en-US Fri, 11 Apr 2025 03:50:52 -0700 60 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg 61381828 Skye Jordan, New York Times bestselling author, delivers another high-octane novel to the Renegades series!

RISK

After two years sidelined from the Renegades, Duke Reid wants nothing more than the excitement of his stunt work—except for Caitlyn Winters. She's country fresh and just as naive, the kind of woman you rarely find in LA. One night to remember is all Duke needs to know she's a keeper. Unfortunately, he leaves the next day for a job in British Colombia. When the sheltered beauty shows up on his movie set, managing damage control for the biggest prick in Hollywood, Duke sees disaster on the horizon. If anyone gets hurt on Duke's watch, he risks losing his certification, ending his career as a stunt man, the only job he knows and loves. A job that's also funding his sister's legal battle against an abusive ex for custody of Duke's nieces. He can't afford to screw up. Caitlyn is in way over her head, and her naivety could cost Duke everything.

There's no going back for Caitlyn. She burned all her bridges on the way out of her small Kentucky town for her dream job in Los Angeles, where her cousin, Lexi LaCroix, lives a fairy tale life. But Caitlyn's dream job turns into a nightmare on day one. She didn't sign up to be a celebrity fixer, but her savings and her pride says she can't quit. She's pleased to find Duke on the same movie set, until he tells her she's not qualified to handle the job. Then he becomes just one more person who underestimates her. Tempers flare, as do sparks, but if her best isn't good enough, hers won't be the only job she tanks.

ALL BOOKS IN THE SERIES CAN BE READ AS A STANDALONE NOVEL.
]]> 330 Skye Jordan 1944765115 Jillian 0 4.00 2015
author: Skye Jordan
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2015
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/11
shelves: already-purchased-need-to-read
review:

]]> 62334530 Lisa Jewell returns with a scintillating new psychological thriller about a woman who finds herself the subject of her own popular true crime podcast.

Celebrating her forty-fifth birthday at her local pub, popular podcaster Alix Summers crosses paths with an unassuming woman called Josie Fair. Josie, it turns out, is also celebrating her forty-fifth birthday. They are, in fact, birthday twins.

A few days later, Alix and Josie bump into each other again, this time outside Alix’s children’s school. Josie has been listening to Alix’s podcasts and thinks she might be an interesting subject for her series. She is, she tells Alix, on the cusp of great changes in her life.

Josie’s life appears to be strange and complicated, and although Alix finds her unsettling, she ł¦˛ą˛Ô’t quite resist the temptation to keep making the podcast. Slowly she starts to realise that Josie has been hiding some very dark secrets, and before she knows it, Josie has inveigled her way into Alix’s life—and into her home.

But, as quickly as she arrived, Josie disappears. Only then does Alix discover that Josie has left a terrible and terrifying legacy in her wake, and that Alix has become the subject of her own true crime podcast, with her life and her family’s lives under mortal threat.

Who is Josie Fair? And what has she done?]]> 390 Lisa Jewell 1982179007 Jillian 0 currently-reading 4.08 2023
author: Lisa Jewell
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.08
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/09
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> 49373052 Movie star 101: A smile hides all pain.

Quellcrist King has been playing a part his entire life. The more famous he becomes, the more he hides. The only person he ever let see the real him rose with him from nothing to the very top.

They were the king and queen of Hollywoodâ€� and then she wanted a divorce. The only way to survive his depression is to bury himself in work. If he can be a character, maybe he won’t have to remember himself. A gay role ł¦˛ą˛Ô’t be any different than playing a straight one, can it?

But instead of finding solace in the character, he finds it in his costar. Hale becomes his best friend, his lifeline, the light in his darkness. Quell is forced to examine everything he thought he knew about himself while filming intimate scenes with Hale that feel more real than anything ever has before.

He’s lived his entire life following the script. What would life be like unscripted?
]]> 296 J.R. Gray Jillian 0 3.89 2019
author: J.R. Gray
name: Jillian
average rating: 3.89
book published: 2019
rating: 0
read at: 2025/04/07
date added: 2025/04/08
shelves: actor-actress, audiobook, books-i-reviewed, borrowed, didn-t-care-for-it, first-in-series, friends-to-lovers, gave-up-on, m-m, read-in-2025
review:
Unscripted is a MM GFY romance with main characters who are actors. This book didn't work for me and I ended up tapping out. I found this book to be difficult to follow. Besides that it didn't keep my interest. There is a lot of the characters running lines with each other for the show that they are filming and it ended up boring me. I also didn't like the lack of character and setting descriptions. At the point that I gave up, I knew that the one character was 6'4" tall and I think we got eye color for the other one but that was it. There was nothing given for me to be able to imagine the characters or to connect with them. There was also issues with continuity and I really couldn't tell which character was which. I borrowed this audiobook from the library so thankfully I didn't lose any money on it. I thought the narrator for Quell was good. I wasn't a fan of the narrator for Hale. He sounded whiny and his voice grated on my nerves. Since I DNF'd prior to the 50% mark, I am not rating this book.
]]> 209351068
With the odds stacked against her, Madison decides there's only one thing to double down on her dreams. It will take a ton of hard work--and some help from an unlikely ally--to save the farm she so dearly loves. But it may take a miracle to restore her relationship with her sister.

Bestselling and award-winning author Melody Carlson charms and delights with this uplifting Christmas story full of old memories and new beginnings.]]> 176 Melody Carlson 0800744721 Jillian 3 3.37 2024
author: Melody Carlson
name: Jillian
average rating: 3.37
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2025/04/06
date added: 2025/04/08
shelves: audiobook, books-i-reviewed, borrowed, holiday, no-sex, oregon, read-in-2025, small-town, cowboy-mountain-man-farmer-rancher, second-chance-love, single-parent
review:
The Christmas Tree Farm is a contemporary, holiday, second chance, single parent, romance set in Oregon, USA. I wasn't aware that it was a Christian type romance ahead of time, but thankfully it seemed like the religious piece was just an after thought with just mentions of prayers before meals and one sentence of a character saying they should pray on something. The main characters had a childhood/teenage romance but went their separate ways and now find themselves having moved back home and living next door to each other. I couldn't stand Madison's sister, Addie. She was insufferable and obnoxious. It made the book less enjoyable. Overall, the book was fine and I enjoyed it, but the ending was so abrupt that I think the author may have had a maximum word limit that she realized she was close to reaching. The pacing was great up until every single thing wrapped up in a couple of paragraphs and the book was just over. Seriously, I wondered if it cost more to publish if the author exceeded a certain number of words or if she just run out of time and had to end it. I borrowed this audiobook from the library. I don't think I would have wanted to pay for it, but it was good for borrowing it. The narrator did a good job. 3 Stars overall.
]]> 761861
Jill’s husband still lives and breathes the coach’s life, a life that leaves him little time to spare for Jill. Left on her own more and more, Jill finds herself searching for the indefinable something that has been missing all her life.

Married to a successful businessman, Carrie Howell retired early from a career in real estate to spend more time with her teenage boys, and to pursue her lone passion―painting. She, too, has felt for some time that something is missing from her world.

The Cottage is the non-traditional, heart-aching story of two women pulled by a force stronger than their marriages, stronger than themselves. The story of Jill and Carrie. Two women. One love.]]> 175 Gerri Hill 1594930961 Jillian 5 3.88 2007
author: Gerri Hill
name: Jillian
average rating: 3.88
book published: 2007
rating: 5
read at: 2025/04/06
date added: 2025/04/07
shelves: audiobook, books-i-reviewed, borrowed, didn-t-want-to-put-down, emotional, f-f-wlw-sapphic, friends-to-lovers, read-in-2025
review:
The Cottage is a ff contemporary romance between two women who both had husbands and teen-aged kids. It was was an emotional book but really good. I really felt for main character Jill. I wish she could have gotten a happily ever after and I would have liked a bit more of what happens next. This was a fairly quick listen at 4 hours and 2 minutes. The narration was good. I would listen to this again.
]]> 58884736
"A story of love and hope as interweaving characters display: how all moments, big and small, can measure a life. If you want joy, love, romance, and hope—read with us." —Jenna Bush Hager
A luminous, spirit-lifting blockbuster that asks: would you choose to find out the length of your life?

Eight ordinary people. One extraordinary choice.

It seems like any other day. You wake up, drink a cup of coffee, and head out.

But today, when you open your front door, waiting for you is a small wooden box. The contents of this mysterious box tells you the exact number of years you will live.

From suburban doorsteps to desert tents, every person on every continent receives the same box. In an instant, the world is thrust into a collective frenzy. Where did these boxes come from? What do they mean? Is there truth to what they promise?

As society comes together and pulls apart, everyone faces the same shocking choice: Do they wish to know how long they’ll live? And, if so, what will they do with that knowledge?

The Measure charts the dawn of this new world through an unforgettable cast of characters whose decisions and fates interweave with one another: best friends whose dreams are forever entwined, pen pals finding refuge in the unknown, a couple who thought they didn’t have to rush, a doctor who cannot save himself, and a politician whose box becomes the powder keg that ultimately changes everything.

Enchanting and deeply uplifting, The Measure is an ambitious, invigorating story about family, friendship, hope, and destiny that encourages us to live life to the fullest.]]> 353 Nikki Erlick 0063204207 Jillian 4 3.96 2022
author: Nikki Erlick
name: Jillian
average rating: 3.96
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at: 2025/04/05
date added: 2025/04/06
shelves: audiobook, books-i-reviewed, borrowed, didn-t-want-to-put-down, fiction-contemporary, lgbtq-friendly, magical-realism, no-sex, politics-in-fiction, read-in-2025
review:
The Measure is a contemporary fiction book with magical realism and politics in fiction. I enjoyed this book. Since there are already tens of thousands of reviews for this book, I won't get into a review of what happens in the book, but instead I will just mention a few of my thoughts and feelings. The Measure was mostly captivating in that I kept listening to see where it was going and what was going to happen next. But there were also several times where my mind wandered and I missed parts but didn't need to rewind or relisten to those parts. I liked the characters, but found that I felt detached from them in that I didn't actually have a vested interest in things working out in a particular way for them. I didn't actually care one way or the other. I don't mean that negatively though. It just felt a bit too removed. Speaking of characters, there were a lot of characters that were followed through this book, so it constantly jumped back and forth to cover a different POV. The author did an incredible job connecting the pieces and tying all of these characters to each other through chance or maybe even fate. It really made me wonder what the process was for writing this book and how the author pieced it all together in a cohesive way like this. There were a lot of political parallels in this book. It was interesting how the author used the strings for the social justice issues and political discourse and divide. The Measure was good, but I don't think I will listen to it again. I thought it was well put together and I enjoyed it. It is definitely thought provoking. I recommend it. The narration was good. 4 stars overall.
]]> 197717652
I used to clean other people’s houses—now, I ł¦˛ą˛Ô’t believe this home is actually mine. The charming kitchen, the quiet cul-de-sac, the huge yard where my kids can play. My husband and I saved for years to give our children the life they deserve.

Even though I’m wary of our new neighbor Mrs. Lowell, when she invites us over for dinner it’s our chance to make friends. Her maid opens the door wearing a white apron, her hair in a tight bun. I know exactly what it’s like to be in her shoes.

But her cold stare gives me chills�

The Lowells� maid isn’t the only strange thing on our street. I’m sure I see a shadowy figure watching us. My husband leaves the house late at night. And when I meet a woman who lives across the way, her words chill me to the bone: Be careful of your neighbors.

Did I make a terrible mistake moving my family here?

I thought I’d left my darkest secrets behind. But could this quiet suburban street be the most dangerous place of all?]]> 383 Freida McFadden 1464221138 Jillian 0 to-read 3.89 2024
author: Freida McFadden
name: Jillian
average rating: 3.89
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/05
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 40612809
There is blood on someone’s hands and if Danielle isn’t careful she’ll be moving from Marlow House to the Big House.
]]> Bobbi Holmes Jillian 4 3.91 2014
author: Bobbi Holmes
name: Jillian
average rating: 3.91
book published: 2014
rating: 4
read at: 2025/04/02
date added: 2025/04/05
shelves: audiobook, books-i-reviewed, cozy-mystery, ghosts-hauntings, no-sex, oregon, read-in-2025, small-town
review:
The Ghost Who Loved Diamonds is book 2 in the Haunting Danielle series. This is a cozy paranormal mystery set at a historic mansion in Oregon called Marlow House. I am still enjoying the series, but this book was a little frustrating with how obnoxious main character, Dani's, cousin Cheryl was. Cheryl was a spoiled brat who caused trouble, started drama, gossiped, and worst of all, stomped her feet when she was angry. She was insufferable, yet Dani tolerated it; even when Cheryl showed up to challenge Dani's inheritance of their great aunt's estate and the valuable diamond and emerald necklace that came with it. Cheryl showed up unannounced, was very rude and demanded to stay at Marlow House and be waited on and Dani allowed it. That was just crazy. Then there was a murder and Dani was being blamed for it. The cop, Joe Morelli, whom she was kind of dating, was a complete douche and didn't believe her at all. No spoiler here because obviously Dani wasn't the killer given the series, but once it came out that she wasn't the killer, Joe was like, let's start over. Thankfully, Dani grew somewhat of a backbone and said no, but now I think Joe is going to be a problem going forward. I hope I am wrong, but it seems that cozy mystery series often go one of two ways - the main character either ends up falling in love with the cop or the cop ends up being the rival and creating roadblocks and causing difficulties at every turn for the main character. I really don't care for the latter, so hopefully this author goes a different direction. I still love Walt Marlow, the Marlow House resident ghost. He is a great character and hopefully he sticks around for a good portion of the series. The narrator does a good job. I enjoyed this as an audiobook. I look forward to continuing this series.
]]> 40612832
Danielle must move quickly before her best friend joins the spirit world.]]> 287 Bobbi Holmes Jillian 0 currently-reading 4.07 2015
author: Bobbi Holmes
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.07
book published: 2015
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/03
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> 61812425 Behind Paris Hilton's meteoric rise from Upper West Side club kid to household name lies her self-proclaimed "superpower" of ADHD and a hidden history that traumatized and defined her. Shocking, funny, and surprisingly profound, Paris is the deeply personal memoir of the ultimate It Girl and a stunning inside view of a pop culture phenomenon.

Until, in a revealing documentary, Paris Hilton disclosed that her childhood was shattered by two years of strip searches, isolation, beatings, restraint, and brainwashing within the now infamous "troubled teen industry," Paris Hilton was simply the billionaire heiress America had watched grow up on television, on the internet, and in tabloids. But there was always more to Paris Hilton than met the eye. Yes, she is the media personality, DJ, entrepreneur, model, singer, actress, and icon beloved all over the globe. And yet...

Paris is the story people have always wanted Paris Hilton to tell--the story of who she really is. In this revealing and thought-provoking book, Hilton will separate the creation from the creator, the brand from the ambassador, and show the woman who grew up with incredible privilege but was also trapped in a world of unreasonable expectation at a moment when young women were humiliated for sport in a gossip economy on steroids. Paris recounts her perilous journey through pre-#METOO sexual politics with grace, generosity, and plenty of fun, rising above a series of heart-wrenching challenges to find healing, lasting love, and a life of meaning and purpose.

The parallel story arcs in Hilton's braided narrative come to full bloom as a watershed portrait of the Aughts, challenging each of us to question our role in her story and her role in ours. The result is an intimate and unexpected memoir about persona and personification, the price of being young and disobedient, and the complexity of manifesting your dreams after watching part of yourself disappear.]]> 336 Paris Hilton 0063224623 Jillian 3
It felt like there was some unnecessary name dropping at times that really didn't seem to serve any purpose other than to brag. There were a few times where I questioned her honesty, thinking she was doing exactly what she claimed to do throughout her life with sweeping things under the rug or downplaying them. Also, calling Diddy family did not age well. Yikes. She should do a post edit and remove that to get as much distance as possible from him.

I'm glad that things seem to be working out for Paris now. She certainly deserves happiness and good things in life after the horrors she endured. Every family is different and each journey unique, but I truly don't know how she has been able to make peace with her parents after what they subjected her to and how they didn't believe her or help her when she needed it most. I don't know if I would be able to find that same amount of grace that Paris claims to have for her family in that situation. I suppose lots and lots of therapy would help, but I don't know.

I listened to the audiobook for this and I am glad that Paris chose to narrate the book herself. I hope that speaking her truth helps heal her and brings her peace. ]]> 4.21 2023
author: Paris Hilton
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.21
book published: 2023
rating: 3
read at: 2025/03/31
date added: 2025/03/31
shelves: audiobook, biography-memoir, books-i-reviewed, borrowed, california, dark, emotional, mil-billionaire, new-york, read-in-2025, utah
review:
Paris: The Memoir tackled some really tough subjects. It was really hard to hear at times and absolutely heart breaking. I am so sad to hear all of the things that Paris endured at the camps, but so glad to know that she is now able to speak about it and has spoken out publicly. I am glad that she has gotten involved with changing laws and shining a spotlight on those places. I hope the individuals who worked there and who were responsible for the things that took place don't know a single moment of peace for the rest of their lives.

It felt like there was some unnecessary name dropping at times that really didn't seem to serve any purpose other than to brag. There were a few times where I questioned her honesty, thinking she was doing exactly what she claimed to do throughout her life with sweeping things under the rug or downplaying them. Also, calling Diddy family did not age well. Yikes. She should do a post edit and remove that to get as much distance as possible from him.

I'm glad that things seem to be working out for Paris now. She certainly deserves happiness and good things in life after the horrors she endured. Every family is different and each journey unique, but I truly don't know how she has been able to make peace with her parents after what they subjected her to and how they didn't believe her or help her when she needed it most. I don't know if I would be able to find that same amount of grace that Paris claims to have for her family in that situation. I suppose lots and lots of therapy would help, but I don't know.

I listened to the audiobook for this and I am glad that Paris chose to narrate the book herself. I hope that speaking her truth helps heal her and brings her peace.
]]> 219484513 Actress and content creator Dylan Mulvaney’s honest account of her journey through girlhood

When Dylan Mulvaney came out as a woman online, she was a viral sensation almost overnight, emerging as a trailblazing voice on social media. Dylan’s personal coming-out story blossomed into a platform for advocacy and empowerment for trans people all over the world. Through her “Days of Girlhood� series, she connected with followers by exploring what it means to be a girl, from experimenting with makeup to story times to spilling the tea about laser hair removal, while never shying away from discussing the transphobia she faced online. Nevertheless, she was determined to be a beacon of positivity.

But shortly after she celebrated day 365 of being a girl, it all came screeching to a halt when an innocuous post sparked a media firestorm and right-wing backlash she couldn’t have expected. Despite the vitriolic press and relentless paparazzi, Dylan was determined to remain loud and proud.

In Paper Notes from a Late Bloomer, Dylan pulls back the curtain of her “It Girl� lifestyle with a witty and intimate reflection of her life pre- and post-transition. She covers everything from her first big break in theater to the first time her dad recognized her as a girl to how she handled scandals, cancellations, and . . . tucking. It’s both laugh-out-loud funny and powerfully honest—and is a love letter to everyone who stands up for queer joy.]]> 272 Dylan Mulvaney 141977039X Jillian 5
I follow Dylan on the clock app, so it was kind of cool to gauge timelines and such based on videos I have seen and know what was going on behind the scenes during that time. I liked how the book was written as part journal entry and part essay. The only very minor critique that I have for this book was the use of pop culture slang. My mom wanted to listen to the book with me and I had to explain various terms. It's not a huge deal, but based on how important I feel this book is to be able to reach across various groups of people, I wish some of the terminology was more universally understood for older generations, and younger generations since I think this book will be popular for many years to come.

I liked Dylan before, but after listening to this book, I respect the hell out of her. As someone who also deals with mental health stuff, hearing the struggles she had with her mental health was so relatable. She is a bada55 b!tch and an inspiration. 5 Stars!]]> 4.13 2025
author: Dylan Mulvaney
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.13
book published: 2025
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/26
date added: 2025/03/30
shelves: audiobook, books-i-loved, books-i-reviewed, books-i-hugged-after-reading, didn-t-want-to-put-down, emotional, lgbtq-friendly, made-me-cry, read-in-2025, biography-memoir
review:
I loved this book. I listened to the audiobook, so I didn't get to see the images included in the print book, so I might get the paperback just to have too. I'm glad I listened to the audiobook. It was so powerful hearing this all from Dylan herself. This book took me through all the emotions. I laughed, I cried, I smiled, I was enraged; it was a roller coaster. Dylan, if you read this review, I wish I could meet you and hug you. Thank you for writing this book and allowing everyone to see into your life and heart.

I follow Dylan on the clock app, so it was kind of cool to gauge timelines and such based on videos I have seen and know what was going on behind the scenes during that time. I liked how the book was written as part journal entry and part essay. The only very minor critique that I have for this book was the use of pop culture slang. My mom wanted to listen to the book with me and I had to explain various terms. It's not a huge deal, but based on how important I feel this book is to be able to reach across various groups of people, I wish some of the terminology was more universally understood for older generations, and younger generations since I think this book will be popular for many years to come.

