en-US Thu, 10 Apr 2025 16:45:08 -0700 60 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg 13452834 An earring, a murder, a legend...

Katherine St. Claire has never forgotten the passionate night she shared with a stranger while staying at a castle hotel called Duncreag. He even haunts her dreams. Tired of loving "Fantasy Man", as her brother Jeff refers to him, she decides to go back to Duncreag in search, literally, of the man of her dreams.

Iain Mackintosh wears the cairngorm earring of the only woman he will ever love. Eight long years ago she came to him in the night like a vision. News of his father's death brings Iain home to Duncreag where he finds himself questioning the circumstances surrounding his father's demise and wishing for the woman his cousin Ranald is convinced is a fairy.

Iain and Katherine arrive at Duncreag each longing to find the other. There is however a seemingly insurmountable problem. A five hundred and thirty-year barrier separates them. What follows is the story of a love so powerful it crosses the boundaries of time. Complicated by murder and abduction in the fifteenth century their love will be tested even after they finally reunite. Only Jeff's twentieth century discovery of events from the past can save them.]]> 336 Dee Davis Auj 5
I've had this book on my to-read list since May 23, 2018 (the original edition), and I'm so happy I finally bought it (along with other paperbacks) in July 2024 and read it. I started the book on the couch in my friend's Airbnb in St. Martin (the Caribbean).

I loved the subtle humor, the late 1990s references (Hilton is still very prominent!), the romance, and the plot. The plot was my favorite part of the novel. The villain was obvious, but everything else was mysterious. This book elicited tears at least twice. Davis kept the climax building. Every time you thought Katherine would be saved, there was another obstacle. Davis kept me guessing.

On the other hand, I wished the romance between Katherine & Iain was a little more developed from the start. It had a touch of instant love. Even though I understood these two were soulmates, I didn't fall instantly in love with the guy I love now... (Though I felt a close connection to him and immediately developed a big crush on him, I hardly knew anything about him...)

Some careless typos could have been caught with another round with a proofreader, especially since this book is a reissue of a traditionally published book. This book is older than me, lol.

That being said, this was a fantastic debut and I would love to read more by Dee Davis!]]> 4.05 2000
author: Dee Davis
name: Auj
average rating: 4.05
book published: 2000
rating: 5
read at: 2025/04/10
date added: 2025/04/10
shelves: historical-romance, time-travel, irish-or-scottish-hero, made-me-cry, 4-5-stars
review:
4.5 stars

I've had this book on my to-read list since May 23, 2018 (the original edition), and I'm so happy I finally bought it (along with other paperbacks) in July 2024 and read it. I started the book on the couch in my friend's Airbnb in St. Martin (the Caribbean).

I loved the subtle humor, the late 1990s references (Hilton is still very prominent!), the romance, and the plot. The plot was my favorite part of the novel. The villain was obvious, but everything else was mysterious. This book elicited tears at least twice. Davis kept the climax building. Every time you thought Katherine would be saved, there was another obstacle. Davis kept me guessing.

On the other hand, I wished the romance between Katherine & Iain was a little more developed from the start. It had a touch of instant love. Even though I understood these two were soulmates, I didn't fall instantly in love with the guy I love now... (Though I felt a close connection to him and immediately developed a big crush on him, I hardly knew anything about him...)

Some careless typos could have been caught with another round with a proofreader, especially since this book is a reissue of a traditionally published book. This book is older than me, lol.

That being said, this was a fantastic debut and I would love to read more by Dee Davis!
]]> 159444 302 John Coleman 0922356572 Auj 0 second-tier-tbr 3.81 2010
author: John Coleman
name: Auj
average rating: 3.81
book published: 2010
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/30
shelves: second-tier-tbr
review:

]]> 206601144 Your wildest dreams have come true. Get an insider’s look at Taylor Swift’s life and achievements in this pocket-sized collectible book for Swifties of all ages. Are you ready for it?100+ stunning photos and clued-in commentary explore the power of Taylor’s music and influence–and why she’ll never go out of style.Taylor Swift is so much more than a pop she has more number one albums than any other female performer in history and the Eras Tour has filled stadiums across the world and her influence on our culture seems to know no bounds.This photo-packed gift book immerses you in Taylor’s world with smart, insightful text and celebrates the global superstar as a prolific songwriter, powerful storyteller and champion of her empowerment.����Follow Taylor’s rise to pop icon status through all her eras with interviews from the vault of Esquire and Seventeen along with original essays from noted contributors. This amazing collection of Taylor’s signature moments ��Taylor’s many performances from singing the national anthem at local sporting events to selling out worldwide blockbuster tours��The chart-topping launch of her 23 albums, including Taylor’s versions, and what makes her personal yet relatable music so inspiringHer stunning red carpet appearances at the Grammys, the Met Gala and more!��Contributors ��Beatrice Forman, a lifelong Swifitie and contributor to The Philadelphia Inquirer where she covers fandom and digital culture��Maura Johnston, the music critic, founding editor of Gawker’s Idolator, and member of Boston’s College journalism faculty where she teaches “Writing and Popular Music”��Scott Raab, the noted writer for Esquire Annie Zaleski, a prominent music writer with bylines in Rolling Stone, NPR Music, The Guardian, Time, Vulture, The Los Angeles Times We know all too well you will love this book! Make sure to get one (or more!) for you and your bestie.]]> 144 Beatrice Forman 1958395684 Auj 4 nonfiction
I thought to myself, "You know I like Taylor Swift when I check out a library book about her."

I started it last night and finished it a little past noon. I typically don't read books like this, but my attention was held that I stayed up later than I should have & delayed a Trader Joe's run.

Taylor's work ethic and passion are admirable, and I loved learning more about her and her journey to stardom.

I loved this book's pictures and organization. My only criticism were two typos I caught. ]]> 4.33
author: Beatrice Forman
name: Auj
average rating: 4.33
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/29
date added: 2025/03/29
shelves: nonfiction
review:
Well, it's nice to finally say I read a book quickly. I picked this book up on Thursday at the Newport Beach Public Library when I discovered it near the library help desk. It had the sticker "Lucky Day" on it, so it couldn't be renewed, and I would only have it for a week, so I knew I had to read it ASAP.

I thought to myself, "You know I like Taylor Swift when I check out a library book about her."

I started it last night and finished it a little past noon. I typically don't read books like this, but my attention was held that I stayed up later than I should have & delayed a Trader Joe's run.

Taylor's work ethic and passion are admirable, and I loved learning more about her and her journey to stardom.

I loved this book's pictures and organization. My only criticism were two typos I caught.
]]> 8534413
One of today's premier historical novelists, Margaret George dazzles here as she tackles her most difficult subject the legendary Elizabeth Tudor, queen of enigma-the Virgin Queen who had many suitors, the victor of the Armada who hated war; the gorgeously attired, jewel- bedecked woman who pinched pennies. England's greatest monarch has baffled and intrigued the world for centuries. But what was she really like?

In this novel, her flame-haired, lookalike cousin, Lettice Knollys, thinks she knows all too well. Elizabeth's rival for the love of Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, and mother to the Earl of Essex, the mercurial nobleman who challenged Elizabeth's throne, Lettice had been intertwined with Elizabeth since childhood. This is a story of two women of fierce intellect and desire, one trying to protect her country, and throne, the other trying to regain power and position for her family and each vying to convince the reader of her own private vision of the truth about Elizabeth's character. Their gripping drama is acted out at the height of the flowering of the Elizabethan age. Shakespeare, Marlowe, Dudley, Raleigh, Drake-all of them swirl through these pages as they swirled through the court and on the high seas.

This is a magnificent, stay-up-all-night page-turner that is George's finest and most compelling novel and one that is sure to please readers of Alison Weir, Philippa Gregory, and Hilary Mantel.]]> 671 Margaret George 0670022535 Auj 0 currently-reading 3.95 2011
author: Margaret George
name: Auj
average rating: 3.95
book published: 2011
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/28
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> 220229590 Persephone
A love of ancient Greek lore, and a passion for archaeology brought me to Greece.
I should have known better than to work for Hades Pluton.
He is magnetic, and dark, and dangerous.
He is a painter of torment, and his touch promises the most delicious sin.
He is everything my mother warned me about men.
And yet my heart is a prisoner to his.
Ancient lore brought me here, but my love for him threatens to keep me.
If I could trust my slipping mind, I might not fight it so hard��this love.
But my mind is slipping. It’s been fragile since I was a child, but now that I’m seeing things, visions, dreams��none of it is real. I can’t help but question the reality of us, too.
He doesn’t deserve someone like me. Someone who sees things that aren’t there��
So, I’ll leave him. Eventually.
But I’ll love him first.

Hades
I am trying to do it right this time. Her and I.
The story of Hades and Persephone.
I vowed I would not steal her. Would not plunder her body, her heart, her mind. Vowed I would not force her loyalty.
I will earn her love.
I will worship the body she gifts me, and protect the soul she offers me to keep.
I am trying to maintain patience, to honor my vows—but there are darker forces at play.
The story of love is rarely told without tragedy.
And this is ours.
For the war has already begun.

]]> 253 Alannah Carbonneau Auj 5
I loved the subtle social commentary about life being painful and full of suffering, leaders being corrupt (made in Zeus's image), people not wanting to reincarnate and try life again (feel that one).

Alannah worked hard to keep Persephone's disbelief about the Greek gods and belief that her mind was fracturing ongoing until the bitter end with an epic climax. I also appreciated the author's clear passion and research into Greek mythology.

I'm no connoisseur of Hades/Persephone retellings, but I thought this was probably the best one I had read and better than the bestselling ones.

Hades was so hot, and he and Persephone heated the pages of the paperback I was turning. So yeah, great sex scenes, which was important as we waited a while for the consummation scene between the two (vaginal sex lol).

There were a few typos and chapter beginnings I wasn't fond of from the previous chapter, but the story and world-building were so compelling that I enjoyed the book enough to give it 5 stars.

Persephone also saying she was just a "very average girl" and not understanding what Hades saw in her (me either, sis, because your human personality is sweet and kind, but not terribly interesting) was a little annoying as I want a heroine I can find attractive too!! (Besides her looks and bedroom talents.) And understand why the hero is so crazy about her.

I'm embarrassed it took me so long to finish this book (23 days), but in my defense, I accidentally left this book at home, thinking I'd have time to read it before my Lyft to take me to the airport. Otherwise, I would have finished this book in the Caribbean or on the flight "home".

P.S. [spoilers removed]]]> 4.33
author: Alannah Carbonneau
name: Auj
average rating: 4.33
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/26
date added: 2025/03/26
shelves: contemporary-romance, hot-guy, hot-and-steamy-only-once, greek-god, past-lives-reincarnation, put-down-picked-back-up
review:
This was amazing!!!! What a massive improvement from Book 1, which I gave three stars, and a great birthday present to me from my dear friend Ariella!!

I loved the subtle social commentary about life being painful and full of suffering, leaders being corrupt (made in Zeus's image), people not wanting to reincarnate and try life again (feel that one).

Alannah worked hard to keep Persephone's disbelief about the Greek gods and belief that her mind was fracturing ongoing until the bitter end with an epic climax. I also appreciated the author's clear passion and research into Greek mythology.

I'm no connoisseur of Hades/Persephone retellings, but I thought this was probably the best one I had read and better than the bestselling ones.

Hades was so hot, and he and Persephone heated the pages of the paperback I was turning. So yeah, great sex scenes, which was important as we waited a while for the consummation scene between the two (vaginal sex lol).

There were a few typos and chapter beginnings I wasn't fond of from the previous chapter, but the story and world-building were so compelling that I enjoyed the book enough to give it 5 stars.

Persephone also saying she was just a "very average girl" and not understanding what Hades saw in her (me either, sis, because your human personality is sweet and kind, but not terribly interesting) was a little annoying as I want a heroine I can find attractive too!! (Besides her looks and bedroom talents.) And understand why the hero is so crazy about her.

I'm embarrassed it took me so long to finish this book (23 days), but in my defense, I accidentally left this book at home, thinking I'd have time to read it before my Lyft to take me to the airport. Otherwise, I would have finished this book in the Caribbean or on the flight "home".

P.S. [spoilers removed]
]]> 168642
As Truman Capote reconstructs the murder and the investigation that led to the capture, trial, and execution of the killers, he generates both mesmerizing suspense and astonishing empathy. In Cold Blood is a work that transcends its moment, yielding poignant insights into the nature of American violence.]]> 343 Truman Capote 0679745580 Auj 4
Holy shit. OMG. That was one of the darkest books I've ever read, and there should be major trigger warnings. Does it really take 20 minutes for a hanged person to die? WTF, that's so messed up.

I will come back to this and write a more thorough review when I have gotten more sleep and thought about this some more. Anyway, I have to write a 1,500-word essay for my class on this book.

I understand why writing this book (Truman Capote spent six years researching the events of the Clutter murders) ruined Capote. It makes me think of how if the two murderers, Dick & Perry, had had more opportunities in life and hadn't had serious accidents that in the case of Dick may have damaged part of his brain & caused a personality shift, maybe this crime would have never happened? Both came from poor families and didn't have the opportunity to achieve social mobility.

Dick wanted to become an engineer, but his family couldn't afford that. Not that excuses him for becoming a professional thief & later a murderer, but I can't help but wonder what if his family could have afforded school for him. It's similar to the question posed if Hitler had been accepted into art school, would the Holocaust have happened?

In the beginning, I hated the two. It was tragic and pathetic that they killed a nice family of four in such a brutal way for what today would be worth $480. Once they realized they had been misled about the amount of money Mr. Clutter kept in the house (he kept very little money on hand and preferred to send checks), they should have been like adios and gotten out of there.

Mr. Clutter didn't seem like the person who would report them; he actually thought they were harmless at first. Instead, they didn't want to leave any witnesses, so they shot all four family members. Two were teenagers and had so much potential and a bright future ahead of them until their lives were snuffed out.

But then throughout the book, Capote made me sympathize with Perry. My professor told us that Capote had a crush on Perry and portrayed him in a sympathetic way.

This was an insane book. However, the exposition was way too slow for me, and I became very bored. I was just waiting for the murders to happen already (page 69? I think). But after the murders, it got more exciting. The trial scene at the end was very well-written too.

I know this book will stay with me for a while as it's so heavy and thought-provoking. Despite the story solely covering a brutal murder & the hunt to catch the killers, the book was so moving that I feel I have no recourse but to give this 4 stars.

I hate that this took me twenty-three days to read, but it was such a long book, and I was so busy.]]> 4.08 1966
author: Truman Capote
name: Auj
average rating: 4.08
book published: 1966
rating: 4
read at: 2022/10/23
date added: 2025/03/18
shelves: books-i-read-for-school, classics, wtf-did-i-just-read
review:
~Reading my first crime novel for class~

Holy shit. OMG. That was one of the darkest books I've ever read, and there should be major trigger warnings. Does it really take 20 minutes for a hanged person to die? WTF, that's so messed up.

I will come back to this and write a more thorough review when I have gotten more sleep and thought about this some more. Anyway, I have to write a 1,500-word essay for my class on this book.

I understand why writing this book (Truman Capote spent six years researching the events of the Clutter murders) ruined Capote. It makes me think of how if the two murderers, Dick & Perry, had had more opportunities in life and hadn't had serious accidents that in the case of Dick may have damaged part of his brain & caused a personality shift, maybe this crime would have never happened? Both came from poor families and didn't have the opportunity to achieve social mobility.

Dick wanted to become an engineer, but his family couldn't afford that. Not that excuses him for becoming a professional thief & later a murderer, but I can't help but wonder what if his family could have afforded school for him. It's similar to the question posed if Hitler had been accepted into art school, would the Holocaust have happened?

In the beginning, I hated the two. It was tragic and pathetic that they killed a nice family of four in such a brutal way for what today would be worth $480. Once they realized they had been misled about the amount of money Mr. Clutter kept in the house (he kept very little money on hand and preferred to send checks), they should have been like adios and gotten out of there.

Mr. Clutter didn't seem like the person who would report them; he actually thought they were harmless at first. Instead, they didn't want to leave any witnesses, so they shot all four family members. Two were teenagers and had so much potential and a bright future ahead of them until their lives were snuffed out.

But then throughout the book, Capote made me sympathize with Perry. My professor told us that Capote had a crush on Perry and portrayed him in a sympathetic way.

This was an insane book. However, the exposition was way too slow for me, and I became very bored. I was just waiting for the murders to happen already (page 69? I think). But after the murders, it got more exciting. The trial scene at the end was very well-written too.

I know this book will stay with me for a while as it's so heavy and thought-provoking. Despite the story solely covering a brutal murder & the hunt to catch the killers, the book was so moving that I feel I have no recourse but to give this 4 stars.

I hate that this took me twenty-three days to read, but it was such a long book, and I was so busy.
]]> 33282662
Well, if this one bitch of a ghost could leave me alone on campus that would be great. Especially since I haven’t told my new friends about my abilities. Can you believe this? Five good-looking guys practically adopt me on my first day of school, and I still think they’re a bit nuts for it. Now if I can only just keep my life with the dead from mixing with my normal life, everything would be great. Yeah...I don’t see that happening either. But I’m going to give it a shot. Who knows? It might work.

]]> 520 B.L. Brunnemer Auj 3
So when you first meet Alexis, she seems like an average girl, a little boring, maybe, not super social. And then she makes 5 guy friends on the first day. Like wtf, how?!! Honestly jealous of this girl. And the guys are all hot. They all accepted her into their group so fast, it was a little crazy, especially considering they had all been friends since childhood.

I noticed on ŷ������ that this was labeled as a Reverse harem romance. It's funny cuz there was absolutely zero romance in this book. So please, do not read this for the romance.

Whenever Alexis ran into a ghost, it was so dramatic. Otherwise, she spent a lot of time hanging out with her guy friends. Like she hung out with them every single day after school, on the weekends. Like do you have a life outside of your friends? Ok, maybe I'm just jealous, but I wanted her life besides the never getting enough sleep. Also, how did she have time to see them 24/7?! Only the first and second times when she met with the guys after school did she do hw. I was like good, the author is actually talking about doing hw, because most of the time, when reading high school books or watching high school movies, I wonder when the kids are doing their hw lol. But then, that didn't last too long.

Also, Alexis was a little too snarky for me, but for some reason, everyone, especially her guys, seemed to find it hilarious. And the world (when she spent time with them) seemed to revolve around her. Idk but I wonder if I would like her as a person. Are ppl really that smart ass? I don't think I've met anyone who acts like she does.

Ok, towards the end it got intense.
I was really hoping for romance in this novel, and I was disappointed when there was none. I know she's supposed to be with 5 guys (seriously, how does that work?), but I immediately shipped her with Asher. Oh, and it was never clear why he started randomly calling her Ally girl. It just happened one day in the beginning of the book.

Also, it annoyed me when the author kept on having Alexis say that she knew it was girly, or wanted to do a girly thing. Like we know it's girly, you don't need to keep reiterating that you also like girl things even though you have no girl friends. Alexis always kept drawing attention to her boobs, or making boob jokes. I thought it was a little weird. I thought the author was putting it in there as "romance", but nothing happened as a result lol. I know I've kinda trash-talked Alexis, but I'll give her credit: she had a really strong personality & was very fierce.

Ok back to "trash-talking" her: it was annoying how the author always described her outfit, which seemed exactly the same every day. And then how the guys' jackets were wrapped around their muscular bodies, hiding them. I remember the author kept on describing the guys' jackets being wrapped around them 5 times in the paragraph...]]> 4.16 2016
author: B.L. Brunnemer
name: Auj
average rating: 4.16
book published: 2016
rating: 3
read at: 2019/02/03
date added: 2025/03/17
shelves: slightly-annoying-heroine, a-romance-novel-with-no-romance, ghosts, wondering-why-i-continued-reading, ugh, intense, teen-life, high-school, don-t-read-for-the-romance, 3-6-stars
review:
3.6

So when you first meet Alexis, she seems like an average girl, a little boring, maybe, not super social. And then she makes 5 guy friends on the first day. Like wtf, how?!! Honestly jealous of this girl. And the guys are all hot. They all accepted her into their group so fast, it was a little crazy, especially considering they had all been friends since childhood.

I noticed on ŷ������ that this was labeled as a Reverse harem romance. It's funny cuz there was absolutely zero romance in this book. So please, do not read this for the romance.

Whenever Alexis ran into a ghost, it was so dramatic. Otherwise, she spent a lot of time hanging out with her guy friends. Like she hung out with them every single day after school, on the weekends. Like do you have a life outside of your friends? Ok, maybe I'm just jealous, but I wanted her life besides the never getting enough sleep. Also, how did she have time to see them 24/7?! Only the first and second times when she met with the guys after school did she do hw. I was like good, the author is actually talking about doing hw, because most of the time, when reading high school books or watching high school movies, I wonder when the kids are doing their hw lol. But then, that didn't last too long.

Also, Alexis was a little too snarky for me, but for some reason, everyone, especially her guys, seemed to find it hilarious. And the world (when she spent time with them) seemed to revolve around her. Idk but I wonder if I would like her as a person. Are ppl really that smart ass? I don't think I've met anyone who acts like she does.

Ok, towards the end it got intense.
I was really hoping for romance in this novel, and I was disappointed when there was none. I know she's supposed to be with 5 guys (seriously, how does that work?), but I immediately shipped her with Asher. Oh, and it was never clear why he started randomly calling her Ally girl. It just happened one day in the beginning of the book.

