bookjunkie57

Review

Mated: A Phoenix and Dragon Shifter Romance

12:54 pm 15 July 2020

Firelands Wars, Book 1

I Picked Up This Book Because: I wanted something short between larger books

The Characters:

Celly Ileos:
Maikel Argonis:

The Story:

Meet cute and love at first flight. Celly and Maikel come together at the ceremony to pass the clan power of her family from her mother to her brother. Maikel, a dragon, is in attendance with his father who is the king of The Firelands. Brother dear challenges Celly’s mating as he has other plans for the King and his lineage. However Celly and Maikel don’t care, they will do whatever it takes to be together.

This was an enjoyable story, quick but satisfying.

The Random Thoughts:

3.5 Stars

2020

Review

A Duke by Default

3:20 pm 14 July 2020

Reluctant Royals, Book 2

I Picked Up This Book Because: I’ve been wanting to read this series for a while and finally just jumped in. Didn’t realize I was starting with book 2 though #doh

The Characters:

Portia Hobbs:
Tavish McKenzie:

The Story:

I have to say it first thing, this was a great story ruined by a terrible narrator for me. I’m not saying the narrator didn’t do what she could to the best of her ability but her Scottish accent was Jamacian. It was really distracting throughout the story as there were quite few different accents in this multicultural cast and she just couldn’t do them all. That said the story is definitely the only thing that kept me listening and if I would have been able to get my hands on a print copy quickly I would have ditched the audiobook. Okay now that I’ve let off that steam let's talk about this story.

Portia comes into Tavish’s life as his apprentice, hired by his brother to not only learn to make swords but to boost the armory’s business through social media and other outputs. There is an instant attraction between Portia and Tavish and who could blame Portia. I mean a Scottish hottie with hard earned muscles that knows how to expertly wield and hone an ancient weapon? I’m in love too. Portia resists because she is trying to turn over a new leaf, Tavish resists because it’s professional however neither is able to resist for long. During Portia’s tenure at the armory it is discovered that Tavish’s absent father is actually a Duke and Tavish must decide first if he wants to take up the mantle and then learn to navigate this new world of hidden hostility and scheming.

This story was in part fun, sexy, emotional, and somewhat addictive.

The Random Thoughts:

#LibraryLoveChallenge

4 Stars

2020 2020 library love challenge librarylovechallenge

Review

A Cowboy to Remember

2:28 pm 14 July 2020

Cowboys of California, Book 1

I Picked Up This Book Because: The hottie on the cover, HOWEVER it’s not an accurate depiction of the character.

The Characters:

Yvonne “Evie” Buchanan:
Zach Pleasant:

The Story:

I loved the setting, New York and the wild hills of northern California. I like the strong family unit the Pleasants seem to have, even if they have their issues. I liked the premise, who isn’t up for a little amnesia and rediscovery of their self. But, somehow I don’t have wow feelings about this book. I’m not sure why. I do know I want to read the next book in the series. The Pleasant brothers (and family) are entertaining and this book is well written.

The Random Thoughts:

#LibraryLoveChallenge

3 Stars

2020 2020 library love challenge librarylovechallenge

Review

Real Men Knit

12:36 pm 14 July 2020

I Picked Up This Book Because: I’ve heard good things

The Characters:

Jesse Strong:
Kerry Fuller:

The Story:

I love the backstory of Jessie and his brothers coming together as adoptees of a woman with a big heart. This story centers around Jessie in the wake of Mama Joy’s sudden death. Jesse wants to keep their store, their legacy, their communication with the community open while his brothers, all involved more in their burgeoning careers want to be more practical and shut it down. Now Jessie is challenged with keeping open the store and making it profitable while battling a crush on the “girl next door” Kerry. Jesse’s struggles with his insecurities in being “good enough” for not only Kerry but to run a business and help keep his family together without their strong matriarch.

I really enjoyed this book and I’d love to see more from the Strong family.