I liked Dylan before, but after listening to this book, I respect the hell out of her. As someone who also deals with mental health stuff, hearing the struggles she had with her mental health was so relatable. She is a bada55 b!tch and an inspiration. 5 Stars!
]]> 40612662 258 Bobbi Holmes Jillian 5 3.78 2017
author: Bobbi Holmes
name: Jillian
average rating: 3.78
book published: 2017
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/30
date added: 2025/03/30
shelves: audiobook, books-i-reviewed, cozy-mystery, didn-t-want-to-put-down, first-in-series, ghosts-hauntings, no-sex, oregon, read-in-2025, small-town, borrowed
review:
The Ghost of Marlow House is book 1 in the Haunting Danielle series. This is a cozy mystery set in Oregon, USA. I am super excited right now because there are 35 books in this series so far and I really liked book 1. Dare I say that I found a new series to binge? I hope that will be the case. In this book, the main character, Dani, moved into Marlow House, a historical mansion that she inherited. It just so happens that Walter Marlow, the ghost of the last owner from 90 years ago still resides there. Dani's best friend, Lily, went with her to Marlow House to help Dani move in and get the house set up to be a bed and breakfast. Dani is the only one who can see Walt and she keeps it a secret because she doesn't want Lily to know that she is able to see and communicate with ghosts. I enjoyed the mystery and all the twists and turns and loved that it wasn't at all predictable. I really didn't know what direction the book was going to go in or who was to be trusted for a good portion of the book. I really like the main characters, Dani and Walt, as well as Lily. I have a feeling Lily might stick around and be in more books. The author did a great job weaving the story. I did not want to stop listening to this book. It kept me completely hooked. The narrator did a good job. I am looking forward to continuing the series. This book was included with Audible Plus. 5 Stars.
]]> 25828477
As Prime of his Las Vegas lair and a successful businessman, Knox Thorne is used to being in control. He’s also used to people fearing and obeying him. Harper does neither, which unexpectedly amuses him. Unpredictable, elusive, and complex, she draws Knox and his inner demon like nothing ever has. Knox is used to getting what he wants, and he wants Harper. He’ll have her, and he’ll keep her safe from the threat that looms over her. Because Knox protects what’s his. He won’t allow anyone to take her from him. Even if it will mean letting the demon inside him rise and wreak the havoc it was created to make.]]> 344 Suzanne Wright Jillian 5 4.04 2015
author: Suzanne Wright
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.04
book published: 2015
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/16
date added: 2025/03/16
shelves: first-in-series, prn, read-in-2016, demons, read-on-kindle, audiobook, badass-hero-or-heroine, books-i-reviewed, didn-t-want-to-put-down, mil-billionaire, nevada, read-in-2025, urban-fantasy, politics-in-fiction
review:
Burn is book 1 in the Dark in You series. I first read this book 9 years ago, in 2016, and loved this series so I decided to do a re-read/listen. This book is about demons, Knox and Harper. They are anchors and mates. Both are very powerful, but Knox is the most powerful demon in existence. I liked this story as much as I did the first time. I finished this in a day. I couldn't turn it off. I am looking forward to doing this series again. I didn't really like the narrator very much. Her voice for Harper did not fit the character. She made Harper so whiny. I liked her voice for Knox but that was about it. I'll still listen to the other books, but I'm bummed by the voices. I spent a lot of time being pulled out of the book because of the voices not fitting the characters or situations. 5 stars for the story, 2.5 stars for the narration.
]]> 21805408
Shadow has grown up among drug addicts, whores and murderers. The only family he's ever trusted has been the Devil's Dust motorcycle club. He will do anything for a brother; even kill. In fact, killing is so easy, he's made a career of it. His one regret is not being able to kill his own worthless mother. When Dani shows up with her provocative temper and innocent charm, Shadow begins to question his violent lifestyle. But can he trust her with his demons?
Sex.
Blood.
Betrayal.
Will Dani and Shadow let family ties destroy them?]]> 284 M.N. Forgy 1500196398 Jillian 0 3.97 2014
author: M.N. Forgy
name: Jillian
average rating: 3.97
book published: 2014
rating: 0
read at: 2025/03/15
date added: 2025/03/16
shelves: audiobook, books-i-reviewed, borrowed, didn-t-care-for-it, first-in-series, gave-up-on, motorcycle-mc, read-in-2025, push-and-pull
review:
What Doesn't Destroy Us is book 1 in the Devil's Dust series. This is a motorcycle club book. This is the first book that I have DNF'd in a couple years. It's just not for me. The writing was sophomoric and I couldn't see past how juvenile it sounded for the subject matter. My favorite thing about MC books is the loyalty amongst brothers and their old ladies once they have them. This book is not like that. There is no loyalty for or between anyone. That completely turned me off of the book. Ultimately, that is why I decided to quit. It just isn't my jam. Also, the mother is insufferable. No rating. Thankfully, this was included with Audible Plus so I didn't have to pay for it. The narration was fine.
]]> 39334442 387 Shantel Tessier Jillian 0 4.16 2018
author: Shantel Tessier
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.16
book published: 2018
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/16
shelves:
review:

]]> 223199392 Two good neighbors make the best of a bad Valentine’s Day in a funny and improbably romantic short story by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Just for the Summer.

It’s Valentine’s Day weekend, and Charlotte and Seth are not looking for romance. Armed with emotional-support bear spray, Charlotte is in self-imposed isolation and on guard from men. Having a stalker can do that to a person’s nerves. Just across the hall and giving off woodsy vibes is Seth, a recently divorced arborist. As in today recently. Heights, he’s fine with. Trust? Not so much. But when disaster traps them one flight up and no way down, an outrageously precarious predicament forces a tree-loving guy and a rattled girl next door to embrace their captivity. Soon their defenses are breaking away. Considering how close they both are to the edge, Charlotte and Seth could be in danger of falling—in love.]]> 82 Abby Jimenez 1662529082 Jillian 5 4.12 2025
author: Abby Jimenez
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.12
book published: 2025
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/14
date added: 2025/03/16
shelves: audiobook, books-i-reviewed, california, duet-narration, forced-proximity-or-marriage, no-sex, read-in-2025, short-story-or-novella
review:
The Fall Risk is a forced proximity contemporary romance set in California. It is a quick listen at 1 hour and 48 minutes and is duet narration. The main characters are new neighbors on the second floor of an apartment building and one morning they find that their stairs have been accidentally removed by a construction company. The end up stuck until the following week when new stairs can be installed. The female main character has been dealing with a stalker and the fallout from that, so she is wary of the man next door, but they turn the landing between their apartments into a common space and get to know each other. I really liked this book and recommend it. The narrators did a great job.
]]> 198150857 I don’t seek out gorgeous men with psychotic tendencies,
But damn if they don’t have a way of finding me.

Beautifully broken. Endlessly tempting.

Each day at work, my brooding Irish boss acts like he wants nothing to do with me.
And every night, he stalks me like I’m the very air he breathes.

So why haven’t I tried to escape him?
Maybe he’s not the only one who’s a little broken.

Torin
I’ve never known obsession until now.

I hate the way it feels.
The conflict.
The cravings.

Stormy Lawson consumes my every thought.

I yearn to punish her for being so damn irresistible.
I ache to own her, so I never have to know life without her.

But more than anything, I’m compelled to slaughter anyone who touches her.

*Ruthless Salvation is the third book in The Byrne Brothers series. Each book in the series features a different couple and can be read as a standalone with a happily ever after, but for maximum enjoyment, follow the recommended reading order.

Content Warning : A dark romance with adult themes, Ruthless Salvation may not be suitable for sensitive audiences. It deals with matters of domestic violence (not between the main characters), pregnancy, loss, and infertility. For a more detailed list of possible content triggers, you can visit the books tab on my website.

A Note from the Author : Take the grumpy/sunshine trope, sprinkle in a little mafia and a whole lot of over the top possessiveness, and you have Torin and Stormy’s story. It’s heart-wrenching and seductive yet still tender and playful. This one has ALL THE FEELS, so buckle up!

For those of you who are new to me, I write what I'd call "mafia lite." My heroes are hardened criminals with soft spots for their heroines. There may be violence and cruelty in my books, but never between the main characters. Enjoy!]]> 352 Jill Ramsower 1957398744 Jillian 0 to-read 3.89
author: Jill Ramsower
name: Jillian
average rating: 3.89
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/16
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 62590034 The governor’s daughter has gotten herself into a mess.
If I protect her, her father will owe me, bigtime.
But the best way to keep her safe is to marry her.
Claim her as one of our own.

The catch? She’s got a boyfriend she’s not ready to part with.
Good thing an unwilling bride isn’t an issue for a guy like me.

Rowan
How is it that years of toeing the line could unravel so damn quickly?

I’ve done my best to make my parents happy in every way.
But when a six-foot tatted Irish gangster showed up at our house, my entire life began to crumble.

Now, I’ve woken with a ring tattooed on my finger, and I’m starting to worry there’s no going back.


*Corrupted Union is the second book in The Byrne Brothers series. Each book in the series features a different couple and can be read as a standalone with a happily ever after, but for maximum enjoyment, follow the recommended reading order. A dark romance with adult themes, Corrupted Union may not be suitable for sensitive audiences. For a more detailed content warning, you can visit the books tab on my website.

A Note from the Author: Keir is my Tommy Shelby, and I am so utterly in love with him. A savage ruthlessness hides beneath his calm exterior, which is shattered when Rowan comes crashing into his world. They may not see it at first, but these two are PERFECT for one another!

For those of you who are new to me, I write what I'd call "mafia lite." My heroes are hardened criminals with soft spots for their heroines. There may be violence and cruelty in my books, but never between the main characters. Enjoy!]]> Jill Ramsower Jillian 4 3.82
author: Jill Ramsower
name: Jillian
average rating: 3.82
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/14
date added: 2025/03/16
shelves: audiobook, books-i-reviewed, forced-proximity-or-marriage, massachusetts, organized-crime-mob-mafia, politics-in-fiction, read-in-2025, didn-t-want-to-put-down
review:
Corrupted Union is book 2 in the Byrne Brothers series. This is a mafia romance with a forced marriage. The main characters are 32 year old, Keir, who is in the Irish mob, and 22 year old, Rowan, who is the governor's daughter. Rowan finds herself in trouble and Keir protects her. I enjoyed this book quite a bit. I didn't want to put it down. I am looking forward to continuing the series. This book is told in dual POV and both narrators did a good job. 4.5 stars.
]]> 217446830 A major poet and literary critic leads an aesthetic adventure through poems about queer experience, by writers who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, trans, nonbinary, gender fluid, and more.

A groundbreaking anthology edited by acclaimed poet, critic, and scholar Stephanie Burt, Super Gay Poems brings together fifty-one works encompassing the evolutions of queer and trans verse after the Stonewall uprising of 1969. Since that galvanizing moment, poetry has served as both a vehicle for queer liberation and a witness to its sometimes fragile, sometimes ebullient flourishing, across the world.

The poems in this anthology represent the great variety of queer and trans life itself. They include near-sonnets, iambic couplets, and rhymed quatrains; skinny dimeters and shaped poems; chatty free verse and intentionally inaccurate translations; the demotic and the rococo. Arranged in chronological order, the selections trace queer culture’s recent evolutions. Frank O’Hara, Audre Lorde, Judy Grahn, James Merrill, Thom Gunn, Jackie Kay, Adrienne Rich, Chen Chen, essa ranapiri, and The Cyborg Jillian Weise—poets widely known and poets who deserve to be—share their alienation, their euphoria, and their encounters with a protean community as it discovers new solidarities and new selves.

Each piece is paired with a concise, eye-opening essay in Burt’s trademark style, with verve and an inimitable literary ear. A treasury of aesthetic experience and insight, Super Gay Poems points protestors, political organizers, poetry lovers, and LGBTQIA+ readers toward many beautiful tomorrows.]]> 368 Stephanie Burt 0674273117 Jillian 0 to-read 4.67
author: Stephanie Burt
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.67
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/16
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 176443755
“A triumph of historical fiction� ( The Washington Post ), an instant New York Times bestseller, and a Reese’s Book Club pick, set in 1950s Philadelphia and Washington, DC, that explores what it means to be a woman and a mother, and how much one is willing to sacrifice to achieve her greatest goal.

1950s fifteen-year-old Ruby Pearsall is on track to becoming the first in her family to attend college. But a taboo love affair threatens to pull her back down into the poverty and desperation that has been passed on to her like a birthright.

Eleanor Quarles arrives in Washington, DC, with ambition and secrets. When she meets the handsome William Pride at Howard University, they fall madly in love. But William hails from one of DC’s elite wealthy Black families, and his parents don’t let just anyone into their fold. Eleanor hopes that a baby will make her finally feel at home in William’s family and grant her the life she’s been searching for. But having a baby—and fitting in—is easier said than done.

With their stories colliding in the most unexpected of ways, Ruby and Eleanor will both make decisions that shape the trajectory of their lives.]]> 384 Sadeqa Johnson 1982197374 Jillian 0 to-read 4.25 2023
author: Sadeqa Johnson
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.25
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/16
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 228018834
The Resistance Playbook is a strategic guide for those who refuse to let authoritarianism take root. Protest alone is not enough—history shows that successful movements require organization, discipline, and a clear plan. This book lays out the essential framework for building a resistance that can outlast and outmaneuver Trumpism at every level.

Inside, you’ll find a cohesive strategy for action—how to build movement infrastructure, develop leadership, coordinate efforts across local and national levels, and apply pressure where it matters most. It explains how resistance movements succeed, why organization is essential, and what it will take to force Trumpism into retreat.

This isn’t about fleeting outrage. It’s about sustained resistance.

If you’re ready to stop reacting and start building power, this book will show you how.

📢 The fight isn’t over. Get your copy today. 📢±Ő±Ő> 84 Martin Bellwether Jillian 0 to-read 3.43
author: Martin Bellwether
name: Jillian
average rating: 3.43
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/16
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 204471610 only friends.

The minute our commanding officers assign us to track down the Roth and missing human women, I know it's a setup. Just my huge husband, Aeroz, and me, together, in a small space ship for however long it takes? Yeah. It's definitely a set up.

But Aeroz is an absolute gentleman —er, gentlealien� and not only do we get along great, but we're also a good team. He's a great sparring partner, he's charming and funny, and I love beating him at whatever Earth or Suevan game we play before we go to our respective beds at night.

Everything changes, though, when we have to pretend to be on a lover's vacation to blend in on a space station in our hunt for the Roth. The tension heats up until I realize maybe... just maybe, Aeroz might be more than a friend. Much more.

We have a job to do, though, and it's dangerous. The Roth are headed to Earth again, and we are the ones closest enough to stop them from mounting another devastating invasion. We don't have time to be distracted by love.

Or is love exactly what we need to save the day?

]]> 205 January Bell Jillian 4 4.16
author: January Bell
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.16
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/09
date added: 2025/03/12
shelves: aliens-other-planet-species, another-planet, audiobook, books-i-reviewed, forced-proximity-or-marriage, read-in-2025, time-travel-another-time-period
review:
Wed to the Alien Rogue is book 8 in the Accidental Alien Brides series. It is an off planet, inter-species, forced marriage, alien romance. This is the final book in the series. It was a good wrap up. I enjoyed this book. I am curious now about the cross over with the Roths. I see there are 2 books already but not on Audible yet so I am waiting. I enjoyed this series overall and recommend it. The narration was good. The story is told in dual POV and both narrators were good. 3.5-4 stars overall.
]]> 22609310
For once, Auburn takes a chance and puts her heart in control, only to discover that Owen is hiding a huge secret. The magnitude of his past threatens to destroy everything Auburn loves most, and the only way to get her life back on track is to cut Owen out of it—but can she do it?]]> 306 Colleen Hoover 1476791457 Jillian 0 4.14 2015
author: Colleen Hoover
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.14
book published: 2015
rating: 0
read at: 2015/10/29
date added: 2025/03/02
shelves: books-i-reviewed, read-in-2015, wont-read-this-author
review:
Review/Rating removed for personal reasons.
]]> 216223604 The nightmare she’s running from is nothing compared to where she’s headed.

Tegan is eight months pregnant, alone, and desperately wants to put her crumbling life in the rearview mirror. So she hits the road, planning to stay with her brother until she can figure out her next move. But she doesn’t realize she’s heading straight into a blizzard.

She never arrives at her destination.

Stranded in rural Maine with a dead car and broken ankle, Tegan worries she’s made a terrible mistake. Then a miracle she is rescued by a couple who offers her a room in their warm cabin until the snow clears.

But something isn’t right. Tegan believed she was waiting out the storm, but as time ticks by, she comes to realize she is in grave danger. This safe haven isn’t what she thought it was, and staying here may have been her most deadly mistake yet.

And now she must do whatever it takes to save herself—and her unborn child.

A gut-wrenching story of motherhood, survival, and twisted expectations, #1 New York Times bestselling author Freida McFadden delivers a snowbound thriller that will chill you to the bone.
]]> 384 Freida McFadden 1464232989 Jillian 0 to-read 3.58 2025
author: Freida McFadden
name: Jillian
average rating: 3.58
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/19
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 63287197
I’ve despised his species ever since they invaded Earth. Being abducted by the Roth to make babies? That was the hate cherry on top. Nydo might have saved me from a terrible fate, but there’s no way I’m falling for his “you’re my fated mate� schtick. Ugh.

Except� he claims he needs a mate —me� to secure his place as the Roth King and help overthrow our mutual enemy. Apparently, I’m proof the Roth can mate other species, a fact he plans to use to overthrow the Roth tyranny.

As for me? He promises he’ll return me and my friends to Earth once he’s secured his position as King. Besides, I need someone to scratch a, well, a very specific itch, thanks to the ridiculous meds my abductors pumped me full of. Might as well make use of a willing partner.

I’ll let him dress me up like his doll in Roth clothes and makeup, I’ll let him into my bed, but there’s no way I’ll let him convince me to stay once our deal is up� even if there is more to the muscle-bound, fire-powered king than I thought.

Alien On Fire is a super spicy, enemies-to-lovers sci fi romance for adults. It is the first in series about the Roth and their fated mates.]]> 246 January Bell Jillian 0 to-read 4.13
author: January Bell
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.13
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/18
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 60556912
Every day I clean the Winchesters� beautiful house top to bottom. I collect their daughter from school. And I cook a delicious meal for the whole family before heading up to eat alone in my tiny room on the top floor.

I try to ignore how Nina makes a mess just to watch me clean it up. How she tells strange lies about her own daughter. And how her husband Andrew seems more broken every day. But as I look into Andrew’s handsome brown eyes, so full of pain, it’s hard not to imagine what it would be like to live Nina’s life. The walk-in closet, the fancy car, the perfect husband.

I only try on one of Nina’s pristine white dresses once. Just to see what it’s like. But she soon finds out� and by the time I realize my attic bedroom door only locks from the outside, it’s far too late.

But I reassure myself: the Winchesters don’t know who I really am.

They don’t know what I’m capable of�

An unbelievably twisty read that will have you glued to the pages late into the night. Anyone who loves The Woman in the Window, The Wife Between Us and The Girl on the Train won’t be able to put this down!]]> 329 Freida McFadden 1803144378 Jillian 5 4.31 2022
author: Freida McFadden
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.31
book published: 2022
rating: 5
read at: 2025/02/17
date added: 2025/02/17
shelves: audiobook, books-i-reviewed, didn-t-want-to-put-down, fade-to-black-relations, first-in-series, mystery-suspense, new-jersey, office-corporate-boss-work-romance, psychological-thriller, read-in-2025
review:
The Housemaid is book 1 in the series by the same name. This is a mystery, suspense, psychological thriller set in New Jersey. It is twisty and turny. The few intimate scenes were complete fade to black. All I can say is wow, I really enjoyed this book. This is not my typical genre and I haven't read this author before. I am so glad I decided to give it a try because I didn't want to stop listening. This book was enthralling. I was hooked from the very beginning. This author is a great story teller. I am looking forward to continuing with this series and also trying other books by this author. The narrator did a great job. 5 stars, overall.
]]> 61425509 only it’s worse than I ever could have imagined.

I’ve been promised to the Irish.
An arranged marriage in the name of alliance.

In two short weeks, Conner Reid will become my husband.
I have no choice.
My father will kill me if I refuse.

The ruthless Irishman threatens my composure and intoxicates my senses.
He represents everything I hate in this world yet summons my darkest cravings.

I ł¦˛ą˛Ô’t escape him.

The worst part is, I’m not sure I want to.
Because my life is in danger, and Conner may be the only man who can save me.

A dark romance with adult themes, Silent Vows may not be suitable for sensitive audiences. But if you like your men possessive and a steamy read with a guaranteed happily ever after, this enemies to lovers arranged marriage romance will satisfy your every craving!]]> 350 Jill Ramsower Jillian 4 3.45 2022
author: Jill Ramsower
name: Jillian
average rating: 3.45
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/15
date added: 2025/02/17
shelves: arranged-marriage, audiobook, books-i-reviewed, didn-t-want-to-put-down, fighter-boxer-mma, first-in-series, forced-proximity-or-marriage, organized-crime-mob-mafia, read-in-2025
review:
Silent Vows is book 1 in the Byrne Brothers series. This is a MF, age gap, arranged marriage, mafia romance. The main characters are 20 year old Noemi from the Italian family and 28 year old Conner from the Irish family. There were some minor issues that I had with this book, but overall, I liked it quite a bit. It was captivating and I didn't want to turn it off. I stayed up way past my bed time listening and then started listening again the moment I woke up. This was the first book I have read by this author. I hadn't even heard of the author prior to seeing a tik tok of her describing the book. It sounded good so I immediately bought the audiobook. I am very glad I did. I am interested in continuing the series. I liked the characters and I look forward to seeing more of them all. The book is done in dual POV of the main characters and both narrators did a great job. 4 stars overall.
]]> 197101289 180 January Bell Jillian 3 4.07
author: January Bell
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.07
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/01
date added: 2025/02/17
shelves: aliens-other-planet-species, another-planet, audiobook, books-i-reviewed, fantasy, forced-proximity-or-marriage, read-in-2025, time-travel-another-time-period
review:
Wed to the Alien Hunter is book 7 in the Accidental Alien Brides series. I waited a little too long to be able to properly review this book, but I do remember some key points. I enjoyed this book overall, but there were some things that I wished were a little different. The two main characters are both super smart biologists. I thought we would get more storyline surrounding biology and nature stuff so that was a bit disappointing. I also didn't like that the main male character didn't want to believe the main female character when she was telling them about something that happened. He instead was condescending and said she had a head injury and was delusional. The narration was good. 3 stars, overall.
]]> 61219635 Alternate cover edition of ISBN 9781250886088.

