Monday, December 23, 2024

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Hope Santa Brings


Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

Merry Christmas, y'all! This week's topic is Books I Hope Santa Brings. How is it already Christmas? This year has flown by! The link to my wishlist is here.
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The Time Door (The Eternities #1) by Shannon McDermott

About the Book
A reckless last mission on Mars, a crusade for justice on Earth . . .

Reuben Jackson is the only one who still cares about Mars. In the shambles of the Great Collapse, Earth has abandoned the Mars explorers to their fate. But Reuben will make a stand for the Mars team—even against the powerfully united politicians and scientists. In too deep, he discovers hidden conspiracies and unexpected allies.

As the conflict mounts on Earth, time runs down on Mars. Left to face Mars alone, Commander Donegan Moynihan and his team have no hope of surviving after their supplies are gone. Willing to accept a quicker death than starvation, the explorers strike out on a dangerous mission. They venture deep inside the ancient volcano of Arsia Mons, into perils and secrets long buried. What they discover would move mountains on Earth—but will it be enough to save themselves?
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About the Book
“What happens if he returns to our world?”
“It will burn.”


There's just no rest for Valek, Ixia’s Chief of Security. Challenges are constant and new problems arrive daily, including a request to help Castletown’s watch solve the mystery of a string of nighttime disturbances, and keeping a close eye on the Commander’s food taster as she schemes her way back into business. As if that isn't enough, the Commander’s life is threatened.

Is the assassination attempt on the Commander a declaration of war by the Sitian Council, or is it a ruse by an unknown party to incite a war between Ixia and Sitia? Valek is sent to Sitia to discover the answer and deal with the threat.

Unfortunately, the problem turns out to be much bigger than even the council and the master magicians can handle. An unsanctioned clan with powerful warpers is plotting to take over both countries. As the danger heats up, Valek and Yelena must reunite and stop the group before they can set their entire world on fire.

A companion novel to Fire Study, The Study of Fire reveals Valek’s side of the story. Find out what problems Valek tackles in Ixia before he joins Yelena in fighting against a unstoppable enemy.
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Hybrid (The Hybrid Series #2) by Candace Kade

About the Book
Lee Urban's search for truth could destroy everything.

After narrowly surviving several attempts on her life, Lee Urban retreats into hiding, seeking refuge with her family for the Lunar New Year. But the relaxing holiday turns into a heist when someone crashes the party with intel on the hybrid’s identity.

Driven by desperation, Urban accepts a position within the elite Dragons AI team, a high-stakes gamble that will propel her into the heart of the turbulent West. As she follows the elusive clues to the hybrid, the journey takes her closer to uncovering the truths about her own origins and the odd circumstances surrounding her adoption.

Tensions between the Enhanced and Naturals grow increasingly violent, and the Western Federation teeters on the brink of civil war. Urban's choices threaten to tear her family apart, and the secrets she unearths just might shatter the delicate balance of society.
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Riptide (Oceans of Time #2) by Lisa T. Bergren

About the Book
The trap is set, and time is slipping away.

After narrowly escaping arrest, Luciana Betarrini hurtles back to medieval Italy. Once there, she and her brother, Domenico, must decide how far they’ll go to be part of the family, and if they’re willing to risk their lives to hunt down an assassin.

Meanwhile, Lady Tiliani Forelli’s family has disappeared in enemy territory. Fearing for their lives—and secretly hoping to cross paths with the Fiorentini she loves—Tiliani goes to Firenze intent on either rescue or seeing justice done. Yet a trap is closing around them all.

Together, the Grecos and Betarrinis must find the Forellis’ nemesis and force him to confess to his role in the murders. They assume he has slipped into the serpentine streets of Firenze to evade them. But will they find him in time to save the Forellis?
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Lumen (The Nightingale Trilogy #2) by J.J. Fischer

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.
_______________________________________

About the Book
A Tail Could Tell a Tale

Locklyn Adair has never fit in. The legs she inherited as a result of her great-great-grandmother’s curse make it impossible for her to belong under the sea. When her niece is also born without a tail, Locklyn is determined to save her from similar rejection by sending her to the only place in the Undersea Realm where legs are acceptable—the Lost Island of Atlantis.