Also, it annoyed me when the author kept on having Alexis say that she knew it was girly, or wanted to do a girly thing. Like we know it's girly, you don't need to keep reiterating that you also like girl things even though you have no girl friends. Alexis always kept drawing attention to her boobs, or making boob jokes. I thought it was a little weird. I thought the author was putting it in there as "romance", but nothing happened as a result lol. I know I've kinda trash-talked Alexis, but I'll give her credit: she had a really strong personality & was very fierce.

Ok back to "trash-talking" her: it was annoying how the author always described her outfit, which seemed exactly the same every day. And then how the guys' jackets were wrapped around their muscular bodies, hiding them. I remember the author kept on describing the guys' jackets being wrapped around them 5 times in the paragraph...
]]> 209679295 One woman, determined to stay single for life��
Meets two Kindred warriors looking for a mate.
When they visit a famous alien artist looking for a Muse
Will Lili end up
Posing for Their Pleasure?

Tropes--MFM, They Fall First, Touch her and Die, Fated Mates, Curvy FMC, Forced Proximity
**This is a STAND ALONE novel set in the Kindred Universe

Lilibet Trainer is SFL—Single For Life. After getting away from a horrible husband she’s decided to go it on her own. But when an attacker chases her into the arms of two huge Kindred warriors, will she change her mind?

Fights Darkness and Treads Lightly—Dark and Light for short—are visiting Earth for the first time. Because emotions are punishable by death on their home world of Z4, they are just now starting to have feelings. And seeing the curvy Lili being chased by an attacker definitely brings up all kinds of new emotions—namely the desire to protect and possess her.

Not wanting to let the curvy little human go, Light and Dark volunteer to take Lili on a trip to visit a famous alien art collector. But when the collector suggests that the three of them make some art together, will Lili end up…Posing for their Pleasure?

Author's Note--my FMC gets into some sticky situations that may upset anyone who has ever been attacked in the past but I promise it all works out in the end. Please Read Responsibly
Hugs, Evangeline]]> 314 Evangeline Anderson Auj 5
It took me from February 21 to March 11 to finish this book because I was so busy that I could hardly read. And now, unfortunately, I'm writing this review at 5 am something because a combination of jet lag and the terrible American food woke me up at 4:44 am. I'm glad I liked it so much because this was the second book of hers I bought for my birthday with her discount code.

Posing for Their Pleasure was one of my favorites I've read by Evangeline, so I skipped her writing quirks that will only get on your nerves if you read all her books (for instance, why is every human female the Kindred encounter a numalla? 2) does every woman (heroine) need to be plus-size?, 3) does every human man from the heroine's past need to hate going down on her, so the heroine is delighted when Kindred men are so into it?) and rounded up to 5 stars.

I felt the emotion and love between Light, Dark, and our heroine, Lili, whose name, Lilibet, reminded me of Queen Elizabeth II's nickname at the novel's start. (Yes, this book is MFM, so skip that if it's not your jam.) Light and Dark are an Imperfect Pair of Twin Kindred, so they believe they can't bond together to share a female properly, a requirement of being Twin Kindred; being Dark Kindred means they've just recently learned that they have emotions after being stifled living on Zeaga 4, the Dark Kindred world, for most of their lives.

The sex scenes were so hot I ended up wanting to have sex on the plane with my man in another country...so that kind of sucked for me. The ending was so exciting and well-written; I just wish I could edit Evangeline's novel and delete her foreshadowing one-liners, which are unnecessary and don't do much.]]> 4.26
author: Evangeline Anderson
name: Auj
average rating: 4.26
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/11
date added: 2025/03/12
shelves: scifi-romance, 4-4-stars, mfm, erotic-romance, adventure, aliens, artist
review:
I finished this book as my plane landed, which was wild. Even though I loved this book, that flight seemed more like 8 hours than 5 something...

It took me from February 21 to March 11 to finish this book because I was so busy that I could hardly read. And now, unfortunately, I'm writing this review at 5 am something because a combination of jet lag and the terrible American food woke me up at 4:44 am. I'm glad I liked it so much because this was the second book of hers I bought for my birthday with her discount code.

Posing for Their Pleasure was one of my favorites I've read by Evangeline, so I skipped her writing quirks that will only get on your nerves if you read all her books (for instance, why is every human female the Kindred encounter a numalla? 2) does every woman (heroine) need to be plus-size?, 3) does every human man from the heroine's past need to hate going down on her, so the heroine is delighted when Kindred men are so into it?) and rounded up to 5 stars.

I felt the emotion and love between Light, Dark, and our heroine, Lili, whose name, Lilibet, reminded me of Queen Elizabeth II's nickname at the novel's start. (Yes, this book is MFM, so skip that if it's not your jam.) Light and Dark are an Imperfect Pair of Twin Kindred, so they believe they can't bond together to share a female properly, a requirement of being Twin Kindred; being Dark Kindred means they've just recently learned that they have emotions after being stifled living on Zeaga 4, the Dark Kindred world, for most of their lives.

The sex scenes were so hot I ended up wanting to have sex on the plane with my man in another country...so that kind of sucked for me. The ending was so exciting and well-written; I just wish I could edit Evangeline's novel and delete her foreshadowing one-liners, which are unnecessary and don't do much.
]]> 60070910
Ideally, the lady he marries will be a spinster who isn’t all that interested in marriage but will be happy to be a mother. Then, when he dies early, neither one of them will miss each other. Instead of the old spinster he hopes to find, however, he comes across Miss Reina Livingstone. She is vibrant and full of life. She gives him the one thing he lost over the hope.

Reina knows Algernon believes he’s cursed, but she doesn’t. The poor gentleman has lived under the heaviness of sorrow for so long that he hasn’t really learned to enjoy life. He deserves a love match. And she’s going to make it her mission to marry him, regardless of whether it brings good or bad luck.]]> 254 Ruth Ann Nordin Auj 0 to-read, already-own-tr 3.93
author: Ruth Ann Nordin
name: Auj
average rating: 3.93
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/02
shelves: to-read, already-own-tr
review:

]]> 7569444
Married to the man she loves—sweet, sexy Max—Jessica Wild-Wainwright is blissfully happy . . . except for one tiny little problem: She never confessed to an (almost) tryst with Max’s biggest rival right before their wedding. Eaten up with guilt and facing down threats of exposure, Jessica decides to give Max what he clearly still lacks: the Ideal Wife. With the help of her friends, she will become perfect in every way: doting, devoted, domestic—everything Max deserves.

However, the path to perfection is fraught with peril, from culinary chaos to a boudoir disaster that puts Max in the hospital with a broken leg and a sexy nurse (who is certainly Ideal in every way that Jessica is not). When Jessica rallies to run Max’s company—and is met with overt hostility by an obsessive co-worker and by an auditor determined to uncover everyone’s secrets, things become decidedly less than Ideal. Toss in a semiretired Russian stripper turned stay-at-home mom and strange men watching her apartment, and Jessica fears Project Ideal Wife has backfired miserably. Can a less than perfect wife save the day?]]> 256 Gemma Townley 0345499840 Auj 0 to-read-get-from-library 3.17 2010
author: Gemma Townley
name: Auj
average rating: 3.17
book published: 2010
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/02
shelves: to-read-get-from-library
review:

]]> 468328 352 Rachel Johnson 1416531769 Auj 0 currently-reading, chick-lit
I'm a London-phile, so I picked this one up, and the premise sounded like it could be fun. I've enjoyed a lot of chick-lit by Sophie Kinsella, so I was hoping this could be something similar.

On hold: Page 19, March 2, 2025:

Right now, I'm too busy to have the time to get into a book like this. I'll try again at a library in London :)]]> 2.90 2007
author: Rachel Johnson
name: Auj
average rating: 2.90
book published: 2007
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/02
shelves: currently-reading, chick-lit
review:
I think I'm on page 19. We'll see if I keep reading it... Right now, I'm more in the mood for a story than a gossipy-sort-of-rag.

I'm a London-phile, so I picked this one up, and the premise sounded like it could be fun. I've enjoyed a lot of chick-lit by Sophie Kinsella, so I was hoping this could be something similar.

On hold: Page 19, March 2, 2025:

Right now, I'm too busy to have the time to get into a book like this. I'll try again at a library in London :)
]]> 4692 714 Noah Gordon 0751503894 Auj 0 to-read-get-from-library 4.39 1986
author: Noah Gordon
name: Auj
average rating: 4.39
book published: 1986
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/02
shelves: to-read-get-from-library
review:

]]> 199618120 384 Charlotte Butterfield 0008642958 Auj 0 to-read-get-from-library 4.09
author: Charlotte Butterfield
name: Auj
average rating: 4.09
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/02
shelves: to-read-get-from-library
review:

]]> 222381597 Hades
The mistakes we make can last a lifetime. In my case, that’s been centuries. Millenia.
I vowed I’d never again steal her away to the Underworld. I broke that vow.
She’s here now, in my realm, my house, my bed.
She’s here��and she doesn’t hate me.
But there’s more at stake than her affection, even though there is nothing I crave more.
As the past is revealed, sinister intentions come to light, and the war we stand on the cusp of is no longer something we can avoid.
Demeter has allied with Zeus, with Olympus.
She has a plan, and it could destroy us all.

Persephone
There’s more to Hades than he lets me see.
The pieces of my puzzle are falling slowly into place, but with every click, the picture is clearer.
He is cloaked in regret and I’m not sure that even my forgiveness can absolve him his sins.
I am not dead, and yet I’ve found myself in the Underworld.
Everything I thought I knew about the world crumbles around me as a truth I can no longer deny takes its place with a violence that leaves me trembling.
There is a war brewing, and the players possess a power that could wipe out all of humanity.
To save the souls both living and dead, I must make a bargain.
But when you pay with your soul��does winning ever cover the loss?

]]> 311 Alannah Carbonneau Auj 0 second-tier-tbr, arc 4.24
author: Alannah Carbonneau
name: Auj
average rating: 4.24
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/01
shelves: second-tier-tbr, arc
review:

]]> 134238276 288 Bernard Cornwell 0063219360 Auj 4
It took me forever to read this book (January 14th-February 28th) because I didn't want to read recipes on my birthday, January 16th, and I've had 3 acute insomnia episodes this year.... Yeah.... My life's been hard lately. So I should have finished this book 3 nights ago, but I had to pass out at 9 and sleep.

Anyway, on to my review: I liked this book a lot. I don't know why I was so confused by the introduction. I thought it was another Uhtred story, but then I saw 1993, and I was like what??! Bernard Cornwell wrote an introduction of how he came to write The Last Kingdom series & how England became a country.

Then the book was divided into three parts, each one with recipes and a short story giving more insight into Uhtred's life, stories between books and/or irrelevant to each book. I loved the stories & skimmed the recipes because I wasn't cooking anything right now, but I plan to gift this book to both my London father and the man I like because they both love to cook. ]]> 3.82 2023
author: Bernard Cornwell
name: Auj
average rating: 3.82
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/28
date added: 2025/02/28
shelves: historical-fiction, nonfiction, cookbooks, english-fic, english-history
review:
Because of this book, I just added "cookbooks" as a shelf, lol, because I have a feeling I'll be reading more in the future. (The guy I like likes to cook. Lucky me ;)

It took me forever to read this book (January 14th-February 28th) because I didn't want to read recipes on my birthday, January 16th, and I've had 3 acute insomnia episodes this year.... Yeah.... My life's been hard lately. So I should have finished this book 3 nights ago, but I had to pass out at 9 and sleep.

Anyway, on to my review: I liked this book a lot. I don't know why I was so confused by the introduction. I thought it was another Uhtred story, but then I saw 1993, and I was like what??! Bernard Cornwell wrote an introduction of how he came to write The Last Kingdom series & how England became a country.

Then the book was divided into three parts, each one with recipes and a short story giving more insight into Uhtred's life, stories between books and/or irrelevant to each book. I loved the stories & skimmed the recipes because I wasn't cooking anything right now, but I plan to gift this book to both my London father and the man I like because they both love to cook.
]]> 203578893
When Cassandra Camberwell returns to her hometown of Hollow Brook to clear out her late grandmother’s ramshackle old house, the last thing she expects is Seth Brubaker on her doorstep. Her former best friend was responsible for the worst moment of her high school life, and she can’t imagine he wants to do anything but torment her all over again.

Until she unearths the real reason this annoyingly gorgeous beast of a man keeps hanging around: he’s an actual werewolf, who’s certain she’s the witch that will ease his suffering. But Cassie just isn’t sure if she can trust him again. So Seth offers a pact: he’ll teach her all about her undiscovered magic, and she will brew the potions he needs. No feelings, no funny business, just a witch and a werewolf striking a deal.

Totally doable. Until they get hit with a do-or-die mating bond. And now the heat is rising, in between fights with former bullies and encounters with talking raccoons. They just have to not give in. Unless giving in just might be the very thing they never knew they always wanted.]]> 368 Charlotte Stein 1250352339 Auj 0 to-read-get-from-library 3.28 2024
author: Charlotte Stein
name: Auj
average rating: 3.28
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/20
shelves: to-read-get-from-library
review:

]]> 8087061
After years dedicated to business, lawyer Meredith Sinclair is having the wildest ride of her life. James Hamilton is everything she respects, admires, and desires in a man. So when James makes her the most indecent proposition she's ever heard, Meredith can't resist. That night, as he sends shocks of desire through Meredith's naked body with a feather she's treasured all her life, Meredith is overcome with something an unknown and consuming fear.

Then come the visions of Victorian England, of herself being sold to strangers for their sexual desires. Of James, a lord bound by duty. And of both of them-star-crossed lovers who must make amends with a strange and tumultuous past if they can ever hope for a future together.]]> 304 Red Garnier 045123006X Auj 4
Phew, this book was a lot. Meredith and James, two lawyers on opposing sides of a merger, were hot and heavy from the start, which is unusual in a romance novel. Then Meredith has a vision of them in a past life in 1844 London. I loved this story, and if the novel had just been that story, this book would have gotten 5 stars from me.

I thought the story of an earl/future duke fighting his forbidden love and attraction for a young prostitute was so romantic and heart-wrenching because they were perfect for each other, but their social classes wrenched them apart. :/ [spoilers removed] Margaret was so selfless and passionate in her love; she reminded me a lot of myself. I thought she was a Venus in Pisces like me. On the other hand, Gavin Claymore was so darkly dominant, tortured, beholden to his aristocratic duties and family, but so sinfully sexy and intoxicating in bed. I think he was a Mars in Scorpio with strong 8th-house energy (what Cherry, Meredith's friend in the present, says about her.) Oh yeah, I loved that this book had astrology references :)

When Cherry said something along the lines of "Wait, find me his birth time so I can run the charts [and compare them for compatibility," I found myself in a novel.

Back in the present, it frustrated me that Meredith wouldn't come clean about them having a strong past life connection and how James had broken her heart in their past life. Yes, it sounded ridiculous, but he wanted an explanation and was in love with her.

I do wonder what time the previous life between Orianna and Kollshein (spelling?) was. [spoilers removed]

The only reason this book didn't receive 5 stars was because the time jumps from the present to the past and back again were disjointed. I'm surprised that more effort (editing) and pages weren't put into a novel published by Berkeley... Amazon says it's 304 pages, but the ebook I bought from B & N was only 176 pages. A delicious 176 pages too...

(Also, I will never buy an ebook from Barnes & Noble again. Nook online is terrible; I had to keep logging in to read the story. I received a $25 B & N gift card for my 24th birthday, so I bought this ebook with the remaining funds and paid the rest. I wished the woman who bought me the gift card had just bought an Amazon card like she usually does. But anyway, I'm grateful and glad I finally bought this book, something that's been sitting on my to-read list for so long.)

I have to check out more by Red Garnier because damn, this book was scorching ;)]]> 3.15 2010
author: Red Garnier
name: Auj
average rating: 3.15
book published: 2010
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/20
date added: 2025/02/20
shelves: past-lives-reincarnation, historical-romance, contemporary-romance, bdsm, erotic-romance, hot-and-steamy, made-me-cry, astrological-references, other-woman-or-man, abuse, rape
review:
May I have sex as amazing as depicted in this book...

Phew, this book was a lot. Meredith and James, two lawyers on opposing sides of a merger, were hot and heavy from the start, which is unusual in a romance novel. Then Meredith has a vision of them in a past life in 1844 London. I loved this story, and if the novel had just been that story, this book would have gotten 5 stars from me.

I thought the story of an earl/future duke fighting his forbidden love and attraction for a young prostitute was so romantic and heart-wrenching because they were perfect for each other, but their social classes wrenched them apart. :/ [spoilers removed] Margaret was so selfless and passionate in her love; she reminded me a lot of myself. I thought she was a Venus in Pisces like me. On the other hand, Gavin Claymore was so darkly dominant, tortured, beholden to his aristocratic duties and family, but so sinfully sexy and intoxicating in bed. I think he was a Mars in Scorpio with strong 8th-house energy (what Cherry, Meredith's friend in the present, says about her.) Oh yeah, I loved that this book had astrology references :)

When Cherry said something along the lines of "Wait, find me his birth time so I can run the charts [and compare them for compatibility," I found myself in a novel.

Back in the present, it frustrated me that Meredith wouldn't come clean about them having a strong past life connection and how James had broken her heart in their past life. Yes, it sounded ridiculous, but he wanted an explanation and was in love with her.

I do wonder what time the previous life between Orianna and Kollshein (spelling?) was. [spoilers removed]

The only reason this book didn't receive 5 stars was because the time jumps from the present to the past and back again were disjointed. I'm surprised that more effort (editing) and pages weren't put into a novel published by Berkeley... Amazon says it's 304 pages, but the ebook I bought from B & N was only 176 pages. A delicious 176 pages too...

(Also, I will never buy an ebook from Barnes & Noble again. Nook online is terrible; I had to keep logging in to read the story. I received a $25 B & N gift card for my 24th birthday, so I bought this ebook with the remaining funds and paid the rest. I wished the woman who bought me the gift card had just bought an Amazon card like she usually does. But anyway, I'm grateful and glad I finally bought this book, something that's been sitting on my to-read list for so long.)

I have to check out more by Red Garnier because damn, this book was scorching ;)
]]> 987577
ELLY
In town, they called her "Crazy Widow Dinsmore." But Elly was no stranger to their ridicule--she had been an outsider all her life, growing up in a boarded-up old house under the strict eye of her eccentric grandparents. Now she was all alone, with two little boys to raise, and a third child on the way.

WILL
He drifted into Whitney, Georgia, one lazy afternoon in the summer of 1941, hoping to put his lonely past behind him. He yearned for the tenderness he had never known, the home he'd never had. All he needed was for someone to give him a chance.

Then he saw her classified ad: WANTED--A husband. When he stepped across Elly Dinsmore's cluttered yard, Will Parker knew he had come home at last ...]]> 480 LaVyrle Spencer 0586210415 Auj 3
This book took me SO long to read (January 25-February 12th) because I had two back-to-back acute insomnia episodes with only a week of normal sleep; I had put this book down for an easier-to-read book, a chick-lit novel called Learning Curves.

The beginning was SO long, and it was frustrating how the two had such trauma that they couldn't communicate/open up about how they felt. (Realistic but a frustrating read.) I told my dad the story didn't pick up until around page 200 when Elly and Will finally married. I finally understood all the 5-star reviews because this book had me crying multiple times, especially when Will was drafted into the Marines during WW2. Those parts were heartbreaking.

I loved the character of Ms. Beasley, the indomitable librarian, and Spencer's hint of a HEA for her too. However, I disliked one of the villains, Lula Peaks, and found her extremely one-dimensional. Moreover, I thought her character was slightly misogynistic, depicting a promiscuous woman, colloquially known as a "slut", whose one goal in life was to gold-dig by metaphorically selling her body.

I enjoyed the sensuality of the romance, but the sex scenes were too metaphorical with purple prose for me :/ I get that this novel was published in 1989, but I still review my books by how much I enjoyed them. Lastly, I thought there was a prejudiced remark against blacks; Spencer wrote how the woman Elly's grandfather slept with was a prostitute, and then deliberately added that she was a black woman, to boot. I side-eyed that sentence so hard and texted my friend about it.

[spoilers removed]

I'm shocked this is Spencer's most popular novel on ŷ������ as I first read November of the Heart by her and liked it so much more. I gave that book 5 stars. I suggest you skip this book, unless you're looking for a book on small-town life in the U.S. in 1941 during WW2, and check out November of the Heart instead. ]]> 4.25 1989
author: LaVyrle Spencer
name: Auj
average rating: 4.25
book published: 1989
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/12
date added: 2025/02/17
shelves: contemporary-romance, books-that-need-to-be-shorter, 3-7-stars, child-from-previous-relationship, made-me-cry, army-vet-soldier, other-woman-or-man, small-town-romance
review:
3.7 stars

This book took me SO long to read (January 25-February 12th) because I had two back-to-back acute insomnia episodes with only a week of normal sleep; I had put this book down for an easier-to-read book, a chick-lit novel called Learning Curves.

The beginning was SO long, and it was frustrating how the two had such trauma that they couldn't communicate/open up about how they felt. (Realistic but a frustrating read.) I told my dad the story didn't pick up until around page 200 when Elly and Will finally married. I finally understood all the 5-star reviews because this book had me crying multiple times, especially when Will was drafted into the Marines during WW2. Those parts were heartbreaking.

I loved the character of Ms. Beasley, the indomitable librarian, and Spencer's hint of a HEA for her too. However, I disliked one of the villains, Lula Peaks, and found her extremely one-dimensional. Moreover, I thought her character was slightly misogynistic, depicting a promiscuous woman, colloquially known as a "slut", whose one goal in life was to gold-dig by metaphorically selling her body.

