Thursday, November 30, 2023

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Be the Serpent (October Daye Book 16) by Seanan McGuire

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. Freda is taking a hiatus right now, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over until Freda returns.

This week I'm featuring Be the Serpent (October Daye Book 16) by Seanan McGuire. Sixteen books into this series and it's still so good! This book has some mind-blowing revelations that are sure to change everything! 

About the Book
October Daye is finally something she never expected to be: married. All the trials and turmoils and terrors of a hero’s life have done very little to prepare her for the expectation that she will actually share her life with someone else, the good parts and the bad ones alike, not just allow them to dabble around the edges in the things she wants to share. But with an official break from hero duties from the Queen in the Mists, and her family wholly on board with this new version of “normal,” she’s doing her best to adjust.

It isn’t always easy, but she’s a hero, right? She’s done harder.

Until an old friend and ally turns out to have been an enemy in disguise for this entire time, and October’s brief respite turns into a battle for her life, her community, and everything she has ever believed to be true.

The debts of the Broken Ride are coming due, and whether she incurred them or not, she’s going to be the one who has to pay.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday
It had been a normal night melting into a normal morning. Then the sun had glinted off the pond and the world had twisted around me, going from clear, comforting sameness to chaotic murkiness as the water that was my natural environment suddenly and convulsively rejected me.

Friday 56
Tybalt watched me go. When I looked back, one last time, he mouthed exaggeratedly, "Be careful."

What have you been reading lately?

COVER REVEAL: Riot: A Breed Apart Novel by Ronie Kendig and JJ Samie Myles


About the Book

Navy SEAL K-9 handler Beau “Danger” Maddox is at the top of his game—until an op goes south, leaving him physically and mentally scarred. Separated from the Navy, he’s determined to requalify as operational and get back in the action so he can take down the deadly South American cartel that killed his team. The last thing he needs is a distraction in the form of a beautiful new neighbor and her dog...

Trafficking survivor Paisley Reyna became a trauma counselor to help others after a harrowing captivity at the hands of the notorious Guerrero Cartel. When she unexpectedly inherits her cousin’s home and retired military working dog, Riot, she seizes the chance to eke out a quiet life in a small town in Texas. However, the Dutch shepherd upends her plans, destroys her belongings, and repeatedly escapes next door to the intense former SEAL, who poses a threat to her peace—and maybe even her heart.

When the local sheriff asks for Danger’s expertise and Paisley’s dog to intercept a trafficking deal, they’re quickly caught up in a battle against the very cartel that marked both their souls. Along with a paramilitary team, they plunge deeper and deeper into the Venezuelan jungle—all too aware that making it out alive a second time will take nothing short of a miracle.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Ronie Kendig is a bestselling, award-winning author of over thirty-five books. She grew up an Army brat, and now she and her Army veteran husband have returned to their beloved Texas after a nearly ten-year stint in the Northeast. They survive on Sonic runs, barbecue, and peach cobbler that they share—sometimes—with Benning the Stealth Golden and AAndromeda the MWD Washout. Ronie's degree in psychology has helped her pen novels of intense, raw characters.

Growing up in the beautiful east of Switzerland, JJ Samie Myles spent her childhood chasing adventures and crafting stories with her vivid imagination. Curious what the big wide world has to offer, she became a travel agent and later a missionary, collecting enough writing-inspiration for a lifetime. Now she shares her passion for thrills and God’s grace through her suspense and faith-filled stories.

Publisher: Sunrise Publishing
Pre-order sale price: $4.99 (ebook)
Retail price after release: $7.99 (ebook)
Release date: March 19, 2024 Available in ebook, print, and audiobook


A Breed Apart: Legacy
Book 1: Havoc
Book 2: Chaos
Book 3: Riot
Book 4: Fury
Book 5: Surge

A Breed Apart by Ronie Kendig
Book 1: Trinity
Book 2: Talon
Book 3: Beowulf

Tuesday, November 28, 2023

Can't Wait Wednesday: Chaos (A Breed Apart: Legacy #2) Kindle Edition by Ronie Kendig & Steffani Webb

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring Chaos (A Breed Apart: Legacy #2) Kindle Edition by Ronie Kendig & Steffani Webb releasing January 9, 2024.

