This was available as a sort of deal as an Audible Original back when they were always all free. I mean you have to go select them but they 3.5 hearts
This was available as a sort of deal as an Audible Original back when they were always all free. I mean you have to go select them but they didn't cost beyond that you belong to Audible. But since it does cost to belong to Audible in some way, it's not a true freebie.
I thought this was a cute fake relationship story. It was weird because usually they know in advance why they are doing a fake relationship and really they know their own reasons but not so much why the other person does.
The meet was cute but ridiculous. Kennedy was sort of ridiculous overall, though I get that he was hurt. I'm not sure what Riley saw in him initially besides good looks. But then they got to know each other and I was more amenable to the relationship. They each had their own issues to grow up within their families. The families themselves weren't really horrible, except Kennedy's brother.
The purpose of Thrifty Thursday is to read a book which was free (at somThis review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
3.5 hearts
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The purpose of Thrifty Thursday is to read a book which was free (at some point). Kindle freebie on November 18, 2018 (currently free at Amazon and Barnes & Noble as of writing this post)
With a novella, the plot and characters have to happen pretty fast. Trish and Ian are the enemies to lovers theme. The enemies part was in middle school and now they are adults who haven't seen each other since that time. As children, neither was aware of everything happening and was focused on their own issues.
While some of the characters' style felt cliche, it was a pretty good story. I liked both characters and how they handled themselves in the present. I was glad they could connect in a positive way and make things better for an unhappy child,
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the coThis review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I really enjoy the historical mystery series by this author and she has multiple series. For the HoHoHo Read-athon, I listened to the newest Christmas story. Goodreads doesn't consider it a series, but I think of it that way. All of the Christmas stories are a bit shorter, about a half book size but longer than what I consider a novella (under 100 pages). They are standalones but further develop side characters from various series.
A Christmas Deliverance is related to the William Monk series. The clinic is where his wife Hester, who is a nurse sometimes works. Their adopted son, Scruff, is studying to be a doctor with the main doctor, Crowe, also encouraged by the Monks.
We get an engaging mystery about the plight of a young woman, Ellie, who is a former patient. She seems to be engaged to a man who mistreats her and she doesn't even like him. Crowe believes she is protecting her father. He and even Scruff, use their contacts to gather information and find out why. It's a bit dangerous though.
Crowe and Scruff also end up helping a small girl, Mattie. She is homeless, alone, and only about 5 years old. Scruff recognizes one similar to the situation he had at that age. When she brings him a kitten in payment for her treatment, he insists she must stay and take care of it for him. Crowe agrees that they must add her to their clinic.
I love the way these add to our knowledge of the series and its world. We get more about these strong supporting characters. Yet, the mysteries are strongly appealing on their own. I highly recommend them if you appreciate this genre or want to try it.
Narration: I had not previously listened to Jenny Sterlin. I was very comfortable with her male and female voices. The tone and emotion in the performance felt authentic as well as the English accents. I listened at my usual 1.5x speed.
Review copy was received from NetGalley, Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the booThis review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from NetGalley, Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Bromance Book Club series has worked its way into the must read category. I really enjoy getting the depth on a new couple in each book but getting to see all the guys in the club and sometimes their ladies. The humor is the real deal. I was a little worried about a country music star being a main character but I shouldn't have. Many of the guys in the series have money and power. I don't like the imbalance if the woman is struggling.
Colton Wheeler is a very famous country music star. He's got a great family and spends time with them. He hasn't released a new album in 2 years and now is under pressure from his label. He's also set on Gretchen who is part of his wider circle of friends.
Gretchen Winthrop is from an old money family but she doesn't have the power. She doesn't enjoy the politics and show her family does. She has her own law firm practicing immigration law now, after being a public defender. Her focus is to help others. She's been avoiding Colton since their initial encounter because of her toxic family.
