I'm Back, and with The Remarried Empress

 I know it has been a long time since I lasted posted. Honestly, I haven't been reading as much. However, I'm back from my hiatus. Might as well start back January 1st. Here I am with a book I read in a day. I have decided I'm going to broaden my reading choices cause I ended up in a reading slump. I decided to start out the new year with The Remarried Empress vol. 1. Which happens to be a graphic novel for teen. 

Now you are wondering how I stumble upon this story. It all started with a bingo challenge that my local library is doing. This fills one of the criteria. The graphic design of the cover caught my eye, so I decided to try it out. I took it to the counter and the girl at Target was I love this story. I didn't know they made it into print, It started out on Webtoon. 

Anyway, I have started Volume 1, and I'm intrigued on how this will all end since this is the first time I'm seeing this. I'm curious on how Empress Navier's story is going to end since she pretty much tossed aside by the Emperor for the mistress. It's a pretty good story, and I have to wait a couple of days before the next books arrived. This might something to checkout if you are interested in graphic novels since the pictures are beautiful, and you can feel the pain of the Empress being tossed aside for another. 

Rating: 

4 Stars 

The Duke and I by Julia Quinn (Review)

I decided to try out the Bridgerton series, since it has been popular on Netflix. Now have I watch the series, no. I tried, but I couldn't get into it. Shocker. However, I had no problem diving into reading The Duke and I. Instead of joining everyone on watching Bridgerton, I have decided to dive into what started that Netflix series. Granted my late to this part, it's fine. The funny thing is I have most of these books, and I had to only purchase a couple more books. Let's dive into the first book, The Duke and I.

In this story we get to know Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings. By the way Simon is friends with Anthony who happens to be the older brother, I love that Bridgertons are protective of one another. However, Daphne and Simon cook up this grand idea of pretending to court one another. Simon stays off the marriage mart and Daphne might have more opportunity for suitors. We know how well that goes. Nothing like a fake courtship to stir things up. 

Anyway, I'm a fan of fake courtships. I enjoyed the story. I liked how Daphne was accepting of Simon and his issues. She was very understanding. I guess growing up with a gaggle of siblings it becomes second nature. I didn't mind Simon, and his quirks. I mean I would avoid marriage if my father was a POS. I would totally let the line die. I appreciate that Daphne was able to find herself when her husband was being a douche. Overall, pretty good book to me. Since most of you have read this, and I'm a little late to the game. 

Purchase this when it was on sale a long time ago. 

Rating:

4 Stars

Audiobook Review: Second Chance Pass by Robyn Carr

A couple months back I listened to Second Chance Pass. I struggle with this story. The only reason I was able finished this story was it was due back at the library at the end of the week, and there was someone else waiting for the story. Otherwise, I would have sat on this story for a little longer. 

Now you wonder why I struggle with this story, and it was Vanessa. I can understand that she struggled with her feelings with Paul and the passing of her dead husband. However, how she treated Paul drove me batty. I wanted to smack her a couple of times. Even her friends had to talk her down a couple of times. She kind of used this adorable Doctor from Grants Pass to make Paul jealous. I was not okay with that, because he was a good guy. Paul is a decent guy, and he wants to give Vanessa space and to make sure she was done grieving. He does something stupid at the beginning of the book, and it gave me some concern. Fortunately the issue does work itself out. He's portrait as a decent guy throughout the story. 

I can't really remember what else happens in the book, but I know there are other characters storylines going on. It was an okay listen. Even though I wasn't a big fan of this story there were other storylines I need to know about, so yes I continue the series. 

Copy provided by local library

Rating: 3 Stars

Audiobook Review: A Virgin River Christmas by Robyn Carr

I have been continuing my journey through Virgin River. About a month ago I listened to A Virgin River Christmas where we meet Marcie Sullivan who is in search of Ian Buchanan. Now Marcie's husband was best friend with Ian, and he brought him home to Marcie. Now Marcie need to have some closure, so she needed to find Ian. Now Ian had no desire to be found. He been keeping guilt as his close companion. Guess what she finds him, and he's not the same guy. Yes, Marcie breaks down all his wall. It took a little time for her bubbly personality to knock them down. 

Anywho; this is a sweet Christmas story to bring the holiday spirit. Do you really have to read the previous books to get gist of what's going on. Not really. Ian and Marcie aren't canon to the series. Marcie pops up to the area with no real ties to the people, and the same with Ian. However, you do see the people of the town and they do welcome into the area. So, you aren't missing back story with these two. Now if you are a like me and invested into the story you will read this in order. Yes, they do find new beginnings to their lives. Overall, a pretty good listen. I like Marcie's can do, will do attitude. Ian does soften in the story. 

Copy provided by local library.

Rating: 4 Stars 

Audiobook Review: Whispering Rock by Robyn Carr

A few weeks back I listened to Whispering Rock by Robyn Carr. As you can see I have decided to continue on the series. In previous books we met Jack's sister Brie Sheridan, and we learn that she was a prosecutor. She was working on a major case and it didn't pan out, and the guy walked. The guy takes his revenge on Brie and goes on the run. Brie is having a rough year. Another person is having a rough year is Mike Valenzuela. He is too recovering, and him and Brie bond this book. You know who has a problem with this Jack. Those meddlesome older brothers. 

In Whispering Rock we still have that small town living where everybody knows your business. Okay it's not that bad, its mainly Jack who meddles in his sister's love life. Not only that we have a new family move into the area, which sets up scene for future books. We have tragedy, and heartbreak with one of the new members to the town. This story touches on death, and rape. Brie has to overcome some fear. Mike has to overcome his challenges. In the process they solve possible bigger problem in the area that has to deal with date rape drugs. A lot happens in this story, and a good majority of the story is intertwine with what's going on in the town. 

