I had a pretty great reading month. I read a lot of really good books and got through quite a few too. How did your month go with reading?
Yakuza Fiance Volume 1 by Asuka Konishi
Yoshino grew up the sheltered yakuza princess of the largest crime family in Osaka, the Somei. Due to her resting bitch face and dangerous family, no man has ever approached her. When her grandfather signs a truce with the Tokyo-based Miyama crime family, he offers her up as a truce bride to the Miyama leader’s grandson! Kirishima Miyama is popular, charming, and seems totally normal. But behind his smile is a violent sadomasochist who thirsts for her dominance even more when she impresses him with her moxie! Even though she knows how bad yakuza can be, she’s stunned by Miyama’s viciousness. She can’t turn him down with the East-West peace treaty on the line…so instead she steels herself to play ball!
I loved this! I already watched the whole anime (what is out already anyways…) so I had to start the manga. I need more of this series!
A Curse of Blood and Wolves by Melissa McTernan
A dark and steamy fairytale re-imagining of Little Red Riding Hood. Perfect for romantasy readers and lovers of smuttok Is it possible to be drawn to someone you’ve never met? When Ruby feels the eyes of a stranger in the woods, she knows she should be scared, that she should run away, but she can’t. Instead, she feels a thrill, feels drawn to this stranger who follows her in the woods. Yearns for his eyes on her every night as she walks home, hoping to hear the crunch of leaves under his feet that signals he’s there. Will he ever reveal himself? After all, fate doesn’t make mistakes . . .
I really enjoyed this and could not put it down. I can’t wait for the next book!
Before Summer Ends by Susan Mallery
Nissa Lang knows Desmond Stilling is out of her league. He’s a CEO, she’s a teacher. He’s gorgeous, she’s…not. So when her house-sitting gig falls through and Desmond offers her a place to stay for the summer, she vows not to reveal how she’s felt about him since their first–and only–kiss. Desmond should’ve known better than to bring temptation into his house. He decided long ago that his best friend’s sister was too sweet, too good, for him. She deserves a guy who can give his heart. For her sake, he’s stayed away. But as her laughter breathes life into his lonely mansion, he’s not sure how long he’ll be able to resist. With a bonus story, A Little Bit Pregnant: After acting on her crush on her boss Zane Rankin, Nicki Beauman ends up pregnant! She’s willing to make things work with Zane, but his tragic past makes it difficult for him to open up–and when his overbearing protectiveness threatens her independence, Nicki will have to make hard choices.
This was okay. I did enjoy the second story in here a lot more.
The Artist and the Dragon by Megan Van Dyke
Bronwyn Kinsley helped overthrow a malicious and corrupt monarch. Now, she wants nothing more than to return to a quiet existence painting artwork in the countryside. No more pretentious court life, and definitely no more of the infuriating Malik who touched her heart and then went right back to being the flirtatious prince she swore to loathe. But the so-called dragons, dissenters of the new monarchs’ reign, are hell-bent on preventing that peace and causing chaos within the kingdom. Alistair (Malik) Ithael is determined to hunt down the last of the dragons and end their reign of terror. But his attempts to infiltrate their number require him to wear the careful façade of the playboy prince they expect. A guise that puts him at odds with Bronwyn, the only woman he’s ever truly wanted and one that seems to hate him more than ever. When the dragons strike close to home and afflict Bronwyn’s sister with a deadly sleeping curse, Bronwyn and Malik must team up to save her. In doing so, Bronwyn enters the place she loathes most—high society. Because dragons live disguised in plain sight, and they’ll have to find them first. That is, if a pesky little distraction like love doesn’t get in the way.
I really enjoyed this! Such a great mystery element and I loved the romance.