About the Book
Buckle up for an edge-of-your-seat trek through the dangerous jungles of the Philippines in this enemies to more, forced proximity, alpha hero, sunshine versus grumpy romantic thriller!

When Rio Silva is told her aunt and uncle are missing in a Philippine rainforest, she knows there is only one answer to finding them: the retired military working dog her dad entrusted to her. Chaos, however, has a mind of her own, a lot like Rio. Worse, she’ll have to trust arrogant and bossy former Army Ranger, Cathal McGowan if she hopes to get them back.

The last thing Cathal McGowan needs is to be shackled with a young, pretty teacher with no combat experience as he leads them into the darkness of the rainforest. But she has heart—he’ll give her that. And he has the experience she needs to rescue her family.

Putting everything on the line, Rio and Cathal struggle to navigate the terrain, as well as their emerging feelings for each other. But the closer they get to mission success, the more things aren’t adding up, including who might be behind the disappearance. It’s not long before they realize the rainforest holds greater perils than deadly vipers…and the biggest danger of all might be their hearts.


What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Monday, November 27, 2023

Review: Midnight Rider: Fae of Falls River by Stormie Black

About the Book
Can a protective sister and a broken fae keep their feelings untangled during a dangerous investigation?

Life is certainly no fairytale.

Ever since our mom's untimely death, my sister has insisted on acting out. And when I go in search of her to curb her reckless behavior and keep her from being a victim mentioned on the nightly news, I wind up slung over the shoulder of the man who slipped something into my drink. That's when the Midnight Rider, a fae vigilante in the supernatural underworld, rescues me. He's mysterious and broody, but I can't deny his skill in taking down bad guys. So in an effort to keep my sister out of trouble and track down who's behind the charmed poison that was given to me and other unsuspecting women, we form an unlikely alliance.

There's just one catch.

I agree to drink something that makes me forget I ever knew the Midnight Rider existed when our investigation is over. But as we trek deeper into the web of deceit in Falls River's underbelly, I discover that I don't want to forget the fae male who resembles my knight in shining armor.


MY THOUGHTS

I’ve been hearing great things about this book, and I’m happy to say it lived up to the hype. I’m always on the lookout for good, clean urban fantasy, and this fits the bill. It features wonderful characters, great worldbuilding, and an intriguing mystery.
 
I will say that this had a slow start, but it wasn’t long before things ramped up and I became fully invested.

I liked the fact that we got chapters from not only Aris and Kat’s POVs but Trystan and Val’s as well. I admired Kat’s fiery resolve and determination to protect her sister. And even though she was bossy and demanding at times, I ended up liking her. Aris was a great leading man. I loved his sense of honor and heroic actions. Even though he doesn’t believe it, he’s truly a good guy.

I was surprised that this book ends on a pretty big cliffhanger, but thankfully the series is complete and the rest of the books are already out. If you’re a fan of K.M. Shea’s urban fantasy books, you’ll love this series.

FOUR STARS

Thursday, November 23, 2023

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: The Retribution of Eden Pruitt (The Eden Pruitt Series #4) by K.E. Ganshert

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. Freda is taking a hiatus right now, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over until Freda returns.

This week I'm featuring The Retribution of Eden Pruitt (The Eden Pruitt Series #4) by K.E. Ganshert. Oh my goodness, this conclusion is a wild and exciting ride! I'm enjoying it so much! 

About the Book
A VILLAIN DISGUISED AS THE HERO …

America is in peril. The public is being deceived. The enemy grows more powerful by the day. And Eden’s plans horrendously backfired.

Now she’s locked up with a hostile soldier whose upbringing couldn’t be more different from her own. And whose loyalty could change everything. She sets out to win his trust, prove herself to the Resistance, and somehow, make amends with Cassian. If there’s any hope of vanquishing the adversary, they must set aside their grievances and come together as one.

