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Hey friends. It is time for my monthly book review. I got back into the groove and enjoying all the Christmas books.
Total physical/kindle books: 6
Total audiobook: 6
Total books for 2024: 109
Goal: 150 books
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Title: How the Grinch Saved Christmas
Author: Amanda Bentley
Genre: Christmas
How I Read It: kindle ebook
My Rating: 4 out of 5
Amazon Description: Professor Evergreen has a reputation on this campus—the mean, cold-hearted grinch.
So when I realized that I’d be finishing his English course with a B+, I knew my situation was hopeless. I can’t return home for the holidays with anything other than perfect grades. But the chance of Evergreen taking any pity on me was slim to none.
Still, I tightened the straps on my bookbag and forced myself to beg him for extra credit. When he rejected me, I did the only thing any insane freshman would do.
I offered to sleep with him.
My Review: I usually dislike novellas for the lack of character development, the book is the complete opposite. The characters were likable and I need more of their story. What happens next?
Title: Two Wedding Crashers
Author: Meghan Quinn
Genre: Romance
How I Read It: Libby Audiobook
My Rating: 5 out of 5
Amazon Description: I don’t know what love is anymore.
Well, that’s not entirely true, but I’m going to tell you a little secret: I’ve lost the spark.
You know the kind of spark I’m talking about?
Where butterflies take flight in your stomach from two hands innocently colliding. Or catching your breath when you first meet someone attractive. Yeah, that spark.
Except I haven't felt that feeling in forever; there is nothing left inside of me.
Normally, this wouldn’t be a problem--but I’m a writer on a serious deadline, and my editor is breathing down my neck for a romantic, Nicholas Sparks type love story. No pressure, right?
That's how I find myself flying across the country to crash a wedding in the name of research, dress and heels stuffed into my small suitcase.
It should be the easiest book research ever. Drinking some free champagne, basking in the love of two strangers, and tapping into my romantic side. That’ll be a breeze. I'm a pro. I can handle this.
Until I mistakenly end up in the wrong hotel room, naked as the day I was born, with the sexiest human I have ever met staring me down, wondering what I'm doing taking a shower in his bathroom.
I don’t think calling it “research” will get me out of this mess.
But it will make for one hell of a story.
My Review: A mixture of romance, humors, and fun. A happily ever after that you didn't expect with this slow burn with 3000 miles in between.
Title: A Not So Meet Cute
Author: Meghan Quinn
Genre: Romance
How I Read It: Libby audiobook
My Rating: 4 out 5
Amazon Description: How did you two meet?
The quintessential question asked to every couple. And the answer is usually some bubbly, lovey dovey tale of being struck in the bum by Cupid’s arrow.
My meet cute (well not so meet cute) is slightly different. I was trolling a wealthy neighborhood in Beverly Hills, searching for someone to take me as their bride, you know, to make my arch nemesis jealous who consequently just fired me.
He was stomping around the block like some sort of gorgeous ogre, mumbling about a business deal gone wrong and attempting to finagle his way out of it.
And that's when we bumped into each other.
There were no sparks.
Not even a hint of blossoming love.
But next thing I knew, I was scarfing down free chips and guac, listening to this man lay out all of his problems which led to his big ask . . . he wanted me to be his Vivian Ward, you know, from Pretty Woman--minus the frisky behavior.
We're talking about living in a mansion, intimate double dates, and pretending we were head over heels in love . . . and engaged. Can you imagine?
The absolute audacity.
But people do crazy things when they’re desperate. And I reeked of desperation. So, I struck up a deal.
My one big mistake, though . . . big . . . HUGE? I accidentally fell for the incomparable Huxley Cane.
My Review: Another cute humor, romance, and fun. Pretty woman vibes
Title: Tangled Twosome
Author: Meghan Quinn
Genre: Romance
How I Read It: Libby audiobook
My Rating: 4 out of 5
Amazon Description: Racer McKay is a broody bastard.
From the moment I met him, he's been rude, irritable, and unbearable. And worse? He's broke.
A contractor working to remodel my parents pool house for extra cash, he stomps around in those clunky construction boots with his tool belt wrapped around his narrow waist, and a chip on his shoulder.
Racer McKay is also infuriatingly...sexy as hell. I want to take that pencil tucked behind his ear, and draw lazy lines slowly up and down his body all the while wanting to strangle him at the same time. We try to stay out of each other's way...that is, until I have no other option but to ask for his help. But what I don't realize is he needs me just as much as I need him. I have money he's desperate for, and he holds the key to making my dreams come true.
Our pranks turn from sarcastic banter, to sexual tension and lust-filled glances. Bickering matches quickly morph into slow burn moments. We're hot, we're cold. We push and pull. I need him, I don't want him.
We're on the verge of combusting with an agreement dangling dangerously between us. Neither one of us can afford to lose one another and yet, we're finding it quite hard to decipher the line that rests between love and hate.