Under One Roof by Sophie Andrews
As a firefighter and former Navy SEAL, rescuing civilians is part of the job, but when I helped a soaking wet slip of a woman in short shorts and cowboy boots with her broken down Jeep, I didn’t think I was getting a sneak peek at my new nanny. I’m a single dad who thrives on keeping a structured routine for my kids. Yet Andi Halton blows all of that out of the water, armed with a sticker-covered guitar and wild ideas about relaxing that schedule. What’s worse is I can’t stop thinking about how good she looks doing yoga in my living room. Or how plump her lips are and how they might feel pressed against mine. Keeping my hands off of her is harder than surviving Hell Week—because every moment spent with her ignites a yearning I didn’t think I could feel again.
I enjoyed this! I loved the romance and the family vibes in here.
Summer Breezes by Debbie Macomber
The Way to a Man’s Heart: On the surface, Meghan O’Day and Grey Carlyle seem like they couldn’t be more different. But stuffy literature professor Grey keeps coming back to the diner where bubbly Meghan works—and it’s not just for the coffee and pie. They both love chatting about books, and Meghan has opinions on the classics she’s not afraid to share. She also thinks she could teach the professor a thing or two about happily-ever-after. Fallen Angel: Amy Johnson is firmly anchored in Seattle, working as an executive for her father’s oil company. It’s always been assumed she’ll eventually take over, even if her heart isn’t in it. When Amy meets Josh Powell, a self-described drifter who’s rejected his money and power, she begins to question what she really wants. Maybe it’s time to craft a new future, together.
I really enjoyed the first book but the second one fell a bit flat for me. Too much back and forth between the characters.
On The Way To The Wedding by Julia Quinn
Unlike most men of his acquaintance, Gregory Bridgerton believes in true love. And he is convinced that when he finds the woman of his dreams, he will know in an instant that she is the one. And that is exactly what happened. Except… She wasn’t the one. In fact, the ravishing Miss Hermione Watson is in love with another. But her best friend, the ever-practical Lady Lucinda Abernathy, wants to save Hermione from a disastrous alliance, so she offers to help Gregory win her over. But in the process, Lucy falls in love. With Gregory! Except… Lucy is engaged. And her uncle is not inclined to let her back out of the betrothal, even once Gregory comes to his senses and realizes that it is Lucy, with her sharp wit and sunny smile, who makes his heart sing. And now, on the way to the wedding, Gregory must risk everything to ensure that when it comes time to kiss the bride, he is the only man standing at the altar…
My least favorite of the series, but still a great time. I loved being back with this family.
Haunted Ever After by Jen Deluca
Small Florida coastal towns often find themselves scrambling for the tourism dollars that the Orlando theme parks leave behind. And within the town limits of Boneyard Key, the residents decided long ago to lean into its ghostliness. Nick Royer, owner of the Hallowed Grounds coffee shop, embraces the ghost tourism that keeps the local economy afloat, as well as his spectral roommate. At least he doesn’t have to run air-conditioning. Cassie Rutherford possibly overreacted to all her friends getting married and having kids by leaving Orlando and buying a flipped historic cottage in Boneyard Key. Though there’s something unusual with her new home (her laptop won’t charge in any outlets, and the poetry magnets on her fridge definitely didn’t read “WRONG” and “MY HOUSE” when she put them up), she’s charmed by the colorful history surrounding her. And she’s catching a certain vibe from the grumpy coffee shop owner whenever he slips her a free slice of banana bread along with her coffee order. As Nick takes her on a ghost tour, sharing town gossip that tourists don’t get to hear, and they spend nights side-by-side looking into the former owners of her haunted cottage, their connection solidifies into something very real and enticing. But Cassie’s worried she’s in too deep with this whole (haunted) home ownership thing… and Nick’s afraid to get too close in case Cassie gets scared away for good.
I really enjoyed this! The ghosts were amazing and I liked the romance.
