What Are You Reading?

[Jonetta]

I finished listening to Thick as Thieves by Sandra Brown and think this is best enjoyed as a mystery with romantic elements as opposed to romantic suspense. And, the narrator made a big difference! Here’s my review.

I’m listening to The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz.

[Robin]

This week I finished reading No Good Deed by Allison Brennan.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Anita]

About a Rogue by Caroline Linden 4-Stars
Cute story about a Rogue who may become a Duke
My Review

Crazy on You by Rachel Gibson 5-Stars
It's time to go a little crazy for Love
My Review

Rescue Me by Rachel Gibson 4-Stars
A great story, hot romance and characters I can root for.
My Review

No Good Deed by Allison Brennan 5-Stars
Non stop action
My Review

Sweet Spot by Kate Angell 5-Stars
Wonderful end to a great romance series.
My Review

[Jonetta]

I finished listening to The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz and this slow burn had a great payoff. Here’s my review.

I’m listening to Lover Unveiled by J.R. Ward, Black Dagger Brotherhood #19.

[Robin]

I listened to The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth. Jonetta, Thanks for the recommendation.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Jonetta]

I finished The Bareknuckle Groom by Holly Bush, The Thompsons of Locust Street #2, and loved the layered story. Here’s my review.

I’m reading Cold Blooded by Lisa Jackson, New Orleans #2.

[Jonetta]

Robin wrote: "I listened to The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth. Jonetta, Thanks for the recommendation.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/..."

Yay!

[[deleted user]]

A Duke's Revenge by Karen Sommers in PDF form
A fun, historical romance with a touch of spice. A short story of Emma and Hugh. They had a relationship in the past until Emma discovered that Hugh, the Duke was also courting 3 other women at the same time. Hugh was humiliated at a ball when Emma declared this truth to all in attendance. Now it seems that Emma is in dire straights after her father's death and needs a husband. The two are thrown back together. Both want to ignore their true feelings for each other. Instead, there is anger, pain, and bitterness. This was an enjoyable novella. I would have liked it in a full novel to really bring out more of all the characters. Can Hugh handle this feisty Emma? Some editing issues, but all in all a wonderful, quick read.

[[deleted user]]

An Unusual Bride for the Unloved Duke: A Historical Regency Romance Novel by Hanna Hamilton on Kindle ARC
Lady Myra is forced to marry, but she would rather sit in the library and read. She is forced to go to a ball to look for a husband. Ewan Griffith, the Duke of Tarnton has come out of his solitary life as his aunt declares it is time for him to also marry and produce an heir. Ewan watched his parents both be murdered by a robber as a young child. Then trying to escape was injured and his leg crushed. Who would ever want to be with a man like him? An invalid. When Myra and Ewan finally meet, they find they have much in common and become friends. Friendship turns to love. But someone is trying to keep them apart by posting vicious lies and rumors for all to gossip about. The storyline was great but I felt went on and on too much with, will they, won't they marry. It could have been condensed and still be a wonderful novel. I found myself skimming through parts. I felt the characters were very well defined. I thought the ending was fantastic though. Just could have come sooner. All in all, it was a very good book and I would recommend it.

[Anita]

Adverse Possession by Rebecca Zanetti 5-Stars
Fabulous, Wonderful, Fantastic Series
My Review

Second First Impressions by Sally Thorne 3-Stars
A big disappointment - Contemporary Crap
My Review

Innocent Hostage by Juno Rushdan 4-Stars
Seat of your pants action scenes
My Review

A Secret Love by Stephanie Laurens 3 1/2-Stars
A family fortune in danger, a mysterious widow in disguise and childhood romance rediscovered.
My Review

[Robin]

I've been doing a lot of reading this week. First I finished Salvation in Death by J.D. Robb.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

And, I listened to Murder by Plum Pudding by Lee Strauss.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Yesterday I read Stand-in Groom by Suzanne Brockmann.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Robin]

This afternoon I finished Spiraled by Kendra Elliot. Another good addition to the series.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Jonetta]

I finished listening to Lover Unveiled by J.R. Ward, Black Dagger Brotherhood #19, and had mixed feelings about it but enjoyed it. Here’s my review.

I finished Cold Blooded by Lisa Jackson, New Orleans #2, and really enjoyed it, too, more than the first. Here’s my review.

I’m listening to The Night Swim by Megan Goldin and reading The Winning Hand by Nora Roberts, The MacGregors #8.

