Hello and Happy Friday!
I've been gone for awhile, but I'm back (hopefully to stay). I've been reading, but for some reason, I keep forgetting to blog about the books I've loved (or not). I'll do better, I promise.
Today I'm sharing a week's worth of what I'm currently reading, what I want to read, and several romance book bargains.
Hopefully you find something to enjoy here too. Have an amazing weekend!!
What I'm Reading Now
What I'm Hoping to Read Next
Added to My TBR
I'm still working on what I already have on there and the books I own, so I've added nothing new. I'm doing really well, I think!
Romance Book Bargains
 $2.49Standalone
Genre: contemporary |
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Genre: fantasy |
 $1.99Standalone
Genre: contemporary |
 $2.49Standalone
Genre: contemporary |
 $2.49Standalone
Genre: paranormal |
 $2.99Standalone
Genre: contemporary |
 $2.49Standalone
Genre: contemporary |
 $2.49Standalone
Genre: contemporary |
 $2.99Standalone
Genre: contemporary |
 $1.99Standalone
Genre: contemporary |
 $2.49Standalone
Genre: contemporary |
 $2.49Standalone
Genre: contemporary |
 $2.99Standalone
Genre: contemporary |
 $2.99Standalone
Genre: contemporary |
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Genre: contemporary |
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Genre: contemporary |
 $1.99Standalone
Genre: contemporary |
 $2.49Standalone
Genre: contemporary |
Hey everyone and welcome to another Throwback Thursday! This is the kind of post where I'll be sharing my book recommendations within a specific romantic trope or theme.
Today I'm sharing five Emotional Reads that tried their hardest to wreck me. I'm not an emotional person (although I've been known to cry like a baby during certain Disney movies), but these books touched me. And if they can have an effect on me, I can only imagine how they will ruin someone else.
If you've got a recommendation, please send it my way!
Dear Life by Meghan Quinn
I think what touched me the most in this book was what happened at the very end. The author wrote her own letter and it really pulled at my heartstrings. This book tore me apart. Seriously, it's like the author knew exactly which buttons to push to make me a sobbing mess and pushed them all at the same time. If you're in need of a good cry, you should give this story a try.
Levi's Blue by M. Leighton
This story was chock full of feels. So many feels. The author gave me a couple to really fall in love with and they put me through the emotional wringer. The hits kept coming, but my love never waned. Such incredible writing!
The Debt by Karina Halle
Jessica finds herself scared and alone, losing faith in herself and humanity with each agonizing moment that passes. That is until a stranger enters her life. A stranger who makes her live again. I didn't exactly fall in love with this story (the heroine wasn't for me), but it was full of angst and so for readers who love that, look no further. This story will bring you high and then low and then high again. It's messy and I enjoyed it.
Torrid Affair by Callie Anderson
Usually I try my best to avoid these types of stories because not only are they painful, but I can never figure out how cheating can result in a HEA. This book gave me a good ending for the characters I cared about. As you can guess, it's about an affair, but it was about so much more than that. And if you like your feelings being messed with, in a good way, you'll like this story too.
27 Truths by M.J. Fields
Heartbroken. I'm literally trying not to cry while writing this review. This book taught me how ugly angst could be and how great it could feel. Having my stomach tied into knots, trying to swallow over the lump in my throat, covering my eyes and still trying to read the words... freaking brilliant.
Find my review HERE
Hello and Happy Wednesday. I hope your week is off to a great start!
I'm sharing three books I read and quite enjoyed and maybe you'll find something here to read too!
After the Climb by Kristen Ashley
dual pov, vaguely descriptive heat, second chance contemporary romance
They were the Three Amigos: Duncan Holloway, Imogen Swan and Corey Szabo. Two young boys with difficult lives at home banding together with a cool girl who didn’t mind mucking through the mud on their hikes.
They grew up to be Duncan Holloway, activist, CEO and face of the popular River Rain outdoor stores, Imogen Swan, award-winning actress and America’s sweetheart, and Corey Szabo, ruthless tech billionaire.