The Random Thoughts:

#LibraryLoveChallenge

4 Stars

2020 2020 library love challenge librarylovechallenge

Review

The Christmas Pact

5:48 pm 8 July 2020

I Picked Up This Book Because: Enjoy the authors and needed a quickie for a readathon weekend.

The Characters:

Kennedy Riley:
Riley Kennedy:

The Story:

A cute, quickie of a story involving two similarly named coworkers attempts to fool their family’s during the holiday season. My only qualm with the story was the lie Kennedy tells Riley’s family. It was unnecessary, didn’t progress the story and how the heck are they supposed to explain it once they actually get together? But I suppose we are not supposed to worry about the future.

The Random Thoughts:

3.5 Stars

2020

Review

Almost Just Friends

12:15 pm 8 July 2020

Wildstone, Book 4

I Picked Up This Book Because: Continue the series…. kinda

The Characters:

Piper Manning:
Camden Reid:
Gavin Manning, Youngest sister Manning and Camden’s dad (I can’t remember any names right now)

The Story:

I say kinda continuing the series because I let this series get away from me. I read book one and have now skipped to book four but it’s okay. My library has the whole series and I’m going to catch up soon.

Anywoo, I enjoyed this book. It focuses not only on Piper and Cam‘s romance but also on rebuilding the Manning family and quite a bit on Gavin’s romance. These people come together in the wake of a tragedy and have reluctantly teamed together to make a strong family unit. I hope we get to see more of each of them in the future.

The Random Thoughts:

#LibraryLoveChallenge

4 Stars

2020 2020 library love challenge librarylovechallenge

Review

Twisted Twenty-Six

5:26 pm 1 July 2020

Stephanie Plum, Book 26

I Picked Up This Book Because: Continue the series

The Characters:

Stephanie Plum:
Joe Morelli:
Carlos “Ranger” Manoso:
Grandma Mazur, Lula, Connie,

The Story:

It has finally happened. Instead of having a Plum book waiting for me I now have to wait for them. *sigh* It’s okay I’ve enjoyed this series so much. Each installment brings me joy. Stephanie and crew are very special characters, especially Lula and Grandma. The series just wouldn’t be the same without them.

The Random Thoughts:

#LibraryLoveChallenge

4 Stars

2020 2020 library love challenge librarylovechallenge

Review

The Graveyard Shift

6:00 pm 30 June 2020

Charley Davidson, Book 13.5

I Picked Up This Book Because: It’s Charley, well not really but still.

The Characters:

Garrett Swopes:
Marika Dubois:
Elwyn Alexandra Loehr a.k.a. Beep
Uncle Bob, Cookie,

The Story:

AGHHHHHHHHH! I’m just so excited to be back into this world. I seriously didn’t think we would get a story for a few years while we waited for Beep to grow up. She was such a cutie I’m a bit sad we didn’t get to see more of her precious ways but I know she has a mission and we gotta get to it. Speaking of cute, did anyone else’s ovaries melt just a little bit while Garrett and Zaire were playing? They are adorable together and again, I wanted to see more of this. I could gush all day but I’ll wrap it up. I loved it and I can’t wait for the next.

The Random Thoughts:

5 Stars

2020

Image

5:30 pm 30 June 2020

July

Total Books: 14

Library Books: 8

DNF: 1

Audiobooks: 10

Hours Listened: 77

Pages Read: 268

monthlywrapup 2020 monthlyrundown junewrapup

Review

The Two Lives of Lydia Bird

11:56 am 30 June 2020

I Picked Up This Book Because: I’ve liked the author’s previous work.

The Characters:

Lydia Bird:
Jonah Jones:
Freddie, Lydia’s sister, Lydia’s brother in law, Lydia’s mother

The Story:

I’m not sure I’d agree with the blurb and say this book is thrilling and I barely think it’s romance. It was unfortunately just an okay read for me. I shouldn’t say unfortunately because okay is not bad it just wasn’t amazing. Lydia’s grief is palpable and her desire to visit a world where her fiance, Freddie, still exist is understandable. The realization that reality has changed her is one of the most important points in the story and letting go of that world while difficult was also necessary. I feel like her romance with Jonah was barely a thing, especially since she spent most of the book not wanting to talk to him.

