I read a lot in September. I was taking part in a lot of readathons and I managed to accomplish a lot of what I wanted to. This will be a long post… so hope you enjoy!
Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert
Bradley Graeme is pretty much perfect. He’s a star football player, manages his OCD well (enough), and comes out on top in all his classes . . . except the ones he shares with his ex-best friend, Celine. Celine Bangura is conspiracy-theory-obsessed. Social media followers eat up her takes on everything from UFOs to holiday overconsumption–yet, she’s still not cool enough for the popular kids’ table. Which is why Brad abandoned her for the in-crowd years ago. (At least, that’s how Celine sees it.) These days, there’s nothing between them other than petty insults and academic rivalry. So when Celine signs up for a survival course in the woods, she’s surprised to find Brad right beside her. Forced to work as a team for the chance to win a grand prize, these two teens must trudge through not just mud and dirt but their messy past. And as this adventure brings them closer together, they begin to remember the good bits of their history. But has too much time passed . . . or just enough to spark a whole new kind of relationship?
This was really cute. Loved the banter and the romance.
Second Chance at Sunflower Ranch by Carolyn Brown
Retired combat medic Jesse Ryan hasn’t been home much since he enlisted twenty years ago. Now he’s headed back to Texas to help take care of his aging foster parents and run Sunflower ranch. But when he gets there, he finds his parents’ live-in nurse is Addison Hall, his high school best friend and the woman he always regretted leaving behind after their one steamy night together before he shipped out. He’s not at all surprised that their chemistry is still sparking, but Jesse is shocked to learn Addy gave birth to a little girl about nine months after he left—his little girl. Addy has her hands full as a single mom of a nineteen-year-old daughter who suddenly wants to rebel at everything. The last thing she needs is Jesse Ryan complicating her life even further, especially since she’s always had a crush on the handsome cowboy. But the more time she spends with Jesse, the more she wonders what might happen if they finally let their friendship blossom into something more and became the family she’d always hoped for.
I did read this series a bit out of order but I really enjoyed this book. Very sweet.
Hooking Up by Helena Hunting
Amalie Whitfield is the picture of a blushing bride during her wedding reception ― but for all the wrong reasons. Instead of proclaiming his undying love, her husband can be heard, by Amalie and their guests, getting off with someone else. She has every reason to freak out, and in a moment of insanity, she throws herself at the first hot-blooded male she sees. But he’s not interested in becoming her revenge screw. Mortified and desperate to escape the post-wedding drama, Amalie decides to go on her honeymoon alone, only to find the man who rejected her also heading to the same tiny island for work. But this time he isn’t holding back. She should know better than to sleep with someone she knows, but she can’t seem to resist him. They might agree that what happens on the island should stay on the island, but neither one can deny that their attraction is more than just physical.
This was so funny, cute, and sexy. I loved the romance in here so much.
The Forever Fight by Bethany Monaco Smith
Dani Malone has gotten under my skin. When the whirlwind with ice purple hair and a don’t-look-in-my-direction attitude sits down next to me at the bar, it’s game over for my heart. I’ve known Dani for years, but we’ve never truly known each other. Fresh off broken hearts, I’m ready to find my forever love, but Dani is guarded. The sunshiney girl I remember is grumpy and closed-off, and she has zero interest in the player she remembers me as. I’m not that guy anymore, and even if I was, Dani is not a game. She’s more. She’s what I want, and I can tell she wants me, too, even if I’m stuck at the top of her hell no list. What she doesn’t understand is I’m no quitter. It’s now my mission to find out who hurt her, fix what they broke, bring out her smile again, and protect her heart. Nothing worth having is easy, and Dani is worth everything. So I’m going to be patient, put in the work, and keep fighting for the forever I want. With her.
This was so good! Very sweet, emotional, and steamy. I loved getting Jesse and Dani’s story.