A Novel of High Fantasy and Low Stakes.

After a lifetime of bounties and bloodshed, Viv is hanging up her sword for the last time.

The battle-weary orc aims to start fresh, opening the first ever coffee shop in the city of Thune. But old and new rivals stand in the way of success—not to mention the fact that no one has the faintest idea what coffee actually is.

If Viv wants to put the blade behind her and make her plans a reality, she won't be able to go it alone.

But the true rewards of the uncharted path are the travelers you meet along the way. And whether drawn together by ancient magic, flaky pastry, or a freshly brewed cup, they may become partners, family, and something deeper than she ever could have dreamed.]]> 304 Travis Baldree Jillian 0 to-read 4.17 2022
author: Travis Baldree
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2022
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/06
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 213618132 The daughter of an affluent Black family pieces together the connection between a childhood tragedy and a beloved heirloom in this moving novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Black Cake, a Read with Jenna Book Club Pick

When ten-year-old Ebby Freeman heard the gunshot, time stopped. And when she saw her brother, Baz, lying on the floor surrounded by the shattered pieces of a centuries-old jar, life as Ebby knew it shattered as well.

The crime was never solved—and because the Freemans were one of the only Black families in a particularly well-to-do enclave of New England—the case has had an enduring, voyeuristic pull for the public. The last thing the Freemans want is another media frenzy splashing their family across the papers, but when Ebby's high profile romance falls apart without any explanation, that's exactly what they get.

So Ebby flees to France, only for her past to follow her there. And as she tries to process what's happened, she begins to think about the other loss her family suffered on that day eighteen years ago—the stoneware jar that had been in their family for generations, brought North by an enslaved ancestor. But little does she know that the handcrafted piece of pottery held more than just her family's history—it might also hold the key to unlocking her own future.

In this sweeping, evocative novel, Charmaine Wilkerson brings to life a multi-generational epic that examines how the past informs our present.]]> 368 Charmaine Wilkerson 0593358368 Jillian 0 to-read 4.06 2025
author: Charmaine Wilkerson
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.06
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/05
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 61031744
As the first humans allowed in Suevan space, there’s a lot riding on my all-woman team. Earth desperately needs their tech, and I’m determined to prove we can negotiate the price. Without their planetary defense systems, Earth is a sitting duck, ripe for invasion.

Except the Suevan culture is nothing like ours.

When I take part in what I think is a welcoming ceremony, I leave with more than I bargained for: a husband. A mate. Apparently, we’re there to marry them as payment—something the top brass on Earth doesn’t bother denying. Fantastic.

And the Suevan who hand-picked me to wed and bed? He’s the most domineering warlord of the bunch. Lucky me. I’ll get the Suevan tech we need, but there’s no way I’m giving in to his demands� no matter how, ahem, persuasive he might be.]]> 248 January Bell Jillian 3 3.98 2022
author: January Bell
name: Jillian
average rating: 3.98
book published: 2022
rating: 3
read at: 2024/12/22
date added: 2025/01/29
shelves: aliens-other-planet-species, another-planet, audiobook, fantasy, first-in-series, read-in-2024, forced-proximity-or-marriage
review:
Wed to the Alien Warlord is book 1 in the Accidental Alien Brides series. This is an off planet, alien romance. I think it is a good intro to the series. I plan to listen to the whole series. The narration was good. 3 stars, overall.
]]> 61636205
Stuck in a hot jungle with an even hotter alien is not how I imagined my diplomatic mission going. To make things worse, every conversation is an exercise in survivor charades. I’ve always prided myself on never needing a man, but this planet seems determined to prove I can't live without the massive alien stuck to my side.

When we’re chased into a crumbling ruin, I think things are finally looking up. We’re out of the rain, at the very least. There are strange images all over the temple walls, showing riches beyond belief. And my alien? He’s suddenly obsessed with finding it� and with me.

By the time my translator starts working, I’ve figured out several things. One, other aliens are hunting us. Two, my alien seems to think the mysterious treasure will solve all our problems. And three? We’re married.

If I want to survive this death trap of a temple and Suevan politics, I’ll need all my wits about me.

And I better stop being distracted by the muscled hunk of scaly alien who treats me like I’m the real treasure.]]> 230 January Bell Jillian 4 4.16
author: January Bell
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.16
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2024/12/23
date added: 2025/01/29
shelves: aliens-other-planet-species, another-planet, audiobook, fantasy, read-in-2024, forced-proximity-or-marriage
review:
Wed to the Alien Prince is book 2 in the Accidental Alien Brides series. This is an off planet, alien romance. I enjoyed this book. I think it was a little better than the first book. I plan to listen to the rest of the series. The narration was good. 3.5 stars, overall.
]]> 62222220
I am the only one excited —okay, delighted� at finding myself married to a hulking, alien warlord. I’ve always been into scales and tails, and this big green beefcake is right up my alley. Except, he’s not into me. But I want my fun, and that’s the very least I can get out of this arranged marriage.

I’m determined to get my way, and I’m sick of being ignored. When my grumpy husband leaves for the capital, I have an evil plan: stow away on his ship and wear him down with my sunny disposition.

Except, he’s not going to the capital. He’s scoping out a secret base, and he is furious with me. But when the enemy Roth board our ship, endangering his mission and me, his grouchy front cracks. If we want to survive, he’ll have to realize there’s more to me than sunshine and rainbows.

And I’ll have to figure out if I'm brave enough to give him what he wants: love.]]> 232 January Bell Jillian 2 4.17
author: January Bell
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.17
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2024/12/23
date added: 2025/01/29
shelves: aliens-other-planet-species, another-planet, audiobook, books-i-reviewed, fantasy, grumpy-sunshine, read-in-2024, forced-proximity-or-marriage
review:
Wed to the Alien Brute is book 3 in the Accidental Alien Brides series. This is an off planet, alien romance with the grumpy sunshine trope. This is my least favorite of the series so far. The main female character was over the top and completely unbelievable. She was acting more like a dog in heat than she was a human woman. This series doesn't have fated mates or mating bonds, so it really doesn't make sense how she is so obsessed with having sex with her new alien husband. I ended up being more interested in the side characters in this one. I am still going to continue on with the series. The narration is good. It is the same narrators from the prior books. Overall, I give this book 2.5 stars.
]]> 63271958 Things were improving between us� that is, until he got the bright idea to kidnap me.

I never thought I’d be tricked into an arranged marriage with an alien warlord. Still, it’s been easy enough to keep my former gladiator husband at arm’s length. But once my translator starts working, the hulking himbo decides he’s tired of waiting and freaking kidnaps me.

I wake in a picturesque seaside village, and the big lug is only too happy to inform me that it’s all part of his plan to give us time to fall in love. Strangely enough, it turns out he was listening when I told him I loved historical mysteries, because he’s brought me to Sueva’s own unsolved mystery: a once thriving town where all occupants vanished without a trace.

My overthinker brain is all too easily sucked into the riddle� and maybe even the idea of Alvez. Except� the reason the villagers disappeared? It’s not stuck in the past, and we’re in trouble. If Alvez and I want to escape the same fate, we’ll have to rely on each other� and I’ll have to stop over analyzing my feelings about him.]]> 224 January Bell Jillian 4 4.15
author: January Bell
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.15
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/01
date added: 2025/01/29
shelves: aliens-other-planet-species, another-planet, audiobook, books-i-reviewed, fantasy, island-ocean-sea, read-in-2025, forced-proximity-or-marriage
review:
Wed to the Alien Gladiator is book 4 in the Accidental Alien Brides series. This is an off planet, alien romance with an unwanted arranged marriage. This is my favorite of the series so far. I liked the characters and felt the storyline was more realistic based on their situation. It flowed really well. I will be continuing with the series. The narration is good. It is the same narrators from the prior books. Overall, I give this book 4 stars.
]]> 156651287 My husband is the deadliest alien warlord of all, and I hate that about him... until he's exactly what I need.I've dedicated my life to doing as much good as possible. I won’t let my marriage to the big and buff alien assassin, Feruz, wreck my plans. I don't care if I accidentally I swore to be his mate at what I thought was a welcoming ceremony. My morals are the polar opposite of his, and I want nothing to do with him.... even if my new life on his planet is a bit lonely.

When Feruz offers me a way out of our marriage, I take it in a heartbeat. If I go on one date with him to a relaxing resort and still want out of our marriage, he’ll leave me alone.

Except, our date quickly goes my husband is the target of ruthless mercenaries who also want to kidnap me. I am determined to abide by my non-violent oaths� an oath Feruz agrees to honor as well, even if it goes against all his training and instincts.

I never imagined Feruz would be the sort of male I’d want by my side, but when push comes to shove, he might be a better partner than I could ever imagine.]]> 215 January Bell Jillian 2 4.08
author: January Bell
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.08
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2025/01/26
date added: 2025/01/29
shelves: aliens-other-planet-species, another-planet, assassin-or-hit-man, audiobook, books-i-reviewed, fantasy, forced-proximity-or-marriage, hate-to-lovers, medical-professionals, read-in-2025, time-travel-another-time-period, war-or-times-of-war
review:
Wed to the Alien Assassin is book 6 in the Accidental Alien Brides series. I don't think I have ever read a female main character as awful as this one. This book could have been really great. The plot and storyline had everything to make this 5 stars. And then comes Tatiana. She was insufferable. She is an officer with the military and as such, had some sort of combat training, yet she was more worried about hurting the people who were actively trying to kidnap, rape, and kill her and others with her. It was her fault that her husband was incapacitated and almost died, because she was yelling at him to not kill the alien trying to kill him. And don't get me started on her puking. She is a doctor and deals with fluids and injuries and all that comes with being a doctor, plus she has killed a bunch of the Roth in the past, yet every time someone got injured or killed, she threw up. She was very dehydrated and had nothing to drink, but had enough vomit to have her puking practically every chapter. She had no concept of safety or staying quiet while being hunted. It really just didn't fit with her military skill and position. She was whiny, rude, and disrespectful to her husband, Feruz, because she judged him for his assassin position in his military. Her holier than thou attitude was grating and really hypocritical considering how many aliens she killed in her past. I think the author was really trying to write a character with PTSD but in my opinion, she did so terribly. I wanted her to die so badly so Feruz could find someone worthy of him. Tati was pathetic in every way. Feruz was an accomplished assassin who was highly respected, skilled, and feared by many. But the author had him giving in to her demands and bowing down to Tati at every turn. He almost dies because she won't let him fully protect himself without it meaning she will essentially divorce him and never talk to him again. Then he gives up his job like it is nothing. There is no way any male who has what is takes to be an assassin of that caliber would ever turn into a complete pushover and doormat the way he did. This book just didn't work because of the characters. Everything else was great which is why I am giving this book 2 stars instead of 1. I also really liked the other main character, Pol. I am way more interested in learning about him and hope to never see anything about Tati again. The narration was good. Even though this book was a fail, I am looking forward to finishing out the series.
]]> 238125 An Alternate Cover edition can be found here

No one likes to be alone during the holidays. For New York's most posh dating service, Personally Yours, it is the season to bring lonely hearts together. But Lieutenant Eve Dallas, on the trail of a ritualistic serial killer, has made a disturbing discovery: all of the victims have been traced to Personally Yours. As the murders continue, Eve enters into an elite world of people searching for their one true love--and a killer searching for his next victim. A world where the power of love leads men and women into the ultimate act of betrayal...]]> 308 J.D. Robb Jillian 4 4.30 1998
author: J.D. Robb
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.30
book published: 1998
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/25
date added: 2025/01/29
shelves: audiobook, bounty-hunter-cop-pi-lawyer, futuristic, holiday, mystery-suspense, new-york, read-in-2025
review:
Holiday in Death is book 7 in the In Death series. This one was set around Christmas time with a murderous Santa. I really enjoy this series. It is a tad repetitive, yet I don't seem to mind and keep listening to them. The narration is good. I recommend this series.
]]> 58464867 230 Bella Falls Jillian 4 4.36
author: Bella Falls
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.36
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/24
date added: 2025/01/28
shelves: audiobook, fae-or-elves, fantasy-world-parallel-universe, cozy-mystery, magic, no-sex, read-in-2025, shifters, vampires, witches-or-warlocks
review:
Cheery Charms is part of the Winter Witches of Holiday Haven series of stand alone books. It is a cozy mystery. This one was fun. I was entertained from beginning to end. The narration was pretty good. 3.5 stars overall.
]]> 114367692 Just when I think I’m getting my life under control, my alien husband kidnaps me� and manages to get amnesia.

I’ve mostly come to grips with my new reality. Earth is a memory, I’m making a name for myself, and I can usually ignore the reason I’m here� my horrible alien warlord husband.

But the Beast doesn’t want to be ignored. Nope. He wants me, and unlike other Suevans, he doesn't like to take no for an answer� so he kidnaps me, determined to win me over. Good luck with that, buddy.

When he gets amnesia, though, forgetting his name, his history, and me, I’m stuck in the dangerous alien jungle with him. But he continues to show me a different side of himself, and I’m starting to believe there’s more to the Beast than I imagined.

Forced to confront my own fractured past and rely on each other to survive, we’ll have to find our way home� or make a new one together.

WED TO THE ALIEN BEAST is book five in a series and will be best understood if read in order. It is a full-length, spicy, enemies-to-lovers alien space adventure romance with a happily ever after.]]> 229 January Bell Jillian 5 4.24
author: January Bell
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.24
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/01/20
date added: 2025/01/20
shelves: aliens-other-planet-species, another-planet, audiobook, books-i-reviewed, didn-t-want-to-put-down, fantasy, forced-proximity-or-marriage, read-in-2025, science-fiction-sci-fi-ish, time-travel-another-time-period
review:
Wed to the Alien Beast is book 5 in the Accidental Alien Brides series. This is an off planet, human/alien romance. I loved this book. It is my favorite in the series so far. It kept me interested all the way through. I thought the author did a great job with character development in this one and really showed why the main male character is the way he is and helped him grow throughout the book. The narration was really good. I am looking forward to continuing the series. I recommend this book. I prefer to read them in order, but you could read this as standalone if you want.
]]> 40666351 Four cords of power. Three trials. Two soul-crushing secrets.

For Lera, training has never been so hard. With the males� power roaring in her veins and River’s cold demand that she master the magic before the third trial, something has to give. Worse still, River is keeping something from her. Something about his past and Lunos’s future.

For River and Coal, the past must stay buried. Though one male’s nightmare sits on a throne and the other’s hides in his soul, they are equally unprepared for Lera’s startling determination to undress the truth.

But when Mors’s Emperor Jawrar makes a play for Lunos, neither Lera’s fledgling magic nor the males� old wounds can remain untouched—not if their world is to survive.

TRIAL OF THREE is a full-length reverse-harem fantasy novel, third in the Amazon bestselling, KU-All Star POWER OF FIVE series.]]> 222 Alex Lidell Jillian 0 4.18 2018
author: Alex Lidell
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.18
book published: 2018
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/20
shelves:
review:

]]> 49084724
And when they suddenly pass away, she knows she should be devastated. But has anything really changed? She’s always been alone, hasn’t she?

Jake Van der Berg, her father’s stepbrother and her only living relative, assumes guardianship of Tiernan who is still two months shy of eighteen. Sent to live with him and his two sons, Noah and Kaleb, in the mountains of Colorado, Tiernan soon learns that these men now have a say in what she chooses to care and not care about anymore. As the three of them take her under their wing, teach her to work and survive in the remote woods far away from the rest of the world, she slowly finds her place among them.

And as a part of them.

She also realizes that lines blur and rules become easy to break when no one else is watching.

One of them has her.

The other one wants her.

But he�

He’s going to keep her.

*Credence is a new adult standalone novel suitable for readers 18+.]]> 470 Penelope Douglas 1660089050 Jillian 0 3.58 2020
author: Penelope Douglas
name: Jillian
average rating: 3.58
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/20
shelves:
review:

]]> 50735307
Aleksandr “Alex� Devereaux detests being bullshitted, but he’s been lying to himself for years—pretending he thinks of Bree as extended family; that he doesn't want her so bad he aches with it; that he can't feel himself weakening against her pull. The night they spend together changes everything. He's done fighting himself on what he wants. Someone isn't happy about that. Possibly the same 'someone' who's playing mind games with Bree, trying to scare her. They're succeeding, because too many leads point to the possibility that the culprit could be the one person that she's determined to believe is dead.]]> 276 Suzanne Wright Jillian 0 3.88 2020
author: Suzanne Wright
name: Jillian
average rating: 3.88
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/20
shelves:
review:

]]> 58262183
Gwen Jadin disliked everything about the Stryxian lottery in which women were sent off to find alien mates and is not pleased that they are taking over the space station she has called home for a decade. She's forced to work with Axika as he transforms the station for Stryxian use and would rather eat raiple

When they learn that someone is trying to sabotage the station, they must work together to find the hidden enemy. As the attacks increase in intensity and damage, events unfold that changes relations between Stryxians and humans forever. Can Gwen and Axika get over their differences—and submit to their desires—before the saboteur succeeds in destroying the base and their best chance at peace?

This is book three of the Stryxian Alien Warrior series but can be read alone with no cliffhangers and no cheating. I write what I love to read, so there is always consent and always a happy ending.]]> 126 Ella Blake Jillian 4 4.22
author: Ella Blake
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.22
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/19
date added: 2025/01/20
shelves: aliens-other-planet-species, another-planet, audiobook, books-i-reviewed, fantasy, fbi-cia-military-special-forces-ops, read-in-2025, science-fiction-sci-fi-ish, time-travel-another-time-period, war-or-times-of-war
review:
Claimed by the Stryxian is book 3 in the Stryxian Alien Warriors. It is an off planet, inter-species romance. This was a good book but not my favorite from the series. I think the book needed to go through another round of proofreading. There were small continuity errors and some things that didn't work. One example was that the Stryxian man was talking about the human woman doing yoga and saying he didn't remember the name for what it is called, and then followed it up with discussing her "yoga mat" in the next sentence. Oops. It was a really interesting story though with all of the things going on with the sabotage and mystery. I will definitely continue this series. I recommend it. 3.5 stars.
]]> 55687008
A heinous hex threatens the entire toy production inside Santa’s Toy Workshop, putting millions of children’s wishes in jeopardy. If her mother—who reports directly to Mrs. Claus—ł¦˛ą˛Ô’t get things under control, Christmas won’t be the only thing getting canned.

Star has no choice but to crash at her mother’s cottage in the charming magical town of Holiday Haven. The sooner she can find the Scrooge responsible for the crime, the faster she can get back to her normal life.

Armed with her witchy wits, Star accepts help from a talking husky and the cute guy running the town bookstore as she follows the trail while the countdown to Christmas Day ticks away.

Will Star find a way to catch the criminal and reverse the hex? Or will Christmas be canceled this year?]]> 159 J.L. Collins Jillian 2 4.19
author: J.L. Collins
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.19
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2025/01/16
date added: 2025/01/20
shelves: audiobook, books-i-reviewed, cozy-mystery, didn-t-care-for-it, fantasy, magic, no-sex, read-in-2025, short-story-or-novella, witches-or-warlocks, fae-or-elves
review:
Holiday Hexes is book 3 in the Winter Witches of Holiday Haven series. It took me forever to finish this short book. I just couldn't get into it. I found the first 85% to be pretty boring. Even though this is book 3, it is a standalone book. I read one other book in this series and I enjoyed that one, so I was surprised this one was so different until I realized these all have different authors. The narration was good, but that's really all I have to say that I enjoyed. 1.5 Stars.
]]> 195820807
Emma hadn't planned that her next assignment as a traveling nurse would be in Minnesota, but she and her best friend agree that dating Justin is too good of an opportunity to pass up, especially when they get to rent an adorable cottage on a private island on Lake Minnetonka.

It's supposed to be a quick fling, just for the summer. But when Emma's toxic mother shows up and Justin has to assume guardianship of his three siblings, they're suddenly navigating a lot more than they expected--including catching real feelings for each other. What if this time Fate has actually brought the perfect pair together?]]> 432 Abby Jimenez 1538704439 Jillian 5 4.35 2024
author: Abby Jimenez
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.35
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at: 2025/01/05
date added: 2025/01/05
shelves: audiobook, books-i-reviewed, didn-t-want-to-put-down, emotional, medical-professionals, minnesota, read-in-2025
review:
Just for the Summer is book 3 in the Part of Your World series. This is a contemporary romance with 28 year old travel nurse, named Emma, and 29 year old Justin who has custody of his 3 young siblings. This whole series has been wonderful. I gave book one 6 stars and books two and three 5 stars. I loved how this book started with an AITA post and then their relationship started via email and then text and phone. Both main characters are flawed and have serious issues they are dealing with and the author wrote them really well for how their traumas impact them. I enjoyed finding the easter eggs throughout the story and then learning the surprise family twist that comes out. It cracked me up that the author used her cake business' actual phone number for the main male character. The narration was great. The book is told in alternating POVs and both narrators did a wonderful job. I highly recommend this entire series. I didn't want to turn this book off and listened all in one day.
]]> 217885191 Find out how Maddy and Doug met in this sweet and hilarious short story from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Just for the Summer.