My Review: Racer is charming, likeable, and funny. Georgiana is a strong lead who is a hard worker and determined. Light and fun read that keeps you hooked.
Title: The Ex Who Stole Christmas Kisses
Author: Addison Moore
Genre: Romance
How I Read It: Kindle
My Rating: 3 out of 5
Amazon Description: When Laney is auctioned off as a prize at the drama department fundraiser the last person she expects to trade cold hard cash for her company is Ryder.
Each book in the series can be read on its own so feel free to dive on in!*Laney Sawyer used to believe in love and all of the trappings that happily ever after could provide until Ryder Capwell is in love with Laney Sawyer. One year ago she walked out of his life and took the light of his world right along with her. Ryder would do anything to have another chance with Laney, including purchasing her for the evening courtesy of Whitney Briggs University, and he does just that.One thing leads to whiskey, which lead to far more interesting places. Things can only go wrong from here.
My Review: Cute story line that I wanted to love. Ryder, the ex, is whiny and begging to have Laney back. He comes off as desperate which is a major turn off. A lot of typos in the finished work.
Title: Butcher and Blackbird
Author: Brynne Weaver
Genre: Dark Romance
How I Read It: libby audiobook
My Rating: 5 out of 5
Amazon Description: When a chance encounter sparks an unlikely bond between rival murderers Sloane and Rowan, they find something elusive—the friendship of two like-minded, pitch-black souls who just happen to enjoy killing other serial killers.
From small-town West Virginia to upscale California, and from downtown Boston to rural Texas, the two hunters collide in an annual game of blood and suffering, one that pits them against the most dangerous monsters in the country.
But as their friendship develops into something more, the restless ghosts left in their wake are only a few steps behind, ready to claim more than just their newfound love.
Can Rowan and Sloane dig themselves out of a game of graves?
Or have they finally met their match?
My Review: Two psychopath serial killers who end up having competitions and falling in love. Gives me of Mr. and Mrs. Smith vibes. Worth all the hype. be sure to read all the trigger warnings
Title: Deck My Halls
Author: Ariana St. Claire
Genre: Romance
How I Read It: kindle
My Rating: 3 out of 5
Amazon Description: A fake dating, opposites attract holiday romance...and it all begins on a flight, a little truth or dare, and a Naughty List.
Mikayla Jayne
Getting away from life for the Holidays is just what the doctor ordered. Visiting my Nana in Love Canyon and escaping from the craziness of my life in Chicago isn't at all about the fact that my life is falling apart. Nope. Or the fact that my boyfriend had a different definition of monogamy than I did. Like, the kind that included his ex-wife, the neighbor, and his assistant. Just the desert, my Nana's favorite wine, and the hustle and bustle of Christmas. No men. Even if I like things a little on the wild side.
Ryan 'C.K' Bennington
Maybe a few weeks away from work and away from the girl I've had a crush on since I was ten will get my head straight before the season starts. Because my best friend is the guy she's with now, and seeing them happy is slowly killing me. But I love that they've found each other. I just can't be forced to see it every day for a little while. Christmas in Love Canyon is just what I need. No complications, nobody falling in love, and nothing to remind me of what I missed out on.
My Review: Novella that leaves you with a huge cliffhanger. I was enjoying the story it until it ended.
Title: Cowboy's Holiday Housesitter
Author: Clara Pines
Genre: Romance
How I Read It: kindle
My Rating: 4 out of 5
Amazon Description: They’re forced to share a home for the holidays, but only a miracle could make them share their hearts…
Single dad Ansel Williams is the strong, silent type. After losing his wife, he settled into a quiet life with his young son. Working the farm, spending time with his parents, and being there for his boy have kept him plenty busy for years. He has no need for a woman’s company.
But when the housesitter he canceled shows up anyway, just as the holidays are kicking in, Ansel’s compassion forces him to offer the pretty young woman and her daughter a place to stay.
Winona is distractingly beautiful, inspiringly energetic, and as kind-hearted as can be. And her very cool, skateboarding daughter makes his introverted son laugh like Ansel has never seen before. But there is no way he would ever risk upsetting things by doing something as silly as admitting his feelings.
When Ansel begins seeing glimpses of the city life his new guests left behind, he is more determined than ever to somehow resist the impossible attraction he feels for resilient and wonderful Winona, and the instant connection he has with her brave and complicated daughter.
Ansel is quick to open his home. But what will it take to make him open his heart before it’s too late?
My Review: A clean holiday romance that is heartwarming and sweet. Simple, likeable, predictable. Single parents who bond and kids being kids. Puts you in a good mood for the holidays
Title: Double Booked
Author: Cassidy Berg
Genre: Romance
How I Read It: kindle
My Rating: 1 out of 5
Amazon Description: The perfect Christmas getaway wasn't supposed to come with a roommate.
When bakery owner Kate escapes to Snow Falls for Christmas, she's looking forward to peaceful mornings with steaming mugs of cocoa and quiet evenings by a crackling fire.