Witches and Wedding Cakes by Bailey Cates
Baker Katie Lightfoot is crafting her own magical wedding cake and tracking down a malicious murderer in the newest installment of this New York Times bestselling series. Katie will be marrying firefighter Declan McCarthy in less than a week, and she’s still finding time to run the Honeybee Bakery, where she infuses sweets and treats with special spells and cheerful charms. But her hope of getting hitched without a hitch is short-lived. When Declan’s family shows up early to enjoy a few extra days in Savannah, his youngest sister finds an unsavory her ex-husband, dead in a hotel room hours after they argued. The ex was scam artist with a lot of enemies, but the argument puts Declan’s sister under suspicion. Between dress fittings and dough-kneading, Katie—along with her witchy friends in the spellbook club—will really have to work some magic to figure out who killed the con man…or there may not be a wedding.
I loved this. Super sweet and I couldn’t figure out the killer. Loved the wedding and can’t wait to read the next book.
Black Harvest by Josh Howard
After mysteriously vanishing three years ago, 19-year-old Zaya Vahn returns to her hometown of Jericho under suspicious circumstances. With the help of paranormal researcher Daniel Webster, Zaya confronts a conspiracy dating back more than a century.
This was very weird and creepy. It had a cool art style but the story wasn’t the best.
Broken Beginnings by Clary Evans
You’re Next. I was in the wrong place at the wrong time—and that moment changed me forever. After walking in on a masked man murdering my neighbor, I went back to the one place I swore I’d never step foot in again. Citrus Cove. The sleepy town hasn’t changed much, but the people have. Including my old high school bully, Cameron Harlow. He’s the last person I want to see. He should be the last person I want . But Cameron Harlow has been dreaming of the day he’d see me again, and wants to set things right. Our history makes me hate him, but he’s sinfully hot, has that sexy southern charm, and calls me sunshine. How can I resist him? When the danger I’ve been running from shows up in my hometown, Cameron becomes my sole refuge. Someone is watching me. Following me. They want me dead. From the ashes of our broken beginnings, all we want is our happy ending. But the killer has other ideas and the only way Cam and me have a future together is if we live to see it…
This was so addicting and smutty. I loved the romance and can’t wait for more books in this series!
Her Officer and Gentleman by Karen Hawkins
A mere whisper of the name “Gentleman James” sends chills throughout the ton (and thrills the ladies who have heard rumors of his amorous exploits). But the dashing brigand never dreamed that the passing of the father he never knew would leave him with a title, a fortune…and a mission. Considered unmarriageable at twenty-five, Lady Elizabeth has the perfect life, happily snuggled among her beloved books while caring for her curmudgeonly grandfather. Or so she thinks until she meets Christian Llevanth, the dark and mysterious Viscount Westerville, and discovers the delicious ache of desire. Elizabeth finds herself longing for more — more romance, more excitement, and definitely more passion. But when does “more” become “too much”?
I loved this! Such great banter and funny moments. I enjoyed the mystery elements too.
The Bad Boy of Redemption Ranch by Maisey Yates
Police officer Pansy Daniels is the poster girl for responsible behavior. Orphaned as a child, she has dedicated her life to safeguarding her local community. The last thing she needs is a hot-headed cowboy with attitude cruising into town. He may be her new landlord, but that’s no excuse for provoking her…or sending her heart into overdrive. West Caldwell has come to Redemption Ranch to put his past behind him. Flirting with a pint-size police officer who thinks he’s bad news is definitely not part of the plan, but it’s deliciously easy to get under Pansy’s skin. Then West discovers the vulnerability Pansy keeps so well hidden, and suddenly this renegade cowboy is in over his head. In her arms, West feels like the man he always wanted to be–but can he become the man Pansy deserves?
I loved this so much! I really enjoyed Pansy and West’s romance. The grief element in here was very well done and I cried quite a few times.
The Princess Saves Herself in This One by Amanda Lovelace
A poetry collection divided into four different parts: the princess, the damsel, the queen, & you. the princess, the damsel, & the queen piece together the life of the author in three stages, while you serves as a note to the reader & all of humankind. Explores life & all of its love, loss, grief, healing, empowerment, & inspirations.
I loved this. Beautiful poetry and some even made me tear up. I would definitely read more from this author.
Moon’s Flower by Marie Hall
Once upon a time, long, long ago a flower fairy looked to the skies and dared to fall in love with The Man in the Moon…
I loved this! Such a sweet, quick read that made me cry. Loved the romance.