Travel nurse Maddy doesn't have time for a relationship, not even with the ruggedly handsome farmer who she feels a spark of attraction to.

Doug is a walking green flag. After a run in with Maddy thanks to the Wakan town mascot, Kevin Bacon the pig, he can't help but feel the spark too.

Even though she doesn't plan on staying in Minnesota forever, Maddy believes she and Doug can still have a fling� or maybe they’ll just find themselves in a situationship. 

“The Situationship�was originally published as a bonus chapter in the Target exclusive edition of Just for the Summer. This ebook original also includes a first look at Abby’s new release, Say You’ll Remember Me.]]> 37 Abby Jimenez 1538773724 Jillian 0 to-read 3.96 2024
author: Abby Jimenez
name: Jillian
average rating: 3.96
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/05
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 27561177 To be home for Christmas, they must bridge the distance between them.

Charlie Yates is desperate. It’s almost Christmas and his flight home from college has been delayed. For days. Charlie promised his little sister Ava he’d be home for her first holiday season since going into remission from leukemia. Now he’s stuck on the opposite coast and someone else grabbed the last rental car. Someone he hasn’t even spoken to in four years. Someone who broke his heart.

Gavin Bloomberg’s childhood friendship with Charlie ended overnight after a day of stolen kisses. With years of resentment between them, they don’t want to be in the same room together, let alone a car. But for Ava’s sake, Gavin agrees to share the rental and drive across the country together.

As they face unexpected bumps along the road, can Charlie and Gavin pave the way to a future together?

If Only in My Dreams is a gay holiday romance from Keira Andrews featuring enemies to lovers, forced proximity, steamy first times, and of course a happy ending.]]> 143 Keira Andrews 0994092482 Jillian 2
In addition to that, there were other things that just didn't fit. The fact that they were renting cars at 18 years old to drive cross country from CA to CT didn't fit because 18 year olds cannot rent cars in California or in 48 out of 50 US states without being active military. One of the main characters mentions his $1,000 credit card limit, yet was willing to pay anything to rent the car and then fill up with gas, eat, etc. the whole way across the country. Not realistic at all. The other main character had a girlfriend for 4 years to hide that he was gay and his girlfriend is the one who helped him to understand that he is gay and come to terms with it. Now they are best friends. Again, they are 18 and this happened in a very short time frame. How many 18 year old girls do you know who are that mature, understanding, and immediately forgiving?

Another thing that I realized while listening to this book is that I have read/listened to so many LGBTQ books that have substance and a storyline outside of the main characters' LGBTQ identity, that I no longer have any interest in reading a book where there is some sort of drama surrounding the mc being accepted for who they are or some sort of coming out issue. That is all valid, real life stuff, and I'm sure helpful and relatable for many people to see in books, but I find it a tiresome plot device. I guess I just prefer books that have more substance.

I'm glad I have read and really liked something else (The Christmas Deal) of this author's prior to this book, because if not, I would never try another book of hers after this one.

The narration was fine. No complaints there.

1.5 stars overall.]]> 3.91 2015
author: Keira Andrews
name: Jillian
average rating: 3.91
book published: 2015
rating: 2
read at: 2025/01/04
date added: 2025/01/04
shelves: audiobook, books-i-reviewed, california, college-age-or-new-adult, didn-t-care-for-it, connecticut, holiday, m-m, read-in-2025, second-chance-love, short-story-or-novella
review:
If Only in My Dreams in a YA/NA, mm, second chance romance. I use romance lightly. Yikes. This book was not it. I'm sure it works for others, but it didn't for me. This may be because I was not expecting the main characters to be 18 years old. If I am going to read a YA/NA book, I expect it to fit their ages. I had no connection with characters at all. It didn't work that they were both 18. Their behavior kept fluctuating in maturity. The drama from when they were in 9th grade felt very on par with them being 18, but the rest didn't. And the sex was cringey considering they were 18 and having grown man, very experienced, over the top sex scenes. It was a little off putting and uncomfortable. There was nothing romantic happening. It was angst, pining, and hooking up.

In addition to that, there were other things that just didn't fit. The fact that they were renting cars at 18 years old to drive cross country from CA to CT didn't fit because 18 year olds cannot rent cars in California or in 48 out of 50 US states without being active military. One of the main characters mentions his $1,000 credit card limit, yet was willing to pay anything to rent the car and then fill up with gas, eat, etc. the whole way across the country. Not realistic at all. The other main character had a girlfriend for 4 years to hide that he was gay and his girlfriend is the one who helped him to understand that he is gay and come to terms with it. Now they are best friends. Again, they are 18 and this happened in a very short time frame. How many 18 year old girls do you know who are that mature, understanding, and immediately forgiving?

Another thing that I realized while listening to this book is that I have read/listened to so many LGBTQ books that have substance and a storyline outside of the main characters' LGBTQ identity, that I no longer have any interest in reading a book where there is some sort of drama surrounding the mc being accepted for who they are or some sort of coming out issue. That is all valid, real life stuff, and I'm sure helpful and relatable for many people to see in books, but I find it a tiresome plot device. I guess I just prefer books that have more substance.

I'm glad I have read and really liked something else (The Christmas Deal) of this author's prior to this book, because if not, I would never try another book of hers after this one.

The narration was fine. No complaints there.

1.5 stars overall.
]]> 55687003 Have yourself a very Merry Witchmas in Holiday Haven, where the magic and mystery of Christmas is snow joke! Lumi Northrop is a powerful guardian of the north--the North Star Reindeer Sanctuary, that is. When Rudolph vanishes the week before Christmas, Lumi is thrust from the peace and quiet of her family's farm, into the magical town of Holiday Haven to help find him. Lumi quickly discovers that Rudolph isn't the only local celebrity who's gone missing. Jack Frost is also MIA, just days before his coronation as the next Frost King. Teaming up with Corbin Frost, Jack's reclusive brother, Lumi finds more questions than answers. What she thinks is an odd coincidence quickly turns into something more sinister. With time running out for Rudolph and Jack, can Lumi use her powers to save the North Pole?]]> 174 Danielle Garrett Jillian 4 4.34
author: Danielle Garrett
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.34
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/04
date added: 2025/01/04
shelves: audiobook, books-i-reviewed, cozy-mystery, fantasy, magic, no-sex, prn, read-in-2025, royal-court-kingdoms-realms, short-story-or-novella, witches-or-warlocks
review:
This book was fun. I picked it up on a whim in the site wide audible sale and had never heard of the author before. I was pleasantly surprised. Reindeer Runes is book 2 in the Winter Witches of Holiday Haven series. It is a fantasy, paranormal, cozy mystery. This book is squeaky clean and reads as a standalone. I haven't read book 1 and I don't feel like I missed anything, plus it seems that each book has different main characters. The author did a good job with world building. I liked the setting and the characters. It was a quick listen at 4 hours and 14 minutes. I wish it was a bit longer. I would have liked to see more with what happens next between the two main characters. The narration was great. The narrator had multiple unique voices and they fit the story well. I picked up some others from this series in that same sale so I am looking forward to listening to those as well.
]]> 218678292 She'll save Christmas just to spite him...

When a late season hurricane hits Merry, Connecticut, city manager and single dad Noah Yates has to inform the already devastated residents that there won't be a Christmas Festival this year. No festival means no tourism dollars. A disaster of epic proportions for his hometown.

But when home renovation expert slash smoking hot reality TV star Catalina King shows up with a camera crew and a budget big enough to put the town back together again, Noah balks. Hard. The last time Cat was in town she stirred up trouble everywhere she went. (Residents are still talking about the town's first and only bar fight.) Noah doesn't need a TV diva capitalizing on his town's tragedy or filling his daughter's head with glitz and glam.

Cat is ready and willing to put Merry back in Christmas mode with a holiday special that will leave everyone believing in miracles and get her friends back in the home they love. But there's one big problem standing in her way. And his name is Noah Yates. He's wrong about her and she can't wait to prove it. Ring those jingle bells because it's on.]]> 390 Lucy Score Jillian 0 to-read 3.79 2017
author: Lucy Score
name: Jillian
average rating: 3.79
book published: 2017
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/03
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 54217084
It’s just Alice’s luck that when she finally begins to get her life on track, she’s kidnapped by reptilian creatures and forced into a cell with a fierce incoherent alien for some kind of breeding experiment.

Even though they aren’t able to communicate, Alice and Luka find solace in each other’s company. As the days drag on, it becomes harder to keep her heart locked away, until she ł¦˛ą˛Ô’t help but wonder what a life with Luka might look like outside their dark prison. When an opportunity to free herself, Luka, and the other human prisoners presents itself, Alice takes it.

Once free, can Alice and Luka’s tenuous relationship survive on this planet? Will the evil men that held them prisoner ever see justice? And can they play a part in the rescue of the other women being held captive around this strange new world? Alice knows only one thing for certain—her life will never be the same again.]]> 368 Victoria Aveline Jillian 0 to-read 3.78 2020
author: Victoria Aveline
name: Jillian
average rating: 3.78
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/03
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 198175219 Will my roller coaster romance with my hunky orc neighbor fly off the rails or ignite our hearts forever?

After inheriting my estranged dad's defunct kiddie amusement park, I turn in my corporate badge and return to my old hometown.
Despite the issues I had with my dad, I rediscover the fun I missed out on while I lived the last ten years in the city. I'm determined to turn Quirky Kingdom into the showpiece it used to be.

Problem is -- more than just the rides need fixing. It’s way more than I can handle on my own. I tap my new neighbor to help -- Rexin, a hunky orc handyman who’s also a single dad extraordinaire. Since it’s summer, he brings his twelve-year-old son to the job with him.

As we grease wheels on the purple turtle ride and get the elephant carriages running again, sparks ignite between us. I begin to believe moving home was the right idea.

But my past makes me gun shy, and I’m not sure if what we’ve started will make me want to live in this town forever. His son playing matchmaker is cute, but it sure isn’t helping.

Only time can tell if our rollercoaster relationship will clickety-click its way to something special or veer off track forever.

* * ~ * *
"Single Orc Dad" is the fifth sweet and steamy monster romance that makes up the Sweet Monster Treats multi-author, shared-world collection.
Each book is a standalone, containing its own 'Happily Ever After', and can be read in any order -- (but the series is likely enjoyed most when read in order, as characters may appear throughout the stories!)

Be sure to explore all the titles brought to us by three bestselling authors:
� Book 01: "Cookies For My Orc Neighbor" by Michele Mills (2023)
� Book 02: "Candy For My Orc Boss" by Ava Ross (2023)
� Book 03: "Cupcakes For My Orc Enemy" by Honey Phillips (2023)
� Book 04: "The Single Mom and the Orc" by Honey Phillips (2023)
� Book 05: "Single Dad Orc" Ava Ross (2023)
� Book 06: "Twins For The Wild Orc" by Michele Mills (2023)
� Book 07: "Undercover Orc" by Ava Ross [2024]
� Book 08: "Protected by the Orc" by Honey Phillips [2024]
� Book 09: "Arrested by the Orc" by Michele Mills [2024]

"Single Orc Dad" is also a companion story in Ava Ross' Love at First Orc series. Expect size difference, plenty of spice, falling for a neighbor, a single dad (ha, right?!), his sweet matchmaking son who desperately wants a mom, laugh out loud moments, moving home and finding the “one,� a handy orc who’s handy in many ways (wink), and a happy ever after.
]]> 200 Ava Ross Jillian 4 4.09 2023
author: Ava Ross
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.09
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/02
date added: 2025/01/03
shelves: audiobook, books-i-reviewed, monsters, prn, read-in-2025, single-parent, small-town
review:
Single Orc Dad is book 5 in the Sweet Monster Treats series, but it can be read as a stand alone book. I've not read anything else from this series. It is a paranormal, small town, romance with a single father Orc and a human woman. I've never read a book with an Orc before, but I had seen the cover a lot on social media and it seemed to have good reviews so I thought I would give it a try. It was a cute book. I liked it. It was enjoyable. The narration was really good. I would recommend this book if it is your kind of thing. Solid 4 stars.
]]> 17410290
With each victim, the killer leaves a calling card: a stone figurine carved like the spirit stones found among the primitive tribes of Papua New Guinea � the same tribes from whom Prusik narrowly escaped a decade earlier while doing field research. The similarity is eerie and, frankly, terrifying; Prusik still carries the scars from the tribesmen’s attack. But is the connection real? Or have the dark details of Prusik’s nightmares finally wormed their way into her waking life?

Displaying the expertise of a veteran writer, debut novelist Lloyd Devereux Richards skillfully builds layers of psychological suspense and terror into a compulsively readable whodunit.]]> 343 Lloyd Devereux Richards 1611095832 Jillian 0 to-read 3.77 2012
author: Lloyd Devereux Richards
name: Jillian
average rating: 3.77
book published: 2012
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/31
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 122862357
In there, she finds the love story of Isabel and Lorah, along with a photograph of the two young women from 1933. The diary, like the love affair, was short and brief, but rich and vivid enough for her to feel a true bond with the women despite the heartbreaking ending.

She is determined to get Isabel’s beloved apple orchard—which had fallen into ruins—vibrant again. She hires the inexperienced Dylan Hayes, a woman soon to be homeless, to take on the chore of restoring the orchard to its original glory.

The normally quiet and reserved Madilyn finds a new joy in life as she becomes friends with the outgoing and energetic woman who has come to live on the property. As she is transformed from a stoic and passive heiress to a happy and spirited woman, she realizes the similarities of her journey and that of Isabel’s.

Like Isabel, is she destined to marry a man she doesn’t love? Or will she find the strength that eluded Isabel and follow her heart?]]> 304 Gerri Hill 1642474983 Jillian 5 4.16
author: Gerri Hill
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.16
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2024/12/29
date added: 2024/12/31
shelves: audiobook, books-i-hugged-after-reading, books-i-loved, books-i-reviewed, didn-t-want-to-put-down, emotional, f-f-wlw-sapphic, friends-to-lovers, gave-me-a-book-hangover, lgbtq-friendly, made-me-cry, mil-billionaire, read-in-2024, six-or-more-stars, pennsylvania, historical
review:
Today is December 31st. The Apple Diary is the 86th book I have listened to this year and it is one of the best, if not the best, books I have listened to this year. This is a ff slow burn romance that is part contemporary and part historical through the reading of the main character's great grandmother's diary. It is way more than just a romance though. This book is deep and emotional and multi faceted. I was captivated from the very beginning and it had me hanging on every word. I went through a bunch of different emotions with this book. At one point I was even full on crying. It takes a whole lot for a book to make me cry. Any time that happens, it makes me love the book even more. I wish I had the words to properly convey how much I loved this story. As much as I didn't want to put this book down, I didn't want it to end even more. This author is a wonderful writer. This is only the second book I have read from her and now, I definitely can't wait to read more. The narration was excellent. The narrator kept me fully immersed in the story from beginning to end. I highly recommend this book. The romance was sweet and the spice level overall was quite mild, so even if sapphic romances aren't something you usually read or typically interest you because of the sexual activity, this would be a good one to try because the overall story itself was so much more. I have no doubt that I will listen to this book again. I am giving The Apple Diary 6 stars.
]]> 209283722
When a girl’s weekend in Port Aransas ends with a lifelong friend dead, Nina Evans� world is shattered. As she grapples with the loss, she finds an unlikely ally in Detective Quinn Stewart—a former big-city cop now living stress-free doing beach patrol on the island.

But peace and quiet is in short supply as they uncover the victim’s double life and a web of lies that puts Nina in the middle of the unraveling case. The one constant—Quinn Stewart’s unwavering commitment to finding the truth…and keeping her safe.

Gerri Hill weaves a tale of friendship, betrayal, and the dark undercurrents of small-town life in this gripping romantic thriller.]]> 260 Gerri Hill 164247598X Jillian 5 3.83
author: Gerri Hill
name: Jillian
average rating: 3.83
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2024/12/21
date added: 2024/12/21
shelves: audiobook, books-i-loved, books-i-reviewed, bounty-hunter-cop-pi-lawyer, didn-t-want-to-put-down, f-f-wlw-sapphic, lgbtq-friendly, mystery-suspense, read-in-2024, texas, island-ocean-sea
review:
Jones is a mystery, crime, detective novel with FF romance mixed in. It is set in Texas. I loved this book. The mystery portion was good and kept me guessing about who the murderer was. I did guess correctly at one point but it wasn't obvious. I loved that the romance was so organic and genuine. It felt so natural and wasn't about sapphic women, but about women who happen to be sapphic, if that makes sense. It was a piece of the story, not the story itself. This is the first book that I have read from this author and I really liked her writing style. Everything flowed so well. I will be taking a look at what else this author has written so I can pick out another of her books to try. The narrator did a really good job. I recommend this as an audiobook. This is a book I will listen to again sometime. I kind of wish it was a series because I really liked the main characters and wouldn't mind seeing more of them. 5 stars overall.
]]> 198554803 Once more the fate of mankind rests on Satan’s shoulders.

A stupid misunderstanding has broken a ten-thousand-year old contract between the fae and the angels, and humans are now paying the price. Fairies are crossing through portals and freely kidnapping men, women, and children without fear of reprisal. The humans have no idea what’s happening to these random people, and the angel’s answer is to close the fae portals every couple of days and establish a committee to study the problem.

And nobody has time for that.

It’s up to me to get the Seelie queen to back down, to bring peace to a war-torn realm, and to rescue a bunch of teenage fairy girls—all while planning my wedding. Because the solution to every problem is chaos, and that’s what imps do best.]]> 316 Debra Dunbar Jillian 4
The narration was good. The narrator doesn’t have a wide range of voices but she does a good job reading the story and making it come alive despite that.

I recommend this book and this series. This is a series in which you need to start at the beginning and read each in order. I am looking forward to when I go back and start the series all over again. ]]> 4.63 2023
author: Debra Dunbar
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.63
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2024/12/20
date added: 2024/12/20
shelves: angels-archangels, audiobook, books-i-reviewed, demons, dragons, fae-or-elves, fantasy-world-parallel-universe, fade-to-black-relations, read-in-2024, royal-court-kingdoms-realms, urban-fantasy, war-or-times-of-war
review:
A Crown of Imp and Bone is book 12 in the Imp series. I know it was up in the air for how many books there would be, but I think this is the actual last one. I love this series. I have been reading/listening to these books for years now and each time I revisit these characters and this series, it's like going home again. I liked this book, but I didn't love it. I think for the final book, I was hoping for more. More time with each of the characters, more feelings, and also revisiting more of the characters who were important throughout a big portion of the series. We finally made it to the wedding in this book, but I wished we could have seen more of it.

The narration was good. The narrator doesn’t have a wide range of voices but she does a good job reading the story and making it come alive despite that.

I recommend this book and this series. This is a series in which you need to start at the beginning and read each in order. I am looking forward to when I go back and start the series all over again.
]]> 209439446
Now Violet must journey beyond the failing Aretian wards to seek allies from unfamiliar lands to stand with Navarre. The trip will test every bit of her wit, luck, and strength, but she will do anything to save what she loves—her dragons, her family, her home, and him.

Even if it means keeping a secret so big, it could destroy everything. They need an army. They need power. They need magic. And they need the one thing only Violet can find—the truth. But a storm is coming...and not everyone can survive its wrath.]]> 527 Rebecca Yarros 1649374186 Jillian 0 to-read 4.18 2025
author: Rebecca Yarros
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.18
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/18
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 217182552 From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Just for the Summer comes a new playful yet deeply emotional contemporary romance.

There might be no such a thing as a perfect guy, but Xavier Rush comes disastrously close. A gorgeous veterinarian giving Greek god vibes—all while cuddling a tiny kitten? Immediately yes. That is until Xavier opens his mouth and proves that even sculpted gods can say the absolute wrong thing. Like, really wrong. Of course, there’s nothing Samantha loves more than proving an asshole wrong�

. . . unless, of course, he can admit he made a mistake. But after one incredible and seemingly endless date—possibly the best in living history—Samantha is forced to admit the truth, that her family is in crisis and any kind of relationship would be impossible. Samantha begs Xavier to forget her. To remember their night together as a perfect moment, as crushing as that may be.

Only no amount of distance or time is nearly enough to forget that something between them. And the only thing better than one single perfect memory is to make a life—and even a love—worth remembering.]]> 368 Abby Jimenez 1538759195 Jillian 0 to-read 4.23 2025
author: Abby Jimenez
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.23
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/18
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 219754771 From New York Times bestselling author Mary Kay Andrews comes a charming holiday romance about a newly single thirtysomething whose unauthorized vacation rental turns into a hilarious game of hide-and-seek when the new owner unexpectedly shows up.

Tilly Farriday isn’t feeling very jolly this season. Recently divorced and broke, she’s squatting in one of her rental agency’s properties until her new home is ready. The sprinkles on top of the burnt Christmas cookie that is her life? The new owner shows up early, forcing Tilly to hide in the attic to save her job…and what remains of her dignity.

George Holloway is here to sell his granduncle’s house—and to reconsider whether he and his fiancée are right for each other. Amid home repairs, George notices strange noises and missing food, but as much as he gets his rental agent on the phone, Tilly dodges every invitation to meet. He’s sure that someone’s here with him, and it’s certainly not the Ghost of Christmas Past, Present, or Future.

