I got quite a bit read in August. I had nine books picked out for PickPong-A-Thon and I got all of those read as well as an ARC and a poetry collection. I had some amazing reads this month and can’t wait to see what September holds!
King’s Queen by Marie Johnston
When Aiden King asked me out years ago, I couldn’t believe it. Six months later, I went from mousy librarian to wife of the most wanted bachelor in town. Heck, in the state, probably the country. I moved from a trailer house to a mansion by the river. Turns out, I shouldn’t have believed it. After years of being alone while Aiden put in long hours at the office, I learned his secret. He needed to marry for a year to fulfill his trust requirements, and the nerdy girl from the wrong side of the tracks was an easy target. I never thought I’d be the girl asking a handsome millionaire for a divorce. Now, I just want to limp my pride back to my family and find myself again. I want to forget the question that’s eating at me. If he only needed to be married for a year, why has it been five years since we said I do? *** Work has become my identity. I went into the family business and the responsibility is staggering. One mess up and people can die. I know that all too well and I’ve dedicated myself to doing better. I’m exceptional at my job. Meticulous. Dedicated. But for a guy who’s such a perfectionist, I really messed up my marriage. It took Kate walking out to get me to wake up and realize what an empty existence I’ve built. So what does a workaholic do when he realizes his work, and especially the money, means nothing to him? That there’s only one obsession he’s ever had, and she’s staying with her rowdy, overprotective family? Kate’s always been the only one for me. It’s time for this King to loosen his tie and win back his queen.
I loved this book! This was an ARC and one I was anticipating. This finished out the Oil Kings series and was one of my favorites. I’m sad the series is over, but I will definitely be reading more by Marie Johnston.
The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
Meghan Chase has a secret destiny; one she could never have imagined. Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan’s life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school or at home. When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she’s known is about to change. But she could never have guessed the truth – that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she’ll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil, no faery creature dare face; and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.
This is a series that I decided to start this month. I loved this book and can’t wait to continue on. I had read this before a long time ago so I was glad to get to reread it.
On Second Thought by Kristan Higgins
Ainsley O’Leary is so ready to get married—she’s even found the engagement ring her boyfriend has stashed away. What she doesn’t anticipate is being blindsided by a breakup he chronicles in a blog…which (of course) goes viral. Devastated and humiliated, Ainsley turns to her older half sister, Kate, who’s struggling with a sudden loss of her own. Kate’s always been the poised, self-assured sister, but becoming a newlywed—and a widow—in the space of four months overwhelms her. Though the sisters were never close, she starts to confide in Ainsley, especially when she learns her late husband was keeping a secret from her. Despite the murky blended-family dynamic that’s always separated them, Ainsley’s and Kate’s heartaches bind their summer together when they come to terms with the inevitable imperfection of relationships and family—and the possibility of one day finding love again.
This took me a while to get into, but it was so good. I ended up crying through a lot of it because it is very emotional.
Bedeviled Eggs by Laura Childs
The ladies at the Cackleberry Club café are busy preparing for Halloween. But someone’s jumped the gun on the tricks. As mayoral candidate Chuck Peebler leaves the café, he gets struck with a crossbow arrow and is killed instantly. And when another murder occurs on the historical society’s Quilt Trail, the Cackleberry Club needs to sniff out the bad egg-before he strikes again.
This was such a fun, cozy mystery. I’ll definitely be reading more in this series.
The Warlord by Gena Showalter
For centuries, Taliyah Skyhawk has prepared to become Harpy General, leader of the deadliest female army in existence. One of the requirements? Remain a virgin. But, for a chance to save her people, she must wed the fearless leader of the Astra Planeta, Alaroc Phaethon. The time has come for Roc to sacrifice another virgin bride to his god. There has never been a woman alluring enough to tempt him from his path. No warrioress powerful enough to overcome his incredible strength. No enchantress desirable enough to make him burn beyond reason. Until now. With the clock ticking, war between husband and wife ignites. Except Taliyah never expected the merciless king to challenge the future she once envisioned. She certainly never anticipated the thrill of their battles turning into games… The problem is, only one spouse can survive.
Oh my goodness. This book was amazing! I bought this the same day it released and finally got around to reading it. I can’t wait for more books in this series to be published.
Under His Skin: Ask Dr. Kate by Vicki Lewis Thompson
Dr. Kate Newberry couldn’t believe the outcry when her self-help book hit the stands! Okay, the title–Getting the Sex You Need From Your Man–was bound to receive some reaction. On tour, Kate had grateful women mobbing her and lecherous guys hitting on her. Then there was Garth Fredericks’s warlike reaction. Garth wasn’t about to be taken in by a sex-starved media broad … nor did he need to read any “how to” manual. Except he discovered the real Dr. Kate was different–soft, vulnerable, caring. As for sex-starved, Garth was the one feeling hungry for love. But how could he prove to Kate he wasn’t just another guy on the make?
