Thursday, May 30, 2019

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: All Systems Red (The Murderbot Diaries #1) by Martha Wells

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.

This week I'm sharing All Systems Red (The Murderbot Diaries #1) by Martha Wells. I finally read this recently and LOVED it. I can't believe it took me so long to get around to it.

About the Book
"As a heartless killing machine, I was a complete failure."

In a corporate-dominated spacefaring future, planetary missions must be approved and supplied by the Company. Exploratory teams are accompanied by Company-supplied security androids, for their own safety.

But in a society where contracts are awarded to the lowest bidder, safety isn’t a primary concern.

On a distant planet, a team of scientists are conducting surface tests, shadowed by their Company-supplied ‘droid — a self-aware SecUnit that has hacked its own governor module, and refers to itself (though never out loud) as “Murderbot.” Scornful of humans, all it really wants is to be left alone long enough to figure out who it is.

But when a neighboring mission goes dark, it's up to the scientists and their Murderbot to get to the truth.

Book Beginning
I could have become a mass murderer after I hacked my governor module, but then I realized I could access the combined feed of entertainment channels carried on the company satellites. It had been well over 35,000 hours or so since then, with still not much murdering, but probably, I don't know, a little under 35,000 hours of movies serials, books, plays, and music consumed. As a heartless killing machine, I was a terrible failure.

Friday 56
Everyone stood there, quiet. I could tell from their expressions they were all thinking hard. The HubSystem that controlled their habitat, that they were dependent on for food, shelter, filtered air, and water, was trying to kill them. And in their corner all they had was Murderbot, who just wanted everyone to leave it alone so it could watch the entertainment feed all day.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Dead on Arrival (Lantern Beach P.D. #4) by Christy Barritt

About the Book
A make-or-break election. A food poisoning epidemic. A town in chaos.

With a highly charged local election consuming the community, Police Chief Cassidy Chambers braces herself for a challenging day of breaking up petty conflicts and tamping down high emotions. But when widespread food poisoning spreads among potential voters across the island, Cassidy smells something rotten in the air.

As Cassidy examines every possibility to uncover what’s going on, local enigma Anthony Gilead again comes on her radar. The man is running for mayor and his cult-like following is growing at an alarming rate. Cassidy feels certain he has a spy embedded in her inner circle. The problem is that her pool of suspects gets deeper every day.

Can Cassidy get to the bottom of what’s eating away at her peaceful island home? Will voters turn out despite the outbreak of illness plaguing their tranquil town? And the even bigger question: Has darkness come to stay on Lantern Beach?


My Thoughts

Dead On Arrival was another excellent addition to the Lantern Beach Mystery series. Like with all of Christy Barritt's books, I was hooked from the very beginning and raced through the pages to reach the thrilling conclusion.

It's the day of the mayoral election and tensions are high. Cult leader Anthony Gilead is in the running and Lantern Beach natives are anxious about the consequences if he were to win. A deadly food poisoning epidemic hits, causing the turnout for the election to suffer.

This was very fast-paced. It was probably the quickest I've read one of these books. The stakes were so high and I just had to know how things would turn out. I'm so invested in this community and these characters. I can't wait for the next one!

Four Stars

Tuesday, May 28, 2019

Can't Wait Wednesday: State of Lies by Siri Mitchell

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 State of Lies by Siri Mitchell releasing August 13.

About the Book
One woman is forced to question everything she knows in this domestic suspense novel from award-winning author Siri Mitchell.

Georgie Brennan may be a world-class quantum physicist, but she grapples with life as a single mother after her husband is killed. When she receives a message from beyond the grave, it leads her to question the details of her husband’s death.

As she follows the clues he left behind, her discoveries increasingly implicate those closest to her. When her father is nominated as the new United States Secretary of Defense, she must uncover the truth before his confirmation hearing—even as the same people who killed her husband are now after her. Nothing is at is seems. Lies are truth; enemies are friends. Even her child is at risk. As every possibility but one disappears, Georgie may find herself to be the antithesis of everything she’s thought herself to be.