Join Eden and her crew as they fight to save the world in this final, sensational installment of The Eden Pruitt Series, where allegiances are tested, sacrifices are necessary, and the action never stops.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday
Before the hatch opened, before the giant climbed down the ladder with a girl slung over his shoulder, Tycho - first-born of the Electus - was having a dream. A wonderful, beautiful dream. He wasn't in captivity, being poisoned by the enemy. He was diving off the dock into the harbor on a hot summer day. His powers had just come in. He was the first of his kin to receive them. Intoxicating strength. Thrilling speed. Incomprehensible reflexes. He was showing off, and Aurelia was amazed. Enraptured. Soon, her powers would come, too. The promise made her giddy.

Friday 56
The last time Cass had celebrated Thanksgiving, he was twelve.

What have you been reading lately?

Tuesday, November 21, 2023

Can't Wait Wednesday: Fragile Designs by Colleen Coble

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring Fragile Designs by Colleen Coble releasing January 2, 2024.

About the Book
There’s only one thing more dangerous than family secrets.

Since her police-officer husband Eric’s mysterious murder, Carly Harris has been struggling to support herself and their infant son. Her career as an antique dealer isn’t sustainable, nor is her dream of becoming a novelist. So when her grandmother proposes she and her two sisters restore the family’s large Beaufort home and turn it into a bed-and-breakfast, she immediately gets to work clearing out the house. In the process, she uncovers a family secret that Eric kept hidden. And an heirloom that the wrong person wouldn’t hesitate to kill for.

Homicide detective Lucas Bennet isn’t his neighbor’s biggest fan, not since she broke his brother’s heart years ago. But when Carly turns to Lucas for help, believing she’s found a lost FabergĂ© egg that would be worth millions and that could put her family’s lives in danger, he can’t help but get involved. Soon, they’re entangled in a mystery with threads that lead all the way to the Russian mafia. Lucas has gotten in deep, and while he trusts his ability to keep Carly and her family safe, he begins to realize he’s vulnerable to an unexpected kind of danger. And he’s helpless to stop the freefall. As they continue working closely together, Carly and Lucas realize they may have found something more precious than gold. Yet it’s only a matter of time before Carly—or, worse, someone she loves—gets hurt.


What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Monday, November 20, 2023

Review: Never Happen to You(True Crime Junkies #3) by Christy Barritt

About the Book
Crime is something that happens to strangers. Until it’s not.

As women continue to vanish in Alaska’s Far North, the Arctic Circle Murder Club meets again to combine their skills and search for the truth. Only the evidence isn’t adding up. The case of The Missing Women of Dalton Highway has gone cold, and every new possibility leaves them with frostbite.

Duke McAllister’s and Andi Slade’s personal investigations point them in new directions, and they’re left with more questions than ever. But there’s one thing they—and the rest of the true crime podcasters—know for sure: whoever is behind these disappearances will keep taking women until he’s caught.

Will the team find answers and expose the truth before this madman strikes again? Or will the secrets of the infamous Dalton Highway remain as isolated as the landscape surrounding them?

Available in Kindle Unlimited

MY THOUGHTS

The Arctic Circle Murder Club is back again in this third installment of the True Crime Junkies series. This is the best one yet! I was excited for the team to finally devote their time to trying to solve the mystery of the missing women of Dalton Highway. This case was personal for them. Duke's fiancée went missing on the highway a few years ago, and he's been looking for her ever since.

This story kept me on my toes! There were quite a few unexpected twists that I never saw coming. The villain was a truly disturbed individual who made my skin crawl. I probably should've guessed their identity. The clues were all there, but I was completely surprised by the reveal.

This is quickly becoming my favorite Christy Barritt series. If you're looking for an exciting mystery full of twists and turns, you'll love this series! I highly recommend it!

FOUR STARS

Thursday, November 16, 2023

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Midnight Rider: Fae of Falls River by Stormie Black

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. Freda is taking a hiatus right now, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over until Freda returns.

This week I'm featuring Midnight Rider: Fae of Falls River by Stormie Black. I'm really enjoying this clean urban fantasy. It had a bit of a slow start, but things have really picked up and I'm fully invested now. 

About the Book
Can a protective sister and a broken fae keep their feelings untangled during a dangerous investigation?

Life is certainly no fairytale.