Darin Aalto would do anything to protect his family, even spearheading an impossible quest to find treasure that has been lost for over a hundred years. But when his best friend, Locklyn, joins his crew, his ability to keep her safe—and his shot at winning her heart—comes perilously close to being swept away.

A family curse, lost treasure, unrequited love, and a race against time intertwine as Locklyn and Darin seek to save their family, their kingdom, and eventually the entire Undersea Realm without losing each other.
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Master of Memories by Lani Forbes

About the Book
In a grim not-so-distant future where debt and drugs run rampant, Margot Azenari studies memory editing alongside the offspring of the rich and famous. She dreams of erasing the bad memories from her childhood-of her father's involvement with the Vibora drug cartel and her mother's struggle with addiction. Margot makes plans to escape the pain of her past, but her plans go awry when her mentor, Dr. Xander, asks for her help with a top-secret project.

Margot has always admired her classmate Isaac, a senator's son, who once saved her from a mean prank. She's shocked to find him in Dr. Xander's office unconscious and bruised after a recent plane crash. Just as Margot and Dr. Xander finish erasing dangerous memories from Isaac's brain, Dr. Xander gives Margot an urgent mission-she alone must return the memories that they've removed from Isaac, or the lives of thousands of people will be in jeopardy. Their conversation is cut short as two Vibora drug cartel goons break in. Margot hides as they shoot Dr. Xander.

Margot makes contact with Isaac, and the two agree to try to put the memories back. Slowly, they piece together a connection between the cartel and the US government...and how Isaac tried to discover the truth. Battling her own growing romantic feelings for Isaac, Margot finds herself stuck in the middle of a government conspiracy where Isaac's father is the main suspect. As they race to reinsert the memories, they find themselves walking a treacherous line, not knowing who they can trust.

Or if they can trust each other.
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One Must Die by Multiple Authors

About the Book
You are invited...

To the annual game where teenage competitors search Sky Manor for the key to open a vault hidden behind the deceptive walls. The winner will have the wealth of a lifetime, but there is one catch.

One contestant must die.

This year, seven people step off the zeppelin to compete. A banker's son. A rich gentleman. A nice girl. A poor shopkeeper. A gold digger. An outsider. A thief. All have secrets of their own, and all have reasons to kill.

When one player turns up dead, the other six find themselves in a game of cat and mouse, the murderer among them.

Who will win, and who will die?
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Drawn Through Blood (A Legacy of Ink #2) by John W. Otte

About the Book
WHAT WILL THEY HAVE TO SACRIFICE TO SAVE THEIR KINGDOM?

Everys never dreamed she would one day be queen of the Xoniel Dynasty, let alone actually fall in love with the king. But as political compromises, accusations from the former queen, and the unexpected arrival of her father threaten to tear her marriage apart, Everys struggles to find her place and power as queen. With so many crises converging to destroy her husband’s reign, she has to save the very family who tried to destroy her people and her homeland.

Narius wants to build a fair and just society for all who live in the Dynasty’s holdings. But his right to reign is being challenged by the former leader of his military and the head of his people’s religion. Narius will have to prove his worth through not only ritual combat, but also through costly compromises to placate his nobility.

The Dynasty is falling apart without and within, and Everys and Narius battle to hold both their reign and their marriage together. But salvaging the fractured Dynasty will require sacrifice, and they may just find that the price is much higher than they ever could have imagined.
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One Wrong Move (Jeopardy Falls #1) by Dani Pettrey

About the Book
Taunting riddles.
A deadly string of heists.
Two broken hearts trapped in a killer's game.


Christian O'Brady was pulled into a life of crime at a young age by his con artist parents. Now making amends for his corrupt past, he has become one of the country's foremost security experts. When a string of Southwestern art heists targets one of the galleries Christian secured, he is paired up with a gifted insurance investigator who has her own checkered past.

Andi Forester was a brilliant FBI forensic analyst until her career was destroyed. She now puts those skills to work investigating insurance fraud, and this latest high-stakes case will test her gift to the limit. Drawn deep into a dangerous game with an opponent bent on revenge, Christian and Andi are in a race against the clock to catch him, but the perpetrator's game is far from finished, and one wrong move could be the death of them both.
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Have you read any of these books? If so, what did you think? What books are you hoping Santa brings you this year?