Why I Need It
I've read quite a few of this author's historical fiction and really enjoyed most of them. So when I saw that she had a new book coming out and in a different genre, suspense (my favorite), I got really excited.

What upcoming release are you excited about?

Monday, May 27, 2019

Review: Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder


About the Book
Murder, mayhem and magic…

Locked in a coffin-like darkness, there is nothing to distract me from my memories of killing Reyad. He deserved to die—but according to the law, so do I. Here in Ixia, the punishment for murder is death. And now I wait for the hangman's noose.

But the same law that condemns me may also save me. Ixia's food taster—chosen to ensure that the Commander's food is not poisoned—has died. And by law, the next prisoner who is scheduled to be executed—me—must be offered the position.


My Thoughts

There's no feeling quite like diving into an old, favorite book.

I could feel myself starting to get into a reading slump. Books that sounded awesome a few days before held no appeal. I was having to force myself to read and that's never a good sign. I hate when that happens. So, I thought I'd try to overcome it by reading one of my old favorites. And it did the trick.

I've lost count of how many times I've read Poison Study, but it never gets old. I never tire of it. In fact, it actually gets better each time. Revisiting the characters, the world, the relationships, the hardships, struggles, and triumphs. I can't get enough of it. This is a must-read for any fantasy fan. I can't say enough good things about it and HIGHLY recommend it.

Five Stars

Thursday, May 23, 2019

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Spindle (Two Monarchies Sequence #1) by W.R. Gingell

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.

This week I'm sharing Spindle (Two Monarchies Sequence #1) by W.R. Gingell, a really fun fantasy.

About the Book
"A roller-coaster ride of creative and fantastic fairy tale retelling!" -Wishful Endings Book Blog

What do you do when your prince is not a prince, your hair won’t stop growing, and someone has cursed you to sleep for 300 years?

If you’re Polyhymnia, you get up with the help of a kiss or two, trailing your hair behind you, and find out who did it. You try not to get killed in the process.

And you definitely try not to fall in love with the incredibly irritating wizard who woke you and apparently needs to keep kissing you to keep you awake...


Book Beginning
Polyhymnia knew perfectly well that she was dreaming.

Friday 56
"One day," said Poly, tugging once again at the laces of her glove, "one day you'll say please, and I'll probably faint with shock."

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Wooing Cadie McCaffrey by Bethany Turner

About the Book
After four years with her boyfriend, Cadie McCaffrey is thinking of ending things. Convinced Will doesn't love her in the "forever" way she loves him, Cadie believes it's time for her to let him go before life passes her by. When a misunderstanding leads to a mistake, leaving her hurt, disappointed, and full of regret, she finally sends him packing.

But for Will, the end of their relationship is only the beginning of his quest to figure out how to be the man Cadie wanted him to be. With the dubious guidance of his former pro-athlete work friends and tactics drawn from Cadie's favorite romantic comedies, Will attempts to win her back. It's a foolproof plan. What could possibly go wrong?

Bethany Turner is back with more of the heart and humor readers love. Anyone who enjoys a good romance or binges romantic comedies on Netflix will devour this delightful story.
 


My Thoughts

I can't even begin to tell you how much I absolutely loved this delightful book. Gosh, it's just so good! Such a breath of fresh air. Such a wonderfully funny and smile-inducing read. I was snorting with laughter all the way through. But there were also serious moments, moments of real depth, too. It had a nice balance to it.

You could probably say that this book classifies as “edgy” Christian Fiction. Topics not normally found or discussed in this genre were present which I enjoyed. It made this book feel more “real”.

This was one of my most highly anticipated releases for the year and it completely blew my expectations out of the water. I loved Bethany Turner's The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck so stinking much, but this one's even better! I didn't think it was possible. I'd love to see it made into a movie one of these days. It'd be awesome.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

Five Stars

Tuesday, May 21, 2019

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Killing Tide (Coastal Guardians #1) by Dani Pettrey

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 Killing Tide (Coastal Guardians #1) by Dani Pettrey releasing August 6.