As Tilly and George circle each other, they both wonder where their lives are headed and if, maybe, meeting each other is just the Christmas miracle they need.]]> 72 Mary Kay Andrews 1662527004 Jillian 4 3.62 2024
author: Mary Kay Andrews
name: Jillian
average rating: 3.62
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2024/12/15
date added: 2024/12/18
shelves: audiobook, books-i-reviewed, holiday, no-sex, read-in-2024, short-story-or-novella, small-town
review:
Holiday Hideaway is a cute MF, small town, romance. This is a quick listen at 1 hour 59 minutes. The MCs knew each other in high school and are thrown back together years later. This was an easy, silly, light book, but in a good way. It was fun. I'd recommend it. The narration was good.
]]> 220389465 New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey.

Evie Crowe is starting over in a strange town with her newborn, and men are the furthest thing from her mind. If only the quiet, hulking farmer, Luke Ward, would stop coming into the thrift shop and piquing her reluctant interest. Evie wants to stay single all the way—she ł¦˛ą˛Ô’t trust anything more than friends-with-holiday-benefits. But Luke is in it for the long haul. He’s fixed on making this a Christmas Evie will remember forever. If she gives him a chance.

Tessa Bailey’s Merry Ever After is part of Under the Mistletoe, a stirring collection of December romances that thrill and tingle all the way. They can be read or listened to in one swoony sitting.]]> 59 Tessa Bailey 1662528736 Jillian 1 2.79 2024
author: Tessa Bailey
name: Jillian
average rating: 2.79
book published: 2024
rating: 1
read at: 2024/12/14
date added: 2024/12/18
shelves: audiobook, books-i-reviewed, cowboy-mountain-man-farmer-rancher, didn-t-care-for-it, holiday, read-in-2024, short-story-or-novella, single-parent, small-town
review:
Merry Ever After is a short MF, small town, single parent. holiday, romance novella. It is a quick listen at 1 hour 32 minutes. This author wrote a couple books that I really liked. I don't know how this is the same author who wrote this. The dialogue was pretty bad, including the out of nowhere and very random daddy kink stuff. If I hadn't already listened to those other books that I liked, and this was my first introduction to the author, I wouldn't get any other books of hers. It just wasn't good. The idea was cute. The setting was good. That's about it. The rest of the book was pretty cringe inducing. I don't recommend it. The narrators were good though.
]]> 63838375
Lena has just moved to a new city with her cat, Scully, so when she finds little gifts on her doorstep every day, she thinks they’re from her neighbors.

Caroline, who lives next door, ł¦˛ą˛Ô’t figure out how her stuff keeps disappearing until she catches a cat in the act of stealing from her. She follows the feline felon home—and meets its cute owner.

Despite Lena’s best efforts, Scully doesn’t seem inclined to give up her life of crime, so she keeps having to go over to Caroline’s to return the loot.

Soon, neither woman minds the cat burglary anymore. Is it possible that her thieving cat gave Lena the purrfect gift for Christmas?

Each book in the Matchmaking Cats Series can be read as a standalone.]]> 67 Jae Jillian 4 4.08 2022
author: Jae
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.08
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at: 2024/12/12
date added: 2024/12/18
shelves: audiobook, books-i-reviewed, f-f-wlw-sapphic, germany, lgbtq-friendly, read-in-2024, short-story-or-novella, animal-as-main, holiday
review:
A Purrfect Gift is a cute FF romance novella set at Christmastime in Germany. Besides the two fmcs, the third main character is a mischievous cat who is responsible for bringing the mcs together. This was a quick listen at 2 hours and 5 minutes long. The narrator did a good job. 3.5 Stars.
]]> 219664360 Welcome to Nocturne Falls, the town where Halloween is celebrated 365 days a year. The tourists think it's all a the vampires, the werewolves, the witches, the occasional gargoyle flying through the sky. But the supernaturals populating the town know better.

Living in Nocturne Falls means being yourself. Fangs, fur, and all.

Witch Holly Winters is ready for a peaceful, magical Christmas in her family’s cozy mountain cabin in Nocturne Falls. She plans to do some knitting and watch all the best holiday movies. But when ancient dark magic begins to stir in the snowy forest, peace and serenity quickly disappear. With danger lurking at every turn, Holly teams up with Demetrius Voss, a brooding and irresistibly handsome vampire neighbor, to unravel the mystery menacing their beloved supernatural town.

As they work together to contain the rising threat, Holly finds herself unexpectedly drawn to Demetrius’s quiet strength and unexpected charm. Between Christmas lights, snowball fights, and quiet moments by the fire, sparks begin to fly—proving that even in the midst of chaos, the holiday spirit has a way of bringing people together.

With two quirky cats, a dash of romance, and an epic battle against ancient forces, Holly and Demetrius must rely on each other to protect the town they love. Will they restore the magic in time for Christmas—and discover that the greatest gift of all is the one they never saw coming?]]> 138 Kristen Painter Jillian 2 4.15 2024
author: Kristen Painter
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.15
book published: 2024
rating: 2
read at: 2024/12/12
date added: 2024/12/18
shelves: audiobook, books-i-reviewed, cozy-mystery, didn-t-care-for-it, holiday, magic, no-sex, read-in-2024, short-story-or-novella, vampires, witches-or-warlocks
review:
The Witch's Christmas Catastrophe is a holiday novella and book 16.5 in the Nocturne Falls series. I have listened to all of the Nocturne Falls books, all of the Jayne Frost books, and all of the Frost & Crowe mystery books. I love this world and all the characters in it, so anytime a new book comes out for any of these spin off series, I buy it immediately without a thought. This is the first Nocturne Falls book I have regretted buying. I am really disappointed. I feel a bit duped. This book fell flat and was not what I am used to getting from this author. It didn't have any of the usual depth or town presence. One of my favorite things about these books is how the town always comes together to help each other out. The issue in this book was huge. The town itself was literally in danger. The fact that the MCs decided to handle it themselves until they finally got two lower level witches involved didn't make sense. It doesn't matter if Alice Bishop was on vacation with the Ellinghams, it was her original magic so she should have at least been called and notified. After that, the Sheriff, Hank, should have been notified. It was just weird. Maybe a different plot would have been better for the Novella and this issue should have been saved for a full length book that could be totally fleshed out. I didn't even care about either of the MCs by the end of the book and that is not my experience with this author typically. The whole thing was just bleh. It won't stop me from reading the next book, but I hope this is only a one off and not indicative of how her future books will be written. The narration was wonderful as always. BJ does a great job with these characters.
]]> 219287759
Divorced. Broke. Living with a pack of elderly roommates. And those hallucinations she's diligently ignoring? Her tarot card-dealing mom is convinced they're clairvoyant visions.

Just when things can't get worse, a so-hot-it-should-be-illegal private investigator shows up on her doorstep looking for a neighbor...who turns up murdered.

Nick Santiago doesn't play well with others. Unless the "others" are of the female persuasion. Wink. He's a rebel, a black sheep, a man who prefers a buffet of options to being stuck with the same entrée every night, if you catch his drift.

When the pretty, possibly psychic Riley lands at the top of the list of suspects, Nick volunteers to find out whodunit. Only because he likes solving mysteries not because he wants to flex his heroic muscles for the damsel in distress.

All they have to do is figure out who pulled the trigger, keep the by-the-book detective with a grudge at bay, and deal with a stranger claiming he was sent to help Riley hone her psychic gifts. All before the killer discovers she's a loose end that requires snipping.]]> 540 Lucy Score Jillian 3 4.04 2020
author: Lucy Score
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.04
book published: 2020
rating: 3
read at: 2024/12/09
date added: 2024/12/18
shelves: audiobook, books-i-reviewed, bounty-hunter-cop-pi-lawyer, first-in-series, fake-relationship, mystery-suspense, read-in-2024
review:
Riley Thorn and the Dead Guy Next Door is book 1 in the Riley Thorn series. This book is a mixed bag for me. There were parts I really liked and others that I really didn't care for. This book did not grab me from the beginning. I put it down a couple times before I was able to really get into it. I liked the premise, I enjoyed the characters, the setting was fun, especially Riley living in a house of senior citizens. I enjoyed the mystery, the humor, and the psychic visions. There were just a couple of main issues. First - some of this was so over the top that it took away from being able to enjoy it. I am mainly referring to a politician chasing people down the street with a gun and firing upon them like that is totally normal. I am all for suspending belief in fiction, but I want it to be for situations where things can be overlooked, not things where given all other circumstances in the book it renders the situation completely unbelievable and ridiculous. Next, this book was longer than it needed to be. There were parts that kind of dragged on. Those things aside, I am still interested in continuing this series. I am looking forward to seeing what comes next for Riley and Nick. The narration was good. Overall, I give this book 3 stars.
]]> 61918816 A novel of terrible first impressions, hilarious second chances, and the joy in finding your perfect match.

Dr. Briana Ortiz’s life is seriously flatlining. Her divorce is just about finalized, her brother’s running out of time to find a kidney donor, and that promotion she wants? Oh, that’s probably going to the new man-doctor who’s already registering eighty-friggin�-seven on Briana’s “pain in my ass� scale. But just when all systems are set to hate, Dr. Jacob Maddox completely flips the game . . . by sending Briana a letter.

And it’s a really good letter. Like the kind that proves that Jacob isn’t actually Satan. Worse, he might be this fantastically funny and subversively likeable guy who’s terrible at first impressions. Because suddenly he and Bri are exchanging letters, sharing lunch dates in her “sob closet,â€� and discussing the merits of freakishly tiny horses. But when Jacob decides to give Briana the best gift imaginable—a kidney for her brother—she wonders just how she can resist this quietly sexy new doctor . . . especially when he calls in a favor she ł¦˛ą˛Ô’t refuse.]]> 416 Abby Jimenez 1538704390 Jillian 5 4.29 2023
author: Abby Jimenez
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.29
book published: 2023
rating: 5
read at: 2024/11/29
date added: 2024/12/18
shelves: audiobook, books-i-loved, didn-t-want-to-put-down, emotional, fake-relationship, medical-professionals, minnesota, office-corporate-boss-work-romance, read-in-2024
review:
Yours Truly is book 2 in the Part of Your World series. This is a contemporary romance between two doctors who meet at work. There is also a fake relationship aspect. The main character in this book is Briana. She is the best friend of the main character from book 1. I really enjoyed this book. I liked the characters and the storyline. I loved book 1, so this book wasn't quite as good as that book, but pretty close. The narration was great. I will absolutely recommend this book and book 1 to any romance lover that likes depth and serious emotional topics in their books. Overall, I give this book 4.75 stars.
]]> 58036178
When a gorgeous Stryxian warrior rescues her, she thinks she’s won freedom and her fated mate, but he has some big, bad secret and apparently, it’s a deal breaker for him. Kando Cardax probably shouldn’t go back into the enemy’s lair to rescue the human female, but he cannot leave her to certain death. He also cannot hide his metal cyborg parts from her forever, especially since with each passing moment, he’s falling in love with her.

Passions flare as the two take refuge in a hidden section of the enemy base, but a discovery that could upend the Morr-ta war makes their odds of survival slim. Kando will do anything to protect Brandy as they fight to flee the enemy base, even if it means revealing himself as a cyborg to save her. All he’s known is fear and aversion to cyborgs like him. Why should he expect Brandy to react any differently? And how will he let her go when he is asked to make the ultimate sacrifice to save both the Stryxian and human species?

This is book 2 in the Stryxian Alien Warriors series. I write what I love to read, so there is always consent and a happy ending, and never cheating or cliffhangers. Enjoy!]]> 144 Ella Blake Jillian 5 4.24
author: Ella Blake
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.24
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2024/11/25
date added: 2024/12/18
shelves: aliens-other-planet-species, another-planet, audiobook, badass-hero-or-heroine, cyborg-robot-ai-lab-created, fantasy, politics-in-fiction, read-in-2024, science-fiction-sci-fi-ish, time-travel-another-time-period
review:
Saved by the Stryxian is book 2 in the Stryxian Alien Warriors series. This is an off planet, fantasy romance between a human female, Brandy, and a Stryxian male, Kando. We met Kando in book 1 so it was really cool to get his story so quickly. I am really enjoying this series. It is an easy listen. The narration was good. Overall, I give this book 4.5 stars. I am looking forward to continuing this series.
]]> 12700306
But the mischievous Coyote is not above a little sleight of paw, and Atticus soon finds that he’s been duped into battling bloodthirsty desert shapeshifters called skinwalkers. Just when the Druid thinks he’s got a handle on all the duplicity, betrayal comes from an unlikely source. If Atticus survives this time, he vows he won’t be fooled again. Famous last words.]]> 341 Kevin Hearne 0345533623 Jillian 0 to-read 4.25 2012
author: Kevin Hearne
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.25
book published: 2012
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/12
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 53201531 A Paranormal Women's Fiction with a bit of class, and a lot of sass for anyone who feels like age is just a number!

One day I’m married, living in Seattle, and magic isn’t real.
The next, I’m divorced and living in the guest room of my ex’s hotter- than-sin cousin’s place in Savannah . . . and talking to an animated skeleton named Robert.

I have to admit, Robert isn’t my worst date.

At forty-one, I didn’t think I’d be starting over. But I’ll be damned if my ex thinks I’m down and out because he pulled a fast one on me.
When a job comes my way that offers me a chance to use my childhood training in the shadow world, I take it—I need the money more than I care about my sanity.

It’s dangerous.
I have to embrace the magic and dark of my past.
And I need Advil to keep me going.

So those who’d hold me back better sit up and take notice, because a new woman is in town, and she’s not about to be counted out by anyone.

Even if she does groan when she rolls out of bed in the morning.]]> 340 Shannon Mayer 198793363X Jillian 0 to-read 4.27 2020
author: Shannon Mayer
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.27
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/06
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 58684524
While her ultra-wealthy parents want her to carry on the family legacy of world-renowned surgeons, Alexis doesn’t need glory or fame. She’s fine with being a “mere� ER doctor. And every minute she spends with Daniel and the tight-knit town where he lives, she’s discovering just what’s really important. Yet letting their relationship become anything more than a short-term fling would mean turning her back on her family and giving up the opportunity to help thousands of people.

Bringing Daniel into her world is impossible, and yet she ł¦˛ą˛Ô’t just give up the joy she’s found with him either. With so many differences between them, how can Alexis possibly choose between her world and his?

The New York Times bestselling author of Life's Too Short delivers a refreshingly modern fairy tale perfect for fans of Casey McQuiston and Emily Henry.]]> 389 Abby Jimenez 1538704374 Jillian 5 4.26 2022
author: Abby Jimenez
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.26
book published: 2022
rating: 5
read at: 2024/11/26
date added: 2024/11/27
shelves: audiobook, books-i-loved, books-i-reviewed, didn-t-want-to-put-down, emotional, first-in-series, medical-professionals, minnesota, push-and-pull, read-in-2024, six-or-more-stars, small-town
review:
Part of Your World is the first book in the Part of Your World series. This is an age-gap, contemporary, opposites attract, small town MF romance set in Minnesota. The main characters are 37 year old, Alexis, and 28 year old Daniel. Alexis is a doctor from a very rich family that has been prominent in the medical community for generations. Daniel is a budding carpenter and manages a rental property. He lives in a small town that Alexis had to pass through on the way home from a funeral. She had some car trouble and they met. I was hooked from the very beginning and found myself not ready to say goodbye to these characters when the book was over. There was a lot of angst in this book, which typically is not my jam, but it worked here. The narration was great. Both narrators did fantastic with their alternating POVs. I will be continuing this series. I have already purchased the next two books on audible so I am ready to go. I give this book 6 stars.
]]> 61434762
Winter Sullivan isn’t looking for love. She’s an aloof workaholic who’s built walls of ice around herself. She would rather drive toothpicks under her fingernails than cuddle, and she certainly doesn’t want to share her space with anyone.

When Winter’s estranged father dies, he leaves her one last surprise: she and Hannah, a perfect stranger, will inherit a building together. But there’s a catch: first, they have to live together for ninety-two days.

Winter is determined to dislike her rival, but soon finds Hannah isn’t what she expected at all. Thanks to a hilarious doormat war, a cuddle dare from Winter’s half sister, and a kiss in the most unusual of places, the frosty fortress around her heart begins to melt.

Will she be able to accept that love might be just a touch away?

120,000 words
Tags: enemies to lovers romance, forced proximity romance, ice queen romance, opposites attract romance, roommate romance]]> 434 Jae 3963247126 Jillian 5 I really enjoy this author's writing style and that the characters are all so well developed. I like that the stories are multidimensional and that I was never bored reading. Sometimes slow burn romances are terrible because it is like nothing is actually happening until late in the book, but Jae keeps the story moving and makes it seem so genuine and organic. I love it.
The narration was great. I will definitely listen to this book again. Overall, I give Just a Touch Away 6 stars. ]]> 4.30 2022
author: Jae
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.30
book published: 2022
rating: 5
read at: 2024/11/14
date added: 2024/11/27
shelves: audiobook, books-i-loved, books-i-reviewed, didn-t-want-to-put-down, f-f-wlw-sapphic, lgbtq-friendly, read-in-2024, six-or-more-stars, slow-burn, forced-proximity-or-marriage
review:
Just a Touch Away is a ff, forced proximity, opposites attract, slow burn, romance. There was nothing about this book that I didn't like. I even learned that there is a name for not being able to picture anything in your mind. I have known that my friends and family can easily imagine things and picture whatever in their minds, and I have never been able to, but I didn't know there was an actual name for it - aphantasia. Of course, I ran to google and was so surprised and happy to finally see information about it. As it turns out, there are levels of it and mine is where I see absolutely nothing and that may be a contributing factor for why my memory is as bad as it is for recalling my personal life experiences. So even if I hated this book, which I did not, I would be thankful for learning that.
I really enjoy this author's writing style and that the characters are all so well developed. I like that the stories are multidimensional and that I was never bored reading. Sometimes slow burn romances are terrible because it is like nothing is actually happening until late in the book, but Jae keeps the story moving and makes it seem so genuine and organic. I love it.
The narration was great. I will definitely listen to this book again. Overall, I give Just a Touch Away 6 stars.
]]> 132778 343 J.D. Robb 0749934131 Jillian 5 4.33 1997
author: J.D. Robb
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.33
book published: 1997
rating: 5
read at: 2024/11/06
date added: 2024/11/27
shelves: audiobook, didn-t-want-to-put-down, bounty-hunter-cop-pi-lawyer, ireland, new-york, read-in-2024, mystery-suspense, time-travel-another-time-period, futuristic
review:
Vengeance in Death is book 6 in the In Death series. This is a mystery series set in the future in the 2050s. This series keeps getting better. Book 5 was my favorite in the series until I read book 6. Now this is my favorite. I did not want to put this book down. I was captivated from beginning to end. The narration was good as usual.
]]> 75278248
But when the crops die around me, I find myself standing over a field of shriveled stalks.

It is her fault.

The female who has taken over my fields. She might be the new queen of these lands, but in her wake, she brings only death.

So, I will scare her away. I will reclaim these fields, and she will learn to fear me!

Until one evening, she is attacked by no other than the Crow King. She cowers behind me for protection, begging him to spare her life.

Her terror and desperation stir me into action...

Nobody, not even a god, is allowed to frighten what is MINE.]]> 269 Naomi Lucas Jillian 5 4.16 2023
author: Naomi Lucas
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.16
book published: 2023
rating: 5
read at: 2024/11/05
date added: 2024/11/26
shelves: audiobook, cowboy-mountain-man-farmer-rancher, magic, read-in-2024, small-town, witches-or-warlocks, prn
review:
I'm not really sure why I bought this book. It was probably curiosity for what it would actually be about and how the scarecrow would be incorporated. Regardless, it was a good decision. I enjoyed this book. The writing was really good and the story kept me entertained. This is the first book I have read by this author. I will definitely read another. The narration was really good too. This is book 2 in the Monster's Duet, but it reads as standalone. I did not read the first book and didn't notice anything or have any unanswered questions.
]]> 217439524
But things in the Big Easy are about to get downright difficult when a sudden death and a shocking incident threaten Sinclair’s friend’s reputation. It’s pretty obvious things are not as they seem, but digging deeper means putting themselves in danger.

Can Jayne and Sinclair find justice for all those involved without getting nixed in New Orleans?
]]> 317 Kristen Painter 1941695914 Jillian 5 4.58 2024
author: Kristen Painter
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.58
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at: 2024/11/03
date added: 2024/11/26
shelves: audiobook, cozy-mystery, didn-t-want-to-put-down, fantasy, louisiana, magic, new-orleans, read-in-2024, urban-fantasy
review:
Nixed in New Orleans is book 4 in the Frost & Crowe Mystery series. This is a fantasy, cozy mystery. I loved this book. I love the series and the series it spun off of and the one that spun off of. I cannot get enough of these books. I can't wait until the next book comes out so I can see what Jayne and Sinclair do next. The narration was terrific as always.
]]> 18745159
There’s a new drug on the streets of Ashland, and its name “Burn� sums up the potent effect it has on its users. When one of her restaurant employees is threatened by dealers of the drug, Gin steps in to set things straight...]]> 417 Jennifer Estep Jillian 3 4.17 2014
author: Jennifer Estep
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2014
rating: 3
read at: 2024/11/04
date added: 2024/11/26
shelves: assassin-or-hit-man, audiobook, books-i-reviewed, read-in-2024, tennessee, urban-fantasy, vampires
review:
Poison Promise is book 11 in the Elemental Assassin series. This was not my favorite book in the series. There were parts I really liked and some I really disliked. Overall, the underlying story was good. The execution of it was not. More and more, I am seeing that the author is a convenience writer. Rather than writing a story with series continuity, she writes it to fit whatever her story idea is. So a character can have a specific personality and mannerisms, but then they change to fit a specific scene or plot and then immediately go back when they are no longer needed. This is also the same for the appearance of characters. The author pulls them out only when they are needed so things seem contrived. I really enjoyed this series in the beginning, but it is really going downhill. The formulaic writing is getting tired. I still like the characters and am not throwing in the towel yet, but I am getting close. Bria was absolutely obnoxious in this book and behaved completely contrary to how she usually does. The excuse for it was very flimsy. Hopefully the next book will be better. 2.75 stars.
]]> 95562170
The Unsuspecting Woman

My friends surprise me with a haunted house tour to get over the ghost of my last relationship. Bring on the eerie sounds and special effects.