This was my first kinda meh read. I like Vicki Lewis Thompson, but this wasn’t one of my favorites.
Love Of A Cowboy by Jennifer Ryan
Skye Kennedy has always loved the close-knit community of Sunrise Fellowship—but when she witnesses the commune’s new leader commit a terrible crime, she flees…and finds herself in Montana, on the McGrath ranch, and drawn to the stoic yet kind man determined to help her. Declan McGrath has always handled things himself and focused more on work than his love life. With his newlywed brothers distracted by their beautiful wives, Declan has even more work on his hands. But when Skye arrives at the ranch starving and desperate for work, his loner days are over. Skye wants to keep her distance and protect Declan from the deadly threats facing her, but soon their relationship morphs into something much more than either of them expected. When she fights back against those out to destroy Sunrise Fellowship, Skye and Declan will have to do everything to protect not just Skye’s community, but also their new love..
I didn’t love this book, but it did really make me want to read the rest in the series. I’ve loved Jennifer Ryan books in the past, this just wasn’t a favorite.
The Closer You Come by Gena Showalter
Just released from prison, Jase Hollister has a dark and twisted past. And now, he has only one goal: stay out of trouble. Strawberry Valley, Oklahoma, sounds like the perfect place for him and his two brothers-by-circumstance to settle down and live a nice, simple life. But model citizen isn’t exactly this rugged bachelor’s default setting—especially when it comes to a certain hot-blooded Southern beauty… Brook Lynn Dillon has always been responsible. Not that it’s done her much good. The down-on-her-luck waitress is broke, single and fun-deprived. Until Jase comes along. He is dangerous, stunningly protective, breathtakingly sexy and as tempting as sin, and the passion sizzling between them is undeniable. But can it melt her resistance? After all, the right kind of trouble might be just what they both need.
Yes, another Gena Showalter. This was so good! I almost finished this in one night, but forced myself to go to sleep instead of finishing it lol.
Carve The Mark by Veronica Roth
In a galaxy powered by the current, everyone has a gift. Cyra is the sister of the brutal tyrant who rules the Shotet people. Cyra’s currentgift gives her pain and power—something her brother exploits, using her to torture his enemies. But Cyra is much more than just a blade in her brother’s hand: she is resilient, quick on her feet, and smarter than he knows. Akos is the son of a farmer and an oracle from the frozen nation-planet of Thuvhe. Protected by his unusual currentgift, Akos is generous in spirit, and his loyalty to his family is limitless. Once Akos and his brother are captured by enemy Shotet soldiers, Akos is desperate to get his brother out alive—no matter what the cost. Then Akos is thrust into Cyra’s world, and the enmity between their countries and families seems insurmountable. Will they help each other to survive, or will they destroy one another? Carve the Mark is Veronica Roth’s stunning portrayal of the power of friendship—and love—in a galaxy filled with unexpected gifts.
This book was okay. I really liked it towards the end but it just really dragged in the beginning. This is a duology, but I’m not sure if I’ll read the second or not.
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
Of course I want to be like them. They’re beautiful as blades forged in some divine fire. They will live forever. And Cardan is even more beautiful than the rest. I hate him more than all the others. I hate him so much that sometimes when I look at him, I can hardly breathe. Jude was seven when her parents were murdered and she and her two sisters were stolen away to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie. Ten years later, Jude wants nothing more than to belong there, despite her mortality. But many of the fey despise humans. Especially Prince Cardan, the youngest and wickedest son of the High King. To win a place at the Court, she must defy him–and face the consequences. As Jude becomes more deeply embroiled in palace intrigues and deceptions, she discovers her own capacity for trickery and bloodshed. But as betrayal threatens to drown the Courts of Faerie in violence, Jude will need to risk her life in a dangerous alliance to save her sisters, and Faerie itself.
This was the second Fae series I started. I’m desperate to get the rest in the series, but I haven’t done it yet. I loved it and can’t wait to see what happens in the rest of the series.
Five More Minutes by Shannon O’Connor
A cliche collection of poetry about falling in love with a friend and breaking your own heart.
This was such a great poetry collection. I haven’t read much poetry, but I really liked this collection. It was very relatable and easy to read.
That’s all the books I read this month! What was your favorite that you read in August? Have you read any of these books? Comment below! Until next time.