I didn’t get as many books read in August as I would have wanted, but I did have some really good books. I’m hoping to get a lot done in September but I guess we’ll see!
Kiss Before Midnight by Anna B. Doe
From the very first moment, Grace Danielle Shelton laid her eyes on Mason LeBlanc, he stole her breath away, but what will happen now that he sees her too?
I really enjoyed this and want to read the next book now.
Pompous Paramedic by Melanie A. Smith
Zelda: Life as a Las Vegas fake wedding coordinator has never been boring. Unfortunately for me, it just got a little too exciting … the bad kind of exciting that lands you in the emergency room. On the bright side, it was a hot paramedic who showed up to save the day. Sure, he’s a bit cocky, but it works for him. And now I can’t get him out of my mind … which was the good kind of exciting until it wasn’t. Until one date turned into a fake marriage fiasco. Now I don’t know if we’re really falling for each other or if it’s all an act. Ty: Being a paramedic in Vegas, I’ve seen it all. Or I thought I had until I got a call for a fall victim who’d tripped over a swan and tumbled into a pond. Luckily for her, I follow up with my patients — especially the pretty ones — and I made sure she was on the road to recovery in no time. And by “road to recovery,” I obviously mean ready to go on a date with me. But unluckily for me, our first real date found me waking up hungover only to discover that we’d gotten married the night before. Or so I thought. Turns out we weren’t actually married. But I didn’t know that when I let it slip to my dying mother, whose last wish is for me to find someone to take care of me once she’s gone. Really, it’s my job to take care of people. But with three hearts on the line? Even I’m not that good. And I know someone’s heart is bound to get broken.
I really liked this! I loved the characters so much and the romance was very sweet.
The House with Chicken Legs by Sophie Anderson
All 12-year-old Marinka wants is a friend. A real friend. Not like her house with chicken legs. Sure, the house can play games like tag and hide-and-seek, but Marinka longs for a human companion. Someone she can talk to and share secrets with. But that’s tough when your grandmother is a Yaga, a guardian who guides the dead into the afterlife. It’s even harder when you live in a house that wanders all over the world . . . carrying you with it. Even worse, Marinka is being trained to be a Yaga. That means no school, no parties–and no playmates that stick around for more than a day. So when Marinka stumbles across the chance to make a real friend, she breaks all the rules . . . with devastating consequences. Her beloved grandmother mysteriously disappears, and it’s up to Marinka to find her–even if it means making a dangerous journey to the afterlife.
I really enjoyed this. It was very magical and sweet. I loved the ending and even teared up a few times throughout the book.
Bless Your Heart by Lyra Parish
I have three simple wishes: 1. Keep my houseplants alive. 2. Open a charming bed-and-breakfast in my small town. 3. Never see or speak to Beckett Valentine again. None of those things are currently possible. When Beckett decides he’s also interested in purchasing the Horseshoe Creek Ranch, my dreams of owning a bed-and-breakfast become a nightmare. He refuses to give me what I want while playing dirty—a common theme in our rivalry. Because of him, we’re in a ridiculous bidding war for the land. We might have hated each other since our teens, but the stakes have never been so high. And right now, I’m more determined than ever to take down my best friend’s older brother—cowboy boots and all.
I loved this so much! Such a cute relationship with amazing characters. I can’t wait for book 2!
Meet Me Under the Mistletoe anthology
Brand new holiday stories for bestselling authors! This boxed set contains powerful alpha men and heroines who bring them to their knees… Enter the world of dark mansions and mysterious heroes. The notorious Morelli family hosts their annual Christmas ball. And you are invited to experience the sensual feast.
I loved this a lot! Really enjoyed the Christmas vibes and how it’s all set around a Christmas party. Very steamy.
Paws, Claws, and Magic Tales anthology
There’s just something magical about cats. Fierce hunters content to rest upon our sofas. Sweet friends but stubbornly independent. Fluffy little murder balls with jellybean toes and razor-sharp claws. It’s easier to answer what cats aren’t than what they are. In this purr-fect collection, awesome authors pounce upon the challenge of the mysterious cat like the elusive little red dot it is. Curl up with sixteen stories all featuring our furry, frisky, fabulous feline friends. Inside, you’ll find adorable house cats, majestic big cats, and imperious cat-dragons. You’ll meet cats who are their owners’ protectors, who help them find true love, and who tackle the challenges of caring for their clumsy human companions in hilarious, heartwarming, and harrowing ways.
I loved some of the stories in here but others were pretty meh to me. I liked the cat theme.