I can't say Gretchen was totally wrong about her toxic family. Luckily, Colton and her friends are up to the challenge and aren't going to let her be bullied by them. It was heart-warming to see both Colton and Gretchen learn things as they fell for each other. The toxic was over the top, more than the celebrity issues. The "grand gesture" was perfect for them and I cried.
Narration: Andrew Eiden has been with the whole series but this is the first book I have listening instead of just reading. I really thought the voices were well performed with male and female voices appropriate for gender. There were distinct voices for the characters and the emotional tones added to the performance. I listened at my usual 1.5x speed.
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the coThis review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I was happy to continue the Laurel Snowseries. The series is best read in order because of the career and personal developments. I like Laurel and she works so hard. The romance isn't settled but she and Huck are definitely interested in each other. Sadly, her half sister Abigail is doing everything she can to butt into Laurel's life.
A new serial killer is on the scene for You Can Hide. There are too many suspects and the team of Huck and Laurel struggle to narrow it down, but more women are dying. The local sheriff continues to be a dick, hence the federal task force. Then the annoyance of an old flame of Huck's, who is a reporter, only makes things worse.
Laurel started her team with Walter from another office, and Kate, a single mom, in the previous book. Now she gets Nester who is a computer whiz and new agent. Her team continues to grow and she considers now whether she wants to make this town her office going forward. Her mother is here and she likes her team.
While the collection of evidence and narrowing of suspects continues, not only are women dying, but the team is suffering injuries. Laurel takes this hard but Huck supports her emotionally.
The women dying are all professionals with doctorates, who are divorced. It is sad to see this happen. Our point of view is primarily Laurel, but we get a bit of the killer. The killer is a shocking twist and I didn't figure it out, but that's normal. I do enjoy the smart police work and the mystery as they work the case. I will be happy to read more because there is more to develop with her team and personal relationships.
Narration: Amy Landon is a narrator I know and enjoy. I thought her voices worked well for Laurel and the other characters. There was distinction between character's voices. I was able to listen comfortably at my usual 1.5x speed.
I'd seen this series around and with favorable comments. I wanted a winter book for HoHoHoRAT which wasn't a holiday romance. A cozy mystery with bookI'd seen this series around and with favorable comments. I wanted a winter book for HoHoHoRAT which wasn't a holiday romance. A cozy mystery with books and a dog seemed perfect.
I enjoyed Cruel Candy more than I expected. It has the small town, quirky characters typical of this kind of cozy. Some of the scandals seemed a bit over the top, but mostly it felt relatable. Fred is awesome and I can't wait to see how she puts together her bookshop, and her life.
Fred was a bit TSTL with the investigating but hopefully she has learned a bit from her experiences. There is a hint of romance in the background.
COYER # 5 Read a book that takes place exclusively in a small town....more
I'm a long reader of this series. I nearly missed this release but Jonetta reminded me.
The books in the series have become less connected to the schooI'm a long reader of this series. I nearly missed this release but Jonetta reminded me.
The books in the series have become less connected to the school or the town recently. I'd say this one could be read as a standalone but you wouldn't understand the depth of kindness and trust within the Turner family.
Tia and Seth both have difficult childhoods which contributed to their trust issues. There is suspense throughout as I was sure people would hurt Tia. I loved the way she handled it herself after being supported emotionally by Seth and how she assisted his issues with his in-laws. Terrific ending.
COYER #6 Read a book with a Christmas theme. #hoHoHoRAT...more
The differences in the social classes are clear in this Christmas story. Am man promises his friend to find his son which takes him on a journey into The differences in the social classes are clear in this Christmas story. Am man promises his friend to find his son which takes him on a journey into the seediest parts of town.
COYER #6 Read a book with a Christmas theme. ...more
I didn't see a connection of this one but I don't know all the series well. The main characters were two little girls 13 and 8 and I was afraid for thI didn't see a connection of this one but I don't know all the series well. The main characters were two little girls 13 and 8 and I was afraid for them. When things got desperate, they did find an adult to listen to them. The beginning of the story was slow but it did pick up eventually.