I enjoyed the sensuality of the romance, but the sex scenes were too metaphorical with purple prose for me :/ I get that this novel was published in 1989, but I still review my books by how much I enjoyed them. Lastly, I thought there was a prejudiced remark against blacks; Spencer wrote how the woman Elly's grandfather slept with was a prostitute, and then deliberately added that she was a black woman, to boot. I side-eyed that sentence so hard and texted my friend about it.

[spoilers removed]

I'm shocked this is Spencer's most popular novel on ŷ������ as I first read November of the Heart by her and liked it so much more. I gave that book 5 stars. I suggest you skip this book, unless you're looking for a book on small-town life in the U.S. in 1941 during WW2, and check out November of the Heart instead.
]]> 1972800 Mrs. Jessica Milton.

Having weighed all legal options, Jess realizes that there’s only one thing she can do: get Anthony to fall in love with her and pop the question for real. With help from her feisty best friend, Helen, Jess reluctantly learns the art of flirting, seduction, and playing hard to get. But just when it appears that Anthony is about to ask the (literal) million-dollar question, Jess finds herself wondering if it’s right to say “I do�� for all the wrong reasons.

The first novel in Gemma Townley’s exciting new Wild trilogy, The Importance of Being Married introduces an irresistible heroine caught up in a scheme that could change her life forever.]]> 337 Gemma Townley 0345499808 Auj 4
I had no idea how the novel would end. Would Jessica go through her sham marriage to Anthony to gain the 4 million pounds and manor house, or would she do the right thing and be with Max? I loved the plot twists at the end of the story.

Omg, I can't wait to pick up the next book! I'm glad this is a trilogy as I want to know what happens next!

[spoilers removed]]]> 3.55 2008
author: Gemma Townley
name: Auj
average rating: 3.55
book published: 2008
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/17
date added: 2025/02/17
shelves: funny-at-times, chick-lit, english-fic, 3-8-stars
review:
It was so much fun & had me laughing out loud several times! I'm shocked Jess didn't get fired from her job with all the wedding planning she was doing and hardly any work! Like in all chick-lit, the heroine's actions sometimes stressed me out. Unlike Townley's sister's heroines, Jess wasn't dumb and had a different personality than all of Kinsella's heroines. Jess was serious, hard-working, a little awkward, and conscientious; aka wholly different than I imagined her to be from the blurb. However, Jess making up a fictional boyfriend and eventually husband seemed to take a page from (was reminiscent of) Kinsella's flighty, mentally weak heroines.

I had no idea how the novel would end. Would Jessica go through her sham marriage to Anthony to gain the 4 million pounds and manor house, or would she do the right thing and be with Max? I loved the plot twists at the end of the story.

Omg, I can't wait to pick up the next book! I'm glad this is a trilogy as I want to know what happens next!

[spoilers removed]
]]> 6024465 nothing, stands between her and happily-ever-after. Well, almost nothing. Probably nothing. You see, lately Max has been evasive, even secretive. And when Jessica answers his mobile and hears a sultry woman’s voice on the other end, it’s the last straw. Leaving nothing to chance, Jessica tracks down the mystery woman–and finds her smack in the middle of Max’s embrace.

The next thing Jessica knows, she’s waking up in the apartment of Max’s business rival after a night out that was meant to help her forget her woes. And when a series of even more tumultuous events leads to a life-changing discovery, Jessica realizes that things are not what they seem–not by a long shot. How could she have ever doubted the only man she’s ever wanted? And now that her job, her reputation, and her heart are in jeopardy, is love enough to give her the miracle she so desperately needs?]]> 265 Gemma Townley 0345499824 Auj 0 to-read-get-from-library 3.32 2009
author: Gemma Townley
name: Auj
average rating: 3.32
book published: 2009
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/17
shelves: to-read-get-from-library
review:

]]> 827484 Little White Lies and When in Rome…comes a rollicking new novel of love and lust in the boardroom.

Jennifer Bell used to travel the planet with her boyfriend, fighting the good fight for Mother Earth. But after the breakup (not a good fight), Jen moved back to London to work for another mother: her own. Harriet Bell founded Green Futures, a consulting firm, after splitting up with Jen’s big-shot father, who runs a rival (and Harriet thinks corrupt) company. But Harriet can’t expose his crimes without proof. And she wants Jen to find some.

Since Jen hasn’t seen her dad in more than fifteen years, it’s a snap to infiltrate his company…under an assumed name, of course. Soon she’s worming her way into the good graces of the company’s managers to find evidence of wrongdoing. What she discovers is that her father’s world is a whole lot different from her own—filled with Palm Pilots, MBAs, martini lunches, designer suits, and Daniel Peterson, a guy who digs the gorge in gorgeous. Suddenly Jen is torn between Birkenstocks and Jimmy Choos, tree-hugging and air-kissing. Could it be that her Big Bad Dad isn’t the monster her mom made him out to be? Or is Jen simply being seduced by the power of hard deals, hot nights, and wads of cash? Only time will tell–preferably from a Cartier watch on the wrist of Daniel Peterson…]]> 308 Gemma Townley 0345480031 Auj 3 chick-lit
After devouring Sophie Kinsella's entire backlist, I'm on a quest to read all of Gemma Townley's books. I was taken aback that this was written in 3rd POV after reading When in Rome... It took some time to get into because I was so sleep-deprived, but then I really enjoyed the book. Sometimes the plot meandered a bit, but everything was tied nearly at the end.

I could have finished this book yesterday, but my dad finally wanted to watch Dead Ringers with me and then declared it was too slow.

The whole thing I found odd was that Daniel, the boyfriend, would kiss a female friend/colleague of his, and after Jen mistakenly thought they were together, she never mentioned how weird it was that they'd kiss each other. I don't care if my best guy friend discovered the cure to cancer, I still wouldn't kiss him on the lips!! That's a romantic thing.

I also think the subtitle should have been axed because as I expected, this book hardly had any sex scenes, and what was there was mostly alluded to. I know it was marketing for women, but still...]]> 3.35 2006
author: Gemma Townley
name: Auj
average rating: 3.35
book published: 2006
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/07
date added: 2025/02/07
shelves: chick-lit
review:
3.5 stars

After devouring Sophie Kinsella's entire backlist, I'm on a quest to read all of Gemma Townley's books. I was taken aback that this was written in 3rd POV after reading When in Rome... It took some time to get into because I was so sleep-deprived, but then I really enjoyed the book. Sometimes the plot meandered a bit, but everything was tied nearly at the end.

I could have finished this book yesterday, but my dad finally wanted to watch Dead Ringers with me and then declared it was too slow.

The whole thing I found odd was that Daniel, the boyfriend, would kiss a female friend/colleague of his, and after Jen mistakenly thought they were together, she never mentioned how weird it was that they'd kiss each other. I don't care if my best guy friend discovered the cure to cancer, I still wouldn't kiss him on the lips!! That's a romantic thing.

I also think the subtitle should have been axed because as I expected, this book hardly had any sex scenes, and what was there was mostly alluded to. I know it was marketing for women, but still...
]]> 436548
All his life, Nick Hatton has had his pick of beautiful women, but he's also had enough sense never to hazard his heart. That is, until his irresponsible brother gambles away his inheritance and plans to refill his pockets by marrying spirited young Alex. Driven by a fierce need to protect her, Nick will risk anything to prevent his brother's scheming seduction. But when the girl he sets out to save becomes the glorious woman he longs to ravish, he must force himself to resist her wild beauty and reckless flirtation --- before his desires erupt in a single, scorching moment that can never be undone.]]> 409 Virginia Henley 0451207378 Auj 4 The ending is kinda funny. I really wanted Nick and Alex to be together. Alex and Kit had no chemistry. I found it interesting how Virginia Henley kept on referencing the zodiac before it became really popular (as in pop culture). I think she had a thing for Leos. Nick was a Leo, but his twin Kit was a Cancer. The servants thought it was unnatural for two twins to be born on different zodiac signs. Henley kinda bashed the Cancer and exalted the Leo. She kept on writing the "lion's pride". Also, it was mentioned that Alex was a Sagittarius, which makes a really good match with Leo because they are both fire signs but not a good match with Cancer.]]> 3.81 2002
author: Virginia Henley
name: Auj
average rating: 3.81
book published: 2002
rating: 4
read at: 2019/04/28
date added: 2025/02/04
shelves: don-t-read-for-the-romance, historical-romance, virginia-henley, virgin-heroine, regency-romance, astrological-references
review:
Don't read it for a romance; it takes forever. I was waiting for them to have sex like the whole book. They do it by page 495...
The ending is kinda funny. I really wanted Nick and Alex to be together. Alex and Kit had no chemistry. I found it interesting how Virginia Henley kept on referencing the zodiac before it became really popular (as in pop culture). I think she had a thing for Leos. Nick was a Leo, but his twin Kit was a Cancer. The servants thought it was unnatural for two twins to be born on different zodiac signs. Henley kinda bashed the Cancer and exalted the Leo. She kept on writing the "lion's pride". Also, it was mentioned that Alex was a Sagittarius, which makes a really good match with Leo because they are both fire signs but not a good match with Cancer.
]]> 215102104 Abbey Lennox is legally blind…and extremely lonely. A rare form of optic neuropathy has taken most of her vision and her blindness made her a target for a killer .
After barely escaping a vicious attack, she’s vowed never to take another chance on love. So when an enormous Monstrum warrior claims she is his fated mate and rightful bride, she wants nothing to do with him.

Solon is a Chimera Monstrum with the ability to sense the emotions of those he is attuned to. When he touches Abbey’s hand, he understands that she fears him but he doesn’t know why. He only knows that he has to find a way to gain her trust and make her understand that he wants to love and protect her.

Despite Abbey’s fear of him, Solon claims her and after some time, trust begins to grow. But when an evil from her past comes back to haunt them, will the Monstrum warrior be able to keep his new bride safe? Will Abbey escape death a second time and if so, will she allow herself to be…Chosen by the Chimera?


***���ܳٳ�ǰ�’s Warning—there is a pet death in this book, but it happens in the past and mostly off-screen. The female main character is also a survivor of SA, which also happens in the past and off-screen. Please read responsibly and I promise, everything works out in the end because I would never write a book without a HEA]]> 310 Evangeline Anderson Auj 3 Morning Glory.) I wish I had enjoyed this a bit more because I bought this, along with Posing for Their Pleasure, by her as a result of her 10% birthday discount being a member of her Aliens & Alpha online bookstore. So you can say this was a birthday present to myself.

This one wasn't my favorite by Evangeline even though the heroine was blind, which was interesting and seemed well-researched, because her adventure Kindred books are my favorite. This had an adventure to another planet known as Tengula Five, a planet geared toward blind people, but Abbey and Solon only went there more than halfway through the novel (I don't count all the back matter as pages of the story, so it was more than halfway). I thought how the story got so much more interesting when they arrived there because as much as I love her books, Evangeline is better at writing sexual development (and adventure!!) than romantic development, probably because she tells the reader that the two have talked for hours instead of showing us some of their conversations.

And unlike most of her novels, the world they go to isn't an ominous one where everything goes wrong, and the hero and heroine face insurmountable obstacles. Rather, Tengula Five was mostly sunshine and rainbows for Abbey and Solon. Abbey's many-eyed pet she adopted, Spex, was adorable. Back to Abbey being blind--I'm tired so forgive me for this review's lack of organization--the first chapter or so, Evangeline painstakingly described the whole process of her morning routine from waking up (from having arousing dreams of Solon) to cooking an egg. I felt like I was going blind myself, so I was glad the rest of the book wasn't like that, as I felt I could start over-empathizing and imagining myself as blind too much. I Googled the app Be My Eyes and thought about downloading it, but I wonder how many calls per day you get, and what if you're too busy to take a call from a blind person and describe something. I'd like to download it some time, though.

This book had me laughing out loud several times, so even though it's not a comedy, I'm tagging it "funny-at-times". There was one glaring typo at 6%; Abbey's name was changed to Molly, which threw me off.

[spoilers removed]]]> 4.45
author: Evangeline Anderson
name: Auj
average rating: 4.45
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/28
date added: 2025/01/29
shelves: aliens, plus-sized-there-is-more-to-love, adventure, rape, tortured-heroine, funny-at-times
review:
I started reading the first chapter before January 26th, but because I was reading another book, I only read the book in earnest. (Though I paused reading a wildly popular old historical romance novel from 1989 to read this one. (It will bother me later if I ever come back to this review, so I'll reveal its identity: Morning Glory.) I wish I had enjoyed this a bit more because I bought this, along with Posing for Their Pleasure, by her as a result of her 10% birthday discount being a member of her Aliens & Alpha online bookstore. So you can say this was a birthday present to myself.

This one wasn't my favorite by Evangeline even though the heroine was blind, which was interesting and seemed well-researched, because her adventure Kindred books are my favorite. This had an adventure to another planet known as Tengula Five, a planet geared toward blind people, but Abbey and Solon only went there more than halfway through the novel (I don't count all the back matter as pages of the story, so it was more than halfway). I thought how the story got so much more interesting when they arrived there because as much as I love her books, Evangeline is better at writing sexual development (and adventure!!) than romantic development, probably because she tells the reader that the two have talked for hours instead of showing us some of their conversations.

And unlike most of her novels, the world they go to isn't an ominous one where everything goes wrong, and the hero and heroine face insurmountable obstacles. Rather, Tengula Five was mostly sunshine and rainbows for Abbey and Solon. Abbey's many-eyed pet she adopted, Spex, was adorable. Back to Abbey being blind--I'm tired so forgive me for this review's lack of organization--the first chapter or so, Evangeline painstakingly described the whole process of her morning routine from waking up (from having arousing dreams of Solon) to cooking an egg. I felt like I was going blind myself, so I was glad the rest of the book wasn't like that, as I felt I could start over-empathizing and imagining myself as blind too much. I Googled the app Be My Eyes and thought about downloading it, but I wonder how many calls per day you get, and what if you're too busy to take a call from a blind person and describe something. I'd like to download it some time, though.

This book had me laughing out loud several times, so even though it's not a comedy, I'm tagging it "funny-at-times". There was one glaring typo at 6%; Abbey's name was changed to Molly, which threw me off.

[spoilers removed]
]]> 106972
Georgie Beauchamp is totally happy and in love with her wonderful, dependable boyfriend, David. So why does she always daydream about running into her gorgeous ex-boyfriend Mike? It can’t mean she’s still in love with him—especially since the cad dumped her so horribly. As luck would have it, when Georgie’s daydream actually comes true, she is dressed in unglamorous sweats and carrying a curtain rod down the street, while Mike is driving an expensive sports car and looking better than Brad Pitt at the Oscars. She longs to have the glamorous life Mike can offer—and starts to think that he might want her back in his arms.

But when he invites her for a weekend in Rome, Georgie is torn. David has always said he’d take her there for the romantic getaway of a lifetime, but his work keeps him totally tied up. So she must David, all comfort and reliability, or Mike, all flirtation and butterfly-stomachs. The decision isn’t too hard to make, and faster than she can say Vespa, she’s off to Rome with Mike, full of plans to frolic on the Spanish Steps and sip wine in intimate trattorias. But when David shows up unexpectedly, this roman holiday gets a hell of a lot more complicated. . . .


From the Trade Paperback edition.]]> 264 Gemma Townley 0345478975 Auj 4 I love English fiction 3.39 2004
author: Gemma Townley
name: Auj
average rating: 3.39
book published: 2004
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/24
date added: 2025/01/24
shelves: chick-lit, love-triangle, other-woman-or-man, english-fic, funny-at-times
review:
I love English fiction
]]> 227443 a. lose 7 pounds
b. stop smoking
c. develop Inner Poise

"129 lbs. (how is it possible to put on 4 pounds in the middle of the night? Could flesh have somehow solidified becoming denser and heavier? Repulsive, horrifying notion), alcohol units 4 (excellent), cigarettes 21 (poor but will give up totally tomorrow), number of correct lottery numbers 2 (better, but nevertheless useless)..."

"Bridget Jones' Diary" is the devastatingly self-aware, laugh-out-loud daily chronicle of Bridget's permanent, doomed quest for self-improvement �� a year in which she resolves to: reduce the circumference of each thigh by 1.5 inches, visit the gym three times a week not just to buy a sandwich, form a functional relationship with a responsible adult - and learn to program the VCR.

Over the course of the year, Bridget loses a total of 72 pounds but gains a total of 74. She remains, however, optimistic. Through it all, Bridget will have you helpless with laughter, and �� like millions of readers the world round �� you'll find yourself shouting, "Bridget Jones is me!"]]> 288 Helen Fielding 014028009X Auj 0 to-read-get-from-library 3.81 1996
author: Helen Fielding
name: Auj
average rating: 3.81
book published: 1996
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/24
shelves: to-read-get-from-library
review:

]]> 211953
TreMellyn's young daugher, Alvean, proved as spoiled and difficult as the three governesses before Martha had discovered. But it was the girl's father whose cool, arrogant demeanor unleashed unfamiliar sensations and turmoil--even as whispers of past tragedy and present danger begin to insinuate themselves into Martha's life.

Powerless against her growing desire for the enigmatic Connan, she is drawn deeper into family secrets--as passion overpowers reason, sending her head and heart spinning. But though evil lurks in the shadows, so does love--and the freedom to find a golden promise forever...]]> 240 Victoria Holt 0449019942 Auj 3
I discovered Victoria Holt at the Newport Beach Library, and even though I had plenty of other books to read first, I was intrigued. I couldn't help resist picking up this book, my first by Holt.

"There are two courses open to a gentlewoman when she finds herself in penurious circumstances...One is to marry, and the other to find a post in keeping with her gentility."

Unfortunately for Martha Leigh, she wasn't able to find a husband during her London Season, so she is forced to take a governess post at Mount Mellyn, an old mansion. There's this whole mystery of what happened to the father's wife, and I never would have guessed the villain or how the first wife actually died.

I loved Martha's narrative voice. I liked her personality too. She was haughty, prim, proper, and took her job seriously for never having been a governess before. She would also remind everyone how she was the governess, which was quite amusing. The blurb on the front jacket cover is inaccurate, saying, "...but Martha was a high-spirited, attractive girl, and she hated the very idea of it..." She was excited to go to Cornwall and start her new job... Also, she viewed herself as not attractive and always felt insecure about her lack of beauty. Reading "already past her first youth, being twenty-four years old" didn't make me feel great as I'm almost 24 (honestly so not ready for my birthday!).

It's hard to call this a "romance" when I had read past page 100 and nothing had happened between the father of Martha's charge, Connan, and Martha. Martha seemed to have more page time with a neighbor, Peter. That's why I was a little surprised when out of the blue, Martha admits to having fallen in love with Connan. And then I was even more surprised when he[spoilers removed]I'm also not the biggest fan of clean romances, so now I want to read something very steamy lol.

I also wish there had been more descriptions of the house because I couldn't visualize it at all in my head, and I couldn't really understand[spoilers removed]

I'm still thinking about this book even though I finished it two hours ago. As I closed the book, I thought how it could possibly make for a good movie. Unfortunately, I just learned that Paramount bought the rights to make a movie, but didn't ultimately produce a film.

Because Martha is a governess, the story was simultaneously mundane and interesting (because of the gothic/murder mystery aspect). I will definitely pick up some of Victoria Holt's (I know that's a penname) other books because I am intrigued.]]> 3.91 1960
author: Victoria Holt
name: Auj
average rating: 3.91
book published: 1960
rating: 3
read at: 2024/12/07
date added: 2025/01/24
shelves: 3-5-stars, historical-romance, romantic-suspense, gothic-horror, governess-romance, child-from-previous-relationship, other-woman-or-man, clean-romance, slow-burn, english-fic
review:
*3.5 stars

I discovered Victoria Holt at the Newport Beach Library, and even though I had plenty of other books to read first, I was intrigued. I couldn't help resist picking up this book, my first by Holt.

"There are two courses open to a gentlewoman when she finds herself in penurious circumstances...One is to marry, and the other to find a post in keeping with her gentility."

Unfortunately for Martha Leigh, she wasn't able to find a husband during her London Season, so she is forced to take a governess post at Mount Mellyn, an old mansion. There's this whole mystery of what happened to the father's wife, and I never would have guessed the villain or how the first wife actually died.

I loved Martha's narrative voice. I liked her personality too. She was haughty, prim, proper, and took her job seriously for never having been a governess before. She would also remind everyone how she was the governess, which was quite amusing. The blurb on the front jacket cover is inaccurate, saying, "...but Martha was a high-spirited, attractive girl, and she hated the very idea of it..." She was excited to go to Cornwall and start her new job... Also, she viewed herself as not attractive and always felt insecure about her lack of beauty. Reading "already past her first youth, being twenty-four years old" didn't make me feel great as I'm almost 24 (honestly so not ready for my birthday!).

It's hard to call this a "romance" when I had read past page 100 and nothing had happened between the father of Martha's charge, Connan, and Martha. Martha seemed to have more page time with a neighbor, Peter. That's why I was a little surprised when out of the blue, Martha admits to having fallen in love with Connan. And then I was even more surprised when he[spoilers removed]I'm also not the biggest fan of clean romances, so now I want to read something very steamy lol.

I also wish there had been more descriptions of the house because I couldn't visualize it at all in my head, and I couldn't really understand[spoilers removed]

I'm still thinking about this book even though I finished it two hours ago. As I closed the book, I thought how it could possibly make for a good movie. Unfortunately, I just learned that Paramount bought the rights to make a movie, but didn't ultimately produce a film.

Because Martha is a governess, the story was simultaneously mundane and interesting (because of the gothic/murder mystery aspect). I will definitely pick up some of Victoria Holt's (I know that's a penname) other books because I am intrigued.
]]> 58460799 From New York Times bestseller Eloisa James, a new Regency-set novel in which a heiress with the goal of being a wallflower engages a rugged American in a scorchingly sensual, witty wager that tests whether clothing does indeed make the man—or the wallflower!