Haze by Sarah Jaeger
Finn: To wolves, our mates are sacred. Despite the life I’ve led, I never gave up hope of finding her. After walking away from the “family business,” I’m forced to seek asylum with The Leviathan, the king of all wolves. I’m ready for the quiet life: looking for my mate and staying out of trouble. What I don’t expect? Is The Leviathan’s little sister, Kathleen Alden, to be the one. My mate. She’s younger, infuriating, passionate, and fits me perfectly in every way. I see our future clearly: mated, married, and a yard full of pups. However, her adamant refusal to accept our bond has me fighting through every one of her defenses. She has no idea what she’s up against or the lengths I’ll go to keep her. Lena: Griffin O’Leary may be strong, confident, and easy on the eyes, but I will never call him my mate. Ever. Not even his panty-melting Irish accent or alpha dominant vibes will… no. Nope. Not happening. It can’t. First, because I don’t want a mate. Fated or otherwise. And second, because there’s too much on the line to be tempted. My life’s work in shifter reproductive health is on the cusp of a breakthrough. Was on the cusp. Until an unfortunate… disruption derails my research. Now Finn and I are unceremoniously stuck together in a stalemate. I was pretty sure I would come out victorious in the war of mating marks and matrimony. Except my wolf sides with Finn. That little traitor. It’s me versus Finn and my wolf. Will it be wedding bells or battle cries? There’s only one way to find out.
I loved this book so much! So good and steamy. That ending though…I NEED the next book!
Moontied by Camille Dwight
The Varúlf have one monumental problem : in a modern world where magical races, once numerous, have been slowly disappearing, they’re next. There are whispers that witches may hold answers, but rumours help no one. Wielders of elemental magic, descendants of gods and now existing solely in secret, the witches have been hunted to near extinction by the Varúlf, dangerous werewolf shifters. Facing an extinction of their own, the Varúlf have turned to desperate measures to try and ensure their own survival – at any cost. But it has been decades since a witch was last seen… until one ventures far from the safety of her coven on a once-in-a-lifetime errand for an important ritual, only to find herself in the grasp of the one Varúlf unwilling to imprison her. When Isa meets Braun on a hotel rooftop, she doesn’t know the danger she is in. And after she escapes, she finds herself longing for the man who saved her – the man, and the beast that she has spent her life hiding from. Unwilling alpha Braun has no interest in pack politics. What he does have an interest in is the beautiful witch he saved from a literal pack of wolves, a woman he has no hope of ever seeing again. With danger on her tail, Isa runs. But each time she runs back into Braun’s arms, it becomes harder to let her go.
I enjoyed this. It was a fast, easy read and I really want to get the second book now.
The Harder You Fall by Gena Showalter
Millionaire video-game creator Lincoln West has a dark and tragic past. The sought-after bachelor lives by a rigid schedule and a single rule—one relationship per year, lasting no more than two months. No exceptions. He moved to small town Strawberry Valley, Oklahoma, with his brothers-by-circumstance hoping to escape the worst of his memories—until a brash beauty dredges up long-buried emotions. A reformed party girl, Jessie Kay Dillon is determined to walk the straight and narrow. But her love-hate sizzle with West is just too irresistible. They can’t be near each other without tearing off their clothes, but the last thing she needs is to be his next two-month dump. Can she be the one exception? Because as any former girl-gone-wild knows: rules are made to be broken.
This was so good! The romance was amazing and I loved how sweet West was. I read this in a day ’cause I couldn’t put it down. I really related to Jessie Kay in some ways too.
Beasts of Abigaile Vol. 1-4 by Spica Aoki
Nina feels like she’s entered a fairy tale after moving to the beautiful country of Ruberia. But the charm wears off quick when she gets bitten by a wolflike luga and becomes one herself! She’s soon dragged off to the penitentiary academy known as Abigaile, where young luga learn how to serve humans. Her strong-willed attitude soon wrecks havoc on the academy’s alpha-omega hierarchy, winning her a few friends, plenty of enemies—and maybe even a lover or two?! Will Nina ever make it home? Or will she remain a luga forever?
I really enjoyed this series! I loved the characters and the plot.
Spill the Sweet Tea by Lyra Parish
Some describe me as a quirky, free-spirited journalist who charges her crystals by moonlight.