About the Book
When one Coast Guard officer is found dead and another goes missing, CGIS special agent Finn Walker faces his most dangerous and volatile crime yet. His only clues are what little evidence remains aboard the dead officer's adrift cutter, and the direction the clues point will test him and the guard to their limits.

Complicating matters further is the arrival of investigative reporter Harper Grace. An unrelenting journalist who was nearly killed as the result of her last expose, Harper has been sent to Wilmington on the hunch of her boss that the Coast Guard is stonewalling the truth about the officers. An interview with the dead victim's wife convinces her there's a story worth uncovering, even if it means risking her life again.

Thrown together by the heinous crime, Finn and Harper can't ignore the sparks or judgments flying between them, but will they be able to see past their preconceptions long enough to track down an elusive killer before they become his next mark?
 

Why I Need It
I loved Dani Pettrey's Alaskan Courage series. They were some of the first romantic suspense I'd read and I fell in love with the genre after that. I'm excited to check out this new series from her.

What upcoming release are you excited about?

Monday, May 20, 2019

Review: Cherish Me (Chapel Cove Romances #3) by Autumn Macarthur

About the Book
All she ever wanted for herself was to be loved.

At thirteen, Naomi Macnamara and her two best friends each pen a wish list of things they want to achieve. Deciding to bury a tin containing their life goals, the friends vow to unearth the metal box once they’ve all turned forty. But as the decades pass and each girl chases her dreams, the lists are forgotten.

When her beloved aunt’s sudden illness sends Nai back to Chapel Cove days before her fortieth birthday to manage the town’s bookstore, her successful, independent, organized new life in Texas seems a million miles away. Between a book-hoarding aunt, a leaky roof, unruly pets, wobbly faith, and flaky bookstore staff, the last thing she wants is to have to rely on local cop Mateo Rodriguez for help.

Mateo, returned to the Cove to help his aging grandfather, never forgot his first love Nai or the one sweet kiss at sixteen that sent her running. Normally confident and capable, being around each other shoots them both back into their teenage shyness and insecurity.

They'll need to overcome soul-deep hurts, trust in God, and risk being vulnerable enough to accept their second chance at love. Will a crisis bring them together -- or tear them apart?

Available in Kindle Unlimited

My Thoughts

Cherish Me was so good! It's book three in the Chapel Cove Romance series, but can definitely stand alone. Following three childhood friends around their fortieth birthdays, Cherish Me is Nai's time to shine. After her appearances in the first two books, it was great getting to know Nai better.

Ivy's on Spruce was such a charming store. Sure, it needed a little tlc, but the eccentric employees and rambunctious animals gave the store character.

One of the things I loved most about this book was the strong spiritual message of letting go and trusting God to take care of things. It's a good one to remember and keep in all of our hearts.

I've loved my time in Chapel Cove. It's a wonderful place filled with wonderful people. This book just reiterated the fact even more that I wish this town were real. It'd be an ideal place to call home.

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

Four Stars

Thursday, May 16, 2019

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder

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.

This week I'm rereading one of my all-time favorites, Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder. It just gets better and better each time I read it.

About the Book
Murder, mayhem and magic…

Locked in a coffin-like darkness, there is nothing to distract me from my memories of killing Reyad. He deserved to die—but according to the law, so do I. Here in Ixia, the punishment for murder is death. And now I wait for the hangman's noose.

But the same law that condemns me may also save me. Ixia's food taster—chosen to ensure that the Commander's food is not poisoned—has died. And by law, the next prisoner who is scheduled to be executed—me—must be offered the position.
 




Book Beginning
Locked in darkness that surrounded me like a coffin, I had nothing to distract me from my memories. Vivid recollections waited to ambush me whenever my mind wandered.