COYER # 6 Read a book with a Christmas theme. ...more
I enjoyed this one! It features Charlotte (Pitt)'s sister Emily going to be with an estranged aunt who is dying. But she doesn't need her for care, shI enjoyed this one! It features Charlotte (Pitt)'s sister Emily going to be with an estranged aunt who is dying. But she doesn't need her for care, she needs her to solve the mystery of an old murder, which is poisoning the village by suspicion of too many others.
It was fascinating to see Emily both follow information to actually figure out the culprit. But also Emily takes a personal journey reflecting on her life and her marriage.
COYER # 6 Read a book with a Christmas theme....more
I continue my audio journey with these Christmas stories. They are short enough to make an easy listen for a day - I read 2.5 today - and also long enI continue my audio journey with these Christmas stories. They are short enough to make an easy listen for a day - I read 2.5 today - and also long enough to build the world and characters. They seem loosely related to her main series. This one is connected to the Monk series.
There's nothing like a police detective on holiday in a small, rural area to get caught up in a homicide investigation. There were personal aspects of the victims and their lives to discover for the case, and personal growth and relationships for the main character also.
COYER # 6 Read a book with a Christmas theme....more
I really liked this couple and as I listen to these as standalones I can't help wondering how they connect to the series when it isn't obvious. I thinI really liked this couple and as I listen to these as standalones I can't help wondering how they connect to the series when it isn't obvious. I think the new vicar knows / is related to Thomas Pitt but I'm not sure.
I enjoyed watching the reverend and his wife get to know the townspeople and help them celebrate Christmas. I do wish we got to know if they get to stay there rather than a short vacation coverage.
COYER # 6 Read a book with a Christmas theme....more
I hunted for this and found it at only one library and finally got a chance to listen to it as I cooked for Thanksgiving. It's a friends to lovers stoI hunted for this and found it at only one library and finally got a chance to listen to it as I cooked for Thanksgiving. It's a friends to lovers story which has the usual difficulties that has, plus it's also best friend's little sister. But I love the honesty and vulnerability they shared.
COYER # 2 Read a book with a red item on the cover....more
I picked a book by selecting the holiday books which I purchased for free and then sThis review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
2.5 hearts
I picked a book by selecting the holiday books which I purchased for free and then sorted them by the highest ratings. Since I was running behind this week, I chose this one with less than 200 pages. Many of them are shorter then the 300-400 pages of other types of books I read. My Fake Christmas Fiance caught my eye because fake dating is a favorite trope.
The first third of the story, the "couple" lives in different cities and doesn't see each other at all, only exchanging emails. The emails start right after their fathers plan a business merger and that they will get married. Wesley is totally relaxed about it. He is sure he will figure out how to get out of the marriage and the business merger will go well. Penelope is angry, frustrated and not happy with the plan. They both work hard to make the business in its best shape. I did not feel the characters felt realistic at all.
Then "Penny" as Wes calls her, moves to Denver where Wes lives. The chapters alternate between their points of view as the emails alternated between them. Now we get the thoughts in their head and see them interacting which improves things, as they feel more like people and we meet some of Wes' family and co-workers. The Christmas company is fun and the holiday is approaching. Wes and Penny have some insta-lust and realize they will have to get married to let the merger happen. But then they could get divorced.... because neither of them want to force the other person into a marriage they don't want.
There are some interesting supporting characters, but the development of the world and characters is little. The entire plot is really about the romance with its fake engagement and marriage. Since this goes on into a series, I might like learning more about the company, family and some of those supporting characters . Wes' sister Sophie, was especially nice and I'd like to see her find a happy ending. The story feels light, almost too light about serious emotional situations, but it has some fun, sexy times.
COYER # 14 Read a book with a couple (two people) fully clothed on the front....more
I am loving these Christmas stories by Anne Perry. I have not recognized any characters from her series since I have not read them for many years. ButI am loving these Christmas stories by Anne Perry. I have not recognized any characters from her series since I have not read them for many years. But this one includes Charlotte Pitt's mother. It's a delightful story. I was able to listen from Audibles Plus.