[[deleted user]]

Rejected by Love's Nobility: Secrets Behind the Curtain Book 1 By Lane Anderson in PDF form ARC
Prologue to the series. Eloise leaves home after she witnesses a tragedy that will haunt her for years. She goes to New York and finds success and some peace for a couple of years. She falls in love with Stanley but he is amiss that she will not tell him her past and where she is from. This could be the downfall of their relationship. An unexpected letter comes regarding her father and she needs to go home. Her whole past unravels once she is there. It's a great beginning to what I hope is a great series. I read this in PDF form and the editing was atrocious! But other than that, it's a good first read by a new author.

[[deleted user]]

Rejected By Love's Nobility, Secrets Behind The Curtain 2 by Lane Anderson in PDF form
The second short story in the series. Eloise goes back to New York with her fiance' Stanley looking to finally put the past and tragedy behind her. She is hoping for a wonderful life with Stanley, but others have different ideas for her. Stanley's family is less than happy to hear that they are still together and planning to get married. Gloves are off and his mother makes it hell for the two of them. Unexpected arrivals and stabs in the back make this to be an interesting read. Unfortunately? I felt like I was on a roller coaster ride with the story consistently going up and down and up and down. It sped around so fast I couldn't keep track. Everything was so rushed. One minute one thing is happening, then the next you are days, weeks, or months ahead. I felt like I missed everything in between. I am very disappointed as the first story was so fun and exciting. Not sure if I want to give the others a chance.

[[deleted user]]

A Lord's Elixir of Love: A Historical Regency Romance Book by Amanda Seabrook on Kindle. ARC
Anne Wiese lives in a small cottage with her mother. She collects botanicals, herbs, and berries to help her mother as an herbalist and midwife. Anne has no need for marriage as she feels her life is full with her mother. She forages through the forest on the lands of Hillsmeade. The Duke of Hillmeade considers this trespassing and will discipline anyone found. A near tragedy has Anne meeting a handsome, compassionate, naturistic man from the manor. Lord Henry Townshend rescues Anne but introduces himself as the Duke's gamekeeper. They build a unique friendship which of course, turns into romance. It is becoming very difficult to keep this secret away from others. But Lord Henry's father would never allow the future Duke to be associated with some so low in standing. This was a wonderful, clean, historic romance. The characters were so well defined and the setting was just magical. Other than some editing issues on Kindle and not being able to get the extended epilogue from the site noted at the end of the book, I just adored this story. I would highly recommend this book.

[Jonetta]

I finished The Winning Hand by Nora Roberts, The MacGregors #8, and loved it! Here’s my review.

I finished listening to The Night Swim by Megan Goldin and it was brilliant, featuring my favorite female narrator, January LaVoy. Here’s my review.

I’m reading Murder on Wall Street by Victoria Thompson, Gaslight Mystery #24, and listening to Dying Truth by Angela Marsons, DI Kim Stone #8.

[[deleted user]]

The Inn at Coral Bay by Evelyn Parkes in PDF form
Jackie is back home to be with her family after years of staying in New York as an attorney. She has not come back for holidays or gatherings. Her marriage has ended after her ex brings his girlfriend over to tell her he is leaving her for her. She now is home to bury her father. Hank Silvers, Ex-Marine turned local handyman is dreading seeing her again after she broke his heart years ago. Jackie wants to redo her family's inn and who else is the best for the job? Hank. So they are thrown together now and can their relationship be reignited? I really enjoyed this first book. I thought the characters were well defined and believable. It is a fast read. The only thing with reading it on PDF form is that there were some editing issues, but nothing to take that much away from the story. I can't wait to read the rest in the series.

[Robin]

I read Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano. Loved it!!! I'm excited that this is the first book in the series and wish I didn't have to wait so long for the second book.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Sandra]

5 Stars to A Good Day for Chardonnay by Darynda Jones. This book was a pure delight to read - hilarious, emotional and entertaining. I was happy to discover more depth of story line in this 2nd book and found it to be a great all-round read. My Review

[Jonetta]

I finished listening to Dying Truth by Angela Marsons, DI Kim Stone #8, and I’m still reeling! Here’s my review.

I’m listening to The Summer Seekers by Sarah Morgan.

[[deleted user]]

The Untold Story of the Blind Duchess: A Historical Regency Romance Novel by Tiffany Baton on Kindle. ARC
Lady Abigail Wallace became blind at a young age at the cause of an accident. She has been isolated and kept from all the fun of the ton. People pity gossiped about and ignored. Although the Duke has tried to find suitors for her, once they know she is blind, they turn away. Her younger sister Harriet is now the obsession of their mother to get her wed. Hugh Richards, the Marquess of Gilingham, arrives at the estate to court Abigail's younger sister. But he is soon taken with the beautiful, independent, charming Abigail. But being as close of sisters as they are, Abigail would never interfere in the courtship of her sister and the Marquess. But the heart is not something you can control sometimes. I like the storyline of this book. I really enjoyed the characters and thought they were well defined. A book of sweet romance, the love of family, and strength and bravery. I felt that the book could have been condensed a lot and still have been a good book. I was a bit taken back near the later chapters in the book when a new, menacing person appears out of nowhere. A lead-up would have been much more effective. All in all a sweet, romantic historical book. I would certainly recommend it as a wonderful read.