The Random Thoughts:

#LibraryLoveChallenge

3 Stars

2020 2020 library love challenge librarylovechallenge

Review

Sin & Magic

11:54 am 25 June 2020

Demigod of San Francisco, Book 2

I Picked Up This Book Because: Continue the series

The Characters:

Alexis Price:
Kieran Dursus:
Mordecai, Daisy, Zorn, Other members of The Six

The Story:

Picking up right where Sin & Chocolate leaves off. Lexi is officially hired by Kirean to find his mother’s pelt and set her free. She and the kids have also begun training. Zorn takes a special interest in Daisy for spy training and I can’t wait to see what comes of it. Moredi makes his first transition into his wolf form and Alexis and Kieran’s relationship ramps up. Super interesting all around. The next book should be pretty interesting too. I will definitely be continuing reading.

The Random Thoughts:

4 Stars

2020

Review

The Worst Best Man

12:55 pm 24 June 2020

I Picked Up This Book Because: I can’t resist the hype around books lately. LOL

The Characters:

Carolina “Lina” Santos:
Max Hartley:
Andrew Hartley, Lina’s Mother, Aunts and Cousins whose names I don’t remember

The Story:

This is my first book by Ms Sosa but it won’t be my last. I love how this story was built. Lina and Max had palpable chemistry even before they made up. I love how they teased each other. They are one of my favorite kinds of couples.

The Random Thoughts:

#LibraryLoveChallenge

4 Stars

2020 2020 library love challenge librarylovechallenge

Review

Fangs by Sarah Andersen

1:56 pm 19 June 2020

I Picked Up This Book Because: I love the author’s previous works.

The Characters:

Elsie:
Jimmy:

The Story:

These two make me laugh. I love their banter and quips. I love their table talks. This was excellent.

The Random Thoughts:

5 Stars

*This book is not on booklikes yet and I'm too lazy to add it right now. Publish date 9/1/20

netgalley 2020

Review

Look Alive Twenty-Five

10:48 am 17 June 2020

Stephanie Plum, Book 25

I Picked Up This Book Because: Continue the series

The Characters:

Stephanie Plum:
Joe Morelli:
Carlos “Ranger” Manoso:
Grandma Mazur, Lula, Connie,

The Story:

Why anyone would decide Stephanie is the perfect person to run a deli is beyond me but that’s what happens in this installment. Color me shocked that more terrible things didn’t happen to that deli. Especially with Stephanie using herself as bait to catch a kidnapper. Somehow it all turns out okay in the end and Stephanie and her ragtag group seem like they are ready to handle their next romp.

The Random Thoughts:

#LibraryLoveChallenge

4 Stars

2020 2020 library love challenge librarylovechallenge

Review

Rebel Heart

3:55 pm 16 June 2020

Rush Duet, Book 2

I Picked Up This Book Because: Continue the series

The Characters:

Rush:
Gia Mirabelli:

The Story:

The second part of a drama filled series. Gia is pregnant from a one night stand she had earlier in the summer, Rush has to decide if a baby that is not his is going to stop their budding relationship. Oh and let us not forget the shocking reveal of the baby’s paternity. This was a delicious and satisfying completion of Rush and Gia’s story. I really enjoyed it.

The Random Thoughts:

4 Stars

2020

Review

The Stone Prince

1:18 am 12 June 2020

Imperia , Book 1

I Picked Up This Book Because: #Barbsbookopoly roll 4. “An author's debut”

The Characters:

Katie James:
Jorlan en Sarr:

The Story:

Look I know this dude isn’t from modern earth and this was written quite some time ago but I can’t stand him. Excuse my language but his “I have to fuck her to fix her” attitude got old quick. I get he has to bed her to break his curse but he’s coming off to me as rapey and I just can’t. It’s just not sexy.

The Random Thoughts:

*DNF = no rating

DNF 2020 2020 library love challenge librarylovechallenge barbsbookopoly

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