Holly: I had a pretty busy week. My reading time was pretty much nill. I managed to finish reading One Fell Sweep by Ilona Andrews, the latest Innkeeper Chronicles serial (available free on their website if you’re interested). Aside from that I did some light skimming of some old favorites and re-read The Lion’s Lady by Julie Garwood. That book never gets old.
Rowena: I haven’t read much this past week, just not in the mood but I did manage to get a re-read in for my book club book of the month, Ruthless by Lexi Blake. After I finish with my book club business today, I swear that I’m going to start The Other Sister by Dianne Dixon. For real.
What are you reading this week? Any new favorites or books that drove you crazy? Share!
Here’s my list:
Playing by the Greek’s Rules by Sarah Morgan- A cute, fast read
The Boy is Back by Meg Cabot- This one was just okay for me.
It Takes a Scandal by Julie Anne Long- This one was pretty meh. I had probably waited too long to read it so if I had ever felt like I wanted either of these characters to get their own story, I had forgotten. Since they weren’t a Redmond or Eversea, I think I felt less invested.
The Legend of Lyon Redmond by Julie Anne Long- This was pretty disappointing. I think my expectations were too high. I would have liked Olivia and Lyon to have spent more time together ‘present’ day.
Hot in Hellcat Canyon by Julie Anne Long- This one started slowly, but I ended up really liking it. J.T. was a pretty great hero.
I love Sarah Morgan and I especially love Playing by the Greek’s Rules. Lily cracked me up–she so did not put up with Nik’s BS!
Books read this past week ~
— the science fiction romance IceFlight (The Iron Altar Series Book 1) by Casey Lea. IceFlight was a colorful read — literally — and it kept my attention for some five or six hours; that said, I’m not sure whether I’ll read on in the series.
— an enjoyable inspirational romance which happens to be currently free to Kindle readers:
Not by Sight (Stone River) by Kay Lyons Stockham. Interestingly, I see that the same book but written for a secular audience is also currently free. I’d be interested to read it too to see what differences exist: Blind Man’s Bluff (Stone Gap Mountain Series Book 2) by Kay Stockham
— A Reason To Breathe (Reason Series Book 1) by CP Smith. The author’s style reminded me of that of Kristen Ashley. I probably won’t read on in this series.
— SHIFT (Mackenzie Grey Book 1) by Karina Espinosa. This was a pleasant read, but, as with the above book, I doubt I’ll continue on with the series.
— The Matchmakers of Minnow Bay: A Novel by Kelly Harms. This one is probably considered women’s literature; I liked it quite a bit.
— I also enjoyed Out of Nowhere (Middle of Somewhere Book 2) by Roan Parrish which is a contemporary romance featuring two men. I’d read the first book in this series in which one of the leads in this book made an appearance; it did not present him in a good light, so I was interested to see how he would be redeemed in his own book. This is a book I’ll likely re-read; it’s also made me want to re-read the first book.
— I re-read a book that I read shortly after it was published in 2013. I enjoyed it once more and recommend it. Be aware that it will almost certainly make you drool. The Chocolate Touch (Amour et Chocolat) by Laura Florand
— And I’m now on a Laura Florand kick. I finished a re-read of The Chocolate Kiss (Amour et Chocolat Book 2). Once again, it proved to be an enjoyable read. And it made me hungry for delicious French chocolate and pastries.
Just a little reading time this week, but I did finally get to my review copy of Miracle on 5th Avenue by Sarah Morgan. It has totally gotten me in the mood for Christmas now! It was really cute and I just loved the hero and heroine together. Not exactly opposites attract, but certainly they are very different people that compliment each other in a really lovely way.
One Fell Sweep was so good! I don’t know how the Andrews do it. I didn’t think they could top Sweep In Peace, but the Innkeeper Chronicles just keeps getting better.
After reading Bittersweet last week, I read Steadfast this week and loved it. Poor Jude – he was trying so hard to stay clean and sober and put his life back together. I loved everything about that book. I don’t have Keepsake yet, but I have no doubt I’m going to break down and buy it this month. I don’t think I can resist.
I also read Station Eleven, by Emily St. John Mandel, for my bookclub. It’s set 20 years in the future after 99% of the world’s population has been wiped out by a flu pandemic. It’s not really apocalyptic or dystopian although it has some elements of those genres. I was dreading reading it because I don’t usually like those types of books (too depressing and scary to think about), but the tone of the book was actually somewhat hopeful. It definitely kept my interest and was a quick read, but still thought provoking.