Review: Madeleine’s Mistletoe Meet Cute by Ellie Hall

About the Book
I’m a ghostbaker—covertly making Christmas cookies for the dough-challenged—and a virtual assistant on the side. When an impossibly attractive guy in flannel kisses me under the mistletoe, sparks fly, then fizzle. He’s my boss.

Maddie
You know the saying, “Things are coming up roses”? More like they’re last year’s wilted and withered poinsettias. To cap off a series of unfortunate events, I accidentally sent my boss another client’s content. He didn't find the first kiss quote social media graphic amusing. Despite never meeting face-to-face, I doubt anything could make the grumbler smile.

However, when I get a cookie baking contract in a charming small town, I can’t help but think this is my big chance to pay off Gran’s medical bills. Then I realize I’m competing with the enemy: Stone’s Coal Co., my boss’s business.

Duffy
My mother fancies herself Mrs. Claus. She and her merry band of matchmaking elves are determined to find me “The One.” Home for the holidays, the “Not-The-One” who single-handedly ruined me for romance, is at the company holiday party. Acting rashly, I kiss a cute woman under the mistletoe. When our lips touch, it’s nothing short of a Christmas miracle. But it turns out she’s my virtual assistant.

Instead of stomping on the brakes, we go on a fake dating spree, resulting in entering the Annual Christmas Charity Bake & Bazaar Auction. I tell myself after the oven timer dings, it’ll be over. But I’m tangled in tinsel as secrets and lies pile up.

Even if we leave Santa cookies, I have a feeling if we keep up the charade, we’ll end up with coal in our stockings. But can we somehow make it work and land on the “Good List?”

This is a clean, sweet, closed door, small town, Christmas romantic comedy featuring a grumpy boss, mistaken identity, a fake relationship, a chorkie named Pop Tart, and lots of holiday merriment.


MY THOUGHTS

This was such a cute story! It’s a quick read, but the length felt just right.

The grumpy/sunshine trope is my favorite, and it’s done so well here. Duffy was such an endearing grump while Maddie was likeable and easy to relate to. I also loved her dog. Pop Tart was adorable!

I’d never heard of a “ghostbaker” before, so that was really neat to read about.

I loved the town of North Pole! It was so charming and full of Christmas cheer!

There were so many laugh out loud moments in this book. I had a blast reading it. This was my first book by this author, but it won’t be the last. I’m eager to read more from her.

FOUR STARS

Thursday, December 19, 2024

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Madeleine’s Mistletoe Meet Cute by Ellie Hall

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 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. It was started by Freda at Freda's Voice, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over for the time being.

This week I'm featuring Madeleine’s Mistletoe Meet Cute by Ellie Hall. It's a great book if you're looking for a quick and fun Christmas read. 

About the Book
I’m a ghostbaker—covertly making Christmas cookies for the dough-challenged—and a virtual assistant on the side. When an impossibly attractive guy in flannel kisses me under the mistletoe, sparks fly, then fizzle. He’s my boss.

Maddie
You know the saying, “Things are coming up roses”? More like they’re last year’s wilted and withered poinsettias. To cap off a series of unfortunate events, I accidentally sent my boss another client’s content. He didn't find the first kiss quote social media graphic amusing. Despite never meeting face-to-face, I doubt anything could make the grumbler smile.

However, when I get a cookie baking contract in a charming small town, I can’t help but think this is my big chance to pay off Gran’s medical bills. Then I realize I’m competing with the enemy: Stone’s Coal Co., my boss’s business.

Duffy
My mother fancies herself Mrs. Claus. She and her merry band of matchmaking elves are determined to find me “The One.” Home for the holidays, the “Not-The-One” who single-handedly ruined me for romance, is at the company holiday party. Acting rashly, I kiss a cute woman under the mistletoe. When our lips touch, it’s nothing short of a Christmas miracle. But it turns out she’s my virtual assistant.

