January was a great month for reading. I got fifteen books read, which is great for me. I do have a variety of books, including a manga, children’s book, romance, and mystery. I read a lot of really good books and I can’t wait to share everything I read!
You’re Still The One by Janet Dailey, Cathy Lamb, Mary Carter, and Elizabeth Bass
A knowing wink…a smile that tugs at the heartstrings…a mind-blowing kiss. In this unforgettable collection of stories, four women have a second chance to rekindle an old spark…
The Apple Orchard by Cathy Lamb: When an injury lands Allie Pelletier in the emergency room, she comes face-to-face with the only man she’s ever truly loved—Dr. Jace Rios. But can Jace also mend their wounded past and show Allie they’re destined to be together? A Kiss Before Midnight by Mary Carter: Rebecca Ryan has never forgotten the magical night she spent in New Orleans with musician Grant Dodge. Now twenty years later, Rebecca is reunited with Grant. Their attraction is as electric as ever—and they have more to catch up on than either imagined… Romeo & Juliet…And Jane by Elizabeth Bass: When veterinarian Jane Canfield’s first love, Roy McGillum, returns to town, memories of their high school performance as Romeo and Juliet—and their real-life romance—come rushing back. And when Roy shows up at Jane’s window, she’ll have to decide if it’s time for an encore… The Devil And Mr. Chocolate by Janet Dailey: Art gallery owner Kitty Hamilton is newly engaged to a delicious Belgian chocolatier. But her artist ex-husband, Sebastian, is determined to sabotage her plans with an even more tempting indulgence—the irresistible chemistry they still share.
I really enjoyed all four books in this anthology. Some more than others. I ended up reading this book in one day because I just couldn’t put it down.
The Scarlet Dragon written by Rosa Foy and illustrated by Pan Georgiou
Could not find an image or the synopsis anywhere…
This was so cute! I got this back in my Dollar Tree Haul (https://alittlebiteoflife.com/dollar-tree-haul/) and finally read it. It’s a super sweet children’s book, involving my favorite things: dragons.
Blonde With A Wand by Vicki Lewis Thompson
Sexy witch Anica Revere has one rule: never under any circumstances get involved with a man before telling him she’s a witch. Still, what’s one silly rule? Especially when the guy in question is as cute as Jasper Danes. But when Anica and Jasper have a spat, she breaks an ever bigger rule of witchcraft and turns him into a cat. Bad news for him. Worse for her…
I loved this book! I could have finished it in one night, but I chose to read the rest the next day. I loved the characters in here and can’t wait to read more in the series.
Rizelmine by Yukiru Sugisaki
The government has been conducting experiments to genetically engineer a human. Its first creation is a girl named Rizel, and the experiment is a success–sort of. While healthy and cheerful, 12-year-old Rizel also possesses the uncanny need for love to further her development. Saddened by this emptiness in her life, she sheds tears that can end up destroying a city block. So what’s a girl to do…except get married! Enter Iwaki Tomonori, your average 15-year-old boy. His world is turned upside-down the day he arrives home to find that the government has just announced that he’s a married man!
This was a pretty good, though a bit strange, manga. It is a stand alone, which you don’t see very often. It was a fast, entertaining read however.
Halfway Hexed by Kimberly Frost
First, there are the local residents who form a scripture-spouting posse and kidnap Tammy to “defend” Duvall, Texas, against witchcraft. Next, someone saddles her with a secret package chock full of dangerous visions, just as the president of WAM-the World Association of Magic- arrives with his entourage to investigate her. And who worse to examine Tammy’s entanglement with off-limits and drop-dead gorgeous wizard Bryn Lyons than his ex-girlfriend? Not to mention that the clash between the locals and the magical visitors leads to a series of unnatural disasters that may doom them all. While the fate of the town hangs in the balance, one thing’s certain: this would-be witch is ready to rumble, Texas style.
I wasn’t sure about this book at first, but quickly got into it. It was so good, even though I picked up in the middle of the series. You don’t feel like you missed a whole lot, but I’ll definitely pick up the whole series at one point.
Abby Cooper, Psychic Eye by Victoria Laurie
Abby Cooper is a P.I., psychic intuitive. But her insight failed her when she didn’t foresee the death of one of her clients-or that the lead investigator for the case is the gorgeous blind date she just met. Now, with the police suspicious of her abilities and a killer on the loose, Abby’s future looks more uncertain than ever.