Miss Cleopatra Lewis is about to be launched in society by her aristocratic grandfather. But since she has no intention of marrying, she visits a costume emporium specifically to order unflattering dresses guaranteed to put off any prospective suitors.

Powerful and charismatic Jacob Astor Addison is in London, acquiring businesses to add to his theatrical holdings in America—as well as buying an emerald for a young lady back in Boston. He's furious when a she-devil masquerading as an English lady steals Quimby's Costume Emporium from under his nose.

Jake strikes a devil's bargain, offering to design her “wallflower wardrobe�� and giving Cleo the chance to design his. Cleo can't resist the fun of clothing the rough-hewn American in feathers and flowers. And somehow in the middle of their lively competition, Jake becomes her closest friend.

It isn't until Cleo becomes the toast of all society that Jake realizes she's stolen his fiercely guarded heart. But unlike the noblemen at her feet, he doesn't belong in her refined and cultured world.

Caught between the demands of honor and desire, Jake would give up everything to be with the woman he loves��if she'll have him!

]]> 384 Eloisa James 0063139537 Auj 3
The conflict starts with Jake, a wealthy American newly arrived to London, wanting to buy a London costume shop and moving it to the U.S. Cleo, a wealthy English heiress and now owner of a toilet company, buys the shop out from under him to help a friend of a friend. Then it quickly transferred into Jake wanting to win and marry Cleo and Cleo being uninterested in marriage after her mother's countless affairs with actors.

The characters go from a very short rivalry to being friends to then lovers.

One could say the beginning of the book's plot was a little ridiculous, but it was unique, so I didn't mind too much. I also agree with other reviewers that the book might have been better as a contemporary romance than a historical one.

For a simple plot, I don't think the book needed to be 381 pages. They also didn't have sex until around page 300, and it was a little disappointing for me. (Not hot enough.) Then the next one or two sex scenes faded to black a bit, like the blowjob scene.

Moreover, I didn't think the title was the best as Cleo is hardly a wallflower, and the plot dropped her trying to be a wallflower pretty quickly. The series title is more appropriate. I will say that it's clever that Eloisa James wouldn't tell us the man Yasmin ends up with in the epilogue, but my guess is the Earl of Lilford.

Regarding the plot, sometimes I wonder if authors who have written a certain number of books have run out of ideas, but they want to keep writing books because it's 1) their career and they have no other ways to make money, 2) they love to write, so they'll come up with ideas even if it's not organic, 3) a mixture of the two. #3 seemed to fit Eloisa James when writing this book. I think her previous books were better. I would loved to read her debut again because I thought it was fantastic.]]> 3.64 2022
author: Eloisa James
name: Auj
average rating: 3.64
book published: 2022
rating: 3
read at: 2024/12/12
date added: 2025/01/24
shelves: historical-romance, virgin-heroine, enemies-to-lovers, friends-to-lovers, hero-untitled-selfmade, other-woman-or-man, english-fic
review:
Up until around page 135/140 I could have easily dropped this book and been okay about it. But I kept reading on because I didn't want to DNF it. Then, finally, the book became more interesting. I'm glad I kept reading as I did end up liking it. Still, I felt like a developmental editor could have a lot to criticize. (And it must have had a developmental editor because this is Avon! Not a poor, small self-published author.)

The conflict starts with Jake, a wealthy American newly arrived to London, wanting to buy a London costume shop and moving it to the U.S. Cleo, a wealthy English heiress and now owner of a toilet company, buys the shop out from under him to help a friend of a friend. Then it quickly transferred into Jake wanting to win and marry Cleo and Cleo being uninterested in marriage after her mother's countless affairs with actors.

The characters go from a very short rivalry to being friends to then lovers.

One could say the beginning of the book's plot was a little ridiculous, but it was unique, so I didn't mind too much. I also agree with other reviewers that the book might have been better as a contemporary romance than a historical one.

For a simple plot, I don't think the book needed to be 381 pages. They also didn't have sex until around page 300, and it was a little disappointing for me. (Not hot enough.) Then the next one or two sex scenes faded to black a bit, like the blowjob scene.

Moreover, I didn't think the title was the best as Cleo is hardly a wallflower, and the plot dropped her trying to be a wallflower pretty quickly. The series title is more appropriate. I will say that it's clever that Eloisa James wouldn't tell us the man Yasmin ends up with in the epilogue, but my guess is the Earl of Lilford.

Regarding the plot, sometimes I wonder if authors who have written a certain number of books have run out of ideas, but they want to keep writing books because it's 1) their career and they have no other ways to make money, 2) they love to write, so they'll come up with ideas even if it's not organic, 3) a mixture of the two. #3 seemed to fit Eloisa James when writing this book. I think her previous books were better. I would loved to read her debut again because I thought it was fantastic.
]]> 2529541
After eight years of war, Lord Colin Wareham had returned home a changed man ... still handsome, still wealthy, but weary, impatient, restless. Then a furious beauty with pale gilt hair dared to accost him, and Wareham found himself suddenly intrigued --- and aroused. So he named his stakes: a loss and he'd surrender the debts. A win, and the lady must surrender herself ...]]> 371 Jane Ashford 0553575775 Auj 4
Emma comes back to London after the death of her first husband, a notorious gamester she eloped with against her family's wishes. She's trying to carve a life of survival with the gambling skills she's picked up from living with her husband around Europe. Colin also travels back to London after surviving the war against Napoleon. They have a very interesting meet-cute, but I don't want to spoil how they end up in an arranged marriage.

The conflict is threats to their arranged marriage from two different people, one being a notorious Italian "count" Emma was acquaintanced with through her first husband.

My biggest issue with the book was Emma stubbornly refusing to disclose things to her husband. It was frustrating. I think I also disliked it because it's very unlike me. When I like someone, I want to tell them everything, lol. Emma only seemed to want to tell Colin happy/pleasant things.

I picked this book up from the Newport Beach Library as I wanted some paperbacks for subbing. Ironically, I never read this book at all at school.

I read the republished 2013 book. I was going to add a review to that edition, but there's only one rating on ŷ������ for that edition, so I decided to add my review to the original 1996 edition, this one.]]> 3.44 1996
author: Jane Ashford
name: Auj
average rating: 3.44
book published: 1996
rating: 4
read at: 2024/12/23
date added: 2025/01/24
shelves: historical-romance, 3-7-stars, arranged-marriages-convenience, english-fic
review:
I was going to give this 3 stars, but I loved the secondary characters and the ending, so 4 stars it is. Emma's brother wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed, but he was a great character. So was Ferik, her Middle Eastern gigantic manservant.

Emma comes back to London after the death of her first husband, a notorious gamester she eloped with against her family's wishes. She's trying to carve a life of survival with the gambling skills she's picked up from living with her husband around Europe. Colin also travels back to London after surviving the war against Napoleon. They have a very interesting meet-cute, but I don't want to spoil how they end up in an arranged marriage.

The conflict is threats to their arranged marriage from two different people, one being a notorious Italian "count" Emma was acquaintanced with through her first husband.

My biggest issue with the book was Emma stubbornly refusing to disclose things to her husband. It was frustrating. I think I also disliked it because it's very unlike me. When I like someone, I want to tell them everything, lol. Emma only seemed to want to tell Colin happy/pleasant things.

I picked this book up from the Newport Beach Library as I wanted some paperbacks for subbing. Ironically, I never read this book at all at school.

I read the republished 2013 book. I was going to add a review to that edition, but there's only one rating on ŷ������ for that edition, so I decided to add my review to the original 1996 edition, this one.
]]> 43263448
WILL A FALSE MARRIAGE

Shipping heiress Georgiana Caversteed is done with men who covet her purse more than her person. Even worse than the ton’s lecherous fortune hunters, however, is the cruel cousin determined to force Georgie into marriage. If only she could find a way to be . . . widowed? Georgie hatches a madcap scheme to wed a condemned criminal before he’s set to be executed. All she has to do is find an eligible bachelor in prison to marry her, and she’ll be free. What could possibly go wrong?

LEAD TO TRUE AND LASTING LOVE?

Benedict William Henry Wylde, scapegrace second son of the late Earl of Morcott and well-known rake, is in Newgate prison undercover, working for Bow Street. Georgie doesn’t realize who he is when she marries him―and she most certainly never expects to bump into her very-much-alive, and very handsome, husband of convenience at a society gathering weeks later. Soon Wylde finds himself courting his own wife, hoping to win her heart since he already has her hand. But how can this seductive rogue convince brazen, beautiful Georgie that he wants to be together…until actual death do they part?]]> 325 Kate Bateman 1250305950 Auj 3
{There are two conflicts: Georgiana has her cousin, and Benedict has his Bow Street Runners' plot regarding Napoleon.}

I would have liked to have known how involved Georgiana was in the shipping business because it sounded like she was spending a lot of her free time with Benedict (but then again, that happens in romance novels) and she had a master of business. A day in the life would have been nice. So would an Author's Note.

I didn't appreciate how the back blurb was slightly inaccurate, even though it did make me want to read the book: Soon Wylde finds himself courting his own wife, hoping to win her heart since he already has her hand. But how can this seductive rogue convince brazen, beautiful Georgie that he wants to be together…until actual death do they part?

Yeah, Wylde started courting her, but I'm not sure that would have happened if she hadn't paid him to do so, so that when they broke the news to the Ton, their sudden betrothal or wedding would seem more plausible.

I also had a hard time visualizing the boating scenes, and then I realized that the author lacked a lot of visual descriptions for buildings and rooms in general. I liked Georgie a lot. Wylde was fine, but he's not my type. I'd say he had a wry sense of humor and was a little cynical. My biggest issue with the book was that for the first half, I felt that the author was avoiding them having important conversations, and when they were together, other characters were there as well. I felt like the other characters were intentionally put in their so the two didn't have to have important conversations. I know that probably sounds crazy, but that's how I felt. Thus, when Georgiana realized out of the blue that she was in love with Wylde, I didn't fully buy it because I felt that they hadn't talked enough (had conversations of significance).

The two also got some action hiding in a boat, which at first I was like wtf, and then thought okay, this is an interesting place to have a sexual scene (fingering)... I just didn't understand where they were hiding in the boat. I felt like I'd be very claustrophobic there. I'm sure that's not an easy thing to write, and I thought I'd probably enjoy the story more if it were a movie.

Everyone's like, "The sex scenes were so spicy," but I just thought they were good, run-of-the-mill. Maybe most of the reviewers have only read traditionally-published romance...

I was also confused when the climax happened around page 245 when the book was 325 pages until I realized that was the first climax because there were two conflicts. I thought the book's end was slightly too long and wanted it to be over already.

On the positive side (because I just complained about the book a lot), I loved the secondary characters like Georgiana's sister, Juliet, and her wimpy, bad-poetry writing beau, and Georgiana's mother. I think authors deliberately make the side characters memorable, even if every mom isn't a character, for readers' entertainment. On the other hand, Benedict's friends were forgettable, and I didn't like when his name was shortened to "Ben" as that's a different name to me, not a nickname.

I picked this book up intending to have paperbacks to read while subbing, but I read it all yesterday at the library (wanted a change of scene & thought reading in the library would be fun), in my room for over two hours last night, and today on the green couch. I rushed reading/all my free time I focused on reading this book because I'm trying to finish all my library books before I move to London.]]> 3.83 2019
author: Kate Bateman
name: Auj
average rating: 3.83
book published: 2019
rating: 3
read at: 2024/12/24
date added: 2025/01/24
shelves: historical-romance, regency-romance, virgin-heroine, arranged-marriages-convenience, books-that-need-to-be-shorter, english-fic
review:
The novel starts with Georgiana, known as Georgie, arriving at Newgate prison to marry a convict about to be hanged. Georgiana inherited her father's successful shipping business and then doubled the profits, so she is filthy rich. Her cousin Josiah covets her fortune and plans to force her into marriage, so she wants to marry a man who's soon to be dead for the protection of his name. She's shocked to find out that the man she married is very much alive and not a deported peer of the realm. Benedict Wylde was hiding in Newgate prison to ferret out information to uncover a plot to rescue Napoleon from Saint Helena. (The book takes place in 1816, right after Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo.)

{There are two conflicts: Georgiana has her cousin, and Benedict has his Bow Street Runners' plot regarding Napoleon.}

I would have liked to have known how involved Georgiana was in the shipping business because it sounded like she was spending a lot of her free time with Benedict (but then again, that happens in romance novels) and she had a master of business. A day in the life would have been nice. So would an Author's Note.

I didn't appreciate how the back blurb was slightly inaccurate, even though it did make me want to read the book: Soon Wylde finds himself courting his own wife, hoping to win her heart since he already has her hand. But how can this seductive rogue convince brazen, beautiful Georgie that he wants to be together…until actual death do they part?

Yeah, Wylde started courting her, but I'm not sure that would have happened if she hadn't paid him to do so, so that when they broke the news to the Ton, their sudden betrothal or wedding would seem more plausible.

I also had a hard time visualizing the boating scenes, and then I realized that the author lacked a lot of visual descriptions for buildings and rooms in general. I liked Georgie a lot. Wylde was fine, but he's not my type. I'd say he had a wry sense of humor and was a little cynical. My biggest issue with the book was that for the first half, I felt that the author was avoiding them having important conversations, and when they were together, other characters were there as well. I felt like the other characters were intentionally put in their so the two didn't have to have important conversations. I know that probably sounds crazy, but that's how I felt. Thus, when Georgiana realized out of the blue that she was in love with Wylde, I didn't fully buy it because I felt that they hadn't talked enough (had conversations of significance).

The two also got some action hiding in a boat, which at first I was like wtf, and then thought okay, this is an interesting place to have a sexual scene (fingering)... I just didn't understand where they were hiding in the boat. I felt like I'd be very claustrophobic there. I'm sure that's not an easy thing to write, and I thought I'd probably enjoy the story more if it were a movie.

Everyone's like, "The sex scenes were so spicy," but I just thought they were good, run-of-the-mill. Maybe most of the reviewers have only read traditionally-published romance...

I was also confused when the climax happened around page 245 when the book was 325 pages until I realized that was the first climax because there were two conflicts. I thought the book's end was slightly too long and wanted it to be over already.

On the positive side (because I just complained about the book a lot), I loved the secondary characters like Georgiana's sister, Juliet, and her wimpy, bad-poetry writing beau, and Georgiana's mother. I think authors deliberately make the side characters memorable, even if every mom isn't a character, for readers' entertainment. On the other hand, Benedict's friends were forgettable, and I didn't like when his name was shortened to "Ben" as that's a different name to me, not a nickname.

I picked this book up intending to have paperbacks to read while subbing, but I read it all yesterday at the library (wanted a change of scene & thought reading in the library would be fun), in my room for over two hours last night, and today on the green couch. I rushed reading/all my free time I focused on reading this book because I'm trying to finish all my library books before I move to London.
]]> 43505569 "Have you no decency?"

Straight-laced missionary Sarah Fisher has never met a man like Captain Martin Bouchard. He is the most beautiful person--male or female--she's ever seen. Overwhelmingly masculine, elegantly attired despite months at sea, he is in complete command of everyone and everything around him: everyone, that is, except Sarah. But that's about to change because Sarah has bought Bouchard's mercy with the only thing she has to sell: her body.

"None at all . . ."

In spite of her outrageous offer, Martin has no doubt Sarah is a virgin, and a most delectable one at that. But instead of bedding her, he finds himself staring down the muzzle of his own pistol. Clearly, the longer she stays on his ship, the greater the chances that she'll end up its damned captain! Most infuriating of all, she looks past his perfect exterior to the wounded man inside. Can Martin outrun his scandalous past in time to have a future with the first woman to find and capture his heart?]]> 384 Minerva Spencer 142014720X Auj 4
The beginning was confusing, and I was also thrown by the story starting on a ship. I questioned if this was a historical romance and if I was reading the right book. (Spoiler alert I was.)

I was impressed by Minerva Spencer's prose, and I found the book difficult to put down. However, the romance was unsatisfying, so I'm giving the book 4 stars. The romance was probably 2 stars, though. I couldn't see what the heroine, Sarah, saw in Martin (pretend I accented the i) as he was cruel to her for most of the novel besides his ridiculously good looks. As a result, it was hard to believe that she had fallen in love with him so quickly.

I liked how the author paired an extremely handsome guy with a woman who was a plain virgin. It's nice to think that the plain girl can still catch someone out of her league looks-wise. Because Sarah was described as plain for so long, it threw me off that her face was described as "pretty" in the epilogue when she gave birth to their son.

Moreover, I liked how unique the story and characters were: Sarah is English but was born in Africa, the daughter of missionaries. She's had a very unusual upbringing and hasn't left Africa. She's also headstrong and determined to get her way. I appreciated Spencer commenting on that from Martin's POV because otherwise, a few of Sarah's actions (like pointing a pistol at Martin) seemed OTT. Martin Bouchard is a runaway slave from New Orleans who is now a wealthy ship captain chasing down slave ships. Martin is the epitome of a rake; he's slept with hundreds of women, but none have ever touched his heart. Women are disposable and interchangeable to him... He's also arrogant, vain, and mysterious.

About half the book is set on the ship's voyage to England (I was surprised at how long it seemed), and then the other half involves Sarah connecting with long-lost relatives and deciding what she'll do with her life. There's a lot of miscommunication and back-and-forth between the two with Martin denying his infatuation with Sarah (and continually trying and failing to sleep with prostitutes) & Sarah thinking she's not attractive enough for a man like Bouchard. There's also a weird transition between Chapters 31 and 32.

I decided to get this book from the library as I thought I might as well finish the trilogy and I needed more paperbacks for subbing. Moreover, I remembered the hero from the previous books and found him fascinating. Ironically, I read this book in our hotel in Washington D.C. and on the plane ride back. Even though the romance wasn't great, this book was my favorite in the series.

I almost wish I had written this review last night when I finished the book because I fear I'm missing a lot of things I wanted to say. (Also I feel this review is awful, and it's taking me forever to write... The words aren't flowing.) I was tired because it was 11 pm, but I was still on the time zone three hours ahead, so it was 2 am to me. I wanted to finish this book before 2025, lol.

My library copy had a preview to Notorious, which piqued my interest and featured a character I liked from Book 1 as the hero, but the reviews for that one are bad, so we'll see.]]> 3.72 2019
author: Minerva Spencer
name: Auj
average rating: 3.72
book published: 2019
rating: 4
read at: 2024/12/31
date added: 2025/01/24
shelves: historical-romance, virgin-heroine, adventure, tortured-hero, unique-story, rakes, english-fic
review:
Last book of 2024! (How is the year over already??! Wtfff)

The beginning was confusing, and I was also thrown by the story starting on a ship. I questioned if this was a historical romance and if I was reading the right book. (Spoiler alert I was.)

I was impressed by Minerva Spencer's prose, and I found the book difficult to put down. However, the romance was unsatisfying, so I'm giving the book 4 stars. The romance was probably 2 stars, though. I couldn't see what the heroine, Sarah, saw in Martin (pretend I accented the i) as he was cruel to her for most of the novel besides his ridiculously good looks. As a result, it was hard to believe that she had fallen in love with him so quickly.

I liked how the author paired an extremely handsome guy with a woman who was a plain virgin. It's nice to think that the plain girl can still catch someone out of her league looks-wise. Because Sarah was described as plain for so long, it threw me off that her face was described as "pretty" in the epilogue when she gave birth to their son.

Moreover, I liked how unique the story and characters were: Sarah is English but was born in Africa, the daughter of missionaries. She's had a very unusual upbringing and hasn't left Africa. She's also headstrong and determined to get her way. I appreciated Spencer commenting on that from Martin's POV because otherwise, a few of Sarah's actions (like pointing a pistol at Martin) seemed OTT. Martin Bouchard is a runaway slave from New Orleans who is now a wealthy ship captain chasing down slave ships. Martin is the epitome of a rake; he's slept with hundreds of women, but none have ever touched his heart. Women are disposable and interchangeable to him... He's also arrogant, vain, and mysterious.

About half the book is set on the ship's voyage to England (I was surprised at how long it seemed), and then the other half involves Sarah connecting with long-lost relatives and deciding what she'll do with her life. There's a lot of miscommunication and back-and-forth between the two with Martin denying his infatuation with Sarah (and continually trying and failing to sleep with prostitutes) & Sarah thinking she's not attractive enough for a man like Bouchard. There's also a weird transition between Chapters 31 and 32.

I decided to get this book from the library as I thought I might as well finish the trilogy and I needed more paperbacks for subbing. Moreover, I remembered the hero from the previous books and found him fascinating. Ironically, I read this book in our hotel in Washington D.C. and on the plane ride back. Even though the romance wasn't great, this book was my favorite in the series.

I almost wish I had written this review last night when I finished the book because I fear I'm missing a lot of things I wanted to say. (Also I feel this review is awful, and it's taking me forever to write... The words aren't flowing.) I was tired because it was 11 pm, but I was still on the time zone three hours ahead, so it was 2 am to me. I wanted to finish this book before 2025, lol.

My library copy had a preview to Notorious, which piqued my interest and featured a character I liked from Book 1 as the hero, but the reviews for that one are bad, so we'll see.
]]> 60569776 New York Times bestselling author Eloisa James returns to the Would-Be Wallflowers series with an enemies-to-lovers romance between a proper earl and an entirely improper lady--whom he can't stop thinking about.