Instead of stomping on the brakes, we go on a fake dating spree, resulting in entering the Annual Christmas Charity Bake & Bazaar Auction. I tell myself after the oven timer dings, it’ll be over. But I’m tangled in tinsel as secrets and lies pile up.

Even if we leave Santa cookies, I have a feeling if we keep up the charade, we’ll end up with coal in our stockings. But can we somehow make it work and land on the “Good List?”

This is a clean, sweet, closed door, small town, Christmas romantic comedy featuring a grumpy boss, mistaken identity, a fake relationship, a chorkie named Pop Tart, and lots of holiday merriment.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday
How to break your life in three easy steps:
  1. Fall in love with your best friend and find out it’s unrequited.
  2. After leaving a store, get into the wrong car and nearly be arrested.
  3. Accidentally send your boss another client’s content…that involves kissing.

Friday 56
The baking timer buzzes, and I startle, realizing it’s been going off like an alarm. I could use my lucky apron right now…or my sisters. But there’s no time to stop if I’m going to stay on schedule and have time to help Duffy.

What have you been reading lately?

Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Can't Wait Wednesday: When Stars Light the Sky by Elizabeth Camden

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 When Stars Light the Sky by Elizabeth Camden releasing January 21.

About the Book
In a world on the brink of war, two hearts must navigate shadows of uncertainty.

Inga Klein's carefree life in New York takes a dramatic turn when she sails for Berlin, Germany, to serve as the secretary for America's ambassador. Amid the glamour of life at the embassy, she continually finds herself at odds with the straitlaced and imposing Benedict Kincaid, the diplomatic chief of staff who harbors deep misgivings toward the German-born Inga.

As Europe hurtles toward World War I, Benedict's determination to keep America out of the conflict adds to the already tense atmosphere. Despite their relentless sparring, Inga and Benedict succeed in keeping the embassy afloat through one crisis after another. But when they run out of diplomatic options, a marriage of convenience may be Inga's only hope of escape from the impending war.

For fans of the enemies-to-lovers, marriage of convenience, and workplace romance tropes, When Stars Light the Sky is a clean Gilded Age romance that will sweep you off your feet.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: Giver of Wonders by Roseanna M. White

About the Book
A miracle once saved her life ~ will another give her a future?

Cyprus was little more than a child when a fall left her paralyzed...and when the boy known as the wonder-worker healed her. Ever since, she has wondered why the Lord spared her, what he has in store for her. But her pagan father thinks she was spared solely so she could be introduced to the wealthy wonder-worker, Nikolaos.

Nikolaos has never questioned that his call in life is to dedicate himself to the church and to God. Never, that is, until he and his cousin Petros meet the compelling Cyprus Visibullis. For years he struggles with the feelings she inspires...and with the sure knowledge that Petros loves her too.

Petros knows he will never be good enough for Cyprus's father to consider him as a match for his favorite daughter not as long as Nikolaos is there. But when tragedy strikes the Visibullis family, he will do anything to save his beloved. Unfortunately, his beloved is determined to do anything to save her sisters ~ even at the cost of herself.

As the festival of lights bathes their Greek city in beauty, Cyprus, Petros, and Nikolaos celebrate the miracle of their Savior s birth together one last time. And in remembrance of their Lord's greatest gift, one of them will make the ultimate sacrifice for the others...and a centuries-long tradition will be born.


MY THOUGHTS

What a beautiful story! I loved how fully God was woven into every page. It was inspiring and hope-filled. The characters faced troubles. Many, in fact. There was a lot of strife, but they trusted in the Lord, and I loved seeing that!

I really liked the characters, and I loved seeing their passion for the Lord. Cyprus was misunderstood by her neighbors and was striving to be good enough for the miracle that healed her—trying to find her purpose. Her relationship with her sisters was so sweet to see. The way they loved each other and sacrificed for each other was so inspiring. Petros was so kind and selfless. And Nikolaus was such an inspiration. It was amazing to see the kind of faith he had.

This story really brought a whole new perspective to Santa Claus. It made me see the tradition in a whole new light, which I greatly appreciated. I’ve been disheartened by the commercialism of the holiday, so it was wonderful to read about the origin of Santa Claus and to see how God-honoring it was in the beginning.