Ever since our mom's untimely death, my sister has insisted on acting out. And when I go in search of her to curb her reckless behavior and keep her from being a victim mentioned on the nightly news, I wind up slung over the shoulder of the man who slipped something into my drink. That's when the Midnight Rider, a fae vigilante in the supernatural underworld, rescues me. He's mysterious and broody, but I can't deny his skill in taking down bad guys. So in an effort to keep my sister out of trouble and track down who's behind the charmed poison that was given to me and other unsuspecting women, we form an unlikely alliance.

There's just one catch.

I agree to drink something that makes me forget I ever knew the Midnight Rider existed when our investigation is over. But as we trek deeper into the web of deceit in Falls River's underbelly, I discover that I don't want to forget the fae male who resembles my knight in shining armor.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday (Kat's POV)
I don't see my sister anywhere, but I know she's here. It's the place she's most frequented since our mother's unexpected passing three months ago.

Friday 56 (Aris' POV)
I rise to my full height, only an inch or two above his own and search his eyes. "If you've got something to say about the things I've done, then spit it out, brother."

What have you been reading lately?

Review: The Revelation of Eden Pruitt (The Eden Pruitt Series #3) by K.E. Ganshert

About the Book
THE TRUTH COULD JEOPARDIZE EVERYTHING …

Eden Pruitt didn’t find the enemy. She stumbled upon the Resistance and unwittingly led the military to their doorstep. Because of her, they have been all but demolished. Most are dead. Several more have been imprisoned, along with Cassian Gray, the dangerous, tantalizing boy Eden loves.

As Cassian’s execution draws near, Eden must convince the Resistance to let her join them. They have the same mission, after all. Stop the Monarch before he carries out his evil plans. Step one of that mission—rescue the prisoners. Step two—destroy the Monarch’s army of super-human soldiers. But in convincing them to accept her, Eden's forced to hide who she really is. What she really is . . . one of the soldiers they’re bent on eradicating.


MY THOUGHTS

Oh my goodness! What a thrill ride! This is action-packed right from the start, and the excitement hardly ever lets up. The relentless pace and stressful situations the characters found themselves in had me speeding through the pages as fast as I could.

I was so excited to dive back into this series. It picks up right where the last one left off, so I'd recommend starting with book one. This is not a standalone.

This story takes place in a futuristic version of the United States that, sadly, doesn’t feel all that far away from actually becoming reality. In fact, there were times I forgot I was reading a fictional book because it felt so real.

The ending leaves off on a doozy of a cliffhanger, so I’m very eager to start the next book. I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys high-stakes, unputdownable thrillers.

FOUR STARS

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

Can't Wait Wednesday: Lumen (The Nightingale Trilogy #2) by J.J. Fischer

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring Lumen (The Nightingale Trilogy #2) by J.J. Fischer releasing December 5. I loved the first book, Calor, and have been very eagerly awaiting this sequel! I'm so excited that there's not long to wait now!

About the Book
What if erasing the past cost more than you were willing to pay?

Having narrowly escaped their enemies, Sephone, Dorian, and Cass continue their search for the elusive Silvertongue, the only one with knowledge of the Reliquary’s whereabouts. But time is running out for Sephone, and with Dorian accused of high treason, the quest takes on a new urgency.

As secrets from each of their pasts drive a wedge between them, Sephone invests all her hopes in finding her homeland, Lethe—where her family may yet be alive. But nothing about Lethe is as she expects, and disappointment, betrayal, and danger await her at every turn.

When the truth about the Reliquary’s curse comes to light, the fragile bonds between the unlikely companions are tested like never before. Meanwhile, Dorian faces a terrible choice: to save the life of one who is beginning to mean more to him than the past he’s so desperate to forget, or to save his beloved Caldera from dangers outside and within.


What upcoming release are you eagerly anticipating?

Monday, November 13, 2023

Review: Caught in the Crosshairs by Natalie Walters

About the Book
When it comes to a battle of the wills, these two may have met their match--in each other

Claudia Gallegos's career in the CIA once sent her to the Middle East, but that was in the past, and it's against policy to be in contact with any foreign entity outside the scope of a mission. So when the personal bodyguard of a Saudi prince exiled to Virginia calls her with an urgent plea for help, her first instinct is to ignore the request. She's not going to risk her job over some pampered black sheep from a royal family. But, it couldn't hurt to just check it out . . .