They’re not wrong. My instincts ensure I know everything that goes on in my small town. And not much surprises me. But when the man who destroyed my heart returns to care for his family’s business, I’m shaken to the core. After our messy breakup, Hayden Shaw swore he’d never come back to Valentine, Texas. Years later, I’m still trying to forget we ever existed. Damn near impossible when he’s now everywhere. A constant reminder of what could have been. Rumors swirl about his true intentions, but a little gossip has never bothered me. However, if winning over my heart is his end game, he can hang up his spurs because I won’t make the same mistake twice—or will I?
I loved this so much! These characters are amazing and I can’t wait for the next book! A very easy to binge read book.
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman hate each other. Not dislike. Not begrudgingly tolerate. Hate. And they have no problem displaying their feelings through a series of ritualistic passive aggressive maneuvers as they sit across from each other, executive assistants to co-CEOs of a publishing company. Lucy can’t understand Joshua’s joyless, uptight, meticulous approach to his job. Joshua is clearly baffled by Lucy’s overly bright clothes, quirkiness, and Pollyanna attitude. Now up for the same promotion, their battle of wills has come to a head and Lucy refuses to back down when their latest game could cost her her dream job…But the tension between Lucy and Joshua has also reached its boiling point, and Lucy is discovering that maybe she doesn’t hate Joshua. And maybe, he doesn’t hate her either. Or maybe this is just another game.
I absolutely loved this book! The banter was amazing and I screeched at so many of the cute moments. I could not put the book down and read it in a day.
Grave Wars by Gena Showalter and Jill Monroe
For too long, Jane has lived in fear of a generational curse. Fall in love, lose the guy; marry him and watch him die. Finally, this quirky ray of sunshine is determined to experience all life offers. With the help of the world’s most amazing guardcat, she preserves Garden of Memories, a landlocked cemetery and heaven on earth. At her side is the best ragtag team of friends in history. Plus, she’s dating the tastiest snack in Aurelian Hills, Georgia. Protective grump and future sheriff Conrad Ryan. There’s just one problem: someone murdered Conrad’s only opponent. Of course, like any expert amateur sleuth, Jane dives heart first into an investigation. Except, the hotter the leads, the colder the case. From feuding neighbors to secret blackmailers and a missing crime boss, reality proves stranger than fiction. As new buddies and old enemies emerge, Jane will stop at nothing to uncover the truth. And maybe, just maybe, she’ll win her own campaign along the way: being crowned Miss Happily Ever After.
I loved this! I totally did not guess the killer and loved the Jane/Conrad moments. That ending though…I can’t wait for the next book.
Forgiving a Fae Warrior by Megan Van Dyke
Galen is desperate to redeem himself and return to the Court of the Forest and the woman he loves. But when his plan goes terribly awry and threatens the life of a new friend, the path to forgiveness may be more treacherous than ever.
I really enjoyed this. I loved getting Galen’s point of view about why he did what he did. Plus the romance was so sweet and I’m glad they finally got together.
Love is Hell by Melissa Marr, Scott Westerfeld, Justine Larbalestier, Gabrielle Zevin, and Laurie Faria Stolarz
From two students who let the power of attraction guide them to break the hard-and-fast rules of their world to the girl who falls hard for a good-looking ghost with a score to settle, the clever, quirky characters in this exciting collection will break your heart, then leave you believing in love more than ever.
This was good. There were two stories in here that I loved but the rest were pretty meh to me.
Bring Me Your Midnight by Rachel Griffin
Tana Fairchild’s fate has never been in question. Her life has been planned out since the moment she was born: she is to marry the governor’s son, Landon, and secure an unprecedented alliance between the witches of her island home and the mainlanders who see her very existence as a threat. Tana’s coven has appeased those who fear their power for years by releasing most of their magic into the ocean during the full moon. But when Tana misses the midnight ritual—a fatal mistake—there is no one she can turn to for help…until she meets Wolfe. Wolfe claims he is from a coven that practices dark magic, making him one of the only people who can help her. But he refuses to let Tana’s power rush into the sea, and instead teaches her his forbidden magic. A magic that makes her feel powerful. Alive. As the sea grows more violent, her coven loses control of the currents, a danger that could destroy the alliance as well as her island. Tana will have to choose between love and duty, between loyalty to her people and loyalty to her heart. Marrying Landon would secure peace for her coven but losing Wolfe and his wild magic could cost her everything else.
