. Instead, Trixie has stumbled into the path of a desperate man and a woman in love and on the run. And they’re all fated for the lair of a mysterious ancient with revenge in his soul and the undying power to make bad dreams come true.”
My Thoughts: I think one of the things I liked best about this story was the big bad male who is incredibly gentle towards his woman theme. This story featured two couples finding their lifemates: Trixie and Fane and Gabrielle and Aleksei. I especially loved seeing Teagan and Andre again in this story. The fact that Teagan, Trixie, and Gabrielle can use their special gifts together to give hope to those ancients who are looking for their lifemates warms my heart. I love the friendships and sense of family among the Carpathian people. I was excited to see the seven ancients who lived in the Monastery find leads to their lifemates; I hope that some of their stories will be future books in the series.
I love how devoted both couples of this story were to each other. I think the thing that touched my heart most was the idea of them fulfilling the deepest and loneliest parts of each other’s hearts and souls. The whole concept of lifemates is wonderful and seeing more elements of it (beyond the obvious sexual scenes) is something that really interests me and keeps me invested in these stories.
Official Summary: “He wasn’t civilized or tame. He had his own code and he lived by it.
Monk. Bounty hunter. Vampire slayer. Andre Boroi has spent centuries battling the undead, holding out against the dark with honor. But now, gravely wounded by master vampire Costin Popescu, Andre will be easy to track—his spilled blood marking the killing trail for Popescu and his hungry band of underlings. Andre’s only chance is to disappear into the gray mist of the Carpathians. To wait. To hope.
She had a healing touch and a scent that was his lifeblood.
In the mountains in search of a precious crystal, geologist Teagan Joanes suddenly finds herself hunted by those she once trusted. Then she comes across the warrior—wounded, wanting and irresistible. Andre has been craving her for an eternity: his lifemate. Her warmth envelops him. Her scent pulsates. And with every beat of her heart, Teagan surrenders to a passion she can’t possibly comprehend.
Now they are bound by destiny, but is it enough to keep them safe from a stalking, relentless darkness that threatens to swallow them alive?”
My Thoughts: I LOVED this story. The main characters were absolutely meant for each other. The themes running throughout this story: not being seen: a ‘ghost,’ not fitting in anywhere, looking to belong, etc were themes that I really connected with. I love the absolute love and devotion Andre and Teagan had for each other. I liked the scenes between these two with the constant reassurance of their love for each other; I felt it was very realistic for both of these characters knowing their pasts. Even though Andre isn’t a very social Carpathian, I can’t wait to see Teagan meet other Carpathian characters from past books. Also, the height difference between them melted my heart. I loved watching these two fall in love with each other.
I thought the introduction to the monastery and the ancient warriors who have locked themselves there to protect both themselves and the world from them is such an interesting concept. I can’t wait to learn more about the monastery and the men who live there. My heart breaks for these Carpathians and I hope to see them find their HEA and lifemates in future installments.
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