Giles Renwick, Earl of Lilford, has never made a fool of himself over a woman--until he meets Lady Yasmin Régnier. Yasmin is ineligible for his attentions in every way: not as a wife, certainly not as a mistress (she is a lady!), nor even as a friend, since they vehemently dislike each other. Her gowns are too low, and her skirts are dampened to cling to admittedly lovely thighs. She loves to gossip--and giggle.

She isn't dignified, or polite, or even truly British, given that her father's French ancestry clearly predominated. Not to mention the fact that her mother had been one of Napoleon's mistresses, a fact she makes no effort to hide.

So what--in heaven's name--possesses him to propose?

And what will he do if she says yes?]]> 384 Eloisa James 006313957X Auj 3 How to be a Wallflower because I sensed something between Yasmin and Giles. I also have a friend named Yasmine, so sometimes I thought of her when reading about fictional Yasmine. I liked the first 200 pages or so I read on the plane (4 stars), but when I picked the book back up in the hotel lobby, I didn't enjoy it as much.

Giles is a man of very few words, while Yasmin is vivacious, chatty, and flirtatious. Giles never smiles in public because it's not "dignified". He self-professes himself as a boring man. The two are attracted to each other, but Giles disapproves of Yasmin's reputation and immodest style. (I wish I could have seen these dresses...so low that they were nearly skimming her nipples?!)

I thought the first sex scene being a disaster was interesting and different, but I wished there was more closure when it went right the next time. I guess Yasmin had an aversion to condoms, though not an allergy. I thought Giles was too good for the male gender when he proposed a platonic (kissing-only relationship).

All the other reviewers hated Lady Lydia, Giles's sister, who was cruel to Yasmin and part of the driving force behind the conflict. Lady Lydia thinks Yasmin will make Giles a terrible countess, so she tries to separate the two at every turn. However, I felt bad for Lydia. Both her parents died when she was young, she suspects she was fathered by a footman so she feels insecure in her position, she was bullied as a kid, and she seemed lonely. It seemed like she was seeking attention by kissing random men and maybe going further with them. Also, her brother was trying to marry her off ASAP to a man who didn't even love her, so she (and he) were missing out on the One.

However, like other reviewers, I wish there had been more closure between Lydia and Yasmin at the end of the novel. Lydia could have apologized and there could have been some reconciliation. Not going to lie, I wish Lydia had her own book, but she's too hated for Eloisa James to do that.]]> 3.57 2022
author: Eloisa James
name: Auj
average rating: 3.57
book published: 2022
rating: 3
read at: 2024/12/28
date added: 2025/01/24
shelves: historical-romance, enemies-to-lovers, english-fic
review:
I read most of this book on the plane on Christmas Day. I was a little disappointed that I only got to page 200 in 5 hours. Even though I had plenty of other books to read, I really wanted to read this one after How to be a Wallflower because I sensed something between Yasmin and Giles. I also have a friend named Yasmine, so sometimes I thought of her when reading about fictional Yasmine. I liked the first 200 pages or so I read on the plane (4 stars), but when I picked the book back up in the hotel lobby, I didn't enjoy it as much.

Giles is a man of very few words, while Yasmin is vivacious, chatty, and flirtatious. Giles never smiles in public because it's not "dignified". He self-professes himself as a boring man. The two are attracted to each other, but Giles disapproves of Yasmin's reputation and immodest style. (I wish I could have seen these dresses...so low that they were nearly skimming her nipples?!)

I thought the first sex scene being a disaster was interesting and different, but I wished there was more closure when it went right the next time. I guess Yasmin had an aversion to condoms, though not an allergy. I thought Giles was too good for the male gender when he proposed a platonic (kissing-only relationship).

All the other reviewers hated Lady Lydia, Giles's sister, who was cruel to Yasmin and part of the driving force behind the conflict. Lady Lydia thinks Yasmin will make Giles a terrible countess, so she tries to separate the two at every turn. However, I felt bad for Lydia. Both her parents died when she was young, she suspects she was fathered by a footman so she feels insecure in her position, she was bullied as a kid, and she seemed lonely. It seemed like she was seeking attention by kissing random men and maybe going further with them. Also, her brother was trying to marry her off ASAP to a man who didn't even love her, so she (and he) were missing out on the One.

However, like other reviewers, I wish there had been more closure between Lydia and Yasmin at the end of the novel. Lydia could have apologized and there could have been some reconciliation. Not going to lie, I wish Lydia had her own book, but she's too hated for Eloisa James to do that.
]]> 49089439
Ethan, Viscount Amesbury, made a lot of mistakes, but the one he regrets the most is ruining Lady Charlotte's reputation. Going along with her charade is the least he can do to clean the slate and perhaps earn her forgiveness. Pretending to be in love with the woman he's never forgotten is easy. What isn't easy is convincing her to give him a second chance.]]> 352 Bethany Bennett 1538735660 Auj 2
There was nothing wrong with this book except that it was boring. I remember reaching page 22 and thinking how I was a little bored, even though the book started with a big bang of Ethan discovering Charlotte (I disliked her nickname "Lottie", it's a travesty against a beautiful name) covered in blood fleeing from the scene of a carriage accident and calling for help. However, it was my first book of the year, so I wanted to avoid DNF-ing it.

I will say that the sex scenes were very good, so that was my favorite part of the novel, though I was frustrated by the first sex(ual) scene (or what I remember being the first sex scene on page 190) fading to black. Then, on the next page, we got a few recounted details of what they had done.

The sex scene where Ethan went down on her under her gown on the balcony at a ball was HOT. However, I hardly felt like I could tag this book as "virgin-heroine" because there were no signs of it being Charlotte's first time when they did the deed! She doesn't need to bleed out, but at least a twinge or two of discomfort would be nice :)

Ethan fell first, while Charlotte played the more stereotypical masculine role in taking a while to realize her feelings and fall in love. Charlotte only wanted to marry so she could gain her dowry and a nice house on the ocean; she didn't want anything to do with love after her lonely childhood where her parents were too consumed with each other to spend time with her.

I sighed in exasperation when the conflict was further extended on page 334 when instead of answering her father's question whether she loved Ethan or not, Charlotte said, "I'm sorry," leading Ethan to run away and her to have to chase him down. I just wanted the book to end already!

There were glimmers of goodness and entertainment, but I spent the majority of the story slightly bored and forcing myself to continue, so I can't in good conscience give the book 3 stars. I liked Lady Agatha a lot, but I have to like more than just a side character. I liked Ethan as well, though I inwardly sighed when I saw the spelling authors assign to Scotsmen being used. I don't find Scotsmen hot because of their accent. I liked how determined he was to marry Charlotte until the end when he couldn't take being rejected so much any longer.

For a debut novel, this is still impressive and well-written; it just wasn't for me. I hope the author doesn't read this review. I feel bad too because her high school guidance counselor said she'd amount to nothing, and the author was like "checkmate", thinking how this book was so great, but I didn't feel the same.

I think in the future, I should avoid reading romances published by Forever because I haven't had much luck with their books. I like their logo of the two intertwining rings, but their books don't seem to do it for me. The last book I read published by Forever, A Duke Worth Fighting For by Christina Britton, I also didn't enjoy so much. (Maybe I've read other books by Forever in the meantime, but I didn't realize.)

P.S. I thought the title was a misnomer as any rogue wouldn't do! (Charlotte's father fiercely opposed Ethan.) Omg, now it's been six hours since I read the book, and I can't remember if her father let them have her dowry after all. ]]> 3.67 2020
author: Bethany Bennett
name: Auj
average rating: 3.67
book published: 2020
rating: 2
read at: 2025/01/04
date added: 2025/01/24
shelves: historical-romance, virgin-heroine, fake-dating-fake-marriage-trope, english-fic
review:
The first book of 2025! May my 2025 be better than this book.

There was nothing wrong with this book except that it was boring. I remember reaching page 22 and thinking how I was a little bored, even though the book started with a big bang of Ethan discovering Charlotte (I disliked her nickname "Lottie", it's a travesty against a beautiful name) covered in blood fleeing from the scene of a carriage accident and calling for help. However, it was my first book of the year, so I wanted to avoid DNF-ing it.

I will say that the sex scenes were very good, so that was my favorite part of the novel, though I was frustrated by the first sex(ual) scene (or what I remember being the first sex scene on page 190) fading to black. Then, on the next page, we got a few recounted details of what they had done.

The sex scene where Ethan went down on her under her gown on the balcony at a ball was HOT. However, I hardly felt like I could tag this book as "virgin-heroine" because there were no signs of it being Charlotte's first time when they did the deed! She doesn't need to bleed out, but at least a twinge or two of discomfort would be nice :)

Ethan fell first, while Charlotte played the more stereotypical masculine role in taking a while to realize her feelings and fall in love. Charlotte only wanted to marry so she could gain her dowry and a nice house on the ocean; she didn't want anything to do with love after her lonely childhood where her parents were too consumed with each other to spend time with her.

I sighed in exasperation when the conflict was further extended on page 334 when instead of answering her father's question whether she loved Ethan or not, Charlotte said, "I'm sorry," leading Ethan to run away and her to have to chase him down. I just wanted the book to end already!

There were glimmers of goodness and entertainment, but I spent the majority of the story slightly bored and forcing myself to continue, so I can't in good conscience give the book 3 stars. I liked Lady Agatha a lot, but I have to like more than just a side character. I liked Ethan as well, though I inwardly sighed when I saw the spelling authors assign to Scotsmen being used. I don't find Scotsmen hot because of their accent. I liked how determined he was to marry Charlotte until the end when he couldn't take being rejected so much any longer.

For a debut novel, this is still impressive and well-written; it just wasn't for me. I hope the author doesn't read this review. I feel bad too because her high school guidance counselor said she'd amount to nothing, and the author was like "checkmate", thinking how this book was so great, but I didn't feel the same.

I think in the future, I should avoid reading romances published by Forever because I haven't had much luck with their books. I like their logo of the two intertwining rings, but their books don't seem to do it for me. The last book I read published by Forever, A Duke Worth Fighting For by Christina Britton, I also didn't enjoy so much. (Maybe I've read other books by Forever in the meantime, but I didn't realize.)

P.S. I thought the title was a misnomer as any rogue wouldn't do! (Charlotte's father fiercely opposed Ethan.) Omg, now it's been six hours since I read the book, and I can't remember if her father let them have her dowry after all.
]]> 6063187
When the spirit of Lara’s great-aunt Sadie—a feisty, demanding girl with firm ideas about fashion, love, and the right way to dance—mysteriously appears, she has one request: Lara must find a missing necklace that had been in Sadie’s possession for more than seventy-five years, because Sadie cannot rest without it.

Lara and Sadie make a hilarious sparring duo, and at first it seems as though they have nothing in common. But as the mission to find Sadie’s necklace leads to intrigue and a new romance for Lara, these very different “twenties�� girls learn some surprising truths from and about each other. Written with all the irrepressible charm and humor that have made Sophie Kinsella’s books beloved by millions, Twenties Girl is also a deeply moving testament to the transcendent bonds of friendship and family.]]> 435 Sophie Kinsella 0385342020 Auj 5
**My 4th book of 2025**

I put this on my to-read shelf because Kinsella is one of my favorite authors, so I've wanted to read all her novels. With this book, I've completed her backlist (besides a few by Madeleine Wickham, her real name, and her children's books, which I guess I'll have to read with my kids one day).

The beginning was sad, and I'm sure this occasionally happens: a funeral is attended by very few people, none of them who want to be there, having barely or not known the deceased at all. Then, out of nowhere, the ghost of Lara's great-aunt Sadie appears in the guise of her 23-year-old self and demands that Lara stop her funeral. First, Lara must find Sadie's missing dragonfly necklace, which she's had for 75 years.

Lara's efforts to find a marketing director for Leonidas Sports (not a real company, but a man named Leonidas is the most honored Ancient Olympian) were so interesting I almost wanted the story to focus on that instead of finding Sadie's necklace. I was so frustrated on Lara's behalf when [spoilers removed]

At first, I thought Sadie was a little bit of a bitch (self-centered), but then she grew on me. She was such a character. I mean, so was Lara... I found it hilarious that for most of the book, Lara's family thought she had a screw or two loose, and so did random passersby who heard her talking to the ghost Sadie. Lara has a similar personality to almost all of Kinsella's heroines, but I didn't really care.

I liked the romance's addition to the story (the fact that there was a romance made me more interested in picking up the book to read), and even though I liked the guy, Ed, a lot, the romance didn't so much for me. In fact, I wasn't sure if he was the hero to begin with because the two weren't attracted to each other at all, LOL! [spoilers removed]

Random thoughts, of which some are spoilers: [spoilers removed]

I loved the London references. This book mentioned both Hackney and Kilburn, two places where there are Moishe Houses that I've attended, so I know the distance between them. I was also impressed when the mail carrier traveled from Hackney to Kilburn.

I really hope Sophie Kinsella returns to books like this after her semi-autobiographical novella about a bestselling author's struggles with brain cancer. You know a book is special when it can both make you laugh out loud and cry.]]> 3.85 2009
author: Sophie Kinsella
name: Auj
average rating: 3.85
book published: 2009
rating: 5
read at: 2025/01/10
date added: 2025/01/24
shelves: favorites, chick-lit, made-me-cry, ghosts, funny, english-fic
review:
I absolutely LOVED this book. It had me equally laughing and crying.

**My 4th book of 2025**

I put this on my to-read shelf because Kinsella is one of my favorite authors, so I've wanted to read all her novels. With this book, I've completed her backlist (besides a few by Madeleine Wickham, her real name, and her children's books, which I guess I'll have to read with my kids one day).

The beginning was sad, and I'm sure this occasionally happens: a funeral is attended by very few people, none of them who want to be there, having barely or not known the deceased at all. Then, out of nowhere, the ghost of Lara's great-aunt Sadie appears in the guise of her 23-year-old self and demands that Lara stop her funeral. First, Lara must find Sadie's missing dragonfly necklace, which she's had for 75 years.

Lara's efforts to find a marketing director for Leonidas Sports (not a real company, but a man named Leonidas is the most honored Ancient Olympian) were so interesting I almost wanted the story to focus on that instead of finding Sadie's necklace. I was so frustrated on Lara's behalf when [spoilers removed]

At first, I thought Sadie was a little bit of a bitch (self-centered), but then she grew on me. She was such a character. I mean, so was Lara... I found it hilarious that for most of the book, Lara's family thought she had a screw or two loose, and so did random passersby who heard her talking to the ghost Sadie. Lara has a similar personality to almost all of Kinsella's heroines, but I didn't really care.

I liked the romance's addition to the story (the fact that there was a romance made me more interested in picking up the book to read), and even though I liked the guy, Ed, a lot, the romance didn't so much for me. In fact, I wasn't sure if he was the hero to begin with because the two weren't attracted to each other at all, LOL! [spoilers removed]

Random thoughts, of which some are spoilers: [spoilers removed]

I loved the London references. This book mentioned both Hackney and Kilburn, two places where there are Moishe Houses that I've attended, so I know the distance between them. I was also impressed when the mail carrier traveled from Hackney to Kilburn.

I really hope Sophie Kinsella returns to books like this after her semi-autobiographical novella about a bestselling author's struggles with brain cancer. You know a book is special when it can both make you laugh out loud and cry.
]]> 197144545 A forbidden affair erupts dramatically amid a decadent Hawaiian wedding in this hilarious, sophisticated, and thrillingly plotted story of love, money, murder, sex—and the lies we tell about them all.
��
Rufus Leung Gresham, future Earl of Greshambury and son of a former Hong Kong supermodel, has a problem: his family fortune, the legendary Gresham Trust, has been depleted by decades of profligate spending. While magazine covers and Instagram stories display impeccably designed manors and shiny new yachts, the secret reality holds nothing more than a gargantuan mountain of debt. The only solution, put forth by Rufus’s scheming mother, is for Rufus to seduce a woman with money, thereby securing the family's precarious financial future.

Should he marry Solène de Courcy, a French hotel heiress with honey-blond tresses and a royal bloodline? Should he pursue Martha Dung, the tattooed venture capital genius who passes out billions like lollipops? Or should he follow his heart, betray his family, squander his legacy, and finally confess his love to the literal girl next door, the humble daughter of a doctor, Eden Tong?

When the Gresham family descends on the Big Island of Hawaii to host a veritable who's who of sultans, barons, and oligarchs for the wedding of the decade, Rufus must merely flex his famous abs to bewitch the heiress of his choice. But instead a hot mic exposes a secret tryst, a volcanic eruption burns through the nuptials, and the Gresham family's plans—and their reputation—go up in flames.

Can the once-great earldom rise from the ashes? Or will a secret tragedy, hidden for two decades, reveal a shocking twist? Spanning the black sand beaches of Hawaii, the red city of Marrakech, the Los Angeles bachelor pad of a billionaire playboy, and the inner sanctum of England’s oldest family estate, Lies and Weddings reveals an enthralling family saga that is as scandalous and satirical as it is full of heart.]]> 437 Kevin Kwan 0385546297 Auj 3
If you view this strictly as a story with a little bit of romance, you'll enjoy it more than if you solely call it a romance. As a romance connoisseur, this book was very unsatisfying. But that's not what I read Kevin Kwan for.

This book is reminiscent of Crazy Rich Asians with its excessively wealthy individuals, some over-the-top houses, weddings, and ways of spending, more like burning, money, and the delicious details. Eden reminded me a lot of Rachel, and Arabella was similar to Eleanor. Why are Kevin Kwan's mother-in-laws so interesting as characters, and his heroines are so bland in comparison? There's nothing wrong with Eden, but being responsible (though she tends to get drunk while drinking socially), smart, hard-working, conscientious, and slightly reserved doesn't make for an intriguing heroine. It would be one thing if it was written in first person, but the third-person omniscient narrator didn't help her case. Also, I just wondered why Rufus, who seemed to be the opposite, was so enamored with her. And Rufus wasn't much of a catch either! Homeboy would be a starving artist if he hadn't been born into a wealthy family who indulged his art dreams and sent him to the best art school money could buy. I hated how stubborn he was not letting his mom set him up with a gallery or group show because he sure wasn't making it on his own.

Arabella was vain, self-absorbed, and arrogant, but she made for a great character. She and Rosina were my favorite characters in the novel.

I also liked how the novel took course over so many famous cities/countries like London, Morrocco, Venice, and Beverly Hills. OMG, when I saw that Freddy and Daniela went to Beverly Hills High School, I was like omg, finally a school I've also been to! That was exciting. It was so funny to me when Freddy explained what "the flats of Beverly Hills" were to Eden because my dad had done the same to me when he told us we were moving there. However, none of my friends and I got the quote that if you stay too long in Beverly Hills, you're going to become a Mercedes.

The "How soon can you get to Battersea?" reminded me of my guy, who recently moved there. I also disagreed with the quote, "The best thing about London is Paris". I know this is so nitpicky, but I wish Kevin Kwan had picked the quote, "When a man is tired of London, he's tired of life." That gives proper respect to the best city in the world. As usual, I loved all the London and English references. I thought Arabella's line to Rufus that British schooling must have bred the balls out of him was hysterical, and I wish I had taken a picture of it to send to a friend, so I'd remember where it was.

The unnamed British pop star who wanted to bridge into movies I assumed was Harry Styles, but I couldn't figure out the identities of the other individuals. Also, RIP Maggie Smith. (Kevin Kwan must have published this book before she died because he referenced her alive here.)

[spoilers removed]]]> 3.69 2024
author: Kevin Kwan
name: Auj
average rating: 3.69
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/22
date added: 2025/01/24
shelves: chick-lit, friends-to-lovers, poor-girl-meets-rich-guy, i-have-loved-u-for-years, secret-identities, horrible-parents, made-me-cry, 3-5-stars, english-fic
review:
I nearly gave this 4 stars. Heck, by the end I was going to, but now I'm feeling less charitable. I had to force myself to get past page 100 because the story had slowed down for me, but after page 100, it became entertaining again.

If you view this strictly as a story with a little bit of romance, you'll enjoy it more than if you solely call it a romance. As a romance connoisseur, this book was very unsatisfying. But that's not what I read Kevin Kwan for.

This book is reminiscent of Crazy Rich Asians with its excessively wealthy individuals, some over-the-top houses, weddings, and ways of spending, more like burning, money, and the delicious details. Eden reminded me a lot of Rachel, and Arabella was similar to Eleanor. Why are Kevin Kwan's mother-in-laws so interesting as characters, and his heroines are so bland in comparison? There's nothing wrong with Eden, but being responsible (though she tends to get drunk while drinking socially), smart, hard-working, conscientious, and slightly reserved doesn't make for an intriguing heroine. It would be one thing if it was written in first person, but the third-person omniscient narrator didn't help her case. Also, I just wondered why Rufus, who seemed to be the opposite, was so enamored with her. And Rufus wasn't much of a catch either! Homeboy would be a starving artist if he hadn't been born into a wealthy family who indulged his art dreams and sent him to the best art school money could buy. I hated how stubborn he was not letting his mom set him up with a gallery or group show because he sure wasn't making it on his own.

Arabella was vain, self-absorbed, and arrogant, but she made for a great character. She and Rosina were my favorite characters in the novel.

I also liked how the novel took course over so many famous cities/countries like London, Morrocco, Venice, and Beverly Hills. OMG, when I saw that Freddy and Daniela went to Beverly Hills High School, I was like omg, finally a school I've also been to! That was exciting. It was so funny to me when Freddy explained what "the flats of Beverly Hills" were to Eden because my dad had done the same to me when he told us we were moving there. However, none of my friends and I got the quote that if you stay too long in Beverly Hills, you're going to become a Mercedes.