This story broke my heart at times, but it also pieced it back together. This was a beautiful love story. Not just the romantic kind, but also the love God has for His children. I loved it so much and highly, highly recommend it!

FIVE STARS

Thursday, December 12, 2024

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Giver of Wonders by Roseanna M. White

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 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. It was started by Freda at Freda's Voice, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over for the time being.

This week I'm featuring Giver of Wonders by Roseanna M. White.

About the Book
A miracle once saved her life ~ will another give her a future?

Cyprus was little more than a child when a fall left her paralyzed...and when the boy known as the wonder-worker healed her. Ever since, she has wondered why the Lord spared her, what he has in store for her. But her pagan father thinks she was spared solely so she could be introduced to the wealthy wonder-worker, Nikolaos.

Nikolaos has never questioned that his call in life is to dedicate himself to the church and to God. Never, that is, until he and his cousin Petros meet the compelling Cyprus Visibullis. For years he struggles with the feelings she inspires...and with the sure knowledge that Petros loves her too.

Petros knows he will never be good enough for Cyprus's father to consider him as a match for his favorite daughter not as long as Nikolaos is there. But when tragedy strikes the Visibullis family, he will do anything to save his beloved. Unfortunately, his beloved is determined to do anything to save her sisters ~ even at the cost of herself.

As the festival of lights bathes their Greek city in beauty, Cyprus, Petros, and Nikolaos celebrate the miracle of their Savior s birth together one last time. And in remembrance of their Lord's greatest gift, one of them will make the ultimate sacrifice for the others...and a centuries-long tradition will be born.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday
- Patara, Lycia
She would die today, one way or another. Cyprus Visibullis risked one glance over her shoulder without slowing her feet. They still pursued, those lecherous sailors, shouting words at her that would make Mater’s face flush scarlet if she could hear.

Friday 56
The room filled as she prayed. With the scent of the cooking meat, with the music of the rain, and with the certainty that her Lord was right there, at her side. She had only to listen for him, and she would hear his voice.

What have you been reading lately?

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Can't Wait Wednesday: Jack (The Minnesota Kingstons #1) by Susan May Warren

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 Jack (The Minnesota Kingstons #1) by Susan May Warren releasing January 10. 

About the Book
There's Trouble in the North...

Meet Jack, a tracker with a past he’s trying to escape the first epic book of the Minnesota Kingston series by USA Today bestselling author Susan May Warren.

Her secret blew apart his life—and now she needs his help? If only he could say no…

Ten years should be long enough for Jack to forget the girl-next-door, his kid sister’s bestie and the woman—no, girl—who derailed his life. Now, he sort of likes his loner world as a missing person’s tracker. Well, mostly. But of course, when he returns home for his sister’s wedding, there she is…
Nope, not forgotten at all.

Of course Jack the Grump has shown up for his sister’s wedding, and by the way he looks at Harper, um, clearly her sins aren’t forgiven. So what—she’s sooo over her best-friend’s brooding, dark oldest brother. Really.

Then a bridesmaid goes missing.

And sure, Harper is a journalist who knows how to sniff out truth, but the clock is ticking and there’s only one person who can help…Perfect. No problem. She’s not going to fall for her childhood crush again. Promise.

Yes, Jack can admit that Harper’s not the girl he used to call Pigtails anymore. She’s all grown up…but he’s not going to get burned again. Still, what’s a guy going to do?

So, find her missing friend, get the bride down the aisle and ditch town before they find themselves in over their heads…or worse.

Dead.

Jack is a best friend’s brother, childhood crush, grumpy-to sunshine, sweet but sizzly romantic suspense about second chances and finding the family you always wanted…

What upcoming release are you eagerly anticiapating?

Monday, December 9, 2024

Review: Fireproof (Chasing Fire: Montana #6) by Susan May Warren

About the Book
SECRETS. BETRAYAL. SACRIFICE.
THIS TIME, THEY'RE NOT JUST FIGHTING FIRE.

An original series created by bestselling authors Susan May Warren and Lisa Phillips.

Can they save the town, find a missing nuke, and protect their hearts from getting burned?