The Boss Situation by Lyra Parish
When my worst enemy teams up with my ex to destroy my fashion company, I prepare for war…Asher Banks, with his honey-brown colored eyes and cocky attitude, has been at the top of my shit list since college. Nothing has changed in thirteen years. They call him the boogeyman of business because his marketing firm has single-handedly bankrupted several corporations with little to no effort. And because of my jealous ex, I’m now in Banks’ crosshairs. It’s a very dangerous place to be. Since Banks is best friends with my older brothers, he grants a single favor and offers to work with my brand instead. The catch? He wants me to drop to my knees and beg for his help, which I cannot and will not do. Now, I’ll face the consequences. Beating Banks and my cheating ex is my top priority, or I’ll have to find a fill-in husband so I can claim my inheritance. Both options seem impossible, but this princess is determined to save herself.
I couldn’t put this down! Loved all the banter and the romance. I can’t wait for the next book!
Lore Olympus Volume 8 by Rachel Smythe
Revelations rock Olympus as Persephone’s trial ends, threatening to throw the gods into a new war. Though Persephone and Hades become closer than ever after she opens up to him about all she has endured, their peace is shattered when another truth is revealed: Apollo is Zeus’s son. The announcement shocks the pantheon, and the king of the gods realizes that the would-be usurper wants Persephone’s power to take the throne. Zeus banishes Persephone to the Mortal Realm and, out of fear, cuts it off entirely from the rest of the gods. This decree succeeds in undercutting Apollo’s plan, but also inadvertently begins a decade-long divine cold war when Hades strikes back by shuttering the Underworld. With the gods scattered and weakened, Kronos uses the ensuing bedlam to finally escape his imprisonment and begin staging his own coup. Persephone has only one choice when she discovers all the realms on the verge of collapse: Descend into the Underworld to try to defeat the power-hungry Titan, claim her rightful place as queen, and reunite with her one true love.
I loved this and can’t wait for the next one! So much happened!
Don’t Kiss The Bride by Carian Cole
I guess you could say I was a damsel in distress, and he was my knight in shining armor. But more accurately, I was a girl with a lot of bad luck, and he was a guy with a lot of muscles and tattoos. Jude “Lucky” Lucketti wasn’t just a sexy, brooding construction worker. He was my own personal hero who seemed to be in all the right places at the right times. Like when my car broke down and I needed a ride home, and when I face planted on the sidewalk right in front of him and had to be taken to the emergency room. Those weren’t exactly my best moments, but they were his. We became friends, and it didn’t matter that he was sixteen years older than me. We had a lot in common—like our love of old rock music and vintage fast cars, and our painful pasts that made us leery of love and relationships. When he approached me with a crazy idea to help me out with my many problems, I couldn’t say no. He offered me a lifeline. The arrangement was supposed to be temporary. A marriage on paper and a safe place to live—nothing else. It should’ve been easy, but it wasn’t. Because here I am, eighteen years old and married to a man I was never supposed to fall in love with. And now, I really don’t want that divorce we agreed to. We had just one rule—no kissing the bride. But we broke that rule, and it sealed our fate forever.
I loved this romance! Amazing characters and I didn’t want to quit reading.
Then Came You by Jill Shalvis
Veterinary intern Emily can’t believe she wound up in the small town of Sunshine, Idaho, instead of the Los Angeles clinic she had always imagined. Now she has to put her plans to move to L.A. on hold for a whole year while she fulfills the obligation of her vet school scholarship. Then Wyatt, her gorgeous one-night stand from a Reno vet conference, introduces himself as her new boss. And Emily is just as drawn to his seductive looks and quiet strength as she was on that very steamy night. She soon learns that Wyatt isn’t just a laid-back doctor, but a delicious alpha male tempting her away from her carefully laid-out plans…
I enjoyed this! I loved all the animals and the ending.
