Another week has gone by. Is it me or is time flying by faster than ever? I know people say as you get older that time does that but I have to tell ya, I don’t like it! Not that I want my work week to be longer but having a longer weekend would be nice! lol
So what up my lovelies? Did everyone have a good week? My week was pretty normal but my weekend was uber relaxing. I went with some ladies from the church to a women’s retreat in Oxnard. I say retreat and people think seminars and meditation and reflection. I’m sure some people did that but this is more walks on the beach, playing games, laughing, some drinking…just a good time with nice people. And it was great to get away from reality for a while. We stayed at a condo that was incredibly close to the beach and it was so nice! Here are some pictures from the balcony of the condo:
So on to what I read:
My first read for the week was Hell Fire by Ann Aguirre. This is book 2 in the Corine Solomon series and it was a good one. In this book Corine and Chance have headed back to the town that Corine grew up in, Kilmer, so they can figure out what truly happened when Corine’s mom died. But there are strange happenings afoot and Corine and Chance, as well as Jesse and a Kilmer resident, Shannon, all try to figure out the puzzle that is Kilmer. I read this one for The Book Binge so I’ll let you know when my review posts.
Next up was The Prayer Waltz by KZ Snow. This is a fabulous m/m book that I just loved. You can read my review here. 5 out of 5
Next up was Mr. Right-Now by Paige Tyler. This was a cute novella that involved Kate who is a very controlled, list-making kind of woman. She’s always looking for Mr. Right but so far no one has lived up to her expectations. When Kate joins her best friend for her wedding weekend she’s talked into just having a fun time with the best man and not worrying about whether he’s “the one” or not. The problem after a time is that she thinks Dawson is fabulous and she wants something more but they’ve already said “no strings attached”. I read this one for The Book Binge as well and let you know when my review posts. (I liked the book, definitely not a fan of the cover)
My Tracy’s TBR Challenge read for the week was Again the Magic by Lisa Kleypas. This is the story of Aline Marsden who is the younger sister of Marcus who eventually becomes the Earl of Westcliff and is part of the Wallflower series. Anyway, Aline and the stable boy, McKenna, fall madly in love but they know they can’t be together. Unfortunately Aline’s evil father finds out about the pair and sends McKenna away. McKenna comes back to the estate after he’s made his fortune wanting to seek revenge on Aline for breaking his heart. But things aren’t always what they seem and McKenna realizes that Aline isn’t the horrible person he thinks she is. There’s also a lovely side story of Aline’s sister, Olivia, in the book which I loved as well. Great book. 4.5 out of 5
Another novella I read for The Book Binge was a cute m/m story called Icing on the Cake by Shayla Kersten. An uptight, workaholic and a relaxed baker discover each other while the workaholic is buying his best friend’s wedding cake – he is the maid of honor, after all. I’ll let you know when the review posts. (Adore the cover!)
Last for the week was The Cat in the Cradle by Jay Bell. This was a book that I was asked to read by the author. Mr. Bell’s first published book is a fantasy YA novel that I’ll be reviewing this week so keep your eyes peeled. 🙂
My Book Binge reviews that were posted this past week:
Happy Reading!
I don't remember very much from economics, other than the term "increasing at an increasing rate" – that's how I feel about my time perception as I get older. Gah!
Gorgeous pictures – it looks like it was really relaxing!!
I have to picked up that new Shayla Kersten… Have you read any of her Tennessee Cops books? Those were good.
Chris – This was my first read by Kersten. It definitely was more of a beginning to a relationship story but I really liked it. I'll have to check out her TC books, thanks. I think. 🙂
Increasing at an increasing rate. Huh. I guess that could go for my waistline as well as time. lol
Sounds like a lovely retreat – and the sun set is gorgeous – all those colours!
I loved Again the Magic. Kati suggested it and…there is a scene at the end where the hero opens up and…WOW!
Isn't time (well, your perception of it 🙂 meant to go faster when you're having fun and slower when you're not?
Orannia – I know the scene you're talking about and it was a good one. It was really a great book!
Well, you're probably right. I like yours and Chris's theory's better than the thought of me getting old. lol
Sounds like an Episcopal retreat to me! *g* What fun!
Looking forward to reading your review of Hell Fire. I can't wait to read it.
nice job! waiting for your new artical. ........................................
Hmmm….Again the Magic was my least favourite Kleypas book. Mainly cos I didn't like Aline. Glad you liked it though.
The Prayer Waltz is a fabulous book, I liked it a great deal.
As for the rest, well they all sound good. Thanks for the quick reviews :).
Renee – You know it! We did have Eucharist on Sunday and discussed the gospel but other than that it was just relaxation time. 🙂
Nyla – Thanks.
Jenre – Ok, now I just have to know why you didn't like Aline. Not that she was my favorite character either but I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Sounds like you had a great time this past weekend — love the pictures and what's not to like about that beautiful part of California? AND . . . I want that Kleypas book — having read all the Wallflower series, that would be a great addendum. AND . . . Where did you find those pictures? Naughty, naughty . . .
Love, Mom
Dr J – I'll put the Kleypas aside for you – just remind me the next time I see you.
Yep, Oxnard was fabulous and the weather was beautiful all weekend.
Naughty pictures? Do you mean for my blogiversary? Uh, I have no idea where those came from. *looks around innocently*
Lucky you! you always post very nice pictures 😀
Hmmm, the Lisa Kleypas was pretty good 😀 Funny, I just read the prequel, Worth Any Price this week-end. Westcliff has been in many, many books!!
Looking forward to your review for The Cat and the Cradle. Interesting cover 😀
Lovely pictures!
You are just looooving K.Z. Snow, Miss Tracy. ;P I have to get to the stories I already have by Snow on my TBR pile. 🙂
Icing the Cake has a cute cover and sounds like a cute story. Look forward to your review.
Again the Magic by Kleypas, now that was a satisfying read.