Except magic is real.

So is the labyrinth realm below the haunted house. And the demon who tricked me into a match with a minotaur.

Now, I’m stuck in another dimension until I can find a way out of this supernatural deal.

The Minotaur King

My labyrinth is dying.

For my kingdom to survive, I must convince my fated mate to invoke the most ancient of magics—the carnal kind.

Too bad my mate’s a human who didn’t know monsters existed until she saw me.

Will their match lead to happily ever after? Or will this beauty reject her beast?

With cow shifters, a flying demon kitten, and a dicey love of tabletop games, Matched to the Minotaur is the steamy slow burn start to the Matchmaker Monster Romance series. The books promise a happily ever after for each of the four friends who walk into a haunted house, not knowing that monsters are real. Or that they’ve been matched to the monsters inside.]]> 207 Luna Joya Jillian 4 3.88 2023
author: Luna Joya
name: Jillian
average rating: 3.88
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2024/10/26
date added: 2024/11/26
shelves: audiobook, books-i-reviewed, fantasy, fantasy-world-parallel-universe, first-in-series, minotaurs-centaurs, read-in-2024, royal-court-kingdoms-realms
review:
Unfortunately, I did not review it right after finishing it, so I no longer remember all the small details, but I really enjoyed this book. I thought the world building was good and liked the characters. The small amount of mystery that was mixed in was nice too. I did think that the main female was a bit quick to accept her circumstances and just go with the flow but it was still fine. This is book 1 in the series and I think I am interested enough in continuing the series to see what more will come.
]]> 53136517 As Oren, the talkative ginger cat, lends a paw, and crime author Nick Forrest helps her dig for clues, Poppy makes a startling discovery: could there be a link between the murder victim and her long-lost father? Would solving this case also give her answers to the biggest mystery from her past?

Books in the ENGLISH COTTAGE GARDEN MYSTERIES:
Deadhead and Buried (Book 1)
Silent Bud Deadly (Book 2)
Doom and Bloom (Book 3)
Trowel and Error (Book 4)
Fronds and Enemies (Book 5)]]> 356 H.Y. Hanna 0648693635 Jillian 4 4.46
author: H.Y. Hanna
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.46
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2024/10/23
date added: 2024/11/26
shelves: audiobook, cozy-mystery, england, no-sex, read-in-2024, small-town
review:
Life got busy and I have listened to several books after this one without reviewing it so I am just circling back now. Because of that, this won't be detailed but I remember my overall feelings. Trowel and Error is book 4 in the English Cottage Garden series. It is a cozy mystery series set in England. I did not like the beginning of this book. I really enjoyed the first 3 books, and I was afraid that this one was going to be a huge miss for me. I give the first part of this book 1 star. Thankfully, after the death, once the investigating started, this book got so much better. I thought the last 25% was excellent. I am still loving the series and looking forward to book 5. The narration was good. Overall, I give this book 3.5 stars.
]]> 59425148 I used to be a third-grade teacher, but since the Gorging, my life has been...kinda rotten. I lost my group to the undead, became indebted to one of the gangs, and now I've been sold as a blood-slave.
My new owner is Atlan, one of the vampire warriors who guard Blue City's walls and defend us from the zombies. The vampires are like celebrities around here. It's my job to provide Atlan with a clean blood source and any other services he needs.
I keep telling myself I'm one of the lucky ones. But with the zombie hordes moaning on the other side of the wall, and the human-shaped monsters roaming Blue City, I'm not so sure anymore.

(Medium heat, adult content)]]> 238 Rebecca F. Kenney Jillian 4 I bought this book on a whim because I saw it in the current audible 2 for 1 sale. I haven't read this author before. After this book, I would read the author again. I will likely continue with this series but I feel good with where it ended for now. I have other books that I want to read next but will keep an eye out for the next books to hit an audible sale.
The narrators did a good job. It is done in dual POV.
Overall, I give this book 4.25 Stars.]]> 3.81
author: Rebecca F. Kenney
name: Jillian
average rating: 3.81
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2024/10/20
date added: 2024/10/21
shelves: apocalyptic-or-post, audiobook, books-i-reviewed, didn-t-want-to-put-down, first-in-series, read-in-2024, time-travel-another-time-period, vampires, zombies-or-ghouls
review:
The Vampires Will Save You is book 1 in the Pandemic Monsters series. This is an apocalypse with vampires and zombies book. The main characters are Finley, a human blood slave, and Atlan, a Vampire Warrior who Finley is to give her blood to. I liked this book quite a bit. It grabbed my attention from the very first page and kept my attention until the end. I liked the premise and the characters. I did not like how Finlay was supposedly attracted to Charon just because she hadn't been touched in two years. That was stupid. The vampire is a sleaze bag and she knew it and thought he was a douche but she hadn't had sex in two years so she couldn't help her attraction to him. No, you are in the middle of an apocalypse, fighting to survive, and just barely in a place where you can feel safe. There is no way that she just can't think of anything else but getting some. Besides that absolutely ridiculous little side plot, everything else was good. This book is installment style. It just ends and I guess the next book will pick up where this one left off. There wasn't a cliffhanger at least so that's good.
I bought this book on a whim because I saw it in the current audible 2 for 1 sale. I haven't read this author before. After this book, I would read the author again. I will likely continue with this series but I feel good with where it ended for now. I have other books that I want to read next but will keep an eye out for the next books to hit an audible sale.
The narrators did a good job. It is done in dual POV.
Overall, I give this book 4.25 Stars.
]]> 200300820
The fake Canadian boyfriend. It's a thing. The get out of jail free card for all kinds of sticky social situations. “I can't go to prom; I'm going to be out of town visiting my boyfriend in Canada.� It's all over pop culture. But Aurora Evans did it first. Once upon a time she met a teenage hockey player at the Mall of America. He was from Canada. He was a boy. She may have fudged the “friend� part a little, but it wasn't like she was ever going to see him again. It wasn't like she hurt anyone. Until she did—years later—on both counts.
ĚýĚý
When pro hockey player and recent widower Mike Martin walks into the dance studio where Aurora Evans teaches, he's feeling overwhelmed with the fact that his wife may not have been exactly who he thought she was and the logistics of going back to work. As one of the few people his angry, heartbroken daughter connects with, Aurora agrees to be a pseudo nanny to help him navigate the upcoming school year and hockey season. To his surprise, she turns out to be the perfect balm for him as well. Aurora gets him. The real him underneath his pro jersey. And yet, he still finds himself holding back, unable to fully trust again—especially when he finds out the secret Aurora’s been hiding from him.]]> 384 Jenny Holiday 1538724928 Jillian 5 3.59 2024
author: Jenny Holiday
name: Jillian
average rating: 3.59
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at: 2024/10/16
date added: 2024/10/17
shelves: audiobook, books-i-loved, books-i-reviewed, canada, didn-t-want-to-put-down, duet-narration, emotional, friends-to-lovers, minnesota, read-in-2024, single-parent, sports-athletes
review:
Thank you Joshua Jackson. When I heard that this book was narrated by Joshua Jackson, I immediately decided to buy it without even reading the blurb. I hadn't heard of this author before, but after this book, I would absolutely try another from her. I loved Canadian Boyfriend. It was entertaining from the very beginning. I didn't want to turn the book off and then when it was over, I was sad to have it end. There are a lot of serious topics covered in this contemporary, single parent, sports, romance. The author did a great job with the character development as the main characters worked through their traumas. I connected with the main characters, Mike and Aurora, and had a vested interest in seeing things work out for them. I really liked them both, as well as Mike's daughter. The dog was pretty cool too. The only thing that I wish could have been different is that this book has a HFN ending and I wish I could have seen a HEA for this couple. Canadian Boyfriend has duet narration and both narrators did a great job. I recommend this book and I will listen to it again sometime.
]]> 61272658 The McMasters Conservatory for the Applied Arts - a luxurious, clandestine college dedicated to the fine art of murder where earnest students study how best to "delete" their most deserving victim.


Who hasn’t wondered for a split second what the world would be like if a person who is the object of your affliction ceased to exist? But then you’ve probably never heard of The McMasters Conservatory, dedicated to the consummate execution of the homicidal arts. To gain admission, a student must have an ethical reason for erasing someone who deeply deserves a fate no worse (nor better) than death. The campus of this “Poison Ivy League� college—its location unknown to even those who study there—is where you might find yourself the practice target of a classmate…and where one’s mandatory graduation thesis is getting away with the perfect murder of someone whose death will make the world a much better place to live.

Prepare for an education you’ll never forget. A “fiendishly funny� (Booklist) mix of witty wordplay, breathtaking twists and genuine intrigue, Murder Your Employer will gain you admission into a wholly original world, cocooned within the most entertaining book about well-intentioned would-be murderers you’ll ever read.]]> 400 Rupert Holmes 1451648219 Jillian 3 3.79 2023
author: Rupert Holmes
name: Jillian
average rating: 3.79
book published: 2023
rating: 3
read at: 2024/10/06
date added: 2024/10/16
shelves: audiobook, books-i-reviewed, first-in-series, mystery-suspense, read-in-2024
review:
I liked Murder Your Employer but didn't love it. It was entertaining for the most part, but there were also times were it felt a bit drawn out and long winded. I really liked the premise and thought it would be a fun read/listen, but I think my expectations were maybe a bit too high. I wasn't able to connect with the characters and I didn't feel anything toward them for any of their terrible situations. It felt disconnected. That said, I was still interested in how each of the murders would play out or if they would even accomplish them. It was a little weird that we started with one main character and by the end of the book we had a few of them. Overall, I am glad that I listened to this book, but I won't be listening again anytime soon, if at all. The narration was good.
]]> 17571671 The tenth book in the bestselling and “outstanding� (Romantic Times) Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series finally reveals for the first time the origins of Gin Blanco’s career as the deadliest of assassins.

For the first time, the origins of Gin Blanco’s career as the deadly assassin “the Spider� are revealed in full. In a story that pre-dates the other nine books in the series, Gin Blanco goes through her paces to become the most feared assassin in the Ashland.]]> 381 Jennifer Estep 1451689012 Jillian 3 4.02 2013
author: Jennifer Estep
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.02
book published: 2013
rating: 3
read at: 2024/09/29
date added: 2024/10/10
shelves: assassin-or-hit-man, audiobook, books-i-reviewed, elemental, read-in-2024, tennessee, urban-fantasy
review:
The Spider is book 10 in the Elemental Assassin series. It is Urban Fantasy set in Ashland, Tennessee, USA. The main character is 30-year-old Gin Blanco/Genevieve Snow. She is a stone and ice elemental. Her assassin name is The Spider, but at the end of book 1, Gin retired. Now she helps people, pro-bono, and is not taking contract kills anymore. This book is basically a prequel to the series. It shows Gin when she was 20 and was still learning from her mentor/father figure, Fletcher. Most of the book is a long flashback, but there are parts where she is in the current day. It shows how she falls in love and thinks she knows everything there is to know already and how that gets her into trouble. This book was okay. I felt like it was drawn out and kind of dragged on at times. I didn't really see the purpose for us to spend so much time with that old situation, except for the fact that it was the purpose for this book. The narration was good as always, but the story itself was probably 2.5 stars.
]]> 204583545 At a singles auction where no one was bidding on love, a warmhearted ER nurse finds herself dating a prickly doctor in this enemies-to-lovers lesbian romance.

Ellie Fisher loves most things about being a nurse in the emergency department…just not working with Regina Novak, an icy attending physician who acts as if she’s God’s gift to medicine.

The dislike is completely mutual. Regina thinks Ellie is a starry-eyed romantic with a sentimental attitude that has no place at work.

When Regina gets talked into volunteering at a singles auction, Ellie accidentally bids on her—and ends up winning. Oops!

Since the money raised is for a good cause, they reluctantly decide to go through with the dates.

Thanks to a baking class that turns into a competition and a hot-as-hell road trip snack incident, the ice between them starts to thaw. Is it possible the ER isn’t the most unromantic place on earth after all?]]> 376 Jae 3963248637 Jillian 5 4.15
author: Jae
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.15
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2024/09/24
date added: 2024/10/10
shelves: audiobook, books-i-reviewed, f-f-wlw-sapphic, hate-to-lovers, holiday, lgbtq-friendly, medical-professionals, missouri, office-corporate-boss-work-romance, read-in-2024
review:
Bachelorette Number Twelve is a ff romance between a doctor, Regina, and a nurse, Ellie. It is set in Kansas City, MO. It takes place around Valentine's Day. Ellie bids on Regina at a charity auction and although they don't really care for each other at work, they have to complete the series of dates for the charity. I liked that they were both flawed and had their personal issues to come to terms with and work through and they helped each other to do that. This was a fun book to listen to and had some humor as well. The narration was good. I recommend this book. 4.5 stars.
]]> 45252324 Meanwhile Einstein the terrier has fallen head-over-paws for a pampered poodle and Poppy has her hands full keeping him out of trouble. With vandals attacking her cottage and orders for flowers flooding in, she barely has time for sleuthing! But when unexpected help comes from her mad scientist neighbour Bertie, as well as crime author Nick Forrest and his talkative cat Oren, Poppy is sure she's found the killer...
The only problem is - with false clues and suspects galore, could she be barking up the wrong tree?

This book follows British English spelling and usage.]]> 322 H.Y. Hanna 0648419851 Jillian 5 4.37
author: H.Y. Hanna
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.37
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2024/09/21
date added: 2024/10/06
shelves: audiobook, cozy-mystery, england, no-sex, read-in-2024
review:
Doom and Bloom is book 3 in the English Cottage Garden Mysteries series. This is a cozy mystery series set in England. I loved this one. I am really enjoying this series. The narration is really good.
]]> 16130369 The hotly anticipated ninth novel in the hugely popular Elemental Assassin series finds Gin Blanco on a dangerous mission to rescue a friend.

When a terror from the past threatens Gin’s friend and body-disposer, Sophia, Gin will stop at nothing to protect her, even if it means walking straight into a killer’s trap. Meanwhile, the rocky romance between Gin and Owen reaches a turning point—can they reunite and rekindle their love? Or will the things Gin has been forced to do in her line of work as the deadly assassin the Spider keep them apart forever? Assuming, that is, she survives long enough to find out…]]> 358 Jennifer Estep 1451689004 Jillian 4 4.17 2013
author: Jennifer Estep
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2013
rating: 4
read at: 2024/09/13
date added: 2024/10/06
shelves: assassin-or-hit-man, audiobook, books-i-reviewed, elemental, read-in-2024, tennessee, urban-fantasy
review:
Heart of Venom is book 9 in the Elemental Assassin series. This is an urban fantasy series with various elementals, vampires, giants and dwarfs. The main character is Gin. She is a retired assassin who now kills for principles, not money. For the most part, I enjoyed this book quite a bit. I've always wanted to get Sophia's back story and this was the book to finally give that. It was an interesting storyline seeing all Sophia had gone through. I was annoyed that Owen was back in this book. I am over him and thought that bringing him back and having him apologize to Gin was completely unnecessary and unwanted. I was glad when he got injured. He deserved that and more for how he treated Gin in the prior books. I was really disappointed to find out that Sophia buries the bodies. I was really expecting some cool part of her elemental magic that allowed for her special body disposal skills. What a let down. We didn't see much of Finn in this book, and I found myself really missing what he brings to the stories with the investigations and the fights. I can't give more than 4 stars because these books are all starting to be the same just with different characters. The narration was good as always.
]]> 51283347
Tracy Adams had three things going for her in her just-above-average boring life namely:
1. A good job
2. A good job... that she liked
3. A good job that she liked... and that paid VERY well

When she lost her job and had to move back to the small town where she grew up, it seemed like her life had lost all purpose. Helping out at her aunt's floundering floral shop seemed like the perfect distraction before she decided what to do next.

When her aunt's competition, a nasty and egotistical know-it-all is found dead, the rumor mill in Fern Grove goes into overdrive. With an important piece of evidence linking Tracy to the scene of the crime, she becomes a person of interest in the murder investigation. This leaves her feeling vulnerable and confused.

Moving back to Fern Grove was meant to be the start of a new life but this murder mystery is fast ending what has hardly begun. Will she retain her wits and piece together the clues that will lead her to the killer?

If you want to enjoy a light-hearted read, with an amateur female sleuth and a gripping murder mystery with a touch of romance, then you'll love Tracy Adams and all the friendly and not-so-friendly characters in Fern Grove.

No cliffhanger, swearing or graphic scenes!

Buy Carnation and Deadly Fixations to discover how events unfold in this cozy murder mystery. ]]> 121 Abby Reede Jillian 1 3.96 2019
author: Abby Reede
name: Jillian
average rating: 3.96
book published: 2019
rating: 1
read at: 2024/09/15
date added: 2024/10/01
shelves: audiobook, books-i-reviewed, cozy-mystery, didn-t-care-for-it, first-in-series, gave-up-on, no-sex, read-in-2024
review:
Carnations and Deadly Fixations is book 1 in the Fern Grove series. It is a cozy mystery. I tried to get through this book three or four times and just couldn't do it. I don't know what I disliked more, the story or the narration. I found them both bad. Perhaps the narration was worse. This is my first book by this author. I don't think I would try another from her at this time. It was really boring and dragged on. This should have been a quick listen at 2 hours and 20 minutes, and the fact that I couldn't force myself to finish such a short book says a lot. I listen at a faster speed too so it was even shorter. This was not for me and I don't recommend it.
]]> 40396105
I thought I’d successfully subverted my wolf’s instincts where Bethany was concerned.

But when I saw her on that dance floor, my inner beast took over.

I told myself it would be just one dance. One dance and I’d let her go.

I didn’t mean to bite her.

Or f*ck her in the middle of a crowded dance club.

Or kidnap her� again.
]]> 355 Hettie Ivers 0999440519 Jillian 0 3.99 2018
author: Hettie Ivers
name: Jillian
average rating: 3.99
book published: 2018
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/10/01
shelves: already-purchased-need-to-read
review:

]]> 33140405 He definitely wasn't supposed to get that email...

Subject: My Boss.

Have I already told you that I hate my boss today?

Sexy as hell or not, this pompous, arrogant, ASSHOLE asked me to pick up his dry cleaning the second I walked through the door. Then he told me that I needed to take his Jaguar to a car wash that was ten miles outside of the city, but only after I needed to stand in a never-ending line to buy some type of limited, hundred-dollar watch.

I honestly can't wait to see the look on his face two months from now when I tell him that I'm quitting his company and that he can kiss my ass. KISS. MY. ASS.

All those former fantasies about him kissing me with his "mouth of perfection" or bending me over my desk and filling me with his cock are long over. OVER.

Your bestie,
Mya

PS--Please tell me your day is going better than mine...

Subject: Re: My Boss.

No, you haven't already told me that you hate your boss today, but seeing as though you've sent me this email directly, I know now...

Yes, I did ask you to pick up my dry cleaning the second you arrived to work to day. (Where is it?) And I did tell you to take my Jaguar to the car wash and pick up my thousand-dollar watch. (Thank you for taking five hours to do something that could be accomplished in two.)

You don't have to wait two months from now to see the look on my face when you tell me you're quitting. I'm standing outside your office at this very moment. ( Open the door. )

No comment on your "fantasies," although I highly doubt they're "long over."

Your boss,
Michael

PS--Yes. My day is definitely going far better than yours...

A steamy, office-romance novella from New York Times bestselling author, Whitney G. ]]> 138 Whitney G. 1942847041 Jillian 4
Merged review:

Naughty Boss is a contemporary MF workplace romance set in New York City. It is a quick listen at 2 hours and 7 minutes long. The main characters are Michael Leighton, CEO of a publishing company, and Mya London, hired as Michael’s executive assistant. Michael is a very demanding asshole of a boss, but Mya refuses to give in. They are both secretly attracted to the other. Mya sends emails to her bestie regularly to complain about Michael or tell her about something he has done or a fantasy she has about him. One of those emails unintentionally gets sent to Michael. This was a cute book. It is told in dual POV and both narrators do a good job. 4 stars, overall.]]> 3.66 2016
author: Whitney G.
name: Jillian
average rating: 3.66
book published: 2016
rating: 4
read at: 2023/12/20
date added: 2024/09/29
shelves: audiobook, books-i-reviewed, new-york, office-corporate-boss-work-romance, read-in-2023, short-story-or-novella
review:
Naughty Boss is a contemporary MF workplace romance set in New York City. It is a quick listen at 2 hours and 7 minutes long. The main characters are Michael Leighton, CEO of a publishing company, and Mya London, hired as Michael’s executive assistant. Michael is a very demanding asshole of a boss, but Mya refuses to give in. They are both secretly attracted to the other. Mya sends emails to her bestie regularly to complain about Michael or tell her about something he has done or a fantasy she has about him. One of those emails unintentionally gets sent to Michael. This was a cute book. It is told in dual POV and both narrators do a good job. 4 stars, overall.

