I didn’t get a whole lot read this month unfortunately. I do have some books that I read, but are for a different blog post that I’m doing so those won’t be counted here, but stay tuned for that blog! How was your reading month?
The Stolen Bride by Gena Showalter and Jill Monroe
Clover Deering is living her best life. Kind of. Maybe. Okay, so, not at all. The owner of Fur-Ever Pet Spa is deeply in debt and battling a temper that scares even herself. Things go from bad to catastrophe when a terrifying man claiming to be a berserker king demands an impossible force a rival royal to welcome evil into his heart. In exchange, he’ll gift her with a prize she cannot resist-meeting the twin she never knew existed. The problem? King Viktor Endris isn’t just scary, he’s downright feral. When captured by Viktor, Clover enacts her own plan. Tame the unhinged warrior, turn him into an ally, and use him to rescue her sister. Not an easy task as Viktor is at war with ferocious turul-shifters, talks to an invisible friend and flips from controlled to chaos in an instant. As their undeniable connection deepens, she discovers a heartbreaking truth. Falling for her is Viktor’s only path to ruin. Yet without his downfall, her twin’s fate is sealed. The worst part? Clover just might be falling for him, too. But in the end, only one can survive. Her man, or her sister.
I loved this! So addicting and I can’t wait for the next book!
Big Panda and Tiny Dragon by James Norbury
Big Panda and Tiny Dragon embark on a journey through the seasons of the year together. They get lost, as many of us do. But while lost, they discover many beautiful sights they’d never have found had they gone the right way. Told through a series of beautiful drawings and quiet, sometimes silly, conversations, the panda and the dragon explore the thoughts and emotions, hardships and happiness that connect us all. In nature, they learn how to live in the moment, how to be at peace with uncertainty, and how to find the strength to overcome life’s obstacles together
This was really sweet with beautiful illustrations.
Morning Glory Milking Farm by C.M. Nascosta
Violet is a typical, down-on-her-luck millennial: mid-twenties, over-educated and drowning in debt, on the verge of moving into her parent’s basement. When a lifeline appears in the form of a very unconventional job in neighboring Cambric Creek, she has no choice but to grab at it with both hands. Morning Glory Milking Farm offers full-time hours, full benefits, and generous pay with no experience needed . . . there’s only one catch. The clientele is Grade A certified prime beef, with the manly, meaty endowments to match. Milking minotaurs isn’t something Violet ever considered as a career option, but she’s determined to turn the opportunity into a reversal of fortune. When a stern, deep-voiced client begins to specially request her for his milking sessions, maintaining her professionalism and keeping him out of her dreams is easier said than done. Violet is resolved to make a dent in her student loans and afford name-brand orange juice, and a one-sided crush on an out-of-her-league minotaur is not a part of her plan—unless her feelings aren’t so one-sided after all.
This was different…but I had a great time. There were so many funny moments and it was actually cute.
Wild Scottish Gold by Tricia O’Malley
Sparks fly as goldsmith Kaia moves to Loren Brae only to clash with a very handsome rival. Return to Loren Brae in this highly anticipated stand-alone novel in the best-selling Enchanted Highlands series. Wicked banter, Scottish myths, and heart-pounding romance make this series a fan favorite.
I loved this! Kaia and Thane had so much chemistry and I loved the world this is set in.
The Little Teashop on Main by Jodi Thomas
A rainy-day ritual—a tea party between three little girls—becomes the framework of not only their friendship, but their lives. Redheaded, curly-haired Zoe is openhearted, kind and free-spirited, and dreams of becoming a famous actor in New York City. Shy Emily struggles with mental health but has the heart and soul of a writer. And Shannon—tall, athletic, strong—has a deep sense of loyalty that will serve her well when she heads off to military college. As Zoe, Emily and Shannon grow into women—forging careers, following dreams and finding love—they’ll learn that life doesn’t always unfold the way they want it to, but through it all, the one constant is each other, and their regular tea parties. And when the unthinkable happens, the girls must come together to face the greatest test of all.
This wasn’t a book I’d normally read but I did enjoy it. The ending killed me though…
The Future Play by Bethany Monaco Smith
Amanda Hamilton threw me off my game. From the moment the strawberry-blonde heartstopper walked into my life, everything changed. She’s a mesmerizing force of nature and an absolute queen who deserves the world. The thing is, I’m an idiot who’s already in a committed relationship with baseball. Without understanding how much she means to me, I screw everything up, and when I try to apologize, I’m met with an icy stare and a demand to prove I mean it. As I work to do that, showing her my sincerity and slowly taking down the walls around her heart, I finally see the heartbroken girl beneath who wants nothing more than to be chosen and loved. Once, I thought I couldn’t have baseball and love, but with every second I spend with Amanda, I know it’s no longer a choice. She wormed her way into my heart, and now it’s my job to prove I’m worthy of hers. Every step I’ve made has been a play for the future I want. Now I’ll do anything to show Amanda that while baseball may have been my first love, she’s the love of my life, and the only person I want to share my future with.
So excited that we finally got Jamie and Amanda’s story! I loved this and Amanda is amazing. I always love being back with these characters.
The Cat Who Taught Zen by James Norbury
In a distant city, an old cat considers himself as wise as can be, until he hears of an ancient pine far away, under the boughs of which infinite wisdom can be found. Thus, the Cat embarks on a journey deep into the forest to search for the tree. Along the way, he meets new friends—the Hare, the Magpie, the Wolf Cub, the Monkey, the Tortoise, and the Tiger—and comes across the energetic young Kitten. What wisdom does the Cat have to impart to his friends, and, perhaps more importantly, what does he still have to learn?
This was very heartwarming and I even teared up a few times. Gorgeous illustrations.
Elusive Love by Melanie A. Smith
Rae Donovan thought she had love all figured out … until, after a tragic accident, her high school sweetheart Luke left town, breaking her heart. In the decades since, Rae has put the past behind her, content with her quiet life working at the local bakery her family started in the charming mountain town of Alpine Ridge. But when Luke returns, Rae’s world is turned upside down. Luke McMillan never forgot his first love, even as duty took him far from home, and tragedy made him a single father. Now back in Alpine Ridge as its new fire chief, he’s determined to win Rae’s trust — and her heart — once again. But a secret from his past threatens to destroy their second chance at happiness. As Rae and Luke navigate the challenges of reuniting, they must confront their histories and decide if their love is strong enough to overcome the wounds of the past. Will they find their way back to each other, or will the scars of yesterday keep them apart forever? In this emotional tale of forgiveness, growth, and second chances, Rae and Luke must learn that sometimes the most elusive love is the one you never truly lost.
I enjoyed this. Super sweet and I loved the romance plus all the secrets that get exposed.
Those are all the books I read this month (that I can talk about anyways)! Hope you enjoyed. Until next time.