I loved this! Rachel always has such beautiful stories that you can completely immerse yourself in. I loved the romance and characters in here so much.
A Devil of a Date by Andie M. Long
I now run The Supernatural Dating Agency, a discreet section of Withernsea’s finest matchmaking service. Yeah, I’ll do all the work while Shelley makes babies with her gorgeous vampire husband. It’s not like I’ve anything better to do anyway. My ex is now a newly-turned vamp struggling to accept he can no longer admire his own reflection, and I don’t care what Ebony ‘sees’, Kim is not about to date a wolf; he has better hair than I do. Then Lucy Fir, fresh from the gates of guarding Hell, decides she wants me to find her a boyfriend. He’ll need to be a Knight in shining inflammable armour with her temper. Can I find her a date, or is my new career damned before it’s even started?
I loved this so much! These books are always so much fun and very funny. I loved the romance and am dying to read the next book now.
The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins
Meet Jane. Newly arrived to Birmingham, Alabama, Jane is a broke dog-walker in Thornfield Estates––a gated community full of McMansions, shiny SUVs, and bored housewives. The kind of place where no one will notice if Jane lifts the discarded tchotchkes and jewelry off the side tables of her well-heeled clients. Where no one will think to ask if Jane is her real name. But her luck changes when she meets Eddie Rochester. Recently widowed, Eddie is Thornfield Estates’ most mysterious resident. His wife, Bea, drowned in a boating accident with her best friend, their bodies lost to the deep. Jane can’t help but see an opportunity in Eddie––not only is he rich, brooding, and handsome, he could also offer her the kind of protection she’s always yearned for. Yet as Jane and Eddie fall for each other, Jane is increasingly haunted by the legend of Bea, an ambitious beauty with a rags-to-riches origin story, who launched a wildly successful southern lifestyle brand. How can she, plain Jane, ever measure up? And can she win Eddie’s heart before her past––or his––catches up to her? With delicious suspense, incisive wit, and a fresh, feminist sensibility, The Wife Upstairs flips the script on a timeless tale of forbidden romance, ill-advised attraction, and a wife who just won’t stay buried. In this vivid reimagining of one of literature’s most twisted love triangles, which Mrs. Rochester will get her happy ending?
This was interesting but I didn’t love it. It took me a little bit to get into and I guessed a lot of the plot points.
We Own Tonight by Corinne Michaels
I’m not a one-night stand kind of woman. I’m especially not the woman who has a few drinks at a concert and ends up in bed with my childhood celebrity crush, Eli Walsh. However, that’s exactly where I find myself. What’s a girl to do after a drunken mistake? Run. I grab my clothes and get away from the powerful, irresistible, and best-sex-of-my-life superstar as fast as I can. His gorgeous green eyes, rock-hard body, and cocky smile have no place in my world. My life is complicated enough. Someone forgot to tell him that. Eli is relentless. Pushing his way into my heart, wearing me down, proving he’s nothing like I assumed, and everything I need. But when my world shatters to pieces, he holds the broken bits together. Unwillingly, I fall desperately in love with him. He made me think we’d have forever . . . I should’ve listened when he said we could only own tonight.
I really enjoyed this. I laughed, I cried, and I fell in love with the characters. I am so ready to continue on with this series.
Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery and Illustrated by Jody Lee
As soon as Anne Shirley arrives at the snug white farmhouse called Green Gables, she is sure she wants to stay forever…but will the Cuthberts send her back to the orphanage? Anne knows she’s not what they expected-a skinny girl with fiery red hair and a temper to match. If only she can convince them to let her stay, she’ll try very hard not to keep rushing headlong into scrapes and blurting out the first thing that comes to her mind. Anne is not like anybody else, the Cuthberts agree; she is special-a girl with an enormous imagination. This orphan girl dreams of the day when she can call herself Anne of Green Gables.
I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would. I laughed and cried. Such a great story and I want to read more about Anne.
Those are all the books I read this month! Thank you for reading. Until next time.