Merged review:

Naughty Boss is a contemporary MF workplace romance set in New York City. It is a quick listen at 2 hours and 7 minutes long. The main characters are Michael Leighton, CEO of a publishing company, and Mya London, hired as Michael’s executive assistant. Michael is a very demanding asshole of a boss, but Mya refuses to give in. They are both secretly attracted to the other. Mya sends emails to her bestie regularly to complain about Michael or tell her about something he has done or a fantasy she has about him. One of those emails unintentionally gets sent to Michael. This was a cute book. It is told in dual POV and both narrators do a good job. 4 stars, overall.
]]> 61827543 Tea-shop owner. Matchmaker. Detective?

Sixty-year-old self-proclaimed tea expert Vera Wong enjoys nothing more than sipping a good cup of Wulong and doing some healthy �detective� work on the internet (AKA checking up on her son to see if he’s dating anybody yet).

But when Vera wakes up one morning to find a dead man in the middle of her tea shop, it’s going to take more than a strong Longjing to fix things. Knowing she’ll do a better job than the police possibly could � because nobody sniffs out a wrongdoing quite like a suspicious Chinese mother with time on her hands � Vera decides it’s down to her to catch the killer.

Nobody spills the tea like this amateur sleuth.]]> 339 Jesse Q. Sutanto 0593549228 Jillian 0 to-read 4.01 2023
author: Jesse Q. Sutanto
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.01
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/09/28
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 56459288
The day I was drafted into the army of the gods, all I knew about being a MASH surgeon was what I’d learned from Hawkeye Pierce and Hot Lips Houlihan. Now here I am, Dr. Petra Robichaud, in the middle of an immortal war, assigned to a MASH camp with a nosy sphinx, a vegetarian werewolf, and an uptight vampire who really needs to get a life.

At least they’re all too busy with their own dramas to discover my secret: I can see the dead. It’s a forbidden gift, one that can get me killed, so I haven’t told a soul.

Until the arrestingly intense Galen arrives on my operating table, half-dead and totally to-die-for. When his spirit tries to slip out of his fatally wounded body, I impulsively slip it back in. Call it a rash resurrection. One I’ll live to regret.

Now Commander Galen of Delphi knows my secret, and he’s convinced I’m part of an ancient prophecy—one that can end the war for good. But taking a chance could cost me everything. And it would be easier to convince him to leave me alone, except now the prophecies are starting to come true�



Warning: This novel contains a hefty dose of danger, drama, practical jokes, pet swamp lizards, brooding demigods, adventure, romance, and heart—in a MASH camp where everybody knows your business.

*The core of this book was originally called Immortally Yours, published by St. Martin's Press in 2012. The author has rewritten it into the way she always envisioned the story to be, which means it is now a romantic comedy instead of an angsty book. Oh, and there are a lot more pet swamp lizards, too.]]> 340 Angie Fox 1939661749 Jillian 3 I’ll start by saying that I chose this book because I had read and loved several other books by Angie Fox. I adore the Southern Ghost Hunter mystery series and really enjoy the Demon Slayer series. Since I love fantasy and paranormal, I thought this would be right up my alley. Unfortunately, The Monster MASH wasn’t a hit for me. It had some really strong aspects that I liked quite a bit but then there were some other not so great things. It was very back and forth and didn’t all add up to be a cohesive and complete story.

The setting was a bit confusing. The story takes place at The 3063rd MASH unit which isn’t on earth, it’s in limbo� kind of like an in-between place where wars are taking place between the old gods army and the new gods army. They refer to their families and homes as being “topside�. It is supposed to be taking place in current day but it just didn’t feel that way. It felt completely different at The MASH unit, which makes sense because it is in limbo, yet there were bits and pieces thrown in that are modern things and when that happened, it didn’t really fit.

They have mortals and immortals. Some like the Gods and demigods joined voluntarily but many people, were involuntarily drafted from their homes by the gods and forced to live out their lives in the army or serving as doctors for the armies. They get something like 5 minutes of leave for every year they work and ł¦˛ą˛Ô’t cash it in until they’ve reached a full week. So for them to earn enough leave to go home they have to work for over 2,000 years. Not feasible for mortals like main character, Petra.

The extensive number of gods and demigods didn’t get enough explanation. We also didn’t spend enough time on her background and why she would go into medicine and become a doctor knowing there is an ongoing war and she would likely be drafted into the army and taken from everyone she knows. Instead, we spent a ton of time on descriptions and things that were insignificant and not paramount to the story. The first five hours of the book could have been easily and completely covered in a single hour. Plus, there was so much filler throughout the book that once the real stuff started happening, the book was almost over and it was quickly wrapped up. The big prophecy was so important and such a huge issue for Petra, yet the resolution of the third prophecy happened in the blink of an eye.

I really liked the characters. They were the best thing. When I was bored from filler, the characters are what kept me in it. Both main characters and the primary side characters were great. Main character, Petra, is half human, half fae and although she will have a longer than human life, she is mortal. The other main character is Galen. He is a demigod and commander in the new gods army. The primary side characters are Petra’s fellow doctors and bunk mates, Rodger and Marius. Rodger is a werewolf who is really struggling with missing his wife and children/pups but is the closest buddy that Petra has there. Marius is a moody vampire but also a friend to Petra when it counts. Another character worth mentioning is Jeffe. He is a Sphinx and a guard and protector. He watches over Petra. Oh, one other character I really liked was the Pastor guy. He was really nice and he was raising a baby hellhound puppy.

There was some humor written into this book and I found myself laughing out loud more than once. There were also some really cute moments that made me smile. I also liked the relationship that formed between Petra and Galen.

Since I liked so many things and also didn’t really like other things, this was hard for me to really determine how I feel. I kept going back and forth. I’m not sure that I will continue this series. At this time, I am not going to start the next book. That doesn’t mean I won’t sometime down the line though.

The narrator did a good job. She had quite a few different voices and accents and her reading was enjoyable. Her pacing was good and her enunciation also good. Except for one character who I still ł¦˛ą˛Ô’t figure out what his name is and it was driving me crazy every time it was said. I couldn’t figure out what the demigod doctor guy’s name was that she was assigned to go on that special off the books mission with. It sounded like Face and surely that is not what the guy’s name was. I would absolutely listen to this narrator again. ]]> 4.09 2012
author: Angie Fox
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.09
book published: 2012
rating: 3
read at: 2021/01/21
date added: 2024/09/28
shelves: read-in-2021, audiobook, books-i-reviewed, dragons, fae-or-elves, fantasy, fantasy-world-parallel-universe, first-in-series, ghosts-hauntings, gods-and-goddesses, no-sex, medical-professionals, prn, shifters, urban-fantasy, vampires, war-or-times-of-war
review:
2.75 Stars.
I’ll start by saying that I chose this book because I had read and loved several other books by Angie Fox. I adore the Southern Ghost Hunter mystery series and really enjoy the Demon Slayer series. Since I love fantasy and paranormal, I thought this would be right up my alley. Unfortunately, The Monster MASH wasn’t a hit for me. It had some really strong aspects that I liked quite a bit but then there were some other not so great things. It was very back and forth and didn’t all add up to be a cohesive and complete story.

The setting was a bit confusing. The story takes place at The 3063rd MASH unit which isn’t on earth, it’s in limbo� kind of like an in-between place where wars are taking place between the old gods army and the new gods army. They refer to their families and homes as being “topside�. It is supposed to be taking place in current day but it just didn’t feel that way. It felt completely different at The MASH unit, which makes sense because it is in limbo, yet there were bits and pieces thrown in that are modern things and when that happened, it didn’t really fit.

They have mortals and immortals. Some like the Gods and demigods joined voluntarily but many people, were involuntarily drafted from their homes by the gods and forced to live out their lives in the army or serving as doctors for the armies. They get something like 5 minutes of leave for every year they work and ł¦˛ą˛Ô’t cash it in until they’ve reached a full week. So for them to earn enough leave to go home they have to work for over 2,000 years. Not feasible for mortals like main character, Petra.

The extensive number of gods and demigods didn’t get enough explanation. We also didn’t spend enough time on her background and why she would go into medicine and become a doctor knowing there is an ongoing war and she would likely be drafted into the army and taken from everyone she knows. Instead, we spent a ton of time on descriptions and things that were insignificant and not paramount to the story. The first five hours of the book could have been easily and completely covered in a single hour. Plus, there was so much filler throughout the book that once the real stuff started happening, the book was almost over and it was quickly wrapped up. The big prophecy was so important and such a huge issue for Petra, yet the resolution of the third prophecy happened in the blink of an eye.

I really liked the characters. They were the best thing. When I was bored from filler, the characters are what kept me in it. Both main characters and the primary side characters were great. Main character, Petra, is half human, half fae and although she will have a longer than human life, she is mortal. The other main character is Galen. He is a demigod and commander in the new gods army. The primary side characters are Petra’s fellow doctors and bunk mates, Rodger and Marius. Rodger is a werewolf who is really struggling with missing his wife and children/pups but is the closest buddy that Petra has there. Marius is a moody vampire but also a friend to Petra when it counts. Another character worth mentioning is Jeffe. He is a Sphinx and a guard and protector. He watches over Petra. Oh, one other character I really liked was the Pastor guy. He was really nice and he was raising a baby hellhound puppy.

There was some humor written into this book and I found myself laughing out loud more than once. There were also some really cute moments that made me smile. I also liked the relationship that formed between Petra and Galen.

Since I liked so many things and also didn’t really like other things, this was hard for me to really determine how I feel. I kept going back and forth. I’m not sure that I will continue this series. At this time, I am not going to start the next book. That doesn’t mean I won’t sometime down the line though.

The narrator did a good job. She had quite a few different voices and accents and her reading was enjoyable. Her pacing was good and her enunciation also good. Except for one character who I still ł¦˛ą˛Ô’t figure out what his name is and it was driving me crazy every time it was said. I couldn’t figure out what the demigod doctor guy’s name was that she was assigned to go on that special off the books mission with. It sounded like Face and surely that is not what the guy’s name was. I would absolutely listen to this narrator again.
]]> 25832741
Staring down a family history of bad decisions and reaped consequences, Deacon cashes in everything he owns, purchases an auto shop in Half Moon Bay, and takes his niece, Zig, far away from the drug dens and murderous streets they grew up on. Zig deserves a better life than what he had, and Deacon is determined to give it to her.

Lang Harris is stunned when Zig, a little girl in combat boots and a purple tutu, blows into his bookstore, and then he’s left speechless when her uncle, Deacon Reid, walks in hot on her heels. Lang always played it safe, but Deacon tempts him to step over the line� just a little bit.

More than a little bit. And Lang is willing to be tempted.

Unfortunately, Zig isn’t the only bit of chaos dropped into Half Moon Bay. Violence and death strike, leaving Deacon scrambling to fight off a killer before he loses not only Zig but Lang too.]]> 204 Rhys Ford 1623809487 Jillian 3 I liked that we were kept guessing for most of the book, as to who was causing the problems and who the main target was.
Overall, I give Fish Stick Fridays 2.5 stars. It seems like there was a lot missing and the book was just an overview, highlighted the main things. I needed so much more from it and it was so disappointing that the opportunity was there but clearly missed.

Merged review:

Fish Stick Fridays was okay. It was kind of disappointing though because it had so much potential to be a really good book. I think the little girl, Zig, was the saving grace for this story. Without her, the book would have been a total bust. I wasn't able to connect with Deacon and Lang as a couple. There was nothing there to make them seem like they had a real relationship yet they were suddenly in love. I actually stopped and said, "wait, what" because it seemed so left field. We missed everything that should lead up to them having feelings and falling for each other. They met, they were a couple and in love. How?
I liked that we were kept guessing for most of the book, as to who was causing the problems and who the main target was.
Overall, I give Fish Stick Fridays 2.5 stars. It seems like there was a lot missing and the book was just an overview, highlighted the main things. I needed so much more from it and it was so disappointing that the opportunity was there but clearly missed.]]> 3.95 2015
author: Rhys Ford
name: Jillian
average rating: 3.95
book published: 2015
rating: 3
read at: 2016/06/07
date added: 2024/09/22
shelves: books-i-reviewed, m-m, motorcycle-mc, read-in-2016, read-on-kindle, first-in-series, audiobook
review:
Fish Stick Fridays was okay. It was kind of disappointing though because it had so much potential to be a really good book. I think the little girl, Zig, was the saving grace for this story. Without her, the book would have been a total bust. I wasn't able to connect with Deacon and Lang as a couple. There was nothing there to make them seem like they had a real relationship yet they were suddenly in love. I actually stopped and said, "wait, what" because it seemed so left field. We missed everything that should lead up to them having feelings and falling for each other. They met, they were a couple and in love. How?
I liked that we were kept guessing for most of the book, as to who was causing the problems and who the main target was.
Overall, I give Fish Stick Fridays 2.5 stars. It seems like there was a lot missing and the book was just an overview, highlighted the main things. I needed so much more from it and it was so disappointing that the opportunity was there but clearly missed.

Merged review:

Fish Stick Fridays was okay. It was kind of disappointing though because it had so much potential to be a really good book. I think the little girl, Zig, was the saving grace for this story. Without her, the book would have been a total bust. I wasn't able to connect with Deacon and Lang as a couple. There was nothing there to make them seem like they had a real relationship yet they were suddenly in love. I actually stopped and said, "wait, what" because it seemed so left field. We missed everything that should lead up to them having feelings and falling for each other. They met, they were a couple and in love. How?
I liked that we were kept guessing for most of the book, as to who was causing the problems and who the main target was.
Overall, I give Fish Stick Fridays 2.5 stars. It seems like there was a lot missing and the book was just an overview, highlighted the main things. I needed so much more from it and it was so disappointing that the opportunity was there but clearly missed.
]]> 41945163
Planning her best friend's wedding is bittersweet for Kristen—especially when she meets the best man, Josh Copeland. He's funny, sexy, never offended by her mile-wide streak of sarcasm, and always one chicken enchilada ahead of her hangry. Even her dog, Stuntman Mike, adores him. The only catch: Josh wants a big family someday. Kristen knows he'd be better off with someone else, but as their attraction grows, it's harder and harder to keep him at arm's length.

The Friend Zone will have you laughing one moment and grabbing for tissues the next as it tackles the realities of infertility and loss with wit, heart, and a lot of sass.]]> 372 Abby Jimenez Jillian 4 July 31, 2023
I just did a re-listen of The Friend Zone. It is book 1 in the series by the same name. I am getting ready to read/listen to books 2 and 3 in the series and even though these books are standalone, I wanted to start at the beginning. This book is a friends to lovers, medium to high angst, contemporary romance set in California. The main characters are 24 year old, small business owner, Kristen, and 29 year old firefighter/paramedic Josh. I originally rated this book as 4.5 stars, but after going through it again, I think I will lower my rating to 3.5 stars. The push and pull angst of Kristen trying to be a martyr lasts way too long for my taste. It was most of the book. I really dislike when lack of communication or martyrdom is used as the plot device. The book is very emotional at the end due to the set up for the next book. I highly recommend not reading the blurb for book 2 until after finishing book 1. The narration was really good. Both narrators did a great job.

October 21, 2020
4.5 Stars
A WORD OF WARNING: Do NOT read the blurb for book 2 until after you finish this book. It will ruin things in a big way.

I really enjoyed this book for the most part. I wasn't expecting there to be so much emotion involved but I love a book that can make me cry. The Friend Zone had a good mix of humor and seriousness, happiness and sadness, and push and pull. This book did contain one element that I have very low tolerance for, which is when one character makes themselves the martyr and pushes the other away because they think they know what's best for them. That really started to grate on my nerves at times.

One weird thing I picked up on was that the author seems to have a thing about vegans as there were a few random negative references. Weird but okay.

The narration was good. The male narrator did a great job.

Merged review:

July 31, 2023
I just did a re-listen of The Friend Zone. It is book 1 in the series by the same name. I am getting ready to read/listen to books 2 and 3 in the series and even though these books are standalone, I wanted to start at the beginning. This book is a friends to lovers, medium to high angst, contemporary romance set in California. The main characters are 24 year old, small business owner, Kristen, and 29 year old firefighter/paramedic Josh. I originally rated this book as 4.5 stars, but after going through it again, I think I will lower my rating to 3.5 stars. The push and pull angst of Kristen trying to be a martyr lasts way too long for my taste. It was most of the book. I really dislike when lack of communication or martyrdom is used as the plot device. The book is very emotional at the end due to the set up for the next book. I highly recommend not reading the blurb for book 2 until after finishing book 1. The narration was really good. Both narrators did a great job.

October 21, 2020
4.5 Stars
A WORD OF WARNING: Do NOT read the blurb for book 2 until after you finish this book. It will ruin things in a big way.

I really enjoyed this book for the most part. I wasn't expecting there to be so much emotion involved but I love a book that can make me cry. The Friend Zone had a good mix of humor and seriousness, happiness and sadness, and push and pull. This book did contain one element that I have very low tolerance for, which is when one character makes themselves the martyr and pushes the other away because they think they know what's best for them. That really started to grate on my nerves at times.

One weird thing I picked up on was that the author seems to have a thing about vegans as there were a few random negative references. Weird but okay.

The narration was good. The male narrator did a great job.]]> 3.85 2019
author: Abby Jimenez
name: Jillian
average rating: 3.85
book published: 2019
rating: 4
read at: 2023/07/31
date added: 2024/09/12
shelves: audiobook, books-i-reviewed, emotional, first-in-series, california, friends-to-lovers, read-in-2020, made-me-cry, medical-professionals, read-in-2023
review:
July 31, 2023
I just did a re-listen of The Friend Zone. It is book 1 in the series by the same name. I am getting ready to read/listen to books 2 and 3 in the series and even though these books are standalone, I wanted to start at the beginning. This book is a friends to lovers, medium to high angst, contemporary romance set in California. The main characters are 24 year old, small business owner, Kristen, and 29 year old firefighter/paramedic Josh. I originally rated this book as 4.5 stars, but after going through it again, I think I will lower my rating to 3.5 stars. The push and pull angst of Kristen trying to be a martyr lasts way too long for my taste. It was most of the book. I really dislike when lack of communication or martyrdom is used as the plot device. The book is very emotional at the end due to the set up for the next book. I highly recommend not reading the blurb for book 2 until after finishing book 1. The narration was really good. Both narrators did a great job.

October 21, 2020
4.5 Stars
A WORD OF WARNING: Do NOT read the blurb for book 2 until after you finish this book. It will ruin things in a big way.

I really enjoyed this book for the most part. I wasn't expecting there to be so much emotion involved but I love a book that can make me cry. The Friend Zone had a good mix of humor and seriousness, happiness and sadness, and push and pull. This book did contain one element that I have very low tolerance for, which is when one character makes themselves the martyr and pushes the other away because they think they know what's best for them. That really started to grate on my nerves at times.

One weird thing I picked up on was that the author seems to have a thing about vegans as there were a few random negative references. Weird but okay.

The narration was good. The male narrator did a great job.

Merged review:

July 31, 2023
I just did a re-listen of The Friend Zone. It is book 1 in the series by the same name. I am getting ready to read/listen to books 2 and 3 in the series and even though these books are standalone, I wanted to start at the beginning. This book is a friends to lovers, medium to high angst, contemporary romance set in California. The main characters are 24 year old, small business owner, Kristen, and 29 year old firefighter/paramedic Josh. I originally rated this book as 4.5 stars, but after going through it again, I think I will lower my rating to 3.5 stars. The push and pull angst of Kristen trying to be a martyr lasts way too long for my taste. It was most of the book. I really dislike when lack of communication or martyrdom is used as the plot device. The book is very emotional at the end due to the set up for the next book. I highly recommend not reading the blurb for book 2 until after finishing book 1. The narration was really good. Both narrators did a great job.

October 21, 2020
4.5 Stars
A WORD OF WARNING: Do NOT read the blurb for book 2 until after you finish this book. It will ruin things in a big way.

I really enjoyed this book for the most part. I wasn't expecting there to be so much emotion involved but I love a book that can make me cry. The Friend Zone had a good mix of humor and seriousness, happiness and sadness, and push and pull. This book did contain one element that I have very low tolerance for, which is when one character makes themselves the martyr and pushes the other away because they think they know what's best for them. That really started to grate on my nerves at times.

One weird thing I picked up on was that the author seems to have a thing about vegans as there were a few random negative references. Weird but okay.

The narration was good. The male narrator did a great job.
]]> 6518202 BDSM Romantic Suspense

A sadistic husband left Beth scarred, inside and out. Only at the Shadowlands BDSM club does she feel like a woman. But her fears limit her to Doms who won't overwhelm her--the very ones who cannot arouse her. The Master of the Shadowlands gives her an accept the Dom he assigns or lose her membership. The last thing Beth wants is a ruthless, powerful Dom, but that's just what she gets.

Asked to take on a problem sub, Nolan sees the issue immediately--although truly submissive, the little redhead is too scared to relinquish control and her Doms have let her get away with it. That will change right now.

As Master Nolan takes Beth under command, compelling her submission, she's terrified, but the experienced Dom brings her pleasure, not pain. His only demand is that she never lie to him. Under his capable hands, her body comes alive, and she begins to heal. As he pushes her limits, she learns to trust…and then to love. And she realizes he is beginning to care for her in return.