The "How soon can you get to Battersea?" reminded me of my guy, who recently moved there. I also disagreed with the quote, "The best thing about London is Paris". I know this is so nitpicky, but I wish Kevin Kwan had picked the quote, "When a man is tired of London, he's tired of life." That gives proper respect to the best city in the world. As usual, I loved all the London and English references. I thought Arabella's line to Rufus that British schooling must have bred the balls out of him was hysterical, and I wish I had taken a picture of it to send to a friend, so I'd remember where it was.

The unnamed British pop star who wanted to bridge into movies I assumed was Harry Styles, but I couldn't figure out the identities of the other individuals. Also, RIP Maggie Smith. (Kevin Kwan must have published this book before she died because he referenced her alive here.)

[spoilers removed]
]]> 175963833 Andi and her Kindred Protector crash land on a planet where all men lose their minds and are reduced to their most primal instincts to taste and mount their mates. Can Andi keep her new Primal Male at bay…or will she give in to the desire between them?Andi Smyth has a PhD in Medicinal Botany…and a huge crush on her Kindred Protector, a tall, muscular Hybrid called Cade. But despite the obvious attraction between them, Cade will never make a move on her…and Andi can’t figure out why.Cade knows his Hybrid status will keep him from being able to Bond with the curvy scientist he’s protecting, so he does his best to keep his distance—even though he wants her badly. But everything changes when the two of the crash land on Zo’rath Three—otherwise known as “Oblivion.�� There’s a reason for the planet’s ominous nickname—something in the air interferes with the thinking patterns of males. So the minute they touch down, Cade’s consciousness is reduced to its most primal state. Andi is left on a strange planet with a huge Kindred warrior who has literally lost his mind. Cade is still very protective but his main instincts now are to taste and mount his mate—and he has totally forgotten any reservations he had about tasting Andi or taking her sexually.Can the two of them survive in this strange new environment where all the women treat their men like pets and call them “Manimals?�� And will Cade ever come back to his right mind? In the meantime, can Andi keep her new Primal male from tasting her and mating with her (even though she doesn’t really want to stop him?) You’ll have to read this fated mates, coworkers to lovers, primal male, touch her and die, spicy scifi romance, Lost on Oblivion, to find out!���ܳٳ�ǰ�’s Spice note—There are some extremely primal scenes in this book. Cade is big and strong and at times overpowers Andi when he isn’t in his right mind but Andi isn’t complaining. If that kind of thing isn’t for you, keep scrolling. But if you like spicy, primal action in your books, then Lost on Oblivion is for you! Enjoy. ; )]]> 376 Evangeline Anderson Auj 0 to-read, already-own-tr 4.19
author: Evangeline Anderson
name: Auj
average rating: 4.19
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/20
shelves: to-read, already-own-tr
review:

]]> 481811 352 Nancy Warren 0758205880 Auj 0 second-tier-tbr
Bratva knew what it was doing when it added this book as a preview after Susan Johnson's Pure Silk.]]> 3.32 2004
author: Nancy Warren
name: Auj
average rating: 3.32
book published: 2004
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/13
shelves: second-tier-tbr
review:
*Sigh* adds another one to the to-read list

Bratva knew what it was doing when it added this book as a preview after Susan Johnson's Pure Silk.
]]> 1150485 352 Susan Johnson 1575668092 Auj 4 Force of Nature, which ironically got higher reviews (but a lot more people also did read it).

The beginning of the book confused me as I was unfamiliar with Japanese history, but that was also what made the book so interesting. Susan Johnson set the story amid Japan's Civil War and the end of the feudal system. I learned that Edo was the former name of Tokyo, about Japan's red-light district, and the extensive system of spies.

I loved how Tama, Princess of Otari, was dainty and feminine but still an excellent swordswoman, able to defend herself. Captain Hugh Drummond was Johnson's typical casual-sex, marriage-shy, excellent-in-bed hero. (Both were love-shy, especially Drummond, and only agreed to a sexual relationship for most of the book. Almost every time Drummond realized he was developing feelings for Tama, he shied away.)

The plot is exciting as Drummond accompanies Tama to safety in France where she plans to convince her brother to return to Japan and help her restore their lands and dominion, all the while dodging and shooting assassins. It was interesting to read about ninjas when I recalled playing that game as a preteen.

I didn't think there was too much sex as some reviewers complained. In fact, I wanted there to be more, especially when they hadn't had relations in a while.

I didn't like how Hugh called Tama a bitch at the beginning like in Force of Nature.

[spoilers removed]

I felt like the author intended to write a sequel for Yukoi's & Sunskoku's son (the secondary romance, whose story Johnson seemed to abruptly drop in favor of concluding the main romance after developing it) and Hugh's and Tama's son, but maybe she didn't sell enough copies of this one for her publisher to allow her. Even though reading this book took me all day--it also didn't help that I was sleep deprived, so I had to reread bits--I would have liked to have had slightly more of a conclusion between Yukoi and Sunskoku, though I guess I can pick up the pieces via the epilogue.



]]> 3.42 2004
author: Susan Johnson
name: Auj
average rating: 3.42
book published: 2004
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/12
date added: 2025/01/12
shelves: historical-romance, other-woman-or-man, 4-4-stars, unique-story, badass-heroine, erotic-romance, dual-romance
review:
I really enjoyed this book, so much so that I contemplated giving it 5 stars, even though the hero & heroine didn't do much talking haha. I liked this book more than the last Johnson book I read, Force of Nature, which ironically got higher reviews (but a lot more people also did read it).

The beginning of the book confused me as I was unfamiliar with Japanese history, but that was also what made the book so interesting. Susan Johnson set the story amid Japan's Civil War and the end of the feudal system. I learned that Edo was the former name of Tokyo, about Japan's red-light district, and the extensive system of spies.

I loved how Tama, Princess of Otari, was dainty and feminine but still an excellent swordswoman, able to defend herself. Captain Hugh Drummond was Johnson's typical casual-sex, marriage-shy, excellent-in-bed hero. (Both were love-shy, especially Drummond, and only agreed to a sexual relationship for most of the book. Almost every time Drummond realized he was developing feelings for Tama, he shied away.)

The plot is exciting as Drummond accompanies Tama to safety in France where she plans to convince her brother to return to Japan and help her restore their lands and dominion, all the while dodging and shooting assassins. It was interesting to read about ninjas when I recalled playing that game as a preteen.

I didn't think there was too much sex as some reviewers complained. In fact, I wanted there to be more, especially when they hadn't had relations in a while.

I didn't like how Hugh called Tama a bitch at the beginning like in Force of Nature.

[spoilers removed]

I felt like the author intended to write a sequel for Yukoi's & Sunskoku's son (the secondary romance, whose story Johnson seemed to abruptly drop in favor of concluding the main romance after developing it) and Hugh's and Tama's son, but maybe she didn't sell enough copies of this one for her publisher to allow her. Even though reading this book took me all day--it also didn't help that I was sleep deprived, so I had to reread bits--I would have liked to have had slightly more of a conclusion between Yukoi and Sunskoku, though I guess I can pick up the pieces via the epilogue.




]]> 203613896 In this gothic debut novel, perfect for fans of Tread of Angels and Gail Carriger’s Soulless, Miss Radhika Dhingra, a newly minted lawyer in 19th century New York, never expected that her first client would be a vampire accused of murder.

Having a resident vampire is just the thing for upper-class New Yorkers–besides being a status symbol, they make excellent butlers or housekeepers. The only thing they require in return is a drop or two of blood and a casket to shut out the dawn’s early light.��

Tolerated by society only if they follow a strict set of rules, vampires are seen as “less than”–and as the daughter of immigrants, Radhika knows firsthand how this feels. Accused of murder, her undead client Mr. Evelyn More, knows that the cards are stacked against him.

With the help of a journalist friend and a diminutive detective inspector, Miss Dhingra sets out to prove her client’s innocence and win his freedom. Failure will mean Mr. More’s death, the end of her dreams of becoming a successful attorney, and the loss of the vampire Miss Dhingra has begun to call her friend.

Offering an alternative paranormal history, delightful characters, and insightful social commentary, The Vampire of Kings Street will thrill readers of Deanna Rayburn and Rebecca Roanhorse.�� ]]> 272 Asha Greyling 163910867X Auj 4 mystery, vampires
I kept delaying reading this book, renewing it three times from the library, because I feared it would be boring. But I wanted to read it as the premise sounded interesting and I loved the author's Author Pic and wanted to support her. She seemed like a sweet individual, and I thought her picture was so cute with her dog!! (I know lol me, wanting to read a book just because of how the author looks.)

When I started reading it again yesterday, January 10th, the beginning was slow and I could have easily put the book down, though because it's a mystery, one always wants to know who did it. And then around page 50, it got good. So this book came as a surprise to me. I'm also surprised that I'm giving it 4 stars, but it was gripping when the narrative finally took off for me. It was interesting how the main character wasn't even sure that Evelyn, the vampire, was innocent! Radhika and Evelyn's adopted human family were the only ones who thought he was innocent.

I didn't even guess the murderer correctly! On page 103, [spoilers removed]

My only criticisms regarding the book: I still don't know how vampires, besides Evelyn, became wards of humans after being hunted; I didn't like how suddenly toward the end of the novel, the author seemed to insinuate some romantic feelings between Radhika and Evelyn when Radhika had strictly been very business-like and professional toward him throughout the story (and I'm what you'd call a "romantic girlie"--though I hate the Gen-Z expression "girlie"--too!); and there were multiple places where I didn't think a comma was necessary; having a comma there confused me. I also caught one more egregious error: In the middle of a paragraph, there was a comma instead of a period or semicolon. (I wish I had marked the page where this happened in the hopes that the author or publisher would read my review and fix it, but I can't find it now.) Lastly, the ending was almost wrapped up too quickly/neatly for me. I wanted to find out what happened to the murderer!

I also thought it was sweet that Radhika gave Evelyn's emerald ring back to him (it sounded gorgeous!), but I didn't understand how Agnes Tomson could have cancer for a little under 19 years, [spoilers removed]

I'm so glad I gave this book a chance as I ended up enjoying it! I would be interested in reading more by Asha Greyling. Even though I don't want more people in this world to be murdered, I would enjoy more stories in this alternate historical world by Asha.

P.S. Ugh, I'm annoyed I can't ask the author questions at the moment, so I'll write my question here: Was the vampire Cleopatra the famous Cleopatra? I didn't think so until Radhika asked another vampire if he was Alexander the Great or Emperor Constantine.]]> 3.52
author: Asha Greyling
name: Auj
average rating: 3.52
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/11
date added: 2025/01/11
shelves: mystery, vampires
review:
I started reading this book during my lunch break on December 16th while eating my favorite pre-prepared meal from Trader Joe's, the lemon chicken arugula salad (now I want one, lol). Even though the beginning should have been exciting--a new lawyer's first client, a vampire, comes barging into her office, afraid he's going to be declared of murder so he wants a will drawn up--I had trouble getting into the book and decided to come back to the book later after reading romance.

I kept delaying reading this book, renewing it three times from the library, because I feared it would be boring. But I wanted to read it as the premise sounded interesting and I loved the author's Author Pic and wanted to support her. She seemed like a sweet individual, and I thought her picture was so cute with her dog!! (I know lol me, wanting to read a book just because of how the author looks.)

When I started reading it again yesterday, January 10th, the beginning was slow and I could have easily put the book down, though because it's a mystery, one always wants to know who did it. And then around page 50, it got good. So this book came as a surprise to me. I'm also surprised that I'm giving it 4 stars, but it was gripping when the narrative finally took off for me. It was interesting how the main character wasn't even sure that Evelyn, the vampire, was innocent! Radhika and Evelyn's adopted human family were the only ones who thought he was innocent.

I didn't even guess the murderer correctly! On page 103, [spoilers removed]

My only criticisms regarding the book: I still don't know how vampires, besides Evelyn, became wards of humans after being hunted; I didn't like how suddenly toward the end of the novel, the author seemed to insinuate some romantic feelings between Radhika and Evelyn when Radhika had strictly been very business-like and professional toward him throughout the story (and I'm what you'd call a "romantic girlie"--though I hate the Gen-Z expression "girlie"--too!); and there were multiple places where I didn't think a comma was necessary; having a comma there confused me. I also caught one more egregious error: In the middle of a paragraph, there was a comma instead of a period or semicolon. (I wish I had marked the page where this happened in the hopes that the author or publisher would read my review and fix it, but I can't find it now.) Lastly, the ending was almost wrapped up too quickly/neatly for me. I wanted to find out what happened to the murderer!

I also thought it was sweet that Radhika gave Evelyn's emerald ring back to him (it sounded gorgeous!), but I didn't understand how Agnes Tomson could have cancer for a little under 19 years, [spoilers removed]

I'm so glad I gave this book a chance as I ended up enjoying it! I would be interested in reading more by Asha Greyling. Even though I don't want more people in this world to be murdered, I would enjoy more stories in this alternate historical world by Asha.

P.S. Ugh, I'm annoyed I can't ask the author questions at the moment, so I'll write my question here: Was the vampire Cleopatra the famous Cleopatra? I didn't think so until Radhika asked another vampire if he was Alexander the Great or Emperor Constantine.
]]> 1477557 Serious bad boy. That's what Liz Adams thinks when she catches sight of dark, gorgeous Steve Wilde sitting at a table in her coffee house, giving her a look of bold, satisfying appraisal that has nothing to do with her espresso skills. Still, the man is the best P.I. in town, and the only person who might be able to help Liz track down her irresponsible, free-spirited cousin...if she can manage to spend more than two minutes in his company without surrendering to the wild fantasies dancing in her head...

HE CAN'T STOP WANTING HER
Oh, baby. That's what Steve Wilde thinks every time he comes into Liz's cafe and catches sight of her sexy figure behind the counter. But a man can only pretend to be interested in the pastries for so long. Now that Liz has opened the door to him, Steve intends to storm right through it, along with her defenses, and show the aloof beauty what she's been missing...and what he intends to do about it, slowly, deliberately, deliciously...

NOW, THERE'S NO STOPPING EITHER OF THEM
Now, in a cat-and-mouse game where the thrill of the forbidden is never quite enough, a business arrangement is about to yield to pleasure...and the temptations that can only be found when hearts run wild...]]> 352 Janelle Denison 0758203594 Auj 0 to-read-get-from-library 3.88 2003
author: Janelle Denison
name: Auj
average rating: 3.88
book published: 2003
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/10
shelves: to-read-get-from-library
review:

]]> 21064599
Red carpet premieres, velvet ropes, paparazzi clamoring for attention—suddenly Becky has everything she’s ever wanted.

Or does she?]]> 479 Sophie Kinsella 0812993861 Auj 0 to-read-get-from-library 3.34 2014
author: Sophie Kinsella
name: Auj
average rating: 3.34
book published: 2014
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/10
shelves: to-read-get-from-library
review:

]]> 27170149 What do you do when your soul mate marries your best friend?

If you're Kate Evans, you keep your friend Rachel, bond with her kids, and bury your feelings for her husband. The fact that Shane's in the military and away for long periods helps—but when tragedy strikes, everything changes.

After Rachel, pregnant with her fourth child, dies in a car accident and the baby miraculously survives, Kate upends her entire life to share parenting duties. Then on the first anniversary of Rachel's death, Kate and Shane take comfort in each other in a night that they both soon regret.

Shane's been angry for a year, and now he feels guilty too—for sleeping with his wife's best friend and liking it... liking her. Kate's ability to read him like a book may have once sent Shane running, but their lives are forever entwined and they are growing closer.

Now with Shane deployed for seven months, Kate is on her own and struggling with being a single parent. Shane is loving and supportive from thousands of miles away, but his homecoming brings a betrayal Kate never saw coming. So Kate's only choice is to fight for the future she deserves—with or without Shane...]]> 368 Nicole Jacquelyn 1455537969 Auj 4 My 3rd book of the year!

I had seen this book around a lot a few years ago, but I never picked it up until I discovered it at the library (Newport Beach Library). I think I've only seen a book with this premise before, which isn't an easy romance to write. I know I had said after my first book of the year that I wasn't going to read another book published by Forever, but I didn't know until I started reading the book. Also, this felt more like a self-published book than a traditionally-published one; I had always thought this was self-published.

By page 29, I had already cried. I knew I was going to either love or hate this book. My enjoyment of the book depended on whether I believed that Shane wanted Kate as much as his first wife, Rachel, by the end of the book. (Why has the eloquent way I said this in my brain now evaporated?) It seemed like the author was trying to sell us a narrative that Shane wasn't ready at the time for Kate's way of seeing him completely, so he went for her best friend, who was a bombshell. Rachel loved him but only saw the things he wanted her to see; she took him at face value and hid things from him as well. She acted like the perfect wife, one who spent a lot of time grooming herself, raising a large family, and not minding that her husband was away for long periods in the army when in reality, she hid the fact that she didn't like to be alone and had her bff live with her and help raise her kids. I believed the author by the end of the book because I didn't even care about Rachel, lol, so the author successfully sold me this narrative.

However, if I were Kate, I don't think I could have ever gotten over the fact that this man humiliated me multiple times and most importantly, chose my friend over me first. My friend had to die for us to become a thing. I thought that Shane could fall for both women because they had similar or compatible personalities if they were best friends.

I'm giving the book 4 stars because it was gripping and I appreciated how fast of a read it was, but I can't say I fully enjoyed what I read. Shane was a dick, and the beginning where Kate was doing everything for her dead best friend's kids and getting nothing in return, even having to scale down her business and make less money, was a little pathetic. On the other hand, I saw Shane's perspective, and it was like, Can this woman get her own life? Why is she so wrapped up in my family? That was because she had cared for her BFF's kids since they were born since her BFF was so dependent on her.

I also didn't understand why Shane called her body "round" as she had a flat stomach before pregnancy. "Round" to me means carrying extra pounds; I think the better word would have been "curvy". I could tell the author was really into piercings and being a mother from the book and her Author Bio. I also wondered why Kate didn't pursue singing professionally if she was so good at it. I didn't need her to (the book would have had way too much going on), but it would have been nice to have a sentence that it was just her hobby, but she was more into web design. Something else that would have been nice was more details about Rachel's accident. We were never even told that it was a car accident. Was Rachel driving? Was she crossing the street? Nada. I also wish it had been written earlier that Kate still loved Shane at the beginning because I only knew that from the blurb, which I thought was inaccurate for the sake of more drama.

The cover design didn't make sense, or there was a mistake in the novel. Shane said that Kate was brunette (when he talked about a brunette instead of blonde riding him), but many pages later, he said that she had red pubic hair. The woman on the cover has beautiful red hair.

I don't want to sound like a snob, but I had read so many books lately where the prose was more eloquent and elevated, that I noticed the drop here, though this was much more accessible. However, even though I don't mind characters cursing, I don't like when their POV non-dialogue also curses a lot. It made the writing seem uneducated. For instance, I don't like the word "jackass".

Lastly, I never felt we got enough closure or explanation as to why Shane's son Keller was bullying kids and acting out. All we knew was that he got into a fight after someone called him "Orphan Annie".

Despite all my complaints here, I did like the book and I liked the next book's preview, so hopefully I'll read it this year (though I have so many books to read first).

P.S. Kate was so Libra-moon coded. I know because I'm one, and I try to avoid conflict at all costs... Like for example, I wasn't happy with two of my friend's texts yesterday, and instead of telling them how I really felt (because it could start conflict/it wasn't pleasant), I just left them on read.

Also, I thought the betrayal mentioned in the blurb was completely different. ]]> 3.83 2016
author: Nicole Jacquelyn
name: Auj
average rating: 3.83
book published: 2016
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/09
date added: 2025/01/10
shelves: contemporary-romance, drama, child-from-previous-relationship, widow-er, dead-ex, 3-5-stars, angst, asshole-hero, i-have-loved-u-for-years, army-vet-soldier, baby-galore, accidental-pregnancy, made-me-cry
review:
3.5 stars
My 3rd book of the year!

I had seen this book around a lot a few years ago, but I never picked it up until I discovered it at the library (Newport Beach Library). I think I've only seen a book with this premise before, which isn't an easy romance to write. I know I had said after my first book of the year that I wasn't going to read another book published by Forever, but I didn't know until I started reading the book. Also, this felt more like a self-published book than a traditionally-published one; I had always thought this was self-published.

By page 29, I had already cried. I knew I was going to either love or hate this book. My enjoyment of the book depended on whether I believed that Shane wanted Kate as much as his first wife, Rachel, by the end of the book. (Why has the eloquent way I said this in my brain now evaporated?) It seemed like the author was trying to sell us a narrative that Shane wasn't ready at the time for Kate's way of seeing him completely, so he went for her best friend, who was a bombshell. Rachel loved him but only saw the things he wanted her to see; she took him at face value and hid things from him as well. She acted like the perfect wife, one who spent a lot of time grooming herself, raising a large family, and not minding that her husband was away for long periods in the army when in reality, she hid the fact that she didn't like to be alone and had her bff live with her and help raise her kids. I believed the author by the end of the book because I didn't even care about Rachel, lol, so the author successfully sold me this narrative.

However, if I were Kate, I don't think I could have ever gotten over the fact that this man humiliated me multiple times and most importantly, chose my friend over me first. My friend had to die for us to become a thing. I thought that Shane could fall for both women because they had similar or compatible personalities if they were best friends.

I'm giving the book 4 stars because it was gripping and I appreciated how fast of a read it was, but I can't say I fully enjoyed what I read. Shane was a dick, and the beginning where Kate was doing everything for her dead best friend's kids and getting nothing in return, even having to scale down her business and make less money, was a little pathetic. On the other hand, I saw Shane's perspective, and it was like, Can this woman get her own life? Why is she so wrapped up in my family? That was because she had cared for her BFF's kids since they were born since her BFF was so dependent on her.