Friday 56
In my room, I locked the door. When I turned around, I spied Reyad's ghost lounging on my bed. The wound in his neck hung open, and blood stained his nightshirt black. In contrast, his blonde hair was combed in the latest style, his mustache groomed to perfection, and his light blue eyes glowed.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Darkwater Secrets (Darkwater Inn #1) by Robin Caroll

About the Book
A murder investigation uncovers sordid secrets and haunting mistakes

The Darkwater Inn stands tall and proud in the French Quarter, the hub of New Orleans. Bourbon Street is bustling, and general manager Adelaide Fountaine has her hands full with a hotel at capacity. But she is shocked when a body is found: a hotel guest stabbed with a kitchen knife.

Detective Beau Savoie, Adelaide's childhood friend, is on the case. As Beau digs into the victim's past, he unearths a shocking connection between Adelaide and the murdered guest. Beau is hurt that his friend--the woman he's quietly loved for years--kept the truth from him. To make matters worse, the stress of the investigation has sent Adelaide right into the comforting arms of her coworker Dimitri. But Beau can't press Adelaide too hard . . . because he's keeping secrets of his own.

Can Adelaide and Beau afford to hide from the truth with a killer on the loose?
 


My Thoughts

Darkwater Secrets was a great story that captivated me from beginning to end.

New Orleans is a wonderful setting and one of my favorite places to visit in books. The city, and the Darkwater Inn, seemed to come alive here and were characters unto themselves. I love when that happens. And speaking of characters, this story follows three different POVs, Adelaide, Dimitri, and Beau. I really liked all of them, but there is a love triangle going on there. I'm not usually a fan of those, but I'm reserving my judgment, for now, to see how it all develops in the future.

I was surprised by how quickly the mystery was resolved. There was still quite a bit of book left. And I felt like the reveal was a little, I don't know, anticlimactic, maybe. It wasn't bad, just unexpected, I guess. The remainder of the book was good, I just wish the mystery had lasted longer. The groundwork for the next book was set, though, and I'm eager to see what happens next.

I won this book in a giveaway and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

Four Stars

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Can't Wait Wednesday: Glitter of Gold (Georgia Coast Romance #2) by Liz Johnson

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 Glitter of Gold (Georgia Coast Romance #2) by Liz Johnson releasing August 6.

About the Book
Anne Norris moved to Savannah, Georgia, for a fresh start. Now her pirate-tour business is flagging, and paying the rent requires more than wishful thinking. When she discovers evidence of a shipwreck off the coast of Tybee Island, she knows it could be just the boon she needs to stay afloat. She takes her findings to local museum director Carter Hale for confirmation, but she runs after a disastrous first meeting.

Carter has been searching for the location of the wreck detailed in the worn pages of an 18th-century diary, the discovery of which could open the door to his dream job at a prestigious museum. But convincing Anne to help him fill in the missing pieces of the puzzle is no easy task. And working with Carter means that Anne will have to do the one thing she swore she'd never do again: trust a man.

Finding a monetary backer and sticking with a search that's turning up nothing will take all their dedication--and every secret they've tried to hide. If they can find the lost ship, they may discover a treasure worth more than all the pirate gold in the world--love.
 

Why I Need It
A pirate-tour business, a shipwreck? Yes, please! This sounds awesome! Plus, I loved the first book in this series.

What upcoming release are you excited about?

Review: Beauty in Battle (Beauty in Flight #3) by Robin Patchen

About the Book
Book 3 in the Beauty in Flight Serial:

The truth is out, but will it set her free, or will it land her in the grave?

The last thing Harper wants is to do is return Maryland to face the police and explain the mess she left behind, but with Red safe and the authorities waiting, she has little choice. At least Jack didn't abandon her, even after he discovered her lies.

Now that Jack knows the truth about Harper, his feelings for her are deeper than ever. Jack isn’t about to leave her side, and he'll protect her from anybody who tries to hurt her--or die trying.

But Derrick is on their trail, and he’s the least of their problems. How can they battle both Derrick and the killer who hides in the shadows?

Don’t miss the exciting conclusion of the Beauty in Flight series.