#hoHoHoRAT
COYER # 6 Read a book with a Christmas theme....more
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the coThis review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I've always enjoyed the books by this author and for the HoHoHo Read-athon, I have been devouring the Christmas series. I listened to first few through Audible plus, and found more at the library. I'm not quite finished but the books are unrelated to each other and mostly not connected to the various series. A Christmas Legacy is related to the Charlotte & Thomas Pittseries, as the main character is Gracie who was a maid for their household for many years, but now has a husband and children. So I suppose there are some general spoilers for that series.
All of the Christmas stories are a bit shorter, about a half book size but longer than what I consider a novella (under 100 pages). Regardless, the development of the world and characters is exquisite. I felt the characters as real people and their emotions connected to me. I could smell and taste the food, feel the fabrics cottons, wools and silk fabrics of items, and the chill of the winter air.
Millie comes to Gracie because she fears being thrown out of the home where she is in service because things aren't right. Gracie, having been with the Pitts, knows how to research a mystery. So she goes to Millie's place while Millie stays with her family. Really I wish Millie could have been clearer about what was happening. But a servant can be dismissed easily for a wide variety of things, whether true or not, so she needed to be discreet.
Gracie, on the other hand, is not really a servant, can't be dismissed, and even if she were, she can just go home to her husband and family. So with great difficulty, she finds out what is wrong and tries to improve things. It's an ugly situation but Gracie is able to provide some comfort all around.
A Christmas Legacy was a fast, easy read because it was so well written and interesting. I recommend it and all the Christmas stories I have read.
COYER #2 Read a book with a red item on the cover....more
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the coThis review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Dark Night is the third book in the Alaska Wild Mysteries. I would read the series in order as both the mystery plot arc and the personal relationships grow throughout the series. Each book has smaller mysteries in addition to, and sometimes tangled up in, the main series mysteries. There is some small town quirkiness and a few things seem ridiculous, but overall it's an interesting and enjoyable read.
Beth has been trying to live below the radar in small town Alaska. She doesn't want her stalker to find her. She is remembering more over time. She is also settling into the town and making friends. But she feels badly being disingenuous with them as she gets to know them more. There are many in this area who are hiding from one thing or another, or just want to be left alone. It makes it difficult to know who to trust. Slowly, Beth begins to trust a few others and tell them her real story.
Now there's a murder in town, and her mom, also on the run, shows up in town. Beth is glad to see her mom but also worried. Her mom isn't completely honest with her about many things but she is her mom. Beth and her mom work together until her mom takes off again. Beth learns much more about her father and who he was, before he disappeared when she was 7. She perseveres to figure things out in a shocking conclusion.
COYER # 29 Read a book that takes place during the Winter....more
The purpose of Thrifty Thursday is to read a book which was free (at some poinThis review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
[image]
The purpose of Thrifty Thursday is to read a book which was free (at some point). Kindle freebie November 4, 2019
(currently $2.99 at Amazon and Barnes & Noble as of writing this post.)
3.5 hearts
I could have had some of the same unrealistic issues I have with other titles but I really enjoyed Christmas with a Spy. It's only natural a lot of shorter reads have more insta-lust and insta-love. This couple did have a lot more issues though. Jemma had other men who had dated her briefly and an overprotective friend. Grayson had his past career to leave and start a new life. Some big secrets hid in these issues. I didn't feel like they kept secrets; it just took a few days to know and feel at ease enough to share them.
As with other romantic suspense, they were together enough, as Grayson protected Jemma, they got to know each other well. We do see them talk and learn about each other. Gradually, they share the parts of their pasts they most fear will bring judgement. But there are some hot, sexy times regularly.
The setting of Holly NC is the title of the series. I have not read the other books and didn't feel like I was lost. Several authors have contributed to the series. It looks like I have read other books in the series, all out of order.
Anne - Books of My Heart
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