I also didn't understand why Shane called her body "round" as she had a flat stomach before pregnancy. "Round" to me means carrying extra pounds; I think the better word would have been "curvy". I could tell the author was really into piercings and being a mother from the book and her Author Bio. I also wondered why Kate didn't pursue singing professionally if she was so good at it. I didn't need her to (the book would have had way too much going on), but it would have been nice to have a sentence that it was just her hobby, but she was more into web design. Something else that would have been nice was more details about Rachel's accident. We were never even told that it was a car accident. Was Rachel driving? Was she crossing the street? Nada. I also wish it had been written earlier that Kate still loved Shane at the beginning because I only knew that from the blurb, which I thought was inaccurate for the sake of more drama.

The cover design didn't make sense, or there was a mistake in the novel. Shane said that Kate was brunette (when he talked about a brunette instead of blonde riding him), but many pages later, he said that she had red pubic hair. The woman on the cover has beautiful red hair.

I don't want to sound like a snob, but I had read so many books lately where the prose was more eloquent and elevated, that I noticed the drop here, though this was much more accessible. However, even though I don't mind characters cursing, I don't like when their POV non-dialogue also curses a lot. It made the writing seem uneducated. For instance, I don't like the word "jackass".

Lastly, I never felt we got enough closure or explanation as to why Shane's son Keller was bullying kids and acting out. All we knew was that he got into a fight after someone called him "Orphan Annie".

Despite all my complaints here, I did like the book and I liked the next book's preview, so hopefully I'll read it this year (though I have so many books to read first).

P.S. Kate was so Libra-moon coded. I know because I'm one, and I try to avoid conflict at all costs... Like for example, I wasn't happy with two of my friend's texts yesterday, and instead of telling them how I really felt (because it could start conflict/it wasn't pleasant), I just left them on read.

Also, I thought the betrayal mentioned in the blurb was completely different.
]]> 32998180 As a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Susan Johnson is one of the most recognized and popular romance authors writing today. "Force of Nature," her third tale of erotic romantic adventure from Brava, will seduce readers everywhere with its lush sensuality and emotionally charged love story.In her bestseller Blaze, Jan Hazard Black, the Harvard-educated son of an Absarokee chief, captured readers' hearts everywhere. "Force of Nature" is the story of the daughter he never knew he had, until 1888, when two visitors present themselves at his home in Helena, Montana. One is his former lover, Lucy Attenborough, and the other is their daughter, Jo.

Raised in Florence, Jo Attenborough is much more like her father than her frivolous mother. Strong, determined and intelligent, Jo's interest in engineering is beyond her mother's understanding. The arrival of the two women throws life in the Hazard household into a whirlwind of confusion. Jan's wife, Blaze, must come to terms with this unknown daughter, as well as her husband's former paramour. Jo's half-brother and sister, Trey and Daisy, accept their new sibling with varying degrees of friendship. Trey's special bond with Jo soon causes unpleasant gossip that Hazard and Blaze are hard-put to quell.

Then, Flynn Ito rides into town with his cattle drive, and even Hazard's considerable influence is pushed to its limits. The son of a samurai and an Irish mother, Flynn has carved out a cattle empire. He has a reputation for getting what he wants and protecting what's his -- and he wants Jo.

This book is intended for mature audiences.
Warning: Contains a rape scene. ]]> 275 Susan Johnson Auj 4
I was confused by this book being listed as #5 in the series. Trey was mentioned as single in this book, and I was curious to see who he'd end up with, so I checked the series on ŷ������ and realized that I had already read his book, but that was listed as Book 2. I think what happened was that Susan wrote the first three novels first and then decided to return to this series and John Hazard with an illegitimate daughter of Hazard. Then I see on Amazon how she republished the Kindle version of the novel, but I discovered the book randomly at the library. The original cover (the one that my library had) was reminiscent of a Georgia O'Keeffe painting with a flower being a symbol for a vagina.

The novel's opening is very unusual for a romance novel, I'd say: A former mistress brings her daughter to meet her father for the first time after 23 years. I also was shocked that Hazard would give Lucy 1.3 million dollars a year ($40,000 back then)! That's an extravagant amount to set someone up "comfortably".

Lucy was hilariously self-centered. I found this to be a gem: "Whoever had described him as disreputable and dangerous should have their head examined. He was a consummated gentleman. And if he'd killed all those men as people said he had, well, they surely must have deserved it (244)." Flynn should have introduced himself to Lucy earlier! When they finally did meet, I was surprised/forgotten that they hadn't earlier because I had a feeling that Lucy would try to get her claws into Flynn.

I also found this amusing: "Are we going to spend our honeymoon in bed?"
"Isn't that what a honeymoon is?"
"According to some women of my acquaintance, honeymoons are for shopping and sightseeing."
"Then their husbands must have very lovely mistresses."
LOL, omg.

The first half was five stars for me. The sex scenes were so good, and I loved how these two were insatiable for each other right from the very beginning. These two defined lust at first sight. I took photos of page 68 & 69 as I didn't know there were such masterful ways a man could thrust (or I hadn't read this in a while...) and when Flynn explained how he came since, "Orgasm and ejaculation don't have to be the same." I wrote in the caption, "I love this book."

The only thing that stopped this from being 5 stars was I wanted more conversation between them besides just endless sex and a surface level of affection as they were both trying not to fall in love.
I wasn't a fan when Flynn and Hazard let the second Englishman go, so I liked how they rectified it, though I didn't understand how Flynn went to England and sliced him up before Hazard's men got there. Unless I'm just supposed to believe it happened off-page on the way to Florence? Or Flynn had sent a man? I wished that was clearer.

I felt like Jo's personality didn't add up so well at times; she came off at the beginning of the novel as very practical and level-headed but then would throw fits that made me embarrassed for her. These fits were ones where I could see a man become condescending toward a woman/the whole gender in general, like, "Oh, I have to deal with a crazy woman again). She also made rash decisions that didn't seem to align with her personality.

Also, I got that she wasn't working as an engineer when she arrived in Montana since she was getting settled in & her mother didn't want her to work, but then when she married Flynn, there was never any mention of her deciding not to be an engineer because Flynn had enough money for the two of them. I needed more resolution regarding her career because her claiming to be an engineer in the book was window dressing. She could have had no career, and nothing except maybe three sentences maximum would have changed in the story.

Note: The rape scene threw me off because Jo only gets raped by objects. She's never penetrated by another male's penis. Hopefully, that's more palatable to readers.

Though this novel had me Googling a lot of new words as Susan Johnson's books always do, I still caught at least three typos. The only one I remember now is that a period was missing after "Mrs"; this was near the end of the book.

P.S. I'm friends with the author, but this has in no way affected my review.]]> 3.86 2003
author: Susan Johnson
name: Auj
average rating: 3.86
book published: 2003
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/07
date added: 2025/01/09
shelves: historical-romance, erotic-romance, hot-and-steamy, abuse, abduction-captivity, rape, rakes
review:
2nd book of the year! And my 1,800 ŷ������ rating!!

I was confused by this book being listed as #5 in the series. Trey was mentioned as single in this book, and I was curious to see who he'd end up with, so I checked the series on ŷ������ and realized that I had already read his book, but that was listed as Book 2. I think what happened was that Susan wrote the first three novels first and then decided to return to this series and John Hazard with an illegitimate daughter of Hazard. Then I see on Amazon how she republished the Kindle version of the novel, but I discovered the book randomly at the library. The original cover (the one that my library had) was reminiscent of a Georgia O'Keeffe painting with a flower being a symbol for a vagina.

The novel's opening is very unusual for a romance novel, I'd say: A former mistress brings her daughter to meet her father for the first time after 23 years. I also was shocked that Hazard would give Lucy 1.3 million dollars a year ($40,000 back then)! That's an extravagant amount to set someone up "comfortably".

Lucy was hilariously self-centered. I found this to be a gem: "Whoever had described him as disreputable and dangerous should have their head examined. He was a consummated gentleman. And if he'd killed all those men as people said he had, well, they surely must have deserved it (244)." Flynn should have introduced himself to Lucy earlier! When they finally did meet, I was surprised/forgotten that they hadn't earlier because I had a feeling that Lucy would try to get her claws into Flynn.

I also found this amusing: "Are we going to spend our honeymoon in bed?"
"Isn't that what a honeymoon is?"
"According to some women of my acquaintance, honeymoons are for shopping and sightseeing."
"Then their husbands must have very lovely mistresses."
LOL, omg.

The first half was five stars for me. The sex scenes were so good, and I loved how these two were insatiable for each other right from the very beginning. These two defined lust at first sight. I took photos of page 68 & 69 as I didn't know there were such masterful ways a man could thrust (or I hadn't read this in a while...) and when Flynn explained how he came since, "Orgasm and ejaculation don't have to be the same." I wrote in the caption, "I love this book."

The only thing that stopped this from being 5 stars was I wanted more conversation between them besides just endless sex and a surface level of affection as they were both trying not to fall in love.
I wasn't a fan when Flynn and Hazard let the second Englishman go, so I liked how they rectified it, though I didn't understand how Flynn went to England and sliced him up before Hazard's men got there. Unless I'm just supposed to believe it happened off-page on the way to Florence? Or Flynn had sent a man? I wished that was clearer.

I felt like Jo's personality didn't add up so well at times; she came off at the beginning of the novel as very practical and level-headed but then would throw fits that made me embarrassed for her. These fits were ones where I could see a man become condescending toward a woman/the whole gender in general, like, "Oh, I have to deal with a crazy woman again). She also made rash decisions that didn't seem to align with her personality.

Also, I got that she wasn't working as an engineer when she arrived in Montana since she was getting settled in & her mother didn't want her to work, but then when she married Flynn, there was never any mention of her deciding not to be an engineer because Flynn had enough money for the two of them. I needed more resolution regarding her career because her claiming to be an engineer in the book was window dressing. She could have had no career, and nothing except maybe three sentences maximum would have changed in the story.

Note: The rape scene threw me off because Jo only gets raped by objects. She's never penetrated by another male's penis. Hopefully, that's more palatable to readers.

Though this novel had me Googling a lot of new words as Susan Johnson's books always do, I still caught at least three typos. The only one I remember now is that a period was missing after "Mrs"; this was near the end of the book.

P.S. I'm friends with the author, but this has in no way affected my review.
]]> 28450767
Anita Martin doesn't expect much from life. Growing up on the street, bouncing from one foster home to another, she learned to rely only on herself. Even after she finally found a loving family to take her in, she was still an outsider-something Abraham, one of the family's older sons, never let her forget.

Abraham Evans doesn't know how Ani always manages to get under his skin, only that's she's been doing it since they were teens. She is-and always has been-undeniably gorgeous. But he's never met anyone as pissed off at the world as Ani.

For fifteen years, Ani and Bram have agreed on exactly one thing: they can't stand each other-until one night when their anger gives way to passion. Yet even as Ani and Bram begin to secretly seek comfort in one another's arms, they remain emotionally worlds apart. When Ani's life takes a dramatic turn and she realizes she needs more than Bram can give, their fragile, no-strings relationship unravels. One way or another, Ani is determined to survive. But when Bram finally admits his true feelings, he may discover Ani has moved on without him...]]> 368 Nicole Jacquelyn 1455538000 Auj 0 second-tier-tbr 3.88 2016
author: Nicole Jacquelyn
name: Auj
average rating: 3.88
book published: 2016
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/09
shelves: second-tier-tbr
review:

]]> 1537553
He was raised in the gilded lap of luxury: Etienne Martel, the magnificently virile Duc de Vec, notorious rake, expert sportsman --- and the most celebrated lover in all of Paris. But from the moment he saw the incomparable Daisy Black, he knew he would never desire another.

FORBIDDEN

She was born half a world away: Daisy Black, a proud Montana beauty, exotic and untamed --- and determined to fight for the rights of women in a land ruled by men. Yet the instant she felt the heat of de Vec's jungle-green gaze, she knew she was lost. Like some haunting promise of paradise he drew her in, fanning the flames of her desire until all she could think of was lying in his arms.

FORBIDDEN

Now caught up in a dance as old as time, Etienne and Daisy have eyes only for each other. But soon, they'll find their happiness threatened ... by a society rocked by their scandalous love ... by the woman Etienne calls wife.]]> 484 Susan Johnson 0553291254 Auj 0 to-read-get-from-library 3.92 1991
author: Susan Johnson
name: Auj
average rating: 3.92
book published: 1991
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/05
shelves: to-read-get-from-library
review:

]]> 1537552 SHE WAS DRIVEN BY LOVE TO BREAK EVERY RULE
Empress Jordan had fled to the Montana wilderness to escape a cruel injustice, only to find herself forced to desperate means to feed her brothers and sisters. Once she agreed to sell her most precious possession to the highest bidder, she feared she'd made a terrible mistake - even as she found herself hoping it was the tall, dark, chiseled stranger who had taken her dare and claimed her.

HE WAS EVERY WOMAN'S SECRET DESIRE
From the moment he saw the emerald-eyed beauty, Trey Braddock-Black knew he must have her, no matter what the cost. Rich as sin and handsomer than the devil, the half-Absarokee rogue had no intention of settling down with one woman. But once seduced by her innocent sensuality, intoxicated by the sweet enchantress who was his for three recklessly erotic weeks, he knew he could never give her up.]]> 432 Susan Johnson 055329959X Auj 3
This book could have ended a little before page 200 if there had been no other woman drama. However, there would have been very little conflict & there wouldn't have been much of an actual story. The other woman, Valerie Stewart, manipulates the hero Trey into marrying her. She also manipulates the heroine Empress (yes, that is actually her name lol) into thinking Trey is seeing both of them simultaneously. Empress flees to France with her siblings to reclaim her brother's inheritance and [spoilers removed] Thus, the long separation ensues.

The separation didn't bug me so much because what was going on in each of their lives was still interesting. However, what did bug me is that when Trey finally chased her down in France, they acted so hostile to each other. Empress didn't even want to let Trey know that he had a son!! WTF girl. I didn't like how they kept arguing, and I just didn't see how they would finally be together.
In the beginning, Trey seemed super chill & charming. Not so much in the second half ]]> 3.96 1988
author: Susan Johnson
name: Auj
average rating: 3.96
book published: 1988
rating: 3
read at: 2022/06/19
date added: 2025/01/05
shelves: 3-5-stars, historical-romance, other-woman-or-man, accidental-pregnancy, secret-baby, virgin-heroine, western-romance, near-death, poor-girl-meets-rich-guy
review:
*3.5 stars

This book could have ended a little before page 200 if there had been no other woman drama. However, there would have been very little conflict & there wouldn't have been much of an actual story. The other woman, Valerie Stewart, manipulates the hero Trey into marrying her. She also manipulates the heroine Empress (yes, that is actually her name lol) into thinking Trey is seeing both of them simultaneously. Empress flees to France with her siblings to reclaim her brother's inheritance and [spoilers removed] Thus, the long separation ensues.

The separation didn't bug me so much because what was going on in each of their lives was still interesting. However, what did bug me is that when Trey finally chased her down in France, they acted so hostile to each other. Empress didn't even want to let Trey know that he had a son!! WTF girl. I didn't like how they kept arguing, and I just didn't see how they would finally be together.
In the beginning, Trey seemed super chill & charming. Not so much in the second half
]]> 69966 368 Susan Johnson 0553582534 Auj 0 to-read-get-from-library 3.56 2000
author: Susan Johnson
name: Auj
average rating: 3.56
book published: 2000
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/02
shelves: to-read-get-from-library
review:

]]> 1208792
As brilliant as she is beautiful, Desdemona still hasn’t learned how to stay out of trouble—which suits Harry just fine. Running from a painful past, and rumored to be involved in nefarious endeavors, Harry will never be a proper match for Desdemona. But when she catches the eye of his cousin, the irritatingly honorable Lord Blake Ravenscroft, Harry vows to claim his one true desire, once and for all.]]> 400 Connie Brockway 0440221994 Auj 0 to-read-get-from-library 3.93 1997
author: Connie Brockway
name: Auj
average rating: 3.93
book published: 1997
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/21
shelves: to-read-get-from-library
review:

]]> 28370133 458 Evangeline Anderson Auj 3
Around Chapter 6, I wasn't sure about this book, but I wanted to keep with it as I love Evangeline's books. I swear I had a dream about Evangeline last night because I was reading this book ]]> 3.67 2016
author: Evangeline Anderson
name: Auj
average rating: 3.67
book published: 2016
rating: 3
read at: 2024/12/19
date added: 2024/12/19
shelves: contemporary-romance, erotic-romance, books-that-made-me-use-my-v, 3-5-stars
review:
3.5 stars

Around Chapter 6, I wasn't sure about this book, but I wanted to keep with it as I love Evangeline's books. I swear I had a dream about Evangeline last night because I was reading this book
]]> 9216051 The most famous and controversial novel from one of the greatest writers of the twentieth century tells the story of Humbert Humbert’s obsessive, devouring, and doomed passion for the nymphet Dolores Haze."The conjunction of a sense of humor with a sense of horror [results in] satire of a very special kind." ��The New YorkerAwe and exhilaration—along with heartbreak and mordant wit—abound in Lolita, which tells the story of the aging Humbert Humbert's obsession for the nymphet Dolores Haze. Lolita is also the story of a hypercivilized European colliding with the cheerful barbarism of postwar America. Most of all, it is a meditation on love—love as outrage and hallucination, madness and transformation.]]> 376 Vladimir Nabokov Auj 0 to-read-get-from-library 3.86 1955
author: Vladimir Nabokov
name: Auj
average rating: 3.86
book published: 1955
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/18
shelves: to-read-get-from-library
review:

]]> 361038
Jenna Kerry has a secret. She's always fantasized about sharing her bed with two men, but her fiancé Ryan would never approve. Then one night at a posh reception, Ryan unexpectedly appears and shows her the wildest night of her life. The trouble is, he isn't Ryan. When she discovers the truth—that her fiancé has a twin—she reignites a long-standing rivalry. Both men are determined to have her, and they set out to prove their talents in the most erotic ways imaginable. But does she dare ask them to explore her most hidden fantasy... and can she handle all that these hot-blooded twins have to offer?

Lock your door and indulge in this wickedly uninhibited tale from Opal Carew—an irresistible new voice in erotic romance.]]> 265 Opal Carew 0312367783 Auj 0 to-read, already-own-tr 3.48 2007
author: Opal Carew
name: Auj
average rating: 3.48
book published: 2007
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/18
shelves: to-read, already-own-tr
review:

]]> 205460486 *This is a Duet Novel—two novellas in one book
Two Spicy Stories in one book. In Having the Dae’mon’s Baby, Ketha decides to skip the Contraception Center and get pregnant the old fashioned way—by letting her new Kindred Bodyslave penetrate her. But will she get more than she bargained for?
In Her Kindred Dom, Addison decides she wants her stern Kindred boss as her Daddy Dom, but will the big Beast Kindred give her more than she can handle?
Find out when you read, Dae’mons and Doms, the latest Kindred Tales book


Book 1—Having the Dae’mon’s Baby
Ketha has a dull, dissatisfying life and to make matters worse, her mother is pressuring her to have a baby to carry on their family dynasty. Ketha doesn’t feel ready for the responsibility…until her mother buys a male bodyslave to serve them--a Dae’mon Kindred.

Huge and muscular with curving horns, he’s like nothing Ketha has ever seen before…she feels immediately drawn to him and decides to use him for her own ends. Her mother wants her to have a baby? Fine—but she’s not going to the Conception Center to have artificial insemination. Instead, she wants to get pregnant in the most forbidden way possible—by letting a male penetrate her.

But can Ketha give her body without giving her heart?
You’ll have to read Having the Dae’mon’s Baby to find out��

Book 2—Her Kindred Dom
Addison Davis has a crush on her boss, Commander Courick, the huge Beast Kindred who runs the HKR building in downtown Tampa. She’s sure he would make the perfect Dom—unfortunately, he never seems to notice him, no matter what outrageous stunts she pulls. So she has to get her needs met at a BDSM club called The Torture Palace.

But when an encounter at the club goes too far and leaves Addison with visible marks on her bottom, Courick finally notices. Angry and protective, he follows her to The Torture Palace to find out who hurt her…only to find out her secret. Addison is a little and she’s not just looking for a Dom—she wants a Daddy Dom.

Can Courick handle his curvy assistant’s proclivities and meet her needs or will the vow he took never to call a bride come between them?
You’ll have to read Her Kindred Dom to find out.

���ܳٳ�ǰ�’s This second story in this book, Her Kindred Dom, is BDSM and contains some very mild Age Play. (The heroine calls the hero “Daddy�� several times but mostly she calls him “Sir.��) I have been wanting to write a Kindred Age Play novel for some time, but I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. However, even if you don’t usually like Age Play, I would ask that you give it a chance. It is, as I said, very mild and I think you’ll enjoy it even if this topic isn’t usually your thing. If you’ve seen the movie “Secretary�� most of the story is along those lines.
Hugs and thanks for reading,
Evangeline

Author's Note #2--Kindred Duet books have two shorter stand alone novellas rather than one long story. If you like variety, this series is for you. Twice the hot Alien Spice and all kinds of themes and tropes including Enemies to Lovers, Daddy Dom, Single Mom, Cinnamon Roll heroes, as well as Morally Gray MMCs. You’ll find all this and more in the Kindred Duet Series. Enjoy!
]]> 300 Evangeline Anderson Auj 0 to-read, already-own-tr 4.11
author: Evangeline Anderson
name: Auj
average rating: 4.11
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/18
shelves: to-read, already-own-tr
review:

]]> 10115 Most of all, in its richness and authenticity, it is an irresistible story that reveals why Margaret George's work has been widely acclaimed as "the best kind of historical novel, one the reader can't wait to get lost in."
]]> 1139 Margaret George 0330353829 Auj 0 to-read-get-from-library 4.20 1997
author: Margaret George
name: Auj
average rating: 4.20
book published: 1997
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/18
shelves: to-read-get-from-library
review:

]]> 221354194 Gild by Raven Kennedy meets a female version of Dexter in this gritty dark romantasy. With gods-blessed magic, vigilante justice, sisterhood, and unexpected romance, Black and Blue Widow will have you rooting for rage, revenge, and somehow, love.