[Anita]

The Newcomer by Mary Kay Andrews 3-Stars
Contemporary Mystery w/Romance
My Review

Aftermath by Terri Blackstock 3-Stars
Mystery-Suspense-Thriller
My Review

[Zinha69]

The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah

[Jonetta]

I finished listening to The Summer Seekers by Sarah Morgan and loved it! Here’s my review.

I’m listening to Long Lost by Linda Castillo, Kate Burkholder #4.5.

[[deleted user]]

A Writer's Deadly Epilogue by Cynthia Raye in PDF form ARC
This was a very fun, exciting, suspenseful, entertaining quick read. The whole storyline flows wonderfully and the characters are well defined and believable. There were many twists and turns that certainly kept my interest. I like trying to find the 'whodunit' and this one was a pretty big surprise. I have read other books by this author and this was one of my favorites. I would certainly recommend it.

[Robin]

I finished listening to The Liar by Nora Roberts. The narration by January LaVoy was excellent.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

And I finished reading Dying Truth by Angela Marsons.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Jonetta]

I finished Murder on Wall Street by Victoria Thompson, Gaslight Mystery #24, and it was nice coming back to this series. Here’s my review.

I’m reading I Don't Forgive You by Aggie Blum Thompson.

[[deleted user]]

Highlander’s Only Chance: A Steamy Scottish Historical Romance Novel by Lydia Kendall on Kindle. ARC
Faye finds a wounded soldier one night by her cottage on MacTavish land and being a healer and nurse, treats him. What a surprise to discover he is the Laird of their enemy clan. Dean MacLagain, Laird of Irvine has been trying to rescue his sister from the MacTavish clan after they kidnapped her years ago. Kaye and Dean are in grave danger as soldiers are looking for the Laird to finish what they started. To kill him. To save them both they travel to Irvine. Faye tries to set up a healing post there. Some of the Irvine clan are not very accepting. They think she is a witch. Dean is very captivated by Faye but is also set to marry another woman. So many twists and turns in the story it keeps you on the edge of your seat. It's hard to tell who the good guys are and who the bad guys are. Makes it all the more suspenseful. The only cons I found in the book was, the book was too drawn out and could have been condensed a lot and still have been a good story. The editing on the Kindle version was poor. Many double words and characters' names were wrong in descriptions and sentences. I enjoy steamy romance, but I felt it got old being repeated constantly. I get it! But all in all an enjoyable read. Love those Scottish men!

[[deleted user]]

Almost Fired by the CowboyAlmost Fired by the Cowboy by Natalie Dean in PDF form
Middle brother Sal is always trying to prove himself to his father and brothers but seems to always fail. He feels he has more brawn than brains when it comes to the family. Nova is an army brat from Britain who was also always trying to prove herself to others and her family and always came up a disappointment. She is determined to make it on her own and has had to become tough and independent. Until she bowls over (literally) the big man Sal, her boss. Their employer-employee relationship does not start very well on the right foot. Two people who have similar goals and compassions make for an interesting relationship. I really loved this story. The author brought up some very interesting topics. Mum Miller was also a big influence on both Sal and Nova when they both helped her bake large amounts to feel the homeless. This is such a sweet, feel-good romance. I read the series of out sequence and they all can stand on their own, but I would highly suggest reading them in order. There were times I found I even had tears in my eyes. I really enjoy the authors writing. I certainly would recommend this book, the whole series.

[Jonetta]

I finished listening to Long Lost by Linda Castillo, Kate Burkholder #4.5, and it was pretty good for a short story. Here’s my review.

I finished listening to Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica and couldn’t put it down! Here’s my review.

I’m listening to Seduction in Session by Shayla Black, The Perfect Gentlemen #2.