Former Army PSYOPS officer Ari Blackman is comfortable putting his expertise to use to influence governments, organizations, and people in ways that are more favorable to the mission at hand. Now he's been charged to use those skills on a fellow intelligence officer to determine whether she's compromised her oath and is involved in the death of high profile foreign national on US soil.

Thrown together in a fight not their own, Claudia and Ari have no reason to trust one another. But they must learn to work together to prevent a coup that could put America at risk.


MY THOUGHTS

This was an exciting and fast paced read. I loved seeing some familiar characters and enjoyed getting to know Claudia better.

Claudia finds herself in a bit of a tricky situation when she receives a phone call and texts from the head of security for a foreign royal asking for her help. There’s an address, a security code, and a request to hurry. When she arrives, she’s too late. She walks into a brutal crime scene just minutes before the police arrive, making her the perfect suspect. Was this a setup? How can she prove her innocence?

Even though this story is connected to Natalie Walter's Harbored Secrets series, it stands alone perfectly fine. I liked Claudia and Ari, and thought their banter was entertaining. This is a novella, so I thought it was a little lacking in some places and a little too fast moving in others, but I enjoyed it overall.

THREE STARS

Thursday, November 9, 2023

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: The Revelation of Eden Pruitt (The Eden Pruitt Series #3) by K.E. Ganshert

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line FridayFriday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. Freda is taking a hiatus right now, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over until Freda returns.

This week I'm featuring The Revelation of Eden Pruitt (The Eden Pruitt Series #3) by K.E. Ganshert.

About the Book
THE TRUTH COULD JEOPARDIZE EVERYTHING …

Eden Pruitt didn’t find the enemy. She stumbled upon the Resistance and unwittingly led the military to their doorstep. Because of her, they have been all but demolished. Most are dead. Several more have been imprisoned, along with Cassian Gray, the dangerous, tantalizing boy Eden loves.

As Cassian’s execution draws near, Eden must convince the Resistance to let her join them. They have the same mission, after all. Stop the Monarch before he carries out his evil plans. Step one of that mission—rescue the prisoners. Step two—destroy the Monarch’s army of super-human soldiers. But in convincing them to accept her, Eden's forced to hide who she really is. What she really is . . . one of the soldiers they’re bent on eradicating.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday
If he is the snake, Electus is his head. We are going to cut it off.

Friday 56
The world was silent. Not just quiet, but a complete absence of sound as Eden stood on an empty street corner, staring at herself in the reflection of a storefront window.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Tea and Empathy (Tales of Rydding Village #1) by Shanna Swendson

About the Book
Welcome to Rydding, the hidden village you might stumble across if you need a home and a fresh start.

For Elwyn Howell, the village is a lifesaver when she finds it just as she’s run out of strength and hope while running for her life. The abandoned healer’s cottage welcomes her, even though she’s given up on that calling. She opens a tea shop instead, using her knowledge of herbs and her empathic gift that allows her to select the perfect tea for each customer. Soon, she’s feeling at home in the village community.

She’s afraid it’s too good to last, a fear that’s confirmed when she finds a wounded man unconscious in her garden. Was he sent by the people who are hunting her? Not even he knows, since he has no memory of who he is or how he got there. As she nurses him back to health, they develop a close bond, but the specter of both their pasts—the one she’s fleeing and the one he doesn’t remember—gets in the way. He doesn’t know what life he may have left behind, and she lives in constant fear that her old life will catch up with her and she’ll end up convicted of a murder she’s not entirely sure she didn’t commit.

They can’t hide forever, not even in Rydding, and if they want to have a future, they’ll have to confront their pasts.

A new cozy cottagecore romantic fantasy from the author of Enchanted, Inc.


MY THOUGHTS

What a charming cozy fantasy! I loved the village of Rydding and the people who lived there. They were so inviting and kind to Elwyn, who was in a rough spot when she arrived. There was an air of mystery to the place that had me eager to learn more about it. I'm hoping we'll get some more answers in future books because I'm intrigued!