Rich and very famous, they would learn the devastating knowledge of how the selfish acts of one would affect all their lives.
And the lives of those they loved.
Rating - 
After the Climb is a heartbreaking tale full of heartbroken characters. I loved the way they loved each other but the struggle was real. All it took was one lie, some insecurity, and everyone was left devastated. While I felt Duncan's pain, and even found a crumb of sympathy for Corey (dude needed to grow up), my greatest empathy was for Imogen. She was hit the worst and the hits didn't stop coming for her.
When the truth came out, I liked that Imogen and Duncan didn't waste any time and how on board their children were with the new plan. Even stepping in to help things along. Can these characters be any cuter?
I know I'm supposed to have some sort of feelings for the exes, but they made their beds, didn't they? And I don't think it's possible to redeem either of them, especially Tom. Spoiler Alert, but he's a cheater. Can we really forgive that he put Imogen and their children through that?
I'm just saying that the only happy endings I cared about were Imogen's and Duncan's. And maybe their kids because they were awesome.
After the Climb is a heartbreaking tale full of heartbroken characters. I loved the way they loved each other but the struggle was real. All it took was one lie, some insecurity, and everyone was left devastated. While I felt Duncan's pain, and even found a crumb of sympathy for Corey (dude needed to grow up), my greatest empathy was for Imogen. She was hit the worst and the hits didn't stop coming for her.
When the truth came out, I liked that Imogen and Duncan didn't waste any time and how on board their children were with the new plan. Even stepping in to help things along. Can these characters be any cuter?
I know I'm supposed to have some sort of feelings for the exes, but they made their beds, didn't they? And I don't think it's possible to redeem either of them, especially Tom. Spoiler Alert, but he's a cheater. Can we really forgive that he put Imogen and their children through that?
I'm just saying that the only happy endings I cared about were Imogen's and Duncan's. And maybe their kids because they were awesome.
Fatal Intrusion by Jeffrey Deaver and Isabella Maldonado
multiple pov, thriller
Carmen Sanchez is a tough Homeland Security agent who plays by the rules. But when her sister is attacked, revealing a connection to a series of murders across Southern California, she realizes a conventional investigation will not be enough to stop the ruthless perpetrator.
With nowhere else to turn, Sanchez enlists the aid of Professor Jake Heron, a brilliant and quirky private security expert who, unlike Sanchez, believes rules are merely suggestions. The two have a troubled past, but he owes her a favor and she’s cashing in. They team up to catch the assailant, who, mystifyingly, has no discernable motive and fits no classic criminal profile. All they have to go on is a distinctive tattoo and a singular obsession that gives this chillingly efficient tactician his nickname: Spider.
Over the next seventy-two hours, Sanchez and Heron find themselves in the midst of a lethal chess match with the killer as they race to stop the carnage. As the victims mount, so do the risks. Because this spider’s web of intrigue is more sinister—and goes far deeper—than anyone could possibly anticipate.
Rating -
If I never read the word intrusion again in the near future, I'll be a happy person.
But seriously, this was such an intriguing whodunit thriller. As the reader, we got to know who committed the crimes, but we were blind as to why. Not as blind as the investigators, possibly because Carmen couldn't help being in the way and Jake just let her ruthlessly run rough-shod over everyone, but still. Trying to figure out the motives for each crime was its own sort of fun. And crazy. I enjoyed myself and where this story left off, with the possibility of future books. And maybe a little romance between these characters thrown in?
If I never read the word intrusion again in the near future, I'll be a happy person.
But seriously, this was such an intriguing whodunit thriller. As the reader, we got to know who committed the crimes, but we were blind as to why. Not as blind as the investigators, possibly because Carmen couldn't help being in the way and Jake just let her ruthlessly run rough-shod over everyone, but still. Trying to figure out the motives for each crime was its own sort of fun. And crazy. I enjoyed myself and where this story left off, with the possibility of future books. And maybe a little romance between these characters thrown in?