[[deleted user]]

A Duchess Beneath the Mask: A Historical Regency Romance Novel by Hanna Hamilton on Kindle. ARC
The story of a young woman Hildred, who has lived with the guilt and trauma when her mother was killed in a carriage ride when she was a young child. Her brothers friend Stephen has returned after serving in the army to become Duke after his fathers death. Hildred has been in love with Stephen since she was a child. Now to find after a masquerade ball, that possibly Stephen has feelings for her. But their relationship is far from easy. Neither know if Hildred's brother Radford will approve of his courting her. Stephen's mother has another woman in mind for the Duke as a Duchess. Which happens to be Hildred's best friend. There is also certain people who are out to cause trouble for all. There were many twists and turns in this book and I found many never had a resolution to them. It seems much was skipped over. The flow was long and monotonous at times. To much repeating of dialogues and feelings descriptions. Could have been condensed a lot and still have been a good book. There wasn't any substance to the characters. I would have enjoyed more detailed information on them. I also found the dialogue very sappy. Not one of my favorite books by the author. I found it very lacking.

[[deleted user]]

Tides of Passion by Tracy Sumner in PDF form
Savanah Connor is working as a woman's rights activist in the small town of Pilot Isle, North Carolina in 1898. She has the whole town in an uproar and Zachariah (Zach) Garret the constable is the one who is called on to stop this crazy woman. Zach is a widower raising his son Rory and has made it clear to the world that he will never marry again after losing his wife and unborn child. Sparks fly in more ways than one between Zach and Savanah. Two people who are like oil and water but seem to mix under the sheets. When researching the physical relationship, they agree to a friends-with-benefits situation! But of course this is fiction so we know pretty much the end results of that. What I really liked about the book was strong, independent woman Savanah was and already bringing up women's rights in this era. I really loved the main story line of the book. I enjoyed extremely the constant bantering and arguing between Zach and Savanah. The cons for me were, I never felt like the story was during the 1890's by the accepted behaviors of the characters, their dialogues, the description of the surroundings. I felt more like I was in the 1990's. More of the historical would have been better. The hot chemistry of the two took too much away from the story. It got rather boring to me after a while reading every lustful thought they were having and every hot activity they did. I felt their physical activity was not something to build a strong relationship on so it didn't really seem like a "love" story to me. I enjoy sizzle in my books, but not when that is really all that there is. On the PDF form, there were many errors in editing. I did not read the first book, but felt this is a stand alone book. It was okay, but I like more substance to my books. Being generous with a 3 star review.

[Anita]

Seduction in Session by Shayla Black 4-Stars
The plot thickens
My Review

Legacy by Nora Roberts 2 1/2-Stars
If the first 300 pages were as good as the last 148 pages, this would have been an awesome book.
My Review

Tempting Fate by Kerrigan Byrne 5-Stars
Another Goode Girl bites the dust
My Review

[Robin]

This week I read The Lost Girls by Allison Brennan.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I also finished reading Prisoner of Night by J.R. Ward.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Jonetta]

I finished I Don't Forgive You by Aggie Blum Thompson, and was highly impressed with this debut psychological thriller. Here’s my review.

I’m reading The Highlander's Rescued Maiden by Anna Campbell, The Lairds Most Likely #9.

[Anita]

Second Chance Pass 🎧 by Robyn Carr 3 1/2-Stars
Vannie and Paul and updates on everyone else and new romances blossom and tense times for Mel and Jack and . . .
My Review

Notorious Nineteen 🎧 by Janet Evanovich 5-Stars
Another car is toast, Stephanie needs to find an high value skip and Ranger needs protection.
My Review

Beneath Devil's Bridge by Loreth Anne White 5-Stars
Gripping Mystery by a Fantastic Author
My Review

[Robin]

This week I was lucky to be reading/listening to two very good books by new (to me) authors.

First I read No Bad Deed by Heather Chavez.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I listened to Those Who Wish Me Dead by Michael Koryta.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[[deleted user]]

A Blooming Love for the Apothecary: A Historical Regency Romance Book by Amanda Seabrook on Kindle. ARC
Claudia has been isolated for much of her life by her father, the Earl of Winley. Her only two good friends are her lady's maid Ettie and her aunt, Lady Abermale. Lucas is the son of a baron, but has chosen his road in life of Apocathary. They meet when Claudia goes into the village to his shop for a rash on her hands. They find they both have much in common with growing and using plants and herbs and the attraction begins. But Lord Winley has invited to eligible men to their home in hopes to find a suitable husband for Claudia. One is a very suspicious man, Merroway. He puts everyone ill at ease except the Earl. And what ever happened to him? I was left dangling on his story at the end. The story line of the story was very good, but the two main characters seemed to be very naïve for their ages. I found the repetition tedious and I found myself scanning through much of the book. I felt it read like and old "Dick and Jane" book with dialogue and descriptions so broken. It was a very slow read for me. Not one of her best writings in my opinion. 2 star review

[Jonetta]

I finished listening to Seduction in Session by Shayla Black & Lexi Blake, The Perfect Gentlemen #2, and enjoyed the suspense but the romance, not so much. Here’s my review.