Keep Holding On by Susane Colasanti
Noelle’s life is all about survival. Even her best friend doesn’t know how much she gets bullied, or the ways her mom neglects her. Noelle’s kept so much about her life a secret for so long that when her longtime crush Julian Porter starts paying attention to her, she’s terrified. Surely it’s safer to stay hidden than to risk the pain of a broken heart. But when the torment of a friend takes a dramatic turn, Noelle realizes it’s time to stand up for herself…and for the love that makes her keep holding on.
I liked how this book dealt with real things that happen in school. Not my favorite but still good.
Heartbreak Like This by Bethany Monaco Smith
She told me she was hard to love. I told her that wasn’t true. If only I could make her believe that.
Sarah’s trauma never fully healed, and now it’s back to break her all over again. So, I take her hand, ready to fight side by side with her. Until her pain becomes too much for her to bear, and suddenly I’m fighting for her. Her attention. Her love. Her mental health. Her. What happens when the person you love gets lost in a downward spiral? You stand strong and keep fighting for them, even when they don’t know how to fight for themselves. At least, that’s what I’m going to do. Because I’ve never loved someone the way I love Sarah. I’ve never been loved by anyone the way she loves me. And I am never giving up on her, just like I’m never giving up on us. We’re going to have our happy ending, even if we have to go through hell to get there. Heartbreak Like This is the sixth book in the Friends Like This series and the second book of Sarah and Joel’s story. This is a direct continuation of book five and all the previous books in the series. If you haven’t read them yet, head back to the beginning and jump on the roller coaster in Friends Like This.
I cried a lot in this book… I really enjoyed this and can’t wait for Miles’ story!
Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
Sophie has the great misfortune of being the eldest of three daughters, destined to fail miserably should she ever leave home to seek her fate. But when she unwittingly attracts the ire of the Witch of the Waste, Sophie finds herself under a horrid spell that transforms her into an old lady. Her only chance at breaking it lies in the ever-moving castle in the hills: the Wizard Howl’s castle. To untangle the enchantment, Sophie must handle the heartless Howl, strike a bargain with a fire demon, and meet the Witch of the Waste head-on. Along the way, she discovers that there’s far more to Howl—and herself—than first meets the eye.
I loved this! It is quite a bit different from the movie but still very sweet and magical.
Texas Homecoming by Carolyn Brown
Cody Ryan had been the smartest kid that ever came out of Honey Grove, Texas, and one of the few who went on to become a doctor. He’s so grateful to his fantastic foster parents for giving him so many opportunities, so to help give back he joined Doctors Without Borders. But after 10 years of traveling the world Cody is ready to go back home. Stephanie O’Dell, better known as Dr. Stevie, the local vet, has been treating the cattle on Sunflower Ranch for years. So she’s not thrilled when Cody starts offering medical advice the minute she steps on the ranch. But when the two get caught in a storm with a baby alpaca to take care of, the fireplace isn’t the only thing throwing sparks. When they finally find their way back home, they’ve found out that they’ve fallen in love, but will either of them admit it?
This was very sweet and cute. Loved the family elements in here.
How To Kiss A Movie Star by Jenny Proctor
He’s Hollywood’s biggest star. She wouldn’t know him from the pizza delivery guy. I’m a wildlife biologist in a tiny mountain town, not some kind of law-breaking celebrity stalker. At least not on purpose. It was an accident when I wandered onto the property of one of Hollywood’s hottest movie stars. Five minutes ago, I’d never even heard of Flint Hawthorne. I definitely didn’t know he lives in Silver Creek. When I’m detained for trespassing, the last thing I expect is to trade my handcuffs for a designer gown. All I wanted was permission to conduct my research on a remote corner of his estate. Now I’m walking the red carpet of a Hollywood movie premiere as Flint’s (very fake) girlfriend. At least, the relationship is supposed to be fake. But the way he slips his arm around me, his breath tickling my ear, the chemistry feels like something real. The trouble is, I’m not really built to handle his fast-paced celebrity life. Most days, I prefer the company of squirrels to people. I should be glad we’re only pretending. I’m just not sure my heart got the memo.
This was so cute! I really enjoyed getting Flint’s story after all this time. Such a sweet romance and I loved the squirrels.
