I had a pretty good reading month in October. I ended up reading eleven books, although one is a children’s book. I really liked all of these books and am happy to have read them!
Butterflies and Hazel Eyes by Katie Mettner
Never one to linger, computer security expert Charity Puck doesn’t expect to be romanced by the small-town charm of her latest job. But when her RV rolls into Plentiful, Wisconsin, nestled along the breathtaking shores of Lake Superior, she’s convinced nothing could be more alluring—until she gazes into the delectable hazel eyes of her new client.
Underestimated due to the crutches on his arms and braces on his legs, CEO and researcher Gulliver Winsome doesn’t expect his job to put his life in danger. But as he rushes to bring an eco-friendly pesticide to market, in an attempt to save the pollinators, he finds himself the target of a sinister plot—uncovered by the tiny blonde dynamo he hired to fix his servers. Someone is trying to steal Gulliver’s research, and they’ll stop at nothing to bury the evidence. With feelings in bloom and the would-be couple’s lives in peril, it’s up to Charity to decipher the clues before they both end up in the Lady of the Lake’s cold-water castle.
This was my first book by Katie Mettner. It took me a bit to get used to her writing style, but I really enjoyed it. She is an own voices author and I really liked getting to see characters that not many people write about.
If The Broom Fits by Sarah Sutton
Blaire has a bad attitude. At least that’s what everyone tells her. It could be because it’s days before Halloween, literally the worst holiday on the entire planet. And it doesn’t help that her super-hot ex-boyfriend, Lucas, is determined to convince her otherwise by making her take part in “festive activities.” Apparently carving pumpkins is going to magically change her mind about the holiday? Yeah, right. But Blaire has never told anyone the truth of why she hates Halloween, or the truth about her and Lucas’s break up. Being around him is so much harder than she thought, especially when it looks like he’s starting to move on. And when she gets a letter in the mail from someone who broke her heart, can Blaire overcome the negativity threatening to drown her? Or will her bitterness and secrets push everyone she loves away?
I loved this book! Sarah Sutton is an amazing writer and as always I couldn’t put this book down. You go through a ton of emotions, like you do in all of her books.
The World’s Most Haunted Places by Life magazine
CREEPY, GHOSTLY, AND NOTORIOUS SPOTS
I love these type of magazines. It was a little spooky and a great read for Halloween. It has a lot of interesting information about the places listed.
Confessions of a Vampire’s Girlfriend by Katie Maxwell aka Katie MacAlister
‘Confessions of a Vampire’s Girlfriend’ is an omnibus edition of two very funny young adult novels published under McAllister’s pen name of Kate Maxwell: Got Fangs? and Circus of the Darned.
I loved these two books and had to pick up the next book (down a bit more) right away. It was really funny and I laughed so much!
Staying Stylish by Candace Cameron Bure
As an actress, producer, New York Times bestselling author, and inspirational speaker, Candace Cameron Bure has spent her entire life in the spotlight, and she is well aware of the pressures and forces many women face. Throughout her career, Candace has balanced her faith, family, and passion for work and found her spot as role model to women of all ages—and as a style icon. In her brand-new book Staying Stylish, Candace invites you behind the scenes of her day-to-day life and shares over 100 tips and tricks for looking and feeling your best—both inside and out. Nurture your body, style, and soul as you read through this beautiful book full of photos, insider secrets, and exciting ideas to revamp your own life into its best possible version. She offers her insight into balance, spiritual growth, and looking great while doing it all. Staying Stylish topics will include personal style, fresh hair and makeup for any age, a well-balanced diet and fitness regime, and a well-nourished spirit.
I really enjoyed this book. I don’t read non-fiction often, but I wanted to read this one since I love Candace Cameron Bure. She gets a lot of information in this book while still keeping it interesting.
In The Company of Vampires by Katie MacAlister
Fran was a young witch of 16 when she became Ben’s Beloved, bound to him by fate to save his immortal soul—as if puberty isn’t hard enough. Over the next five years, she fights hard for space, and time, to grow into her own person, pushing Ben away. But when her mother goes missing, she returns to GothFaire to find her, only to find Ben in another woman’s arms. Having not only to face Ben’s secrets, but also a vengeful Norse god, will Fran be able to find out what has really happened to her mother, and to her own heart, in time?
This was the third book to Confessions of a Vampire’s Girlfriend although this one takes place when they’re older. I really liked this one too and loved how they got together (for good). It was still really funny and hard to put down.
No Tricks, Just Treats by Tijan, J. Daniels, Helena Hunting, and Tara Sivec
“FALLEN CREST NIGHTMARE” by TIJAN Sam, Mason, and the rest of their gang enter a fun Halloween-themed weekend with pumpkin carving, a girls’ night out, and a haunted house―until things take a turn into something far more sinister than they could have expected… “SO MUCH MORE” by J. DANIELS Four couples from Alabama reunite on Halloween for an evening of thrills and chills. Between haunted mazes, sexy stolen moments, and good old-fashioned trick-or-treating, this Halloween promises surprises, shocks, and maybe even love for all. “GETTING DOWN” by HELENA HUNTING Ruby Scott wants to have a party! With the help of her best friend Amalie―and Amalie’s fiancé’s budget―the two of them throw a Halloween-inspired fund-raiser. But no event goes off without a couple of hitches.… “THE PUMPKIN WAS STUFFED” by TARA SIVEC The Holiday family is coming together for Halloween. As Sam and Noel prepare for their upcoming life with a new baby, their crazy family and friends pull out all the tricks and treats and jack-o’-lanterns to make sure this ghostly holiday is one to remember…or, will it turn out to be one they’d rather forget?