What We Find by Robyn Carr
Under extreme pressure, neurosurgeon Maggie Sullivan knows she needs to slow down before she burns out completely, and the best place she can do that is Sullivan’s Crossing. Named for Maggie’s great-grandfather, the land and charming general store at the crossroads of the Colorado and the Continental Divide trails now belong to Maggie’s eccentric father, Sully. She relishes the opportunity to indulge in his simple way of life. But Maggie’s world is rocked and she must take responsibility for the Crossing. When a quiet and serious-looking hiker, Cal Jones, offers to lend a hand, Maggie is suspicious of his motives—until she finds out the true reason for his deliberate isolation. Though Cal and Maggie each struggle with loss and loneliness, the time they spend together gives Maggie hope for something brighter just on the horizon…if only they can learn to find peace and healing—and perhaps love—with each other.
I enjoyed this. It had great family dynamics with a sweet romance in a cozy town.
Not In Love by Ali Hazelwood
Rue Siebert might not have it all, but she has enough: a few friends she can always count on, the financial stability she yearned for as a kid, and a successful career as a biotech engineer at Kline, one of the most promising start-ups in the field of food science. Her world is stable, pleasant, and hard-fought. Until a hostile takeover and its offensively attractive front man threatens to bring it all crumbling down. Eli Killgore and his business partners want Kline, period. Eli has his own reasons for pushing this deal through—and he’s a man who gets what he wants. With one burning exception: Rue. The woman he can’t stop thinking about. The woman who’s off-limits to him. Torn between loyalty and an undeniable attraction, Rue and Eli throw caution out the lab and the boardroom windows. Their affair is secret, no-strings-attached, and has a built-in deadline: the day one of their companies will prevail. But the heart is risky business—one that plays for keeps.
Not my favorite of Ali’s books. I still had a fun time and her characters are always amazing.
Meet Me At The Anvil by Kate Prior
When Diane faints during her wedding vows, it’s expected. Her family thinks almost everything is too stimulating for her because of her fainting condition. Of course they matched her with a man who couldn’t make anyone’s heart flutter. When her fiancé tries to make light of the situation by giving her a fainting goat, the ridicule is too much to bear. Diane wants more than the life before her— she wants to live the passion and adventure she’s only ever found in the erotic sketches she creates, and the kind of heart-racing feelings her fiancé’s cousin and best man Liam gives her. The last thing Diane expects as she flees from the church, however, is for the best man to run away with her.
This was funny and a bit ridiculous at times. So much fun!
More Than Words: Stories of Hope by Diana Palmer, Kasey Michaels, and Catherine Mann
Everyday women from all walks of life are making their communities, and this world, a better place through their caring hearts and unshakable commitment. Three such women have been selected as recipients of Harlequin’s More Than Words award for their exceptional work. And three bestselling authors have kindly offered their creativity to write original short stories inspired by these real-life heroines. We hope these stories inspired by strong, courageous women will touch your heart and motivate the heroine living inside you. Includes: The Greatest Gift by Diana Palmer, Here Come the Heroes by Kasey Michaels, and Touched By Love by Catherine Mann
This was very heartwarming and was a great change of pace from my usual reads. I loved learning about different hardworking women that really make a difference.
Any Day Now by Robyn Carr
For Sierra Jones, Sullivan’s Crossing is meant to be a brief stopover. She’s put her troubled past behind her but the path forward isn’t yet clear. A visit with her big brother Cal and his new bride, Maggie, seems to be the best option to help her get back on her feet. Not wanting to burden or depend on anyone, Sierra is surprised to find the Crossing offers so much more than a place to rest her head. Cal and Maggie welcome her into their busy lives and she quickly finds herself bonding with Sully, the quirky campground owner who is the father figure she’s always wanted. But when her past catches up with her, it’s a special man and an adorable puppy who give her the strength to face the truth and fight for a brighter future. In Sullivan’s Crossing Sierra learns to cherish the family you are given and the family you choose.
I really enjoyed this! I’ve been loving this series and Sierra was such a strong character. I loved her romance and was happy so many of my favorite characters were in this one.
Those are all the books I read this month! Hope you enjoyed. Until next time.