I really enjoyed this book. It has mystery and romance as well as some humorous parts. The main character is amazing and I love how she was written. I plan on reading the second book in February.
Never Too Late by Robyn Carr
Clare Wilson is starting over. She’s had it with her marriage to a charming serial cheater. Even her own son thinks she’s given his father too many chances. With the support of her sisters, Maggie and Sarah, she’s ready to move on. Facing her fortieth birthday, Clare is finally feeling the rush of unadulterated freedom. But when a near-fatal car accident lands Clare in the hospital, her life takes another detour. While recovering, Clare realizes she has the power to choose her life’s path. The wonderful younger police officer who witnessed her crash is over the moon for her. A man from her past stirs up long-buried feelings. Even her ex is pining for her. With enthusiasm and a little envy, her sisters watch her bloom. Together, the sisters encourage each other to seek what they need to be happy. Along the way they all learn that it’s never too late to begin again.
As usual, Robyn Carr sucked me into her book. She writes for an older audience a lot of times, but I love her work so much. This book is just another one of her masterpieces.
Sweet Talk by Susan Mallery
Don’t ask Claire Keyes. The twenty-eight-year-old piano prodigy has never had a regular boyfriend, much less a real romance. Her music career has left little room for friends or family–which is just part of the reason she hasn’t seen the family bakery or her two sisters in years. But now Nicole is sick, and Jesse is AWOL. Despite the fact that Claire can’t boil water, she’s determined to play caretaker. Connecting with her sisters tops her to-do list…along with falling in love, or at least in lust, for the first time. Ruggedly sexy Wyatt just might fit the bill. Although he keeps saying that he and Claire come from entirely different worlds, he lights up hotter than a bakery oven whenever Claire is near. If this keeps up, she just might sweet–talk him into her bed…and her life.
Oh my, this book was so good! I loved reading this and can’t wait to read the second book next month.
Mysteria Lane by MaryJanice Davidson, Susan Grant, Gena Showalter, and P.C. Cast
Located in the picturesque mountains of Colorado, Mysteria is a place where the supernatural co-exists with the natural. It’s a town of bewitching seduction, dark magic, and sensual demons… In MaryJanice Davidson’s “Disdaining Trouble,” the Desdain Triplets may look like little angels, but a new man in town is bringing out the devil in one of them… As Satan’s most devoted emissary, Shay levels disaster on the world like a real pro. Now, she’s come to Mysteria with a hot new job, and giving grave new meaning to the term “Nanny from Hell” in this story from Susan Grant. In Gena Showalter’s “A Tawdry Affair,” Glory, witch of love, wants her man. Unfortunately, he barely knows she exists. Until a magic pen brings to life her creative fantasies of seduction, sex, and delicious revenge… In a town of bloodsucking vampires, a vegan like Summer can have trouble adapting. But Colin Vlad has what it takes to change a woman’s mind—not to mention her appetite in P. C. Cast’s “It’s in His Kiss.”
Starting out this book, I wasn’t too sure about it. I love anthologies, but this was pretty weird at first. I quickly got into the other stories, but the first one wasn’t a favorite of mine.
An Unexpected Match by Dana Corbit
What does hardworking single father Matthew Warren want in a wife? Responsibility, practicality and a good rapport with his child. So why isn’t he interested in the responsible, practical daughter of his matchmaking mother’s best friend? Could it be that another Scott sister has gotten through to his guarded heart? He can’t possibly be falling for Haley Scott, his daughter’s new nanny, the very woman he almost fired for her free-spirited ways! Granted, his little girl is a lot happier lately. And so is he. Sometimes the best matches are the most unexpected.
While there wasn’t anything wrong with this book, I just didn’t like it all that much. I usually really like Love Inspired books, but this wasn’t one of the best.
Finally A Bride by Sherryl Woods
When Luke Cassidy proposed to his once best friend, Katie Jones was relieved that she was finally going to trade bridesmaid taffeta for bridal silk. Unfortunately, Luke had business-not love-on his mind. He only wanted a mother for his five-year-old son, and Katie’s dreams of bridal bliss were turning into her worst nightmare. She had loved Luke for as long as she could remember, so she’d just have to convince him that she was more than just a temporary business partner–she was a marital partner for life!