Elwyn was an easy character to like. I felt bad that her confidence was so shaken in her healing abilities that she didn't trust herself to use them. I was hoping she'd be able to overcome that, but really admired her ingenuity in opening up a tea shop where she could use her knowledge without feeling like she was putting anyone in danger.

I was so intrigued by the mystery man who showed up injured in Elwyn's garden. Who was he? What happened to his memories? Who injured him and why? 

I hope there are many more stories to come in this series. I loved spending time in this charming and mysterious village with these wonderful characters. I highly recommend it! 

FOUR STARS

Tuesday, November 7, 2023

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Study Chronicles: Tales of Ixia & Sitia by Maria V. Snyder

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring The Study Chronicles: Tales of Ixia & Sitia by Maria V. Snyder releasing November 10! 

About the Book
“Then what were you waiting for?”
He turned to her. “You.”


New York Times bestselling author, Maria V. Snyder, presents a complete collection of short stories and novellas from the dynamic and complex world of Ixia & Sitia. These stories delve into and expand the critically acclaimed Chronicles of Ixia series, featuring readers’ favorite characters: Yelena, Valek, Opal, Ari, Janco, and Commander Ambrose.

This comprehensive collection includes familiar stories: Assassin Study, Power Study, Ice Study, Shattered Glass, and Diaper Study, along with three exciting and never before seen additions: Diamond Study, Wedding Study, and After Study. Readers will also find bonus content with introductions to all the stories, detailed maps, character timelines, and amazing artwork by talented fans. For Snyder’s fans and Soulfinders, this is a must have compilation and guide for all things Ixia & Sitia.


What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Monday, November 6, 2023

Review: Just Don't Fall (Sweater Weather #1) by Emma St. Clair

About the Book
Before Logan Barnes was hockey’s hottest bad boy, he was my brother’s best friend … and my first crush. Oh, yeah--and the guy who ghosted me and broke my teenage heart.

Now Logan is back in Harvest Hollow, but not willingly. Recovering from an injury (and some bad press), he’s stuck playing for our minor league team.

Which means I’ll be working with him almost daily.

As the hockey team's social media manager, it’s my job to wrangle all the guys into filming TikTok trending videos. But Logan doesn’t want to be wrangled.

Turns out … neither does my heart.

Because my old crush never died.

And when Logan becomes my accidental fake boyfriend, those old feelings flare hot enough to melt the ice.

But this is all totally one-sided. Totally fake. Isn't it?

No matter what signals he seems to be giving me or how real things start to feel, I know Logan’s not home for good.

I survived Logan leaving me once. But this time, I’m not so sure my heart will recover …

Just Don't Fall is a small town, closed door hockey romcom with all the fake dating, brother's best friend vibes. You'll get smoking chemistry and characters to root for but NO spice. (Yes, you read that right--a low spice hockey romance.) Perfect for fans of sports romance who want a less heat.


MY THOUGHTS

This book had me laughing from the very first line. It was just the pick-me-up I needed. Hockey is my favorite sport, so I was excited for this clean, no-spice hockey romance. It was so good!

Parker and Logan had amazing chemistry! I liked that they had history. He used to be her older brother's best friend, and I really enjoyed watching them get to know each other again. And I loved that we got both Parker and Logan's POVs. It's always nice to get insight into what both characters are thinking during some of those pivotal moments.

While I thought the "fake" relationship was a lot of fun, I felt like it went on just a little too long. Towards the end of the book, I just wanted to shake them and tell them to hurry up and confess their real feelings. They were so good for each other. I will say, though, that, despite my impatience, the wait was worth it. Talk about swoony! 

I highly recommend this book to fans of sweet romantic comedies. It was a ton of fun. I loved the charming town of Harvest Hollow and all the cozy Fall vibes. I'm excited to visit again! 

FOUR STARS

Thursday, November 2, 2023

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Tea and Empathy (Tales of Rydding Village #1) by Shanna Swendson

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. (Friday 56 is on hiatus right now, but I'll still be participating.)

This week I'm featuring Tea and Empathy (Tales of Rydding Village #1) by Shanna Swendson. I've just started this cozy fantasy and am loving it so far. 

About the Book
Welcome to Rydding, the hidden village you might stumble across if you need a home and a fresh start.