Overall, Whispering Rock was a pretty good listen. I enjoyed the story of Brie and Mike's budding romance. Their is another budding romance in the story too. 

Copy provided by local library 

Rating: 4 Stars

April May Fall by Christina Hovland (Review)

I got a chance to read April May Fall by Christina Hovland. Overall, I liked the story. However, there were couple of things I didn't like. One was her friends signing her up for an online dating service. April clearing not ready for something like that. Plus, she kind of had the hots for her boss Jack. I had to get that off my chest first before I could dive into the rest of the story. 

Why did I pick this story to read? 1. I liked the cover. It's a super cute cover. Plus, I love color; very eye catching. 2. The title; it grabs your attention. It fits the story. Sometimes you get titles that you are like huh. 3. The book blurb caught my attention. I mean you have April who is holding onto a thread, and then you see it while streaming. So, we have Jack Gibson coming to the rescue. 

I mean the opening of the story was epic. She gets roasted by other mommy bloggers, and she has to overcome her situation. Jack sees that she needs the encouragement. Of course something builds has he helps her rebuild her image. The kids are adorable in this story and I wish they played a bigger part in the story. Oh well. 

I enjoyed April May Fall, and I found it to be cute read. The kids were adorable. Her friends were okay. I think I would have been pissed if they signed me up for a dating app. I'm glad that didn't pan out. Jack was adorable with the kids. Yes the story was a little rushed, but it was fine for me. I like that this is part of a series, but can be read as a standalone. I wouldn't mind going back to checkout the previous stories. If you are looking for some light reading with a single mom trying show that she's cool and collective, but hanging by a thread. She just needs a little encouragement this might be your read.

Copy provided Entangled via Netgalley

Rating: 4 Stars

Holiday Ever After: One Snowy Night/ Holiday Wishes/Mistletoe in Paradise by Jill Shalvis

Holiday Ever After is a combination of novellas that Jill Shalvis wrote for a couple of her series. One Snowy Night and Holiday Wishes fit in the world of Heartbreaker Bay, and Mistletoe in Paradise fits in Wildstone books. I actually read One Snowy Night and Holiday Wishes when they released. However, I hadn't had a chance to read Mistletoe in Paradise. So lets dive into the stories.

The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling (Review)

 I got a chance to read The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling. Where we meet Vivienne Jones who is suffering a broken heart from Rhys Penhallow. She got a little too much vodka in her and she ended up putting a hex on Rhys. Flash forward to more present day Rhys comes back to Graves Glen and his magic is a little funky. Now Rhys and Vivi have to figure out how to break the curse. You learn more that it's not a simple curse to break, and I want to tell you more, but I can't.

Is this story kind of campy? Yes. Is it adorable? Yes. It's a silly, fun read. You get to see if Rhys and Vivi are able to make a go at a real relationship or is it doom from the start. Is it scary? Absolutely not, but again a cute read with two people who have a journey to figure out how to solve a problem that might endanger the whole town. You learn a little more about Vivi and Rhys family history. Would I read this story again? Yes, because I love cute, campy reads. Plus, it's a light read. 

Copy provide by Avon via Edelweiss

Rating: 4 Stars

Her Renegade Cowboy by Lora Leigh (Review)

This book was a mistake for me, and probably should have stopped after a few chapters. I regret not DNFing Her Renegade Cowboy. I thought this would have more suspense than what was in here. However, you know what got me to read this book was the cover, and the promising book blurb. 

Yes, Levi Roberts is an undercover US Marshall, and former Army Ranger. He's playing a cowboy on Lily's cousin's ranch. He's not there most of time cause he's at Lily's house getting it on. Lily is a school teacher. You are probably thinking she's sweet and kind. Wrong! She's sassy, and a firer ball. She could be with her students, but you don't really see her interacting with her students. 

Majority of this book takes place around Lily's house. Honestly, you don't really feel the impending doom that her life is in until the last portions of the book. I probably should have put this story down, after the first time. I trudged on trying to read the story. If you are looking for a story that has more suspense you aren't going to find it here. Now if you are looking for hot steamy read, and not really going anywhere, this my friend is your read.

Copy provided by St. Martin via NetGalley

Rating: 1 Star

Audiobook Review: Shelter Mountain by Robyn Carr

As you know I started listening to the Virgin River series, because of the NETFLIX show. Yes, still finding a lot of difference. However, I'm sticking to the series cause I'm committed. Since I'm committed I finished Shelter Mountain, and I have to say I liked this book a little better than the first one. I liked Preacher, because he's a steady strong guy. He might be big, and quiet, but he's also a watcher. He notice that Paige was in deep trouble and needed help.

There are quite a few subplots going on. If you are one of those types of people that aren't too keen on multiple subplots, this might be your type of read. Even though they seem like filler and helping you understand the dynamics of the town. I also find out that it's a town of 600 instead of hundred, but still small. However, a good portion of the story is about Preacher and Paige's relationship development. This is definitely a slow burn kind of story. The main reason behind that is the story touches on domestic violence. Paige is domestic violence survivor, which she does feel the guilt, and believes it's her fault. It takes a long time for Paige to open up to Preacher about this. A lot of character development. One of subplots is Ricky and Lizzie, and they have a pretty big subplot in the story. They were hot and heavy teenagers in the first book, but they had to cool it. Their story plays a little role into the story here. They both had to grow up real fast. It's a small town, everybody talks.

Overall, it's getting better. However, I don't think Mel is all that smart, but it's a personal opinion. I still feel this way as I'm going through book 3. However, I did like this story more than first book. Preacher and Paige are cute together. Preacher is a good guy, and he had to show Paige that all men aren't bad. Domestic violence takes a toll on a person, and Paige survived. 

Copy provided by local library

Rating: 4 Stars