Jade Ransom is a seasoned lead smoke jumper with something to prove. Haunted by a past mistake, she's determined to show she has what it takes to lead her own team. But on her first day fighting a raging wildfire, she rescues an injured yet mysteriously driven man from the flames—Crispin Lamb, who has even bigger problems than her.

Crispin has been secretly hunting the dangerous criminal organization called The Brotherhood for years. After already saving his sister from them and getting severely beaten, he's now on the hunt to find Henry, a man who may have stolen a nuclear missile from the gang. If Henry does have the nuke, Crispin needs to keep it out of the Brotherhood's hands at all costs, as they have plans to sell the weapon to Russia.

With the wildfire bearing down and The Brotherhood closing in, Crispin and Jade are thrust together in a deadly race to find Henry and the potential nuke before either create an even greater catastrophe. But as their attraction grows amid the threats surrounding them, can they overcome the secrets of their pasts to save the town from total destruction?

With explosive twists, sizzling chemistry, and high-stakes danger around every burning tree, this thrilling romantic suspense will keep you gripped until the smoldering final page. Fans of Susan May Warren’s epic romantic adventures won't be able to put down Jade and Crispin's race against the clock to stop a nuclear threat all while battling fiery odds and the flames igniting between them.


MY THOUGHTS

What an exciting and action-packed conclusion to this series. I’ve enjoyed every book, and this wraps things up in such a great way. It was a thrilling race against time. There was a missing nuke, raging wildfires, and bad guys on the loose. There was never a dull moment! The lightning-fast pace and escalating danger had me flipping through the pages as fast as possible.

I really liked Jade and Crispin. They were both strong-willed and determined, and had amazing chemistry. Their banter was so much fun!

I loved the strong message of faith woven throughout the pages. My favorite quote was: “Why worry about things I can’t control? I have today. And that’s all I need to worry about.” What a great reminder!

If you’re a fan of action-packed romantic suspense, you’ll love this series! I highly recommend it!

FOUR STARS

Saturday, December 7, 2024

Review: Empire of Ruin: Book 1 by Merrie Destefano

About the Book
Romeo & Juliet meet Norse mythology when our world is invaded by mythical dragons...

Unleash the Dragons, Embrace the Storm

Seventeen-year-old Charlotte Buchanan’s quiet Appalachian life shatters when dragons from Norse legends invade her world, hunting for their lost queen.

Amidst friends that mysteriously go missing, a rekindled forbidden love, and a fast-approaching war, Charlotte uncovers a horrifying truth—she’s transforming into the very creature threatening her world.

With her folk-healer sister’s help, Charlotte’s search for answers takes her to the edge of the universe, to Asgard itself, where she clashes with dragons, and the fate of nine realms hangs in the balance.

To survive, she must embrace the power of a Thunderer, risking everything to save her world—or become the legend she’s been running from.

Will she rise as a hero, or fall as a monster?

By USA Today bestselling author and award-winning author, Merrie Destefano.


MY THOUGHTS

This book completely blew me away! I’ve loved everything I’ve read by this author, but Empire of Ruin might just be my new favorite. It was such an imaginative story! It had impressive worldbuilding, complex characters, and an intriguing plot. I was hooked from the first page to the last and didn’t want it to end.

I was so intrigued by the Invaders. What were they? Why were they there? What was their purpose? I needed to know!

There was a feeling of unease and creeping danger throughout the book. I was so nervous for the characters. I got goosebumps several times.

Everything about this story was so vivid and had an authentic, almost haunting feel about it. And even though it’s a fantasy story, it felt real. This story came to life. I absolutely loved it and highly, highly recommend it! I can’t wait for the next one!

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

FIVE STARS

Thursday, December 5, 2024

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Fireproof (Chasing Fire: Montana #6) by Susan May Warren

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 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. It was started by Freda at Freda's Voice, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over for the time being.

This week I'm featuring Fireproof (Chasing Fire: Montana #6) by Susan May Warren. This was such a great conclusion to the series!

About the Book
SECRETS. BETRAYAL. SACRIFICE.
THIS TIME, THEY'RE NOT JUST FIGHTING FIRE.

An original series created by bestselling authors Susan May Warren and Lisa Phillips.