But now her cruel husband has found her, and Master Nolan discovers she's been lying and lying and lying.

Publisher's This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find Anal play/intercourse, BDSM theme and content (including/not limited to bondage, caning, domination, restraint, paddling, spanking, submission, tethering); exhibitionism, menage, violence.]]> 170 Cherise Sinclair Jillian 0 moved-up-but-not-next 4.34 2009
author: Cherise Sinclair
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.34
book published: 2009
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/09/11
shelves: moved-up-but-not-next
review:

]]> 74036
Conducting a top secret investigation into the death of a fellow police officer has Lieutenant Eve Dallas treading on dangerous ground. She must put professional ethics before personal loyalties. But when a dead body is placed outside her home, Eve takes the warning personally. With her husband, Roarke, watching her every move, Eve is drawn into the most dangerous case of her career. Every step she takes makes her question her own beliefs of right and wrong - and brings her closer to a confrontation with humanity's most seductive form of evil...]]> 308 J.D. Robb 0749934123 Jillian 5 4.25 1997
author: J.D. Robb
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.25
book published: 1997
rating: 5
read at: 2024/08/25
date added: 2024/09/10
shelves: audiobook, books-i-reviewed, bounty-hunter-cop-pi-lawyer, didn-t-want-to-put-down, futuristic, mil-billionaire, mystery-suspense, new-york, read-in-2024, witches-or-warlocks
review:
Ceremony in Death is book 5 in the In Death series. This is a mystery series set in the future in the 2050s. This was my favorite of the series so far. It kept me entertained from the very beginning. It was a little frustrating to see Eve so sure and stuck on a specific suspect just because of her personal issues from her own past and her preconceived notions. I liked seeing the light and dark witches and the occult in this book. It was an interesting storyline. The narration was excellent as usual. I look forward to continuing on to book 6.
]]> 44078524 A new British cozy mystery series from USA Today bestselling author H.Y. Hanna!
Poppy never imagined she'd move to the English countryside and fall in love with a smug, demanding, ginger-haired male. Of course, that was before she discovered that she'd inherited a cottage garden nursery, and before she met a certain talkative orange cat named Oren. Now she's embracing a new life filled with rambling roses, scented herbs, warm summer days... and weeds (lots of weeds), as she attempts to restore the neglected cottage garden to its former glory. When she lands her first gardening job at a beautiful country house, Poppy is delighted to earn some much-needed money. But she barely sets foot in the flowerbed before the meddling neighbour drops dead in front of her--murdered by a lethal poison. Now Poppy finds herself busy weeding out suspects, helped by whacky old inventor Bertie and his feisty terrier Einstein, plus a whole host of nosy villagers... not to mention Nick Forrest, the maverick crime author. But with her clients' flowerbed mysteriously dying and red herrings at every turn, Poppy soon discovers that neither gardening nor sleuthing are as simple as she thinks...
This book follows British English spelling and usage.Clean read: no graphic violence, sex, or strong language.
Genre: cat cozy mystery series / gardening cozy mystery / women amateur sleuth / British detective mystery

THE ENGLISH COTTAGE GARDEN MYSTERIES
Deadhead and Buried (Book 1)
Silent Bud Deadly (Book 2)
~ more coming soon!]]> 302 H.Y. Hanna 0648419835 Jillian 5 4.32 2019
author: H.Y. Hanna
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.32
book published: 2019
rating: 5
read at: 2024/08/02
date added: 2024/09/10
shelves: audiobook, cozy-mystery, england, no-sex, read-in-2024
review:
Silent Bud Deadly is book 2 in the English Cottage Garden Mysteries series. It is a cozy mystery set in England. I am really enjoying these books. They are very light and fun. I will definitely continue on with this series. The narration is good. Overall, 4.5 stars.
]]> 99300
Written from a feminist perspective, often focusing on the inferior status accorded to women by society, the tales include "turned," an ironic story with a startling twist, in which a husband seduces and impregnates a naĂŻve servant; "Cottagette," concerning the romance of a young artist and a man who's apparently too good to be true; "Mr. Peebles' Heart," a liberating tale of a fiftyish shopkeeper whose sister-in-law, a doctor, persuades him to take a solo trip to Europe, with revivifying results; "The Yellow Wallpaper"; and three other outstanding stories.

These charming tales are not only highly readable and full of humor and invention, but also offer ample food for thought about the social, economic, and personal relationship of men and women � and how they might be improved.

Collects:
—The Yellow Wallpaper
—Three Thanksgivings
—The Cottagette
—TłÜ°ů˛Ô±đ»ĺ
—Making a Change
—If I Were a Man
—Mr. Peebles' Heart]]> 129 Charlotte Perkins Gilman 0486298574 Jillian 0 to-read 4.05 1892
author: Charlotte Perkins Gilman
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.05
book published: 1892
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/09/06
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 213084769 She kept her heart locked away...until she gave it to the world's biggest movie star.

In the dazzling world of Hollywood where fame and glamour reign supreme, award-winning megastar Zachary Butler longs for something more than red carpet events and paparazzi flashes. As he navigates fame and tries to extricate himself from his celebrity ex-fiancée, he discovers an unexpected spark with Rowan Walsh, a production assistant on his latest project.

Rowan, haunted by a devastating moment in her past, shields her heart behind walls of guilt, letting no one in. But Zachary's genuine affection and desire for a meaningful life begin to chip away at her defenses. As their connection deepens, Rowan must battle the self-destructive patterns that have held her back from embracing her passions and finding true love, while Zachary must reveal his own hidden scars—wounds he’s borne in silence for years—if he hopes to heal.

Can Zachary and Rowan confront their pasts to build a future together, or will the storms of scandal, tangled relationships, and the scrutiny of stardom ruin their hopes for a perfect Hollywood ending?

Falling Like Stars is a brand new, emotional standalone romance from USA Today bestselling author, Emma Scott, coming this summer!]]> Emma Scott Jillian 0 to-read 4.19 2024
author: Emma Scott
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.19
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/08/21
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 19351490
This compilation of fairy tales which includes the complete canon of over 200 tales has become a beloved set of classical stories the world over. Included in this collection are Hansel and Gretel, Briar Rose, The Fisherman and His Wife, Rapunzel, The Frog Prince, Little Red Riding Hood, Rumpelstiltskin, Tom Thumb, and many more. These stories are a delight to read and will rekindle up many childhood memories as they are reread. Presented here in this edition is the faithful translation of Margaret Hunt.]]> 688 Jacob Grimm Jillian 3 read-in-2015 4.21 1812
author: Jacob Grimm
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.21
book published: 1812
rating: 3
read at: 2015/06/11
date added: 2024/08/07
shelves: read-in-2015
review:

]]> 27067564
Living in Nocturne Falls means being yourself. Fangs, fur, and all.

Pandora Williams is Nocturne Falls� most successful real estate agent. And least successful witch. Her magic never has the intended outcome, but she’s learned to live with that. Mostly. Yes, it sucks, but what can she do? Then a hot new neighbor shows up and suddenly her magic works. Very cool, but very suspect. Especially since he’s a total non-believer.

Cole Van Zant likes practicality and absolutes. Things he can see and touch. So not magic. But when his teenage daughter insists she’s a witch—and they’re now living in a town that celebrates Halloween every day—he needs help. Of the witchy variety. Thankfully, his sexy neighbor buys into all that hocus pocus.

Enlisting her help seems like a great idea until spending time together reveals a supernatural surprise about who Cole really is. A secret even he didn’t know. Could Pandora and Cole really be meant for one another or is their attraction too much to believe?]]> 370 Kristen Painter 1941695124 Jillian 3
The Professor Woos the Witch is book 4 of the Nocture Falls series. In this book, Pandora, a witch with broken magic, meets Cole and his 13 year old daughter Kaley. Kaley knows she is a witch and just coming into her powers but her father believes himself and her fully human and doesn't believe in the supernatural. Kaley and Pandora make fast friends because they bond over being witches. But then something is discovered with Cole and it seems like he and Pandora have a connection. Of course, no Nocturne Falls book would be complete without some sort of trouble.

The narration is really good. It is the same narrator for the entire series so luckily I like his voices. I'm thankful that the narrator reads both male and female voices equally well.

I'm starting the in between novella, book 4.5, now. ]]> 4.29 2015
author: Kristen Painter
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.29
book published: 2015
rating: 3
read at: 2021/03/18
date added: 2024/08/07
shelves: audiobook, books-i-reviewed, fantasy, georgia, ghosts-hauntings, magic, read-in-2021, shifters, single-parent, urban-fantasy, witches-or-warlocks
review:
3.5 Stars. I am binging this series after completing the Jayne Frost series by this author. Part way into that series, I discovered that it was a spin off of this series and since it is the same town and many of the characters overlap in each of the books, I decided that I needed to read each of their stories as well. I am absolutely loving this series, but because I loved the prior books so much, even though I really liked this book, I am only rating as 3-3.5 stars. That is nothing against this book, I am just rating the books in the series against each other at this point.

The Professor Woos the Witch is book 4 of the Nocture Falls series. In this book, Pandora, a witch with broken magic, meets Cole and his 13 year old daughter Kaley. Kaley knows she is a witch and just coming into her powers but her father believes himself and her fully human and doesn't believe in the supernatural. Kaley and Pandora make fast friends because they bond over being witches. But then something is discovered with Cole and it seems like he and Pandora have a connection. Of course, no Nocturne Falls book would be complete without some sort of trouble.

The narration is really good. It is the same narrator for the entire series so luckily I like his voices. I'm thankful that the narrator reads both male and female voices equally well.

I'm starting the in between novella, book 4.5, now.
]]> 14058669 Red is definitely my color. Good thing, because in my line of work, I end up wearing it a lot.

Most people shy away from blood, but for an assassin like me� Gin Blanco, aka the Spider—it’s just part of the job. Still, it would be nice to get a night off, especially when I’m attending the biggest gala event of the summer at Briartop, Ashland’s fanciest art museum. But it’s just not meant to be. For this exhibition of my late nemesis’s priceless possessions is not only the place to be seen, but the place to be robbed and taken hostage at gunpoint as well. No sooner did I get my champagne than a bunch of the unluckiest thieves ever burst into the museum and started looting the place.

Unlucky why? Because I brought along a couple of knives in addition to my killer dress. Add these to my Ice and Stone magic, and nothing makes me happier than showing the bad guys why red really is my color.]]> 369 Jennifer Estep 1451688997 Jillian 3 4.13 2013
author: Jennifer Estep
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.13
book published: 2013
rating: 3
read at: 2024/07/31
date added: 2024/07/31
shelves: audiobook, badass-hero-or-heroine, assassin-or-hit-man, books-i-reviewed, elemental, no-sex, read-in-2024, tennessee, urban-fantasy
review:
Deadly Sting is book 8 in the Elemental Assassin series. It is Urban Fantasy set in Ashland, Tennessee, USA. The main character is 30-year-old Gin Blanco/Genevieve Snow. She is a stone and ice elemental. Her assassin name is The Spider, but at the end of book 1, Gin retired. Now she helps people, pro-bono, and is not taking contract kills anymore. In this book, Gin basically has to stop a robbery and free a bunch of hostages including her friends and family. I feel like the author is getting really repetitive, especially with the fight scenes. I am really hoping to see some new light breathed into this series. I bought all of the books in a sale, so I already own them. If I didn’t already own them, I don’t think I would continue on. One thing that bugged me was how much Gin wanted to have Owen back. After the last book, I ł¦˛ą˛Ô’t stand Owen and the fact that Gin is ready to just forgive and forget is really crappy. He abandoned her. She deserves someone better. The narration is fine. It is the same narrator for the whole series so the character voices are consistent. Overall, I give this book 3 stars. I am getting bored with the same things happening from book to book. The book is entertaining and I enjoyed it but I am annoyed by the formula the author is using. If I listened to this book without having already finished the previous 7, I probably would have rated it higher.
]]> 44033665 City girl Poppy desperately wants to pay off her debts, quit her dead-end job, find her father� oh, and keep a plant alive. But she knows these are just hopeless dreams—until the day the letter arrives. Suddenly, Poppy is on a train heading deep into the English countryside, to collect a mysterious inheritance. And the last thing she expects to receive is a cottage garden nursery—complete with romantic climbing roses, fragrant herbs, a ginger cat with attitude� and a dead body.
Now she must solve the mystery or risk losing her new home and the chance for a fresh start. But who would want to murder a gardener in a sleepy little village? Could the reclusive inventor have something to do with the killing? What about the brooding crime author next door? And why is her long-lost cousin so desperate for her to sell the cottage?
Poppy might not know her pansies from her petunias but that doesn’t stop her digging for clues. The only problem is, she could be digging her own grave too�

This book follows British English spelling and usage.
Clean read: no graphic violence, sex, or strong language.
Genre: cat cozy mystery series / gardening cozy mystery / women amateur sleuth / British detective mystery

THE ENGLISH COTTAGE GARDEN MYSTERIES
Deadhead and Buried (Book 1)
Silent Bud Deadly (Book 2)
~ more coming soon!]]> 315 H.Y. Hanna 0648419819 Jillian 5 4.17 2019
author: H.Y. Hanna
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2019
rating: 5
read at: 2024/07/29
date added: 2024/07/31
shelves: audiobook, books-i-reviewed, cozy-mystery, england, first-in-series, no-sex, read-in-2024
review:
Deadhead and Buried is book 1 in the English Cottage Garden Mysteries series. This is a cozy mystery set in England. I really enjoyed this book. It is my first book by this author. It captured my attention from the very first scene. This is a great start to the series and I am looking forward to continuing on to book 2. The narration was really good. I don’t have anything negative to say. 5 stars overall.
]]> 211241611
A brand new spicy small town romance by Amazon #1 Bestselling author, Amy Daws.

This book is the start of a mountain man spinoff series based on the three Fletcher brothers featured in her previous release, Last on the List.

Help Wanted: Grumpy Mountain Man seeks baby momma. Job is an incubator position only. Surrogate must be impervious to grunting in the form of communication and nosey brotherly neighbors. Rustic mountain range housing available upon request.
I wanted to pummel my irritating brothers when they posted their own version of a wanted ad to help me with my life.
But I ł¦˛ą˛Ô’t fault the results once the right woman lands on my lap.
Becoming a single father is not a decision I made lightly. In fact, it’s the biggest decision of my entire life.
Which is why when I interview Trista, I know she’s perfect.
She’s wild, she’s opinionated, she wears cowboy boots. Even my pet goat loves her�
She’s the exact type of person I was holding out for.
And to my great horror, I realize on our first night of attempting this baby making dance…when the lights are low, the cheap wine is flowing, and the home insemination supplies are laid out on the kitchen counter�
I want to do a lot more than just make her my surrogate.
I want to make her mine.]]> 358 Amy Daws Jillian 4 4.15 2024
author: Amy Daws
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.15
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2024/07/25
date added: 2024/07/27
shelves: audiobook, books-i-reviewed, colorado, cowboy-mountain-man-farmer-rancher, first-in-series, duet-narration, read-in-2024, slow-burn, small-town
review:
I really enjoyed Nine Month Contract. It is a contemporary, small town, mountain man, pregnancy, slow burn romance set in Colorado. It is the start of a new series. This book was about Wyatt Fletcher and Trista. Trista starts out as Wyatt's surrogate but they fall for each other. The author did a great job with exploring Trista's past and her traumas and showing how she navigated them and was working through them. I enjoyed all of the characters and look forward to hopefully seeing future books about the rest of the characters. I discovered after finishing this book, that the oldest of the 4 Fletcher brothers, Max, already has his book. It is called Last on the List and is book 5 in the Wait With Me series. I will be reading that one soon. For the most part, this was a really good story. There were some cringy parts though. The most cringy was comparing something soft to babies foreskin. “I swear it was crafted out of the foreskin of newborn babies it’s so comfortable. Not that foreskin is comfortable. I wouldn’t know, I guess. But I venture to bet it’s soft. Adult penis skin is crazy soft." Dude...what?! Just no. I also got a little annoyed with the constant discussion with how she is proud of her size, yet internally fat phobic, yet not. I am all about "normal" sized and plus sized characters instead of all those books with unrealistic body images, but I don't need to hear about it every couple chapters. Oh, and them calling it a "breeding kink" was way out of place in this book and not at all what was happening. This wasn't a kinky book, nor was there any kink behavior happening. I don't know if the author was attempting to add shock value or get cool points, but it didn't work. Those were just minor things though. They bugged me and pulled me out of the story, but even with those issues, I am still giving this book 4 stars. The narration was excellent. This book was narrated in duet. Both narrators did a great job and were great fits for their portions.
]]> 13544917 I used to murder people for money, but these days it’s more of a survival technique.

Once an assassin, always an assassin. So much for being plain old Gin Blanco. With every lowlife in Ashland gunning for me, I don’t need another problem, but a new one has come to town.

Salina might seem like a sweet Southern belle, but she’s really a dangerous enemy whose water elemental magic can go head-to-head with my own Ice and Stone power. Salina also has an intimate history with my lover, Owen Grayson, and now that she’s back in town, she thinks he’s hers for the taking.

Salina’s playing a mysterious game that involves a shady local casino owner with a surprising connection to Owen. But they call me the Spider for a reason. I’m going to untangle her deadly scheme, even if it leaves my love affair hanging by a thread.]]> 408 Jennifer Estep 1451651791 Jillian 4 4.17 2012
author: Jennifer Estep
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2012
rating: 4
read at: 2024/07/17
date added: 2024/07/18
shelves: assassin-or-hit-man, audiobook, books-i-reviewed, elemental, read-in-2024, tennessee, urban-fantasy
review:
Widow’s Web is book 7 in the Elemental Assassin series. It is Urban Fantasy set in Ashland, Tennessee, USA. The main character is 30-year-old Gin Blanco/Genevieve Snow. She is a stone and ice elemental. Her assassin name is The Spider, but at the end of book 1, Gin retired. Now she helps people, pro-bono, and is not taking contract kills anymore. In this book, Gin’s boyfriend, Owen’s, ex is back and she has revenge on the mind. Plus she wants Owen back. Owen is completely blinded to how crazy this chick is and by the end of the book, I couldn’t stand Owen and I am ready for him to go away. It is a little weird that book 6 featured Gin's ex and book 7 features Owen's ex. Hopefully we can be done with the ex as the storyline now. I enjoyed this book, but I am starting to get bored with the basic formula that all of these books has followed. I am hoping to see something fresh in the coming books. Maybe some additional side plots, more details about the supporting characters� lives, more team work, something. The narration was good like always. I give this book 3.75 stars, rounded up to 4.
]]> 57576233
Humans made a deal with the Stryxian males: Help us defend Earth, and when the war is over, we’ll send you women to help rebuild your dying species. Now, the war appears to be over and Trinity Bentzer’s number has been called in the lottery. Only, instead of winning a boatload of money, she’s getting some badass winged alien she’s never met. Trin’s not thrilled to be shipped off and matched up, until she meets Raig. 
Maybe she hit the jackpot, after all.�

Commander Raig Thanor’s job is to supervise the females� move to their holding chambers until they are sent to their final matches, but the moment he meets Trinity, he knows she’s his. If only claiming her didn’t risk sparking a war within his own people.�

This is book one of the Stryxian Alien Warrior series but can be read alone with no cliffhangers and no cheating. I write what I love to read, so there is always consent and always a happy ending.]]> 182 Ella Blake Jillian 5 4.08
author: Ella Blake
name: Jillian
average rating: 4.08
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2024/07/14
date added: 2024/07/16
shelves: aliens-other-planet-species, another-planet, audiobook, books-i-reviewed, fantasy, read-in-2024, war-or-times-of-war, politics-in-fiction, first-in-series
review:
Bonded to the Stryxian is book 1 in the Stryxian Alien Warriors series. I really enjoyed this book. It is a great start to the series. It is about Stryxian military high commander, Raig Thanor, and Earth human and military pilot, Trinity. Trinity is to be shipped off to a Stryxian settlement to mate a Stryxian and bare his children, but Raig instantly recognizes her as his true mate. I will absolutely be continuing on with the series. This is the second series that I have read by this author. The first was the Lords of Destra series which was great. This book is narrated in dual POV. Both narrators did a great job.
]]> 138826042
Crown Prince Toren Ver-Marrak’s ship crashed so long ago, he’s long since given up hope of escaping the deserted moon he’s stranded on. When he finds an escape pod with a human female inside, he sees no point in bringing up his royal status, until his royal status catches up with him�)

Zoey Pennington wasn’t leaving much behind when her number was pulled in the Stryxian mate lottery, but she didn’t count on an enemy attack leaving her crashed on a remote moon. She’s rescued by a gorgeous Stryxian who awakens her desires. Toren has secrets, but there are worse males to be stranded with.)]]> Ella Blake Jillian 5 3.60
author: Ella Blake
name: Jillian
average rating: 3.60
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2024/07/16
date added: 2024/07/16
shelves: aliens-other-planet-species, another-planet, audiobook, books-i-reviewed, fantasy, read-in-2024, royal-court-kingdoms-realms, short-story-or-novella
review:
Stranded with the Strxyian is book 1.5 of the Stryxian Alien Warriors series. It is Novella length and a quick listen. This book is about the Stryxian crowned Prince Toren and Earth human, Zoey. This book solidified my desire to continue with this series. I am excited to see where the series will go from here now that Toren has been found. The narration is excellent.
]]>