Love Me Today by A.L. Jackson
dual pov, forced proximity, single parent, contemporary romance, descriptive heat
I should have known I was in trouble when I backed my old, beat-up truck into the shiny Range Rover.
The driver looked like a gorgeous fallen angel – one who’d been booted right out of paradise for being a giant prick.
Good thing I’ll never have to see him again.
Except when I show up for my new job to teach a little girl how to ride her horse, I find the same icy blue eyes glaring back at me.
Paisley Dae is completely reckless. She’s also the best trainer in this small town. And Evelyn gets the best.
Protecting the little girl is my one focus.
Only the sassy trainer in her cut-offs and cowgirl boots quickly gets under my skin. Distractions are dangerous, but she soon becomes everything I crave.
One reckless night of giving in, and Caleb and I spiral into a web of passion.
But when I begin to unravel the secrets hiding in this place, I find there is more riding on this job than I thought.
Caleb and Evelyn are worth any sacrifice – only Caleb has to decide what he will sacrifice for me
Rating - 1/2
Caleb was a tough nut to crack, but as the reader, we got some insight into why he was such a grumpy sourpuss. Paisley had to figure it out for herself and I admired her perseverance because I wouldn't do it. The romance would be over if I were in the lead.
This story led me on a path of sweetness and I never expected how sinister and dangerous it would become. The author really took me there and I loved that added bit of suspense.
It was the heartwarming moments that made this book worth reading. The relationship that grew between Paisley and Caleb and that sweet little girl made all of the scary bits worthwhile.
1/2Caleb was a tough nut to crack, but as the reader, we got some insight into why he was such a grumpy sourpuss. Paisley had to figure it out for herself and I admired her perseverance because I wouldn't do it. The romance would be over if I were in the lead.
This story led me on a path of sweetness and I never expected how sinister and dangerous it would become. The author really took me there and I loved that added bit of suspense.
It was the heartwarming moments that made this book worth reading. The relationship that grew between Paisley and Caleb and that sweet little girl made all of the scary bits worthwhile.
Hello hello! I'm back with some more books that didn't really work for me, but might be winners for you.
Let me know if you've read any of these or plan to. I'd love to know your thoughts!
The Boyfriend Collector by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff
Contemporary Romance
Treated like a servant in my own home, I can’t stop dreaming of my twenty-first birthday. It’s the day I’ll inherit a fortune, break free from my cruel family, and finally start living my life—finish school, travel, find love. After a lifetime of hardship, it’s all I’ve ever wanted.
Sadly, I’m about to discover a shocking secret my family’s been keeping from me. I must marry before my birthday to claim the money. Worst of all, he must be approved by my grandparents—the same people who are trying to steal my inheritance.
It’s ugly. But there’s no time for tears. If I want my fairy-tale to come true, I’ll have to find a man I can love and trust. Unfortunately, that’s easier said than done.
My Rating -
It's obviously Minority Monday.
I can't help it.
This is the first book by this author that I couldn't stand.
Nothing about it was appealing.
Not the heroine (ewww)
Not the hero? Heroes?
Nothing.
It's only one book. Everything else I've read from MJP are winners :D
It's obviously Minority Monday.
I can't help it.
This is the first book by this author that I couldn't stand.
Nothing about it was appealing.
Not the heroine (ewww)
Not the hero? Heroes?
Nothing.
It's only one book. Everything else I've read from MJP are winners :D
Sacred Places by Mandy M. Roth
dual pov fantasy romance
Ancient, eternal, magikal, and in love with a woman immune to his charms. The combination can bring even the strongest druid sorcerer to his knees. Coyle O'Caha, a seven-hundred-year-old, immortal druid sorcerer, has one claim to fame - his experience mentoring fledgling witches. Three years ago, he found his soulmate, Deri Sullivan. With Deri haunting his dreams, he can no longer wait to claim her. He's tired of waiting for her to fall for his charms and see that he's the man for her.
Of course, that's easier said than done since Deri is immune to both his charm and magik.