Can they save the town, find a missing nuke, and protect their hearts from getting burned?

Jade Ransom is a seasoned lead smoke jumper with something to prove. Haunted by a past mistake, she's determined to show she has what it takes to lead her own team. But on her first day fighting a raging wildfire, she rescues an injured yet mysteriously driven man from the flames—Crispin Lamb, who has even bigger problems than her.

Crispin has been secretly hunting the dangerous criminal organization called The Brotherhood for years. After already saving his sister from them and getting severely beaten, he's now on the hunt to find Henry, a man who may have stolen a nuclear missile from the gang. If Henry does have the nuke, Crispin needs to keep it out of the Brotherhood's hands at all costs, as they have plans to sell the weapon to Russia.

With the wildfire bearing down and The Brotherhood closing in, Crispin and Jade are thrust together in a deadly race to find Henry and the potential nuke before either create an even greater catastrophe. But as their attraction grows amid the threats surrounding them, can they overcome the secrets of their pasts to save the town from total destruction?

With explosive twists, sizzling chemistry, and high-stakes danger around every burning tree, this thrilling romantic suspense will keep you gripped until the smoldering final page. Fans of Susan May Warren’s epic romantic adventures won't be able to put down Jade and Crispin's race against the clock to stop a nuclear threat all while battling fiery odds and the flames igniting between them.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday
Frankly, Crispin was just tired of being dead.

Friday 56
“We won’t fail,” she said and put her hands on his arms. “God hasn’t brought you this far to let you fail.”

What have you been reading lately?

Tuesday, December 3, 2024

Can't Wait Wednesday: Cloaked in Beauty (Texas Ever After) by Karen Witemeyer

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 Cloaked in Beauty (Texas Ever After) by Karen Witemeyer releasing December 17.

About the Book
In the heart of the Piney Woods of Texas, Letty Hood has spent the last fifteen years of her life hidden away with her grandmother to escape the deadly schemes of an uncle who wants her dead. Now, with her twenty-first birthday on the horizon, she is forced to accept the escort of a stranger and return to Houston in secret so she can claim a birthright that will make her one of the wealthiest women in Texas. If she lives long enough to inherit.

Pinkerton agent Philip Carmichael has one duty: get the Radcliffe heiress home alive. Expecting a spoiled girl, Philip is surprised to encounter a woman of rare strength with a kind soul and keen wit. As they journey together, Letty's resilience wins his admiration, breaking through his hardened cynicism. Yet the threat to Letty grows more menacing with every mile, and Philip fears that keeping her out of harm's way may be just as impossible as keeping her out of his heart.

"Little Red Riding Hood" and "Sleeping Beauty" entwine for a romantic fairy tale retelling that explores the power of true love conquering even the darkest of nights.

What upcoming release are you eagerly anticipating? 

Monday, December 2, 2024

Review: Most Likely to Die (True Crime Junkies #8) by Christy Barritt

About the Book
When a plane goes down in the Alaskan wilderness, so does the senator onboard . . .

With voting for the proposed oil drilling project only days away, former defense attorney Andi Slade knows what happened to the senator was no accident. It was a calculated and ruthless attack by Victor Goodman, the man who ruined Andi’s reputation and career.

As Andi and her friends, members of The Round Table podcast, join forces to put an end to Victor’s destruction once and for all, the stakes rise to a new level.

The team has had their share of differences in the past, but they can all agree on one thing: justice comes with a price. As they fight for their lives in a killer’s twisted game, one question remains . . . who will be the most likely to die?


MY THOUGHTS

Full of intrigue and gripping suspenseful moments, this book was impossible to put down. The danger was high, and so was my anxiety. Just when I’d think things couldn’t get worse, they did. I couldn’t read fast enough.

I’ve loved getting to know these characters throughout the series, and I’ve enjoyed seeing them overcome some seriously daunting (and dangerous) obstacles. I’ve been eager for the villain to get his comeuppance, and things come to a head quite spectacularly here.

While this book wraps up the longstanding mysteries of the series, I’m so glad this isn’t the end! I’m excited for this group of podcasting friends to solve more mysteries! I can’t wait for the next one!

FOUR STARS