Role Playing by Cathy Yardley
Maggie is an unapologetically grumpy forty-eight-year-old hermit. But when her college-aged son makes her a deal―he’ll be more social if she does the same―she can’t refuse. She joins a new online gaming guild led by a friendly healer named Otter. So that nobody gets the wrong idea, she calls herself Bogwitch. Otter is Aiden, a fifty-year-old optimist using the guild as an emotional outlet from his family drama caring for his aging mother while his brother plays house with Aiden’s ex-fiancée. Bogwitch and Otter become fast virtual friends, but there’s a catch. Bogwitch thinks Otter is a college student. Otter assumes Bogwitch is an octogenarian. When they finally meet face to face―after a rocky, shocking start―the unlikely pair of sunshine and stormy personalities grow tentatively closer. But Maggie’s previous relationships have left her bitter, and Aiden’s got a complicated past of his own.
This was so cute and fun. I loved the banter and friendship to relationship in here.
Fake Dating the Football Player by Sarah Sutton
Ever since I was little, I’ve dreamt of being able to leave Brentwood in the rearview mirror. And after being voted Most Likely Never Get A Boyfriend, I’m ready to say bye-bye to mean girls, gossips, and bad memories, and hello to a fresh start. I just need to buy a van, make it livable, and spend the next year of my life on the road until I find someplace to settle for good. I have it all mapped out. Until my cousin buys the van I had my eyes on, and suddenly my freedom is now a graduation present held hostage until the end of the school year. But there’s one way to fix it… and that’s fake date the shy, quiet, emotionally reserved Brentwood High quarterback, Landon Settler. If I can convince my cousin that I’m in love, he’ll give me the van early. Landon’s the perfect choice to fake date—voted Most Likely Never Get A Girlfriend, easy to convince, and best of all, I have blackmail on him that makes him agree. But it’s mutually beneficial for him too—I’ll help him make the girl he likes jealous while he turns into my one-way ticket to freedom. And unlike anyone else in the popular crowd, he’s actually fun to be around. We just have to last until homecoming and not catch feelings for each other. But with how comfortable we start to get with each other—and as both of our secrets begin to slip out—it’s easier said than done.
This was so good! Really enjoyed the romance and all the cute moments. I adore all of Sarah’s books and this one was no different.
Lakesedge by Lyndall Clipstone
When Violeta Graceling arrives at haunted Lakesedge estate, she expects to find a monster. She knows the terrifying rumors about Rowan Sylvanan, who drowned his entire family when he was a boy. But neither the estate nor the monster are what they seem. As Leta falls for Rowan, she discovers he is bound to the Lord Under, the sinister death god lurking in the black waters of the lake. A creature to whom Leta is inexplicably drawn…Now, to save Rowan—and herself—Leta must confront the darkness in her past, including unraveling the mystery of her connection to the Lord Under.
This was so good! I loved the atmosphere and the romance. I’m dying to read the sequel now!
Things We Hide From The Light by Lucy Score
Nash Morgan was always known as the good Morgan brother, with a smile and a wink for everyone. But now, this chief of police is recovering from being shot and his Southern charm has been overshadowed by panic attacks and nightmares. He feels like a broody shell of the man he once was. Nash isn’t about to let anyone in his life know he’s struggling. But his new next-door neighbor, smart and sexy Lina, sees his shadows. As a rule, she’s not a fan of physical contact unless she initiates it, but for some reason Nash’s touch is different. He feels it too. The physical connection between them is incendiary, grounding him and making her wonder if exploring it is worth the risk. Too bad Lina’s got secrets of her own, and if Nash finds out the real reason she’s in town, he’ll never forgive her. Besides, she doesn’t do relationships. Ever. A hot, short-term fling with a local cop? Absolutely. Sign her up. A relationship with a man who expects her to plant roots? No freaking way. Once she gets what she’s after, she has no intention of sticking around. But Knockemout has a way of getting under people’s skin. And once Nash decides to make Lina his, he’s not about to be dissuaded… even if it means facing the danger that nearly killed him.
I loved this so much! So cute and emotional. I loved Nash and Lina’s relationship. I can’t wait for the next book.
Escape to Wonderland by K.C. Savage
DECKLAN: I’ve made a mistake or two which nearly cost me everything. I begged her to give me one more chance. I’ll do anything for her. Anything… JULIA: He cheated, twice, nearly destroying me, But I don’t walk away. I don’t give up on our marriage. Taking a chance on something completely out of my element, I make a date night for us at Club Wonderland. I’ll make him pay for the pain he caused me and make him see who I really am.
I typically don’t read books like this, but I did enjoy it. It was very smutty and was out of my comfort zone but I didn’t mind. I wasn’t the biggest fan of the cheating but I think the author did a good job handling it.
Those are all the books I read in August! Hope you enjoyed! Until next time.