My Thoughts

Beauty in Battle is the exciting conclusion to the three part Beauty in Flight series. And what an absolutely perfect conclusion it was! It's the most fast paced of the series. The suspense and tension never seemed to let up, making it nearly impossible to set down.

It was a joy to watch Harper's faith grow stronger with each book. To know where she started and then to see where she ended was truly inspiring.

The author did a great job of recapping the previous books, but I'd still recommend starting with book one. The journey that Harper goes on, from beginning to end, is something you don't want to miss out on.

I flew through this series, reading each book back-to-back. It was so good! I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys inspirational suspense. I'm definitely adding Robin Patchen to my “auto-buy” list. I can't wait to read whatever she comes out with next.

Four Stars

Monday, May 13, 2019

Review: Beauty in Hiding (Beauty in Flight #2) by Robin Patchen

About the Book
Book 2 in the Beauty in Flight serial:

Harper’s second chance at life will become a second stint in prison if anyone connects those two dead men to her.

Nutfield, New Hampshire, is as good a place as any to hide from the murderer Harper left behind in Maryland. All she has to do is lie low and make enough money to keep herself and Red alive until she can figure out who her enemies are.

Jack Rossi isn’t sure what to make of his beautiful new tenant and her confused grandfather. Something's not right, but the love he sees between them and the care she takes of the old man convinces Jack they're trustworthy. As drawn as he is to Harper, she’s his tenant, so she’s off limits.

Derrick, Harper's ex-boyfriend and Red’s grandson, needs to find his grandfather and get his hands on the old man’s money before Derrick ends up with a bullet in the skull. And when he gets his hands on Harper, she’ll be sorry for what she’s put him through. 

Harper and Jack grow closer, but so do her enemies. If Harper can’t trust Jack with the truth, she may lose more than just this glimpse of true love. She may lose her freedom—or her life.


My Thoughts

I started reading this book immediately after I finished Beauty in Flight. I'm so thankful that the whole series is out and I didn't have to wait for this one because that ending... just, wow! I had to know what happened next right away.

Beauty in Hiding was more suspenseful, more action-packed than book one. I was on the edge of my seat just waiting to see what obstacles the characters might encounter next. The sense of impending danger was still there, if not always in the forefront, then lurking in background, making me nervous for what might happen.

I really liked the new addition of Jack. He's a great neighbor, so helpful. He was just the kind of person that Harper and Red needed in their lives at that time.

I'm loving this series and am turning on my Kindle right now to start the last book. I can't wait to find out how it all concludes.

Four Stars

Thursday, May 9, 2019

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Darkwater Secrets (Darkwater Inn #1) by Robin Caroll

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.

This week I'm featuring Darkwater Secrets (Darkwater Inn #1) by Robin Caroll, a great mystery set in New Orleans.

About the Book
A murder investigation uncovers sordid secrets and haunting mistakes

The Darkwater Inn stands tall and proud in the French Quarter, the hub of New Orleans. Bourbon Street is bustling, and general manager Adelaide Fountaine has her hands full with a hotel at capacity. But she is shocked when a body is found: a hotel guest stabbed with a kitchen knife.

Detective Beau Savoie, Adelaide's childhood friend, is on the case. As Beau digs into the victim's past, he unearths a shocking connection between Adelaide and the murdered guest. Beau is hurt that his friend--the woman he's quietly loved for years--kept the truth from him. To make matters worse, the stress of the investigation has sent Adelaide right into the comforting arms of her coworker Dimitri. But Beau can't press Adelaide too hard . . . because he's keeping secrets of his own.

Can Adelaide and Beau afford to hide from the truth with a killer on the loose?
 

Book Beginning
Surely that wasn't...It couldn't be...
Adelaide froze, squinting into the crowd. Her heart sputtered, then pounded. Her eyes had to be playing tricks on her. Here? No way could-
But it was.

Friday 56
"Come on, let me take you to his office." She led the way down the business hall, past her closed office, past the employee room where the delectable aroma of freshly made coffee seeped out into the hallway, to Geoff's office. She knocked softly on his door before pushing it open. "Geoff? Detective Savoie and Taton are here."