For Elwyn Howell, the village is a lifesaver when she finds it just as she’s run out of strength and hope while running for her life. The abandoned healer’s cottage welcomes her, even though she’s given up on that calling. She opens a tea shop instead, using her knowledge of herbs and her empathic gift that allows her to select the perfect tea for each customer. Soon, she’s feeling at home in the village community.

She’s afraid it’s too good to last, a fear that’s confirmed when she finds a wounded man unconscious in her garden. Was he sent by the people who are hunting her? Not even he knows, since he has no memory of who he is or how he got there. As she nurses him back to health, they develop a close bond, but the specter of both their pasts—the one she’s fleeing and the one he doesn’t remember—gets in the way. He doesn’t know what life he may have left behind, and she lives in constant fear that her old life will catch up with her and she’ll end up convicted of a murder she’s not entirely sure she didn’t commit.

They can’t hide forever, not even in Rydding, and if they want to have a future, they’ll have to confront their pasts.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday
Elwyn Howell was certain she didn't have long to live, which meant she needed to find a good place to die.

Friday 56
Back in the sitting room, she found that her patient had finished his tea. "If you're hungry, there's soup for supper," she said.
"That sounds nice. At least, I think it does. I know what soup is, but I don't know if I like it. That's so odd."

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Lake Shore Return by (Redemption Shores #2) by Jennifer Rodewald

About the Book
Changes are coming to Elk Canyon Lake. Will anything survive the upheaval?

As Bennett and Hazel work to find something normal in their unexpected romance, their worlds slip sideways all over again. They know they've found love, but can it endure despite their very different personalities and life outlooks? On top of that, there are so many profound changes . . .

Bennett is working to establish a new life in Montana, and Hazel's brother Hunter is coming back. To stay.

Hunter Wallace never had an intention to return to Elk Canyon Lake, even if the woman who held his heart had stubbornly remained there. But after a medical discharge sends his life skittering, he has run into a dead-end. The lake might be all he's got, so he's bound and determined to make something of it.

Janie Truitt has proven she's got the grit it takes to be her own boss. Her business is flourishing, as much as possible in tiny Luna, Montana. She's steady, and if she doesn't think about Hunter, she's happy. But the not thinking about Hunter is going to be difficult when he rumbles back into her world.

Come back to the majestic beauty of Elk Canyon Lake, a remote and breathtaking wonder hidden in the stunning Montana Mountains. There you'll find unexpected romance, the redemption of broken pasts, and hope dawning anew.


MY THOUGHTS

What a great continuation of the story that started in Lake Shore Wandering. I love that we’re following the same characters from the first book and getting to see their struggles and triumphs, their growth and setbacks. I’ve enjoyed watching their lives unfold—the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Hazel can be a difficult person at times. She's stubborn, direct, and set in her ways, and while I didn’t agree with a lot of what she said and did, I could relate to her awkwardness around others and to the fact that she was an introvert.

I didn’t think I’d like Hunter at the beginning of the first story, but, oh my, I’ve loved seeing the change in him. I love watching him try to be a better man and rediscover his faith in God. Despite how different he and Hazel are, I think they’re really good for each other. They make each other better, and I hope they can make their relationship work.

Hunter had a bit of a chip on his shoulder, and I can’t say that I liked him very much to begin with. Especially with what he did in the first book. But somewhere along the way, he really started to grow on me. I’m loving his transformation. Things are tough for him at the start of this book. He has a very contentious relationship with his sister Hazel, and then he’s dealt a blow with his job. I was so glad he had his commanding officer, John Brighton, in his life. What a godsend he was!

I liked Janie instantly. She had a brightness and joy about her that was infectious. But her sunshiny attitude disappeared whenever Hunter showed up or was even mentioned. I was so eager to learn their history and why there was so much animosity between them. I’m hoping they can work through their issues because it’s obvious they still care for one another.

I love how Jennifer Rodewald makes me feel like I’m reading about real people dealing with real-life issues. I always say this about her books, but there’s such an authenticity to them. That’s one of the things I love most about her books. I'm loving this series so far and am so eager for the next one!

I received an advanced copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS