Just Thinking: The Last Post of the Year

We have finally come to the end of the year. YAY! Now to plan for bigger and better things, or at least try. This year I have manage to read 153 books, at least according to Goodreads. I felt most of them were mediocre, but to my surprise I did read 21 books that I deemed 5 Stars, which is impressive, because towards the end I didn't feel that way. I did get a chance to learn the values of Molly Harper, by the way she was a lifesaver for when I stuck in the monotony of books that didn't grab my attention. Yes, I would recommend The Jane Jameson books. However, I think my favorite book would probably be The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare. This book almost cost me a limb on the elliptical, but would have been worth it. 

Now to my least favorite book of the year. Since there were only two that got one star I might as well mention them Roulette by Megan Mulry, I couldn't get pass chapter 7. Seriously when the heroine is in a relationship and because she's in another country doesn't give you a pass to cheat. Then to hear the hero cheats on her, I guess what goes around comes around, but they end up together. So not for me. The other read was Almost A Bride by Jo Watson. This story had so much potential to be great, but it flopped. I think my favorite line from my review on this was "I felt Almost A Bride was a train wrecked that derailed in crazy town." 

Now for going forward, I plan to do Blogger Shame Challenge which is Herding Cats & Burning Soup is hosting. I also signed up for another challenge through her, Blog All About It, which is you write about a certain prompt each month. I don't know what else I will be adding to the mix. I guess we will see what the new year brings. 

I hope you all have a safe and wonderful New Year, and don't party too hard. 

The Ones Who Got Away by Roni Loren (Review)

Okay, The Ones Who Got Away is a little different Roni's kinktastic reads. In some ways its a bit subdue, but still a pretty good read. Basically, we have these group of kids that forged a bond after a terrible mass shooting 12 years and came back to do a documentary which happens to be a title of the book. The story introduces these people, but focuses on Olivia (Liv) Arias and Finn Dorsey. We also meet Rebecca Lindt, Kincaid Breslin, and Taryn Landry. These girls form and unlikely friendship after the shooting, and they are there for Liv when she needed them most in the story.

The Ones Who Got Away was a pretty heavy story. I mean with the past, and the past looms over Liv and Finn's head through the most of the book that it makes you wonder if they are ever going to move pass the past. In some ways the past is cock blocking their relationship. However, Liv is willing to take a chance for a taste, and so we see Liv and Finn working on something. Both of them suffer from PTSD that does causes issue with moving forward.

Anyway, the story is a pretty deep for a read, but was a pretty good read. At times it's a little slow, but I think had Liv and Finn rushed to bed it would have ruined the story. They are both pretty damage, and they helped one another to move pass the tragedy. I'm curious on how Roni moves the characters forward, and how the tragedy impacted their lives. Especially Rebecca's, because she mentions in this story that Jeremy was gunning for her, but why. Those questions will be hopefully answered in the next book. 🤞

Copy provided by Sourcesbooks via NetGalley

Rating:

3 1/2 Stars

The Art of Running in Heels by Rachel Gibson (Review)

The Art of Running in Heels was a pretty good read. Okay, this is Lexie Kowalsky all grown up, so those who have read Simply Irresistible get to see this. Now for those who are jumping into the story with out reading about her mother, like me, you I think it's a safe bet you will be okay. All I know is Lexie and her mother have similar tendency, they are both runaway brides.

Now trying to figure out where to beginning with this story. I thought it was a cute read. We have Lexie who has decided that getting married on reality TV is probably not the best thing, but she doesn't man up, oh no she runs. So right there makes the story interesting. She basically crashes Sean Knox's flight, and has no clue who he is. While he recognizes her as the coach's daughter. They basically hit it off. Things get a little complicated and they need to have a fake relationship. By the way, love fake relationships. We all know it's down hill for both of them. Now all they need to figure out is how to make this fake relationship as a real one.

Yes, I thought this story was super cute read. I thought Sean and Lexie were adorable together. I love how she kind of drives him crazy, but deep down he loves it. As I got closer to the end, I was thinking this story could use an epilogue. I thing seeing these two a little down the road would probably helped the story, but then again that's my opinion. However, The Art of Running in Heels was still a cute read. If you are a fan of fake marriage and reality tv, you might consider reading The Art of Running in Heels.

Copy provided by Avon

Rating:
4 Stars

Dirty Scoundrel by Jessica Clare (Review)

Totally loved the cover of Dirty Scoundrel, and I also heard good things about this story, so it was a heck yeah. I didn't know what I was getting into when I started to read. All I heard was the hero was a bit of a jerk. Okay, I have a weakness for jerky heroes that redeem themselves by the end.

Okay, Clay Price is a real jerk at the beginning, but you know what I can understand where he was coming from. Deep down he wasn't an a-hole hero. I don't think he knows how to be one. Anyway, he went into Natalie Weston's home turf to show her who was boss and give her what she was missing, and leave. Yes, that sounds really bad. His intentions are pretty awful, but deep down he's a good guy, just a dumbass for a bit.

Natalie is pretty sweet, and still the same person, but has falling on hard times. She can't refuse Clay's indecent proposal, because it would give her the stability she hasn't had in years.

I liked Dirty Scoundrel, because both Natalie and Clay feel that they are the injured party, and technically they are due to someone else's machinations. They don't realize at the time. However, they both needed to grow and mature. I like how they eventually figure out what the heck happen and where their love went wrong. I like this second chance revenge love story. Yes, Clay went into planning to be dick, and prove he doesn't need Natalie. Natalie is a victim during this story. I felt so bad for her, she was a pawn. Fortunately, everything works out, and all the wrongs are rectify. Overall, Dirty Scoundrel was a pretty good read, and there are some heartbreaking moments. However, a satisfying read. I can't wait for more in this series.

Copy provided by Berkley

Rating:
 4 Stars

Escape to You by Jennifer Ryan (Review)

I finally finished Escape to You by Jennifer Ryan. Don't get me wrong, it was a pretty good read. The beginning was a little slow. However, you can't rush things when it comes to physical and emotional abuse in a story.

Anyway, we have Beck, but if you are a fan of Jennifer Ryan, and have read her Montana Men books you would remember him more has Trigger. However, a lot has gone down, he's coming to a point in his life that he's not sure if he wants to keep to doing undercover work. He doesn't know who he is when when Ashley Swan stumbles into his life. Now Ashley is an Hollywood actress who seemed to disappear out of nowhere, and now she's trying to escape her psychotic so-call friend. I think Jennifer has top herself on psychotic bad guy.

There's a lot that goes on in this story. 1) We have Ashley and Adam trying to figure out if they should trust Beck. 2) Beck trying to find himself again. 3) Brice (the bad guy) trying to manipulate the system to find Ashley. So, the story kind of goes back in forth between the scenes Beck and Ashley learning to cope to Brice being psychotic. This is where the story starts to get interesting and kind of nail bitting at times. About this time Escape to You starts to build momentum, which in turn gets good.

Overall, Escape to You is a pretty good read. I like this story, because it wasn't an insta-love. Then again I think it would have been weird to have someone abused to loving someone she doesn't know. Ashley had to learn to trust Beck, and Beck definitely had to find himself. I also like that we also have the underline backstory, which was the reason on leave. I like how Jennifer worked that into the story. So, if you are in search of something new, and need the drama to build, Escape to You might be the book for you.

Copy provided by Avon.

Rating:
4 Stars

Forever Romance Spotlight + Giveaway: The Highland Guardian by Amy Jarecki

THE HIGHLAND GUARDIAN 

Lords of the Highlands series, #3

by Amy Jarecki

Forever

December 19, 2017 

"A must-read new release. Seriously complex and historically detailed, this book kept amazing me with its unassuming tenderness and sweeping prose."―BookRiot

He has sworn to protect her... Captain Reid MacKenzie, Earl of Seaforth, is a man of his word. During a harrowing battle at sea, the heroic Highlander makes a vow to a dying friend to watch over the man's daughter. His plan: send the child to boarding school as quickly as possible so he can continue his mission. But Reid's new ward is no wee lass. She's a ravishing, fully grown woman, and it's all he can do to remember his duty and not seduce her himself.

But he might be her greatest threat... Miss Audrey Kennet is stunned by the news. First this kilted brute tells Audrey her father is dead, and next he insists she marry. But as Reid scours England for the most suitable husband, Audrey soon realizes the brave, brawny Scot is the only man she wants--though loving him means risking her lands, her freedom, and even her life.

Audiobook Review: Nice Girls Don't Live Forever by Molly Harper

By far Nice Girls Don't Live Forever is my favorite in the Jane Jameson books. Seriously, THE BEST! I love this book, because Jane has enough of Gabriel's crap. Don't get me wrong, Gabriel is awesome, but he's an idiot until we get closer to the end. I love that Jane basically tells him off. All she wanted was a little honesty. Gabriel is a total idiot with the way he tries to keep Jane safe. Honest could have saved them both the pain and suffer they put each other through. However, that's not all. A lot of things happen in this story, which makes me love Jane. I love that Jane decided to put on her big girl panties and show the world that Jane Jameson is awesome. Okay, it takes a little time in the story.

Nice Girls Don't Live Forever is the best one, at least I think so. After listening to this story, I totally started all over again. Yes, I listened to this story two times in a row. I mean you have Jane basically telling Gabriel off, Dick and Andrea get together, and Zeb and Jolene are having babies. Plus, we have someone trying to kill Jane, and Mr. Wainwright's nephew comes to town. Packed with a humor and good time.  Even though Jane is the main character, I absolutely love Dick Cheney is this book. His character has grown so much over the course of series, but he's my favorite. Plus, he's the older brother Jane never had. So, if you are looking for a great way to escape I would recommend Jane Jameson books. Seriously, you have to start from the beginning. Granted she does recap a little, but it's so much better to start from the beginning. If you choose to listen to the audio version Amanda Ronconi does an amazing job with the series.

Rating:
5 Stars

Audiobook Review: Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs by Molly Harper

I actually listened to Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs before jumping into book two, but I have somehow missed the writing the review. Okay, Jane Jameson just living her life until, she got fired, and then it got turned upside down and inside out. I mean she was plain old Jane, until she got turned into a vampire. Once she was turned she ends up getting framed for murder, and she doesn't understand why Gabriel wants her. Her life hadn't been all that interesting until she turned to a vampire.

Molly brings us into Jane's new world and we get join her on the wild ride. Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs is hilarious journey of Jane Jameson as she learns to navigate the world as a vampire. At the same time try to figure out why someone is trying to get her framed for murder, and keep her secret hidden from everyone she knew prior to her rise. This story is light and fun, and a great escape from the real world. I absolutely loved this book. I only had one issue about the story, and that was the ending was a bit awkward. I thought I actually had an abridged audiobook, but I didn't. Truly an awkward ending, then again it kind of fits Jane's awkward situation. However, the other books in the series didn't have that feeling. It could have been this was the first book in the series. That was my only issue to the story. Amanda Ronconi did a fabulous job and this book. I'm telling you I laugh so hard with her style of narration for this book. If you have a chance to checkout the Jane Jameson books, I highly recommend reading/listen. Plus, you want to start from the beginning. Granted Jane does a lot of recapping in the next books, but it's a lot more fun to start with Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs.

Rating;
5 Stars

A Scottish Lord for Christmas by Lauren Smith (Review)

A Scottish Lord for Christmas was probably the gut wrenching of all the Sins and Scandals series. So, we have Lady Rowena Pepperwirth, she's the younger sister Milly. She's sweet, biddable, and about to enter her first season. Everything is new and exciting, but she catches the eye of Lord Forres. Quinn MacCauley needs to find a wife to raise his daughter, and fill some other needs. He's taken by Rowena and how much she cares for his daughter. His goal is to make her his wife and keep her at arms length. However, there is one problem, Rowena is the kind of person to love everyone with her whole heart. Plus, she's willing to take on the challenge of healing Quinn with her love.

Oh man, see where this can break your heart. We have one who is willing take a chance on love, and the other too scare to love again. A Scottish Lord for Christmas is a fairly fast read, and with little conflict other Quinn battling his feelings for Rowena. After all he never wants to forget his first love. Can he learn to love Rowena the way she's meant to be love or is he going to suck the life out of her. It doesn't help that his servants want to continue to honor the memory of his first wife. They are a bit nasty to Rowena. Fortunately, she has his daughter and his sister on her side. Overall, a pretty good read. Mainly a sweet one too.

Copy provided by Forever Romance.

Rating:
4 Stars

Audiobook Review: Nice Girls Don't Date Dead Men by Molly Harper

The Jane Jameson books are the reason I have decided to keep my audible books membership active. Seriously, Molly Harper knows how to make a girl laugh out loud. Well, we continue with the perils of being a vampire with Nice Girls Don't Date Dead Men. Good lord, the antics in this story. Jane's still a vampire, but she finds herself getting in danger. Before her undead life she had a completely staid life. However, undead life is an adventure. A lot happens in this story, that continues to turn her life upside down. Her sister is  still pretty pissed at her. Her grandma Ruthie has met her male counterpart. However, that's not all. Oh no; we have Zeb and Jolene's wedding. What kind of wedding didn't have a problem or two. Anyway, as we read/listen we see Zeb start to get cold feet in a way, and starts manifesting in weird ways.

A lot is going on in Nice Girls Don't Date Dead Men. We have Jane who is adjusting to being a vampire, and getting a hang of her life. She doesn't know where she stands with Gabriel, but he still loves her. There a wedding planning from hell. I mean when your best friend starts hitting on you it gets a little awkward. You finally get a chance with the boy you have had a crush on since grade school and find out he's a douche. Seriously, there's a lot going on in this story. Overall, this was a great escape from the real world. Plus, Amanda Ronconi does a fabulous job on narrating. Molly Harper does write a fun story, but Amanda seems to bring these character personality to life with her narration. Need a break from life, I would recommend to visit Jane's life, and she would make you feel about your life. Plus, I would recommend reading the first book in the series.

Social Butterfly PR Spotlight + Review: Love So Wild by Marquita Valentine

Love So Wild, an all-new contemporary romance from Marquita Valentine is available now!

Love So Wild

Lawson Brothers, 8

Marquita Valentine

December 13, 2017

Pilot Elijah Lawson always knew he’d return to Jessamine, marry a hometown girl and settle into very predictable life. After all, he made promises to his parents that once he’d gotten his fill of adventure that he would do exactly that… and Eli was a man of his word. Only he's never been able to get the bewitching redhead he’d fallen hard for two years earlier out of his head and he’s afraid that no woman in Jessamine will ever measure up.

Unfortunately, that doesn’t stop his family from trying to set him up with every single woman in town… until Skye Holland shows up on his doorstep.

The only reason Skye Holland moved back to North Carolina was so she could do the right thing for her one year old son. A boy, after all, needed his father, while she… she simply needed a fresh start. But first, she has to let Eli know that their red-hot affair had consequences. Consequences she has no intentions of repeating, no matter how many old feelings come rushing to the surface when they’re together.

Too bad for Skye that Elijah has other ideas and he’s not going to let this second chance at love get away again.

My Thoughts:

Tempting Danger by Katie Reus (Review)

When I started Tempting Danger, I was trying to figure out if I had read the first book, which have. I had to read my review on the first book, then I started to remember. I felt so bad for Alena Brennan. Oh man she was left in a heartbreaking situation. By the time we start this story, she's about four months pregnant, and the father doesn't know. Yes, we have a secret baby situation. It's not like she plan to keep the baby secret, but things are extremely rocky with her and Andre Makarov. I mean she's cut out of his life. Yet, he can't seem to let go of her in a way.

He finds out, and he's willing to trying to fix things with her. Again rocky relationship. Plus, it doesn't help that situations have popped up to cause them problems.

Okay, I liked Tempting Danger. Basically, a second chance romance with secret baby, and a dash of danger. Plus, it was a fairly quick read, and I like that Alena and Andre get a second chance at love, and real start. So, if you are in a mood for second chance and secret baby with a dash of danger, this is your kind of read.

Copy provided by author

Rating:
4 Stars

TLC Spotlight + Review + Giveaway: The Lady Travelers Guide to Larceny with a Dashing Stranger by Victoria Alexander

The Lady Travelers Guide to Larceny with a Dashing Stranger

The Lady Travelers Society, 2

Victoria Alexander 

HQN

November 28, 2017

Join the Lady Travelers Society in their latest romantic misadventure, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Victoria Alexander

She must secure her future

A lady should never be obliged to think of matters financial! But when Lady Wilhelmina Bascombe’s carefree, extravagant lifestyle vanishes with the demise of her husband, her only hope lies in retrieving a family treasure—a Renaissance masterpiece currently in the hands of a cunning art collector in Venice. Thankfully, the Lady Travelers Society has orchestrated a clever plan to get Willie to Europe, leading a tour of mothers and daughters…and one curiously attentive man.

He must reclaim his heritage
Dante Augustus Montague’s one passion has long been his family’s art collection. He’s finally tracked a long-lost painting to the enchanting Lady Bascombe. Convinced that the canvas had been stolen, he will use any means to reclaim his birthright—including deception. But how long before pretend infatuation gives way to genuine desire?

Now they’re rivals for a prize that will change everything

Willie and Dante know they’re playing with fire in the magical moonlit city. Their common quest could compromise them both…or lead them to happily-ever-after.

My Thoughts:

Library Find Audiobook Review: Haunted Destiny by Heather Graham

I have decided to try the audiobook selection at my local library, and I happen to find Haunted Destiny by Heather Graham. I figured what the heck, I haven't read/listen to a suspense book in a while. The one Krewe of Hunters I did enjoy, so why not try another, which brings us to the Haunted Destiny. The narrator for this particular story was Luke Daniels. I have to say he did alright. It took me a little time to get use to his reading style, but once I did he did an all right job.