What have you been reading lately?
 

Review: Beauty in Flight (Beauty in Flight #1) by Robin Patchen

About the Book
Her beauty once opened doors, but the felony conviction now slams them shut.

Harper Cloud used to love the gilded glamour of Las Vegas, but on the far side of prison, she sees the cracks in the veneer. These days, she keeps her head down and focuses on the elderly patients in her care. Even her new wealthy east-coast boyfriend, Derrick, can't entice her away. She's trusted men before, and look where that got her.

She tries to brush off the feeling that she's being watched. She won't allow a baseless paranoia to derail her life. But when she's followed home one night, her pursuer gets within a hair's breadth of grabbing her. She knows it's time to get away from Las Vegas.

Maybe Derrick can be trusted. Maybe his job offer—to care for his aging grandfather in Maryland—will be the second chance she needs.

But Derrick has secrets of his own, secrets that could take him down--and take Harper with him.

Can there be a second chance for someone like her? 

Buy Beauty in Flight today , Book 1 in a 3-book-series that’ll keep you guessing until the very end.


My Thoughts

Beauty in Flight was a quick and suspenseful read. There was a heavy sense of foreboding oozing from the pages that had me full of anticipation and anxiety. I was suspicious of everything and everyone.

This was the first book I've read by this author and I really enjoyed it. The writing was superb. I was pulled right into the story and was feeling all the emotions of the characters as if I was right there with them.

This is the first book in a three part series and because of that, when I reached the end, it felt like it had just got started. And that ending! Wow! I want to talk about it, but don't want to spoil anything. Just be warned, massive cliffhanger alert! As soon as I finished, I made my way to Amazon and purchased the second one.

Four Stars

Tuesday, May 7, 2019

Can't Wait Wednesday: Fire Storm (Kaely Quinn Profiler #2) by Nancy Mehl

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 Fire Storm (Kaely Quinn Profiler #2) by Nancy Mehl releasing August 6.

About the Book
When FBI profiler Kaely Quinn's mother is diagnosed with cancer, Kaely takes time off work to go to Dark Water, Nebraska, to help her brother care for their mother. Upon her arrival, she learns of a series of fires in the small town, attributed by the fire chief to misuse of space heaters in the frigid winter. But Kaely is skeptical, and a search for a pattern in the locations of the fires bolsters her suspicions.

After yet another blaze devastates a local family, Kaely is certain a serial arsonist is on the loose. Calling upon her partner from St. Louis, Noah Hunter, and her brother's firefighter neighbor who backs Kaely's suspicions, Kaely and her team begin an investigation that swiftly leads them down a twisted path. When the truth is finally revealed, Kaely finds herself confronting a madman who is determined his last heinous act will be her death.

Why I Need It
Mind Games, the first book in this series, was awesome. It's one of the most unpredictable books I've read. So many twists and turns that I didn't see coming. So many shocking reveals. It was so good. I've been so eager for this sequel ever since I reached the last page of Mind Games. The wait has been awful. August 6 can't come soon enough.

What upcoming release are you excited about?

Monday, May 6, 2019

Review: Love Me (Chapel Cove Romances #2) by Alexa Verde

About the Book
Welcome to Chapel Cove, Oregon, where life begins at forty.
The biggest disaster of her life or the beginning of something wonderful?
Growing up, Kristina Vela never imagined she'd meet her fortieth birthday divorced by her cheating, manipulative husband, and without a house, degree, or career. Back in her hometown, Chapel Cove, to start anew, she's given up on men. Then she meets grieving widower Greg Matthews and his adorable five-year-old daughter and helps them renovate a house. Just when Kristina feels she can love again, her ex gives her an ultimatum. Can she choose between her own happiness and Greg's?
Former snowboarder Greg Matthews is moving to Chapel Cove so his daughter can be close to her grandparents. After his wife died, his heart closed to romance. As caring and compassionate Kristina helps him repair his house and his life, he might be falling for her. But if she decides to leave, will he survive a second heartbreak?