I really liked this book, but I will say it isn’t for everyone. Some of the stories are a bit different, and they do go along with other books by the writer. I really like getting to see if I like the writing style before buying books by the authors, so anthologies are a great way to do that!
Disney Princess: Sweet and Spooky Halloween by Melissa Lagonegro and illustrated by Elisa Marrucchi
Trick or treat! It’s Halloween and the Disney Princesses are celebrating this sweet and spooky season! Cinderella carves pumpkins, Ariel dresses up in costume, and Belle explores the creepy corners of the Beast’s castle in this 24-page storybook featuring all-new illustrations.
This was a cute little children’s book that was perfect for Halloween.
A Famous Kind of Love by Loran Adelle Davis
London From the outside, my life looks perfect – great son, amazing job, and a smile permanently plastered to my face, but they don’t know what goes on deep inside. Am I a tortured soul? Not even close, but I’m far from perfect. I haven’t had my shit together ever, especially not when it comes to men. That’s why when the hottest bachelor in the nation walks into my hotel, I know I have to ignore the instant attraction between us for two reasons – 1. I don’t date guests. 2. He’s so far out of my league. Too bad, my body and my heart don’t agree with my mind. I know this is a disaster waiting to happen, but how can I say no to the literal man of my dreams? Jamie I’m messed up. That’s all there is to it. My life was perfect until that night when I destroyed a family’s life. Now, I don’t even recognize the face I see in the mirror. I’m just a shell of the man I once was, but then she walks into my life. Her bright smile does something to me I can’t explain. I can’t stay away no matter how hard I try, but I have to, I made a pact with myself that I can’t break. Then, I see her face again, and I don’t give a shit. I need her like I need every breath I take.
I loved this book. I got an ARC of it and read it pretty much in a day. I liked her first book in this series, but this one blew me away. Such a great read!
Angel Fire by Marie Johnston
Bryant should’ve behaved himself. Now he’s been ordered to find a mate. Easier said than done when a bloke like him looks the way he does in a realm full of angels. He’d rather be fighting the good fight in the human realm. But mating the ravishing female that claims him shouldn’t be a hardship. If only her father wasn’t the reason for his scars. Perhaps mating the surly, scowling warrior wasn’t Odessa’s best idea. But she’s committed, and he’s…frustrating. Enticing. Carrying a grudge she knows nothing about. Yet when her boss winds up dead and she’s attacked, he’s there to save her. Digging into the danger Odessa’s facing uncovers an ambitious plot against the realm. Good thing Bryant’s a persistent guy. He’ll stick to Odessa’s side and keep her safe, all so he can let her go in the end. Because one thing he’s learned about the down-to-earth angel is that she deserves better than him. Except Odessa doesn’t want to be rid of the loyal warrior. But that’s an argument for a day when someone’s not trying to kill them.
I loved Marie Johnston’s Oil King’s series. When I saw she had a paranormal romance series, I knew I had to read it. This was such a great start to this series and I can’t wait to continue!
A Semi-Definitive List Of Worst Nightmares by Krystal Sutherland
Ever since Esther Solar’s grandfather met Death, her entire family has been doomed to suffer one great fear in their lifetime—a fear that will eventually lead each and every one of them to their graves. Take Esther’s father, for instance: He’s an agoraphobe who hasn’t left the basement in six years. Then there’s her twin brother, Eugene, whose fear of the dark goes far beyond the things that go bump in the night. And her mother, Rosemary, is absolutely terrified of bad luck. As for Esther, she’s managed to escape the curse…so far. She doesn’t yet have a great fear because she avoids pretty much everything. Elevators, small spaces, crowds—anything that might trigger a phobia is off-limits and is meticulously recorded in her semi-definitive list of worst nightmares. Esther thinks she has it all figured out, until she’s reunited with an old elementary school classmate—and first crush—Jonah Smallwood. The encounter leaves her stranded at a bus stop and swindled out of her phone, all her cash, a Fruit Roll-Up she’d been saving, and her list—not to mention her dignity. But the theft is also the beginning of an unexpected friendship between the two, one that sends the pair on a journey of self-discovery as they try to break the curse that’s consumed Esther’s family. Together they face their greatest fears, one debilitating phobia at a time, only to discover the one fear they hadn’t counted on: love.
This synopsis makes the book sound a lot lighter than it actually was. It was a darker book and was hard to read at times but oh so good. This is a book that I will not be able to quit thinking about for some time. It deals with mental illness very well in my opinion. I am so glad to have read it this month!
Those were all the books I read this month! What did you read in October? Have you read any of these books? Leave me a comment and let me know! Until next time.