The only hiccup in her perfect getaway? The cottage's other guest. Enter Alex, a corporate consultant whose identical booking confirmation threatens to derail both their holidays. Their choice is simple: share the space or abandon their holiday plans entirely.
In a town where twinkling lights cast a spell, and every snowfall feels like magic, two people searching for solitude might just find something sweeter—if they're willing to share more than just a cottage this Christmas.
A heartwarming holiday escape for readers looking for that small-town, sweet romance this Christmas.
My Review: The characters had no chemistry and communication was lacking in the storyline. Story felt like a run on with no breaks. The narrator would switch from his perspective to his perspective without chapter switching or breaks. Gag romance "I love you more" "no i love you more" after a few days of meeting. Author kept repeating the story line over and over again.
Title: Bad Princess
Author: N.E. Henderson
Genre: dark romance
How I Read It: book funnel audiobook
My Rating: 3 out of 5
Amazon Description: I was the only daughter of the Italian American Mafia Boss on the east coast. After my mother was murdered, he made sure the world forgot he had a daughter. I had to pretend to be the girl I’ve never been: meek. There is not one submissive bone in my body, but I had to look and act the part.
Matteo De Salvo is the only person that has ever made me nervous. My skin itched around him and my throat closed up. I watched him from a distance, the defiant part of me hoping he’d catch me.
He did.
But to him, I was a creep. To the girl he knocked up our senior year of high school, I was a nuisance who threatened her claim on him. Spoiler alert: she didn’t get him either.
Six years later, Matteo is a single dad and boxing champion. And me? I’m a full-fledged member of the family. I no longer hide, despite my father wishing I did. I run multi-million dollar businesses. I couldn’t care less about what Matteo is up to these days. I’m over him.
So, when I walked into a dive bar to save my friend’s life, why did I save Matteo’s instead?
My Review: Disappointed in how the book ended. Not necessarily a cliffhanger, but left with so many unanswered questions. There are more books to follow but lost interest.
Title: Down and Dirty
Author: Mari Carr
Genre: erotica
How I Read It: Bookfunnel audiobook
My Rating: 4 out of 5
Amazon Description:Jess has one goal in life—protect her son. But when an overcrowded shelter puts her and Jasper out on the street in the dead of winter, she fears she's going to fail that mission. Help comes in the form of confirmed bachelors, Tony Moretti and Dr. Rhys Beaumont.
Tony and Rhys share the same motto—work hard, play harder. But when fate drops a homeless waitress and her young son on their doorstep, their wild and free lifestyle takes a sharp turn. Their desire to help her is only surpassed by their desire to claim her, share her, make her theirs.
When Tony and Rhys offer Jess a place to stay and security, there's no denying the chemistry between the three of them. All she has to do is let them in. But Jess isn’t willing to get hurt again . . . no matter how persuasive, how determined, how deliciously possessive her new roommates are.
My Review: A steamy mmf. Two guys help out a single mom who was living out of her car. A heartwarming story about priorities and letting others help.
Title: Own Your Everyday
Author: Jordan Lee Dooley
Genre: personal development
How I Read It: physical book
My Rating: 5 out of 5
Amazon Description: Does it ever seem like you still have to find your purpose or that you’re stuck with “unfigured-out dreams”? Do you feel the pressure to prove yourself or worry about what others will think?
You are not the only one.
From accidentally starting a small business instead of using her college degree, to embarrassing herself onstage in front of thousands, to wasting time worrying about what others think or say, Jordan Lee Dooley knows exactly how that feels—and she’s learned some important lessons about living a purposeful life along the way.
An influential millennial widely recognized for her tagline turned international movement, “Your Brokenness is Welcome Here,” Jordan has become a go-to source that women around the world look to for inspiration in their faith, work, relationships, and everyday life.
Now, in this approachable but actionable read that’s jam-packed with practical tools, Jordan equips you to
• tackle obstacles such as disappointment, perfectionism, comparison, and distraction
• remove labels and break out of the box of expectations
• identify and eliminate excuses and unnecessary stress about an unknown future
• overcome the lie that you can’t live your God-given purpose until you reach a certain goal or milestone
If you ever feel you need to shift your mindset but don’t know how, this book will help you overcome shame, practice gratitude, and redefine success.
My Review: Jordan shares relatable stories and is encouraging in her message. She suggest changes that can be made today that are personalized to who you are and who you want to be.
I previously read back in 2020 also.
What are you reading this month?
Butcher and Blackbird sure has a lot of hype! I don't think it would be for me.
ReplyDeleteI dont see Butcher and Blackbird being for you. I dont see you as liking dark romance, this one is a high on the dark measure.
DeleteA Not so Meet Cute sounds really fun!
ReplyDeleteit was a fun read
DeleteNot really my genre but, still some interesting romance.
ReplyDeleteHave a great December reading month.
Placing a hold on Butcher and Blackbird now thanks for the rec!
ReplyDelete