Available in Kindle Unlimited

My Thoughts

This book was so good! It's book two in the Chapel Cove Romance series and focuses on Kristina. I really enjoyed getting Kristina's story, watching her come into her own, stand up for herself, and to see her confidence bloom. It was a moving story filled with a lot of heart, some laughter, a few tears, and a great spiritual message.

I want to mention one of the things that I really appreciated about this book. The way that Chelsea's food allergy was handled. It was dealt with in a really authentic way that showcased the seriousness of it. I have severe food allergies and have to be extra careful, so I can relate to the situation. I have to thank the author for accurately portraying it.

I'm really loving this series. Chapel Cove is a special place and I'm very eager to visit it again in the next book!

Four Stars

Thursday, May 2, 2019

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Beauty in Flight (Beauty in Flight #1) by Robin Patchen

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.

This week I'm featuring Beauty in Flight (Beauty in Flight #1) by Robin Patchen. I just finished reading this whole series back-to-back and WOW! It was so good!

About the Book
Her beauty once opened doors, but the felony conviction now slams them shut.

Harper Cloud used to love the gilded glamour of Las Vegas, but on the far side of prison, she sees the cracks in the veneer. These days, she keeps her head down and focuses on the elderly patients in her care. Even her new wealthy east-coast boyfriend, Derrick, can't entice her away. She's trusted men before, and look where that got her.

She tries to brush off the feeling that she's being watched. She won't allow a baseless paranoia to derail her life. But when she's followed home one night, her pursuer gets within a hair's breadth of grabbing her. She knows it's time to get away from Las Vegas.

Maybe Derrick can be trusted. Maybe his job offer—to care for his aging grandfather in Maryland—will be the second chance she needs.

But Derrick has secrets of his own, secrets that could take him down--and take Harper with him.

Can there be a second chance for someone like her? 

Book Beginning
Two years out should have been enough. Cell mates no longer shoved her, fellow inmates no longer raised their fists, and guards no longer leered. A year ago, she'd been released from parole. Harper Cloud was free.
Except her heart didn't believe it.

Friday 56
Harper woke to sun streaming in through the curtains. She pulled them back and gazed out at the morning. Amazing what a difference a few hours could make.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Kitty Confidential (Pet Whisperer PI #1) by Molly Fitz

About the Book
I was just your normal twenty-something with seven associate degrees and no idea what I wanted to do with my life. That is, until I died… Well, almost.

As if a near-death experience at the hands of an old coffeemaker wasn’t embarrassing enough, I woke up to find I could talk to animals. Or rather one animal in particular.

His full name is Octavius Maxwell Ricardo Edmund Frederick Fulton, but since that’s way too long for anyone to remember, I’ve taken to calling him Octo-Cat. He talks so fast he can be difficult to understand, but seems to be telling me that his late owner didn’t die of natural causes like everyone believes.

Well, now it looks like I no longer have a choice, apparently my life calling is to serve as Blueberry Bay’s first ever pet whisperer P.I while maintaining my façade as a paralegal at the offices of Fulton, Thompson & Associates.

I just have one question: How did Dr. Doolittle make this gig look so easy?


My Thoughts

How cool would it be to talk to animals? I'd love to know what my dogs and goats are thinking. Well, in Kitty Confidential, after Angie Russo has a near death experience, she wakes up with the gift (or maybe curse?) of being able to communicate with animals. The first one being a cat who's owner has just died. The cat knows she was murdered and demands that Angie catch the culprit.

Kitty Confidential was a fun story. It was kinda ridiculous, but I had a good time reading it. The mystery was a little lacking for me, though. Angie's not the greatest detective, but I'm hopeful her skills will grow in the future. I've never been much of a cat person, but Octo-Cat was great. He's certainly spoiled, but he's so hilarious and is sweet in his own cat-like way. I'll be picking up a copy of the next book to see what happens next.

3.5 Stars