Deri Sullivan's boss is a real piece of work. Not only is Coyle a millionaire with a body to die for and an attitude to match, but he also has a Scottish lilt which makes her knees weak. He's a certified ladies' man. A man she should avoid at all costs. A man she can't seem to quit dreaming about. A man with whom she wishes she could share her secret.
Sometimes love happens at its own pace, other times, a supernatural nudge is needed.
My Rating -
I have to admit, I struggled with this book. It had all of the makings of a great story, but it didn't get there. Yeah, it was short, but that's not why I couldn't quite grasp the enjoyment I should have reached. It was just a bit all over the place. Deri made no sense and this ancient sorcerer named Coyle just allowed it. At one point, she slapped him twice in the face for NO REASON and he let her. Heck, he even got hot over it. But her reasoning MADE NO SENSE. The only drama and angst and bull came from Deri and her illogical behavior. It was tiring. How did I get so tired after reading such a short story?
I have to admit, I struggled with this book. It had all of the makings of a great story, but it didn't get there. Yeah, it was short, but that's not why I couldn't quite grasp the enjoyment I should have reached. It was just a bit all over the place. Deri made no sense and this ancient sorcerer named Coyle just allowed it. At one point, she slapped him twice in the face for NO REASON and he let her. Heck, he even got hot over it. But her reasoning MADE NO SENSE. The only drama and angst and bull came from Deri and her illogical behavior. It was tiring. How did I get so tired after reading such a short story?
Unseen Messages by Pepper Winters
dual pov contemporary romance
Fame and fortune arrived overnight and after months on the road with her singing tour, all Estelle craves is peace. Tired and ready for paradise, she travels to Fiji to recuperate.
Stubborn and surly, Galloway is avoided by most--which is exactly the way he likes it. However, he's done spending his life in regret and hopes to find redemption in the tropical wilderness.
Together, they board the flight that changes their fate forever. Crash landing on a deserted island, they not only have to figure out how to survive with no skills and daily dangers--learning how to fish, find water, and build shelter--but also inherit two children who look to them to keep them alive.
However, staying alive might be the least of Galloway and Estelle's problems. As days creep to months and rescue doesn't find them, their desire for each other ignites.
They started as strangers.
They grew to be friends.
They fought the desire to be lovers.
Lust can be the most beautiful thing. Love the most rewarding. But not on an island where life hangs by a thread and giving into temptation can kill you.
Can they survive being forgotten or will love be their ultimate undoing?
My Rating -
I wanted to love this book.
I thought for sure, this book was going to wreck me. I'm talking The Boy & His Ribbon kind of wrecked.
That's what I assumed anyway.
And to be incredibly honest, this book had the makings to ruin me.
Crashed helicopter. Dead bodies. Stranded on a deserted island. Uncertain futures...
But I couldn't click.
When the world is telling you to stop, dear Estelle, why do you continue to go?
So she wasn't the smartest cookie in the box.
And seriously, I didn't really feel much of anything until Connor died.
And then I kind of lost it. I got a bit mad. A bit frustrated. A lot annoyed. The End.
Everything after that just didn't work for me. Even the ending didn't work for me. I'm all about finding love in a hopeless place. But Estelle and Galloway were silly with it.
Naming their child Coconut was hilarious!!
I wanted to love this book.
I thought for sure, this book was going to wreck me. I'm talking The Boy & His Ribbon kind of wrecked.
That's what I assumed anyway.
And to be incredibly honest, this book had the makings to ruin me.
Crashed helicopter. Dead bodies. Stranded on a deserted island. Uncertain futures...
But I couldn't click.
When the world is telling you to stop, dear Estelle, why do you continue to go?
So she wasn't the smartest cookie in the box.
And seriously, I didn't really feel much of anything until Connor died.
And then I kind of lost it. I got a bit mad. A bit frustrated. A lot annoyed. The End.
Everything after that just didn't work for me. Even the ending didn't work for me. I'm all about finding love in a hopeless place. But Estelle and Galloway were silly with it.
Naming their child Coconut was hilarious!!
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