I really like Sherryl Woods’ books, and this was just another one. While it wasn’t a favorite, it was still very good.
His Love Match by Shirley Hailstock
Wedding planner Diana Greer still believes in happily-ever-after. She’s just given up finding her own dream man. Until an internet dating site matches her up with her ideal mate. Too bad he’s someone she already knows…. In college, Scott Thomas was the big man on campus—arrogant and full of himself. So why is one kiss from the high-flying bachelor making Diana’s toes curl? A failed trip to the altar has cured Scott of believing in storybook endings. So he’s stunned when someone meets his unattainable requirements for romance. The brainy bookworm he knew has morphed into a beautiful, desirable woman. But Diana isn’t ready to trust him. And then Scott unveils his secret. Now Diana wonders if she’ll forever plan strangers’ weddings and never her own…
This book was included in the book with Sherryl Woods’. It was an author I had never read so I liked getting to read it. I thought it was pretty good, and would probably read more by Hailstock.
The Dysasters by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast
Foster Stewart knows she’s different. Her life has never been “normal.” Talking to plants and controlling cloud formations aren’t things most seventeen year olds are into. Tate “Nighthawk” Taylor is perfect. Star quarterback and all around dreamy boy next door he never thought about his “extra” abilities. What quarterback wouldn’t want night vision? That’s not weird, right? It’s cool! But on the night of their first meeting a deadly tornado brings them together and awakens their true abilities – the power to control the element air. Unbeknown to Tate and Foster, they are the first in a group of teens that were genetically manipulated before birth to bond with the elements. Which truly sucks for Foster, as she has to face the fact that Dr. Rick Stewart, her beloved scientist father, betrayed her and now wants to use her and the others for his own nefarious world domination plot. Foster and Tate must stop Dr. Stewart and his minions before he destroys their lives and the world.
I love the mother/daughter writing duo, and while this wasn’t as good as the House Of Night series, I did still like it. I really liked the sketches in this book as well. This is one book off my 21 books to read in 2021 post (https://alittlebiteoflife.com/21-books-i-want-to-read-in-2021/).
Come Sundown by Nora Roberts
Love. Lies. Murder. A lot can happen… COME SUNDOWN Bodine Longbow loves to rise with the dawn. As the manager of her family’s resort in Western Montana, there just aren’t enough hours in the day – for life, for work, for loved ones. She certainly doesn’t have time for love, not even in the gorgeous shape of her childhood crush Callen Skinner, all grown up and returned to the ranch. Then again, maybe Callen can change her mind, given time… But when a young woman’s body is discovered on resort land, everything changes. Callen falls under the suspicion of a deputy sheriff with a grudge. And for Bodine’s family, the murder is a shocking reminder of an old loss. Twenty-five years ago, Bodine’s Aunt Alice vanished, never to be heard of again. Could this new tragedy be connected to Alice’s mysterious disappearance? As events take a dramatic and deadly turn, Bodine and Callen must race to uncover the truth – before the sun sets on their future together.
As I’m writing this, I have about a hundred pages left. I plan on having it done before this post goes up but I wanted to go ahead and include it now. This book takes you on an adventure. I’m used to Nora Roberts’ pure romance books, so reading this one has been so different from what I’m used to. I wasn’t sure about it at first, but its been so hard to put down and I can’t wait to finish it.
Secret Fantasy by Carly Phillips
Juliette Stanton is ten minutes away from vowing to love, honor and cherish a scheming mobster-connected liar. For the rest of her life.
And so with the media watching her every move, the high-profile senator’s daughter flees her own wedding. Dubbed “Chicago’s Runaway Bride,” Juliette needs somewhere to hide out, and heal her broken heart. So she heads to a “fantasy island” and pays big bucks for anonymity and the chance to meet an honest man who’ll love her for who she really is. Total fantasy, right? Day one, she falls for tall, dark-haired, ocean-blue-eyed Doug Houston. He’s everything she’s ever wanted. Except he’s not exactly who he says he is, either…. What started as a way to get info he needed, ended in a way to get her back that he needed even more.
This was a pretty cute book. It wasn’t one of my favorites, but I did like it.
That’s all my books from January! Hope you enjoyed this. What was a book that you enjoyed reading this month? Leave me a comment, and if you haven’t already subscribe! Until next time.