I finished listening to Legacy by Nora Roberts and loved everything about the story but it’s more contemporary fiction with romantic suspense elements, which works for me. Here’s my review.

I’m listening to The Lost Girls by Allison Brennan, Lucy Kincaid #11.

[Anita]

Full House by Janet Evanovich 5-Stars
Zany, funny, entertaining 1st book.
My Review

The Lost Girls by Allison Brennan 4-Stars
Lucy and Sean hit a bump in their relationship
My Review

Operation K-9 Brothers by Sandra Owens 3 1/2-Stars
A SEAL, cute dogs and a pretty heroine
My Review

[Zinha69]

The Missing Sister by Lucinda Riley

[Robin]

I finished reading U is for Undertow by Sue Grafton.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[[deleted user]]

Lost and Desired in His Arms: A Historical Regency Romance Book by Henrietta Harding on Kindle. ARC
Camelia is broken hearted, dismayed, withdrawn, empty and now the wife of Luke, the Earl of Felixstowe. When a supposed accident occurs that takes Camelia's memory away, Luke again discovers the wonderful woman he once knew and loved before they wed. And Camelia, not remembering her past, falls hopelessly in love with her husband after pushing him away after they first wed. Luke has taken Camelia to France, a place she has always loved, for her to heal and hopefully jar her memory. Along with them is Luke's brother Jonathan and Camelia's evil sister Rebecca. In the marriage contract of Luke and Camelia, her father made sure that they now were to care for Rebecca and she must live with them. Believe me, neither one of the woman are very happy for this arrangement. This book was so full of intrigue and suspense, it was difficult to put down. All of the characters were strong and well defined making this an exciting fast reading book. Full of lies, deceit, jealousy, sibling rivalry, spicy romance and the great descriptions of the history of France and England. All the dialogue and descriptions made you feel like you were right there watching the whole story unfold. I just loved this book and would certainly recommend for adult reading. i would give it more than a 5 star review if I could.

[Jonetta]

I finished listening to The Lost Girls by Allison Brennan, Lucy Kincaid #11, and it was a nice shift from the last two books’ story arc. It was complex, meaty and disturbing. Here’s my review.

I finished listening to The Stepsisters by Susan Mallery, and this was a family drama I couldn’t put down. Here’s my review.

I’m listening to Never Have I Ever by Joshilyn Jackson, already unsettling.

[Anita]

A SEAL's Oath 🎧 by Cora Seton 5-Stars
Sweet second chance love story
My Review

Unsuspecting Target by Juno Rushdan 5-Stars
High octane action and a second chance romance
my link text

Sea of Suspicion by Toni Anderson 3 1/2-Stars
Old mysteries and new beginnings
my link text

[Robin]

I finished listening to Good Behavior by Blake Crouch. This was a very entertaining book with three novellas.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Today I read Catch a Fallen Angel by Kathleen Kane. It was a fun story.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Jonetta]

I finished The Highlander's Rescued Maiden by Anna Campbell, The Lairds Most Likely #9, and it was a wonderful end to the series. Here’s my review.

I finished listening to Never Have I Ever by Joshilyn Jackson and it has one of the most diabolical characters you’ll love to despise. Here’s my review.

I’m reading The Night Before by Lisa Jackson, Savannah #1, and listening to Ordinary Hazards by Anna Bruno.

[Barbara "Cookie"]

Now reading Heroes of Chance Creek. A five books series

[[deleted user]]

Destined to Seduce an Earl: A Historical Regency Romance Book by Megan Sloan on Kindle. ARC
Rosalind, her brother Bertie and her mama left London after the death of her father. Once well to do in the London society, Rosalind finds herself just trying to get enough food and care for them now. Mama isn't all that well and Bertie is hiding from the law. While searching for food she comes across an injured man who has been thrown from his horse. Rosaline gets her friend Eira and her mentor Oma who are good in herbal healing for help with the stranger. Henry Orson, the Earl of Linwood has very little memory of his life. He does know though how he is feeling to this forest elf, Rosalind. Somehow he knows he has no desire to go back to his former life. Then begins all the twists, turns, mystery, intrigue and suspense in the story. The characters are diverse and it makes the story very action packed and interesting. All of the different characters bring depth and dimension to the story. The extended epilogue answered many questions I had after the ending of the book. Except! I had hoped the author would have touched on again about Henry's parents. This was such a fun and delightful book to read. A wonderful historical romance with just a touch of spice.