Haunted Destiny is 18 in the Krewe of Hunters series. Don't worry if you haven't read any of the previous books, you will be fine. Yes, you will see Jackson Crow on this case, but he's not the hero of the story. Nope that honor goes to the local area agent Jude McCoy. They basically are trying to find the Archangel Killer, they believe he's on the Destiny. They're not sure what to think of Alexi Cromwell, after all she has a special gift. Yep, she can talk with ghost. Both Jude and Alexi have suffer some kind of lost in their lives which kind of draws them together. They both have a special kind of gifts, but one doesn't realize he has a gift.

Haunted Destiny wasn't a bad read. It took a little time to get into the story. It wasn't until it got to middle that Haunted Destiny started to get interesting. Yes, once people started going missing and deaths happen it definitely picked up. I liked how the ghost of the ship were willing to help Jude and Alexi catch the Archangel Killer. Like I said not a bad read.

Local Library Find (Plus, I have it on Kindle)

Rating:
3 1/2 Stars

Teaser: Love So Wild by Marquita Valentine

Love So Wild, an all-new contemporary romance from Marquita Valentine is coming December 13th!

Love So Wild 

Lawson Brothers, 8

Marquita Valentine

December 13, 2017

Driving Mr. Dead by Molly Harper (Review)

Like I said I have been on a Molly Harper kick, and I figure might as well start reading Driving Mr. Dead: 1) it's part of the Half-Moon Hollow series 2) I got to hear a sample of the story. 3) Miranda Puckett was mention in A Witch's Handbook to Kisses and Curses. However, I found Driving Mr. Dead is kind of in a weird space. It might be because it was published before the last Jane Jameson book, and before the first Half-Moon Hollow, so there are timeline issues here. Other than that it was a fun read.

We have Miranda Puckett who is a walking disaster, who needs time to think, because her fiancee is a douchebag. Yes, a walking douchebag, but he gets what he deserves. I wish it was a little more violent, oh well. Then we have Colin Sutherland. Oh Colin. Talk about a stick in a butt. The start of the road trip was probably not the most easiest. In some ways it made me think of Planes, Trains, and Automobiles as they were trying to make their way back to Half-Moon Hollow. Talk a Murphy's Law kind of trip.

Overall, Molly Harper brings another fun vampire story. A super quick read that will have you laughing from start to finish. Granted I did choke up towards the end, because of Colin's poor choice of words. Anyway, if you are need of an escape, you might want to take a road trip to Half-Moon Hollow in Driving Mr. Dead.

Rating:
4 1/2 Stars

Audiobook Review: A Witch's Handbook of Kisses and Curses by Molly Harper

Okay, after listening to A Witch's Handbook of Kisses and Curses, I decided I needed to go and listen/read the Jane Jameson books. Granted you don't need to, but there are reoccurring characters from that series might help you with the Half-Moon Hollow books. One of them is Dick Cheney. Goodness, listening to the Jane Jameson series makes you understand Dick soooo much more. Plus, it makes the story even more funny.

Anyway, I did have fun with A Witch's Handbook of Kisses and Curses, but it wasn't my favorite book. The first run through on the listening I was like it's okay. Since I'm on a Molly Harper kick and only have a couple of her audible books, I re-listen to the story again. Boy did this put some perspective on the story. The little things I missed. Still not my favorite in the series, but still a fun read/listen.

We have Nola Leery who needs to help her family keep her magic, but all she wants to be is normal. Kind of hard when your a witch. So, she's on a scavenger hunt to find the elements. She has a boyfriend at the beginning of the book, Stephen (not sure on the spelling because of audio). She loves him, but the farther she gets away from him, she's not sure why. By the way, it's pretty jacked up when you find out why. Sucks for Nola, because for a little while she feels like she's a bad girlfriend, especially when she develops the hots for Jed Trudeau. This gets a little complicated, but fortunately its not in a sense. Yep, being extremely vague here. There's a lot at stake here. Nola trying to save her families magic, trying to keep the evil sect of the family from getting their magic and it has to be done by the summer solstice; an easy feat.

I had conflicting feelings towards Nola, and part of that came from I thought she was cheating on her boyfriend Stephen. She's not. She's not a cheater. No cheating happen here, but a misunderstanding and is explained at the end. Jed, I absolutely love. Oh my gosh, he's such a sweet good ol' boy. He does some dumb things in the story, but it comes from a place of love for his family. I totally fell for Jed. We get hang out with Jane, Andrea, and a few other characters in Half-Moon Hollow.

Overall, A Witch's Handbook of Kisses and Curses is a hoot. Again Amanda Ronconi does an amazing job on this series. You can see the characters come to life, and it's an enjoyable listen. So, if you are in the mood for something fun you might give A Witch's Handbook of Kisses and Curses a try.

Rating:
4 1/2 Stars