She’s killed every husband she’s ever had. He wants to marry her anyway.

Luella Amulius identifies and marries the worst men in the republic. Then she murders them on their wedding night. When the Emperor’s brother, Cassius, discovers her next target, he doesn’t turn her in. He proposes. As their wedding approaches, Luella must is he her partner or her prey?

Rose Octavius needs a husband. Desperate to escape her fathers�� plans to sell her to the cruelest brothel in the city and find a way to protect her sister, Rose accepts a proposal. As her nuptials loom, she realizes safety is more relative than she thought, and marriage doesn’t guarantee anything.

As each woman navigates an empire that would keep them obedient, they must determine whom to trust with their love–and their lives.

Black and Blue Widow is a dark romantasy intended for adult audiences (18+). It contains explicit content and darker elements. Please check content warnings in the front of the book or on the author’s website.
]]> 356 Rhiannon Rollness Auj 0 to-read, already-own-tr 4.37
author: Rhiannon Rollness
name: Auj
average rating: 4.37
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/18
shelves: to-read, already-own-tr
review:

]]> 685606
Jens, pressed into service as a waiter as an elegant family dinner party, overhears Gideon’s lament, and is sure his boatbuilding skills can be put to use on behalf of his employer. Brazenly crossing the boundary between servant and master by offering to design and build a boat that is sure to win the race. Jens incites Gideon’s ire but piques his interest too. With Lorna’s help, he convinces Gideon to finance the project.

Grateful for her intervention yet wary of jeopardizing his chance to build the boat of his dreams, Jens nevertheless is powerless to face of Lorna’s growing interest in the boat and him. He soon finds himself eagerly awaiting her visits to the boatshed, and stars teaching her about the craft of boatbuilding, as well as the craft of love.

Despite the rigid caste system which keeps them apart, Lorna and Jens are drawn inexorably together, and begin an affair as fresh and innocent as the summer itself. But the repercussions of their passionate idyll soon separate them against their shame to endure loneliness where it is always “November of the heart.”]]> 396 LaVyrle Spencer 051511331X Auj 5
This was such a poignant love story of class differences in the sailing world of 1895 Minnesota. Typically, I read historical romance set in England in the 1800s, not the U.S... I don't think I've ever read a book where the subplot is regarding sailing and building the fastest boat. I could tell the author had really done her research. A lot of the details regarding shipbuilding and sailing went over my head, but I still loved the story.

The class difference between our hero and heroine felt insurmountable as if she were a queen and he a beggar. I knew this was a romance novel, so it would probably have a HEA, but I didn't see how these two would be together! (Also, the book was published in 1993 and the beginning read like a novel about the love between two people of very different classes, not as a romance novel. For instance, the omniscient narrator described the going on's of other people, namely family, in the heroine's household, especially as they got ready for bed.)

Both resist their attraction, but Jens, who is a working-class immigrant and the older of the pair, tries his best to be decent and adhere to propriety. Headstrong Lorna cares less about their class differences and is used to getting her way, so she does a lot of the pursuing.

I loved Lorna, though I would have [spoilers removed]

I liked how this book was published in 1993, the year my guy was born, and that the hero and heroine have the same age gap as us: 7 years. My library only had the large print version, so I read 744 pages. It's a long book--438 pages typically--but I wouldn't have had it a page shorter. I wouldn't have even wanted the choices I would have made differently than Lorna and Jens, which would have shortened the novel, because I enjoyed the extended frustration of them not being able to be together and how they battled their way to a HEA.

I will definitely be reading more by LaVryle Spencer, and I hope everyone checks out this gem of a historical romance.]]> 4.05 1993
author: LaVyrle Spencer
name: Auj
average rating: 4.05
book published: 1993
rating: 5
read at: 2024/12/15
date added: 2024/12/18
shelves: historical-romance, virgin-heroine, accidental-pregnancy, forbidden-love, horrible-parents, other-woman-or-man
review:
I discovered this book on an "Accidental Pregnancy" shelf, a trope I used to be so into. For some reason, I wanted to read another accidental pregnancy romance novel. I'm so glad I added this book out of all the books (I didn't add any others) because it turned out to be such a fantastic story! I had never read LaVyrle Spencer before, so I lucked out too. I loved her writing style. Authors don't seem to write books in this style anymore... I just wish this book had been adapted for film/TV like her other works. The novel kept me entertained on my four plane rides to Tucson and back for my friend's wedding.

This was such a poignant love story of class differences in the sailing world of 1895 Minnesota. Typically, I read historical romance set in England in the 1800s, not the U.S... I don't think I've ever read a book where the subplot is regarding sailing and building the fastest boat. I could tell the author had really done her research. A lot of the details regarding shipbuilding and sailing went over my head, but I still loved the story.

The class difference between our hero and heroine felt insurmountable as if she were a queen and he a beggar. I knew this was a romance novel, so it would probably have a HEA, but I didn't see how these two would be together! (Also, the book was published in 1993 and the beginning read like a novel about the love between two people of very different classes, not as a romance novel. For instance, the omniscient narrator described the going on's of other people, namely family, in the heroine's household, especially as they got ready for bed.)

Both resist their attraction, but Jens, who is a working-class immigrant and the older of the pair, tries his best to be decent and adhere to propriety. Headstrong Lorna cares less about their class differences and is used to getting her way, so she does a lot of the pursuing.

I loved Lorna, though I would have [spoilers removed]

I liked how this book was published in 1993, the year my guy was born, and that the hero and heroine have the same age gap as us: 7 years. My library only had the large print version, so I read 744 pages. It's a long book--438 pages typically--but I wouldn't have had it a page shorter. I wouldn't have even wanted the choices I would have made differently than Lorna and Jens, which would have shortened the novel, because I enjoyed the extended frustration of them not being able to be together and how they battled their way to a HEA.

I will definitely be reading more by LaVryle Spencer, and I hope everyone checks out this gem of a historical romance.
]]> 26109345
When the Twin Towers were built in 1973, they were billed as an architectural wonder. At 1,368 feet, they clocked in as the tallest buildings in the world and changed the New York City skyline dramatically. Offices and corporations moved into the towers—also known as the World Trade Center—and the buildings were seen as the economic hub of the world. But on September 11, 2001, a terrorist attack toppled the towers and changed our nation forever. Discover the whole story of the Twin Towers—from their ambitious construction to their tragic end.]]> 112 Jim O'Connor 0399542310 Auj 5 nonfiction, for-children-book
The book is written for young adults and isn't written in an overly emotional way to evoke sadness, yet I still cried. Those poor souls in the planes that crashed...especially the ones that knew what was going to happen to them since they had gotten the news about the Twin Towers. The passengers on that plane prevented more tragedy by wresting control from a hijacker, who crash-landed the plane on a field in Philadelphia, but still lost their loves.

I felt like the book had one or two inconsistencies. For instance, the author said that no one was found by the firemen scouring Ground Zero after the attack, yet thousands of bones were found. So no whole body or survivors were found, but bones were.

I also wish the book had talked more about what went on in the planes between the passengers and the hijackers and the security personnel in the airport who had second thoughts about letting the terrorists pass through.]]> 4.22 2016
author: Jim O'Connor
name: Auj
average rating: 4.22
book published: 2016
rating: 5
read at: 2024/12/16
date added: 2024/12/16
shelves: nonfiction, for-children-book
review:
I discovered this book in a 6th grade classroom I was subbing for and started reading it. The book focused on the Twin Towers beyond 9/11: from their creation and construction to 9/11 and its aftermath.

The book is written for young adults and isn't written in an overly emotional way to evoke sadness, yet I still cried. Those poor souls in the planes that crashed...especially the ones that knew what was going to happen to them since they had gotten the news about the Twin Towers. The passengers on that plane prevented more tragedy by wresting control from a hijacker, who crash-landed the plane on a field in Philadelphia, but still lost their loves.

I felt like the book had one or two inconsistencies. For instance, the author said that no one was found by the firemen scouring Ground Zero after the attack, yet thousands of bones were found. So no whole body or survivors were found, but bones were.

I also wish the book had talked more about what went on in the planes between the passengers and the hijackers and the security personnel in the airport who had second thoughts about letting the terrorists pass through.
]]> 136281210
Billionaire CEO Nolan Rathburn broke into my home and dragged me into his world of revenge against an infamous Chicago crime organization. Or did I walk into this mess as a willing participant? It’s hard to say no to the sexiest man alive offering you enough money to solve all your problems and stock the fridge with food.

As the sole caregiver for my teenager brother, I have to keep it together so he can break free from a life of poverty. Nolan’s offer might get us back on our feet long enough to get ahead. Jumping into this dangerous game will put my life at risk, but I don’t see another choice. If I fail, we’ll be living on the streets.

When the situation explodes, will my aloof billionaire stand by me? Or leave us destitute to face gang retaliation alone?

Want to fall into a world of money, limos, and billionaires with a side of revenge? Grab King of Hearts and watch as two worlds collide.

King of Hearts is a duet story. Mind the cliff.]]> 268 Wanda Amard Auj 0 currently-reading 4.09
author: Wanda Amard
name: Auj
average rating: 4.09
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/07
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> 199190261
Percy, Annabeth, and Grover settle into Hecate’s seemingly endless mansion and start getting acquainted with the fussy, terrifying animals. The trio has been warned not to touch anything, but while Percy and Annabeth are out at school, Grover can’t resist drinking a strawberry-flavored potion in the laboratory. It turns him into a giant frenzied goat, and after he rampages through the house, damaging everything in sight, and passes out, Hecuba and Gale escape. Now the friends have to find Hecate’s pets and somehow restore the house, all before Hecate gets back on Saturday. It’s going to take luck, demigod wiles, and some old and new friends to hunt down the animals and set things right again.]]> 322 Rick Riordan 1368112382 Auj 3 greek-god 4.14 2024
author: Rick Riordan
name: Auj
average rating: 4.14
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2024/12/04
date added: 2024/12/04
shelves: greek-god
review:
I just realized that with this book, I completed my 2024 Reading Challenge of 100 books. It's been one of the hardest and worst years of my life, but hey, I finished the Reading Challenge, lol.
]]> 25641071
Note: Though this book can be read as a stand alone, it is the second book in the Planet Valhalla series. Contains ménage.
]]> 212 Kate Pearce Auj 0 to-read 3.99 2008
author: Kate Pearce
name: Auj
average rating: 3.99
book published: 2008
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/02
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 25495553 182 Kate Pearce Auj 4
Keep in note that the king has bodyguards who he allows to pleasure the heroine, a girl from 25th-century Earth who crash lands on Planet Valhalla. Some reviewers were also offended by how the FMC was touched sexually when she was unconscious; this is not considered immoral by the culture, where women's sexual pleasure is a priority.

Is there a lot of romantic development? No. Could I suspend belief that the king and Douglass (odd name for a heroine) were in love? Yes.

I might read the next book. ]]> 3.63 2006
author: Kate Pearce
name: Auj
average rating: 3.63
book published: 2006
rating: 4
read at: 2024/12/02
date added: 2024/12/02
shelves: scifi-romance, erotic-romance, menage, hot-and-steamy, novella
review:
This is one of the hottest books I've ever read. I've read a lot of sex scenes, but {okay, how to say this... I'll just say it} the ones in this book aroused me. So yeah, 4 stars.

Keep in note that the king has bodyguards who he allows to pleasure the heroine, a girl from 25th-century Earth who crash lands on Planet Valhalla. Some reviewers were also offended by how the FMC was touched sexually when she was unconscious; this is not considered immoral by the culture, where women's sexual pleasure is a priority.

Is there a lot of romantic development? No. Could I suspend belief that the king and Douglass (odd name for a heroine) were in love? Yes.

I might read the next book.
]]> 62919768
Three best friends decide they’re finally done with their ex-husbands taking their work as wives and moms for granted. They’re ready to monetize the mental load, stick it to their exes, and have a wild ride in the process in this novel that is “fresh, funny, empowering, and totally satisfying�� (Judy Blume).

Lauren, mother of twins, wakes up one morning to her Wife Alarm Bells sounding. She sleuths on her husband’s phone and stumbles on a dirty secret that explodes her marriage. Madeline has it all—a penthouse apartment, a perfect daughter, and no-strings-attached romps with handsome men. But when she learns she might lose her child to her ex in England, it stirs up a decades-old personal tragedy. Sophie, with too much FOMO and never enough money, obsesses over her ex-husband’s Family 2.0—all while keeping her true desires hidden, even from herself.

It starts as a joke during a tipsy night out, as Lauren, Madeline, and Sophie rail against everything wives do for free. Let’s build an app that monetizes the mental load. And maybe revenge on our exes in the process. Soon, the Wife App is born, and before long, it’s the fastest growing start-up in New York City. But then life intervenes. Love intervenes. Ex-husbands intervene. And the consequences are bigger than anything Lauren, Madeline, or Sophie could have expected. Carolyn Mackler marks her debut into adult fiction with a rollercoaster ride of revenge and redemption that is at once a send-up of modern marriage and a celebration of female friendship and love in all forms.]]> 368 Carolyn Mackler 1982158794 Auj 3 chick-lit Wife App even if it was a little too realistic for me sometimes. (Not the app itself, but I typically don't read books so grounded in real life as this one. Cheating, unhappy marriages, sex no longer being as good, bills, and financial worries are something I'd prefer not to read about in my books. I don't need to read solely fantasy, but it's nice to escape a little bit while reading:))
I had to take a break from all the realism (not the book's fault, just my problem, lol) by finding another book to read on my Kindle. I switched to a sci-fi erotica, which was so different from this book.

The three main characters are divorced women in their early forties with kids. Lauren found out her husband was visiting prostitutes for handjobs, Madeline divorced her workaholic husband years ago when he moved to London, and Sophie's husband was a bum in a band. Over drinks, they discuss an app that would take away wives' mental burden and deposit it in the hands of paid "wives". To Madeline's and Sophie's initial chagrin, Lauren decides to create the Wife App.

Having never been a wife or mother, I can't speak to understanding a wife and mother's mental load, but I understand from scheduling doctor appointments to grocery shopping and taking kids to and from extracurriculars, there are a lot of unpaid tasks. It would be really cool if there were actually a Wife App.

[spoilers removed]]]> 3.56 2023
author: Carolyn Mackler
name: Auj
average rating: 3.56
book published: 2023
rating: 3
read at: 2024/11/29
date added: 2024/11/29
shelves: chick-lit
review:
I liked the Wife App even if it was a little too realistic for me sometimes. (Not the app itself, but I typically don't read books so grounded in real life as this one. Cheating, unhappy marriages, sex no longer being as good, bills, and financial worries are something I'd prefer not to read about in my books. I don't need to read solely fantasy, but it's nice to escape a little bit while reading:))
I had to take a break from all the realism (not the book's fault, just my problem, lol) by finding another book to read on my Kindle. I switched to a sci-fi erotica, which was so different from this book.

The three main characters are divorced women in their early forties with kids. Lauren found out her husband was visiting prostitutes for handjobs, Madeline divorced her workaholic husband years ago when he moved to London, and Sophie's husband was a bum in a band. Over drinks, they discuss an app that would take away wives' mental burden and deposit it in the hands of paid "wives". To Madeline's and Sophie's initial chagrin, Lauren decides to create the Wife App.

Having never been a wife or mother, I can't speak to understanding a wife and mother's mental load, but I understand from scheduling doctor appointments to grocery shopping and taking kids to and from extracurriculars, there are a lot of unpaid tasks. It would be really cool if there were actually a Wife App.

[spoilers removed]
]]> 1149841
MARINA
Devastated by a ruthless betrayal, disillusioned by the War Between the States, Ward Dillon swore he'd escape his bitter past and start anew ... even if he had to abandon his heart's desire. So the San Antonio doctor traded his medical practice for the rugged life of the open trail, refined society for the company of rough-and-ready cowpokes. Yet what hope, what harmony, what hint of happiness could be his without the woman he'd left behind, the beauty who haunted his dreams? And when Marina tracked Ward down on the windswept Texas plains, how could he resist the burning brand of passion that had once brought them searing ecstasy and promised the only peace possible for his embattled heart?]]> 400 Leigh Greenwood 0843942991 Auj 4
Whenever I see a man has written romance, I need to read the book in question. This one was no exception. I must have found it under the secret baby list as I used to be so obsessed with that trope. I think I added this book in 2018 when I was super into that trope.

The only way to read this book is to buy a copy of it, so I bought one. I wasn't happy when it came in mass-market paperback format, but I was able to read it more easily than the last mass-market paperback I DNFed (yesterday). Unfortunately, the seller put a load of stickers on the back. I peeled them off, but it tore part of the synopsis and left the back with sticky residue.

Now on to the book:
I loved the first 100 pages or so, especially the meet-cute.

Marina and Ward fall in love almost immediately, but it's okay as Ward's evil mother spews lies, separating the two for--wait for it--seven years!! [spoilers removed].

It took the two a while to work out the past and their feelings for each other. It took a while too for Ward to realize that his family had lied to him, at least partially.

Half the book dealt with a cholera outbreak, but that was interesting. A mountain lion attack was also interesting.

When Leigh Greenwood solely wrote that the two made love three times during their honeymoon, I thought the book would be clean, but it wasn't. There was at least one fingering scene, and Ward seemed to be a fan of licking her ear, lol.]]> 4.11 1997
author: Leigh Greenwood
name: Auj
average rating: 4.11
book published: 1997
rating: 4
read at: 2024/07/29
date added: 2024/11/27
shelves: secret-baby, historical-romance, western-romance, young-love-that-never-worked-out, young-lovers-met-again-as-adults, horrible-parents, 3-5-stars, insta-love
review:
*3.5 stars

Whenever I see a man has written romance, I need to read the book in question. This one was no exception. I must have found it under the secret baby list as I used to be so obsessed with that trope. I think I added this book in 2018 when I was super into that trope.

The only way to read this book is to buy a copy of it, so I bought one. I wasn't happy when it came in mass-market paperback format, but I was able to read it more easily than the last mass-market paperback I DNFed (yesterday). Unfortunately, the seller put a load of stickers on the back. I peeled them off, but it tore part of the synopsis and left the back with sticky residue.

Now on to the book:
I loved the first 100 pages or so, especially the meet-cute.

Marina and Ward fall in love almost immediately, but it's okay as Ward's evil mother spews lies, separating the two for--wait for it--seven years!! [spoilers removed].

It took the two a while to work out the past and their feelings for each other. It took a while too for Ward to realize that his family had lied to him, at least partially.

Half the book dealt with a cholera outbreak, but that was interesting. A mountain lion attack was also interesting.

When Leigh Greenwood solely wrote that the two made love three times during their honeymoon, I thought the book would be clean, but it wasn't. There was at least one fingering scene, and Ward seemed to be a fan of licking her ear, lol.
]]> 32330456
For years, Ian has wanted nothing more than to, one day, marry Miss Claire Ashford. When fate forces them into a compromising situation, he vows to do just that. In spite of every effort, she refuses his suit. Not one to easily give up, Ian drafts assistance from an unlikely source.

As her first season continues, Claire finds it increasingly difficult to keep her distance from Ian. His charm, and ability to stir feelings inside of her she didn’t know existed, makes it hard to remember why she refused him in the first place. With his relentless pursuit and her weakening resolve, she desperately wants to give in to him. However, after seeing he hasn’t changed his rakish ways, how can she trust him not to break her heart, again?]]> 215 Jenn Langston Auj 0 second-tier-tbr 3.73
author: Jenn Langston
name: Auj
average rating: 3.73
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/11/26
shelves: second-tier-tbr
review:

]]> 48724353 274 A.C. Taylor Auj 0 second-tier-tbr 4.41
author: A.C. Taylor
name: Auj
average rating: 4.41
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/11/26
shelves: second-tier-tbr
review:

]]> 157241789
Hello, I'm Jennie. I pirouette my way through life, a ballet dancer too petrified to step into the timelight. He's my exasperating stepbrother Gabriel, who strums strings and breaks hearts with legions of adoring fans swooning over his every move. As much as I hate to admit it, every stolen glance, every chance meeting draped in just a towel, makes my heart perform a grand jeté.

This silly crush on him needs to be stopped. Yet, when he proposes that I dance in his upcoming TT video, supposedly to boost my chances at the ballet school showcase and to save his sinking reputation, I can't decline. Now, the real test is, can I resist the tantalizing lure of his close proximity, and the undeniable chemistry between us? But as we waltz closer to our forbidden feelings, we're blind to the fact that someone's eyes are watching us in the shadows.

This heated romance ends on a cliffhanger and is intended for mature audiences only, ready to sway to the rhythm of love, music, and friendship, blazing hot bedroom scenes, all wrapped up in electrifying suspense.

Love's
I love love love (ha) writing ballerina and rockstar angsty romance stories. Their dedication to their art. Their connection through what they both create is so strong. Plus, adding the forbidden stepbrother romance into the mix is so much fun. (I mean, yes there's drama and Gabriel is definitely a bad boy but it is fun to write ;-)). Jennie had a a crush on her very off-limit stepbrother years before their parents got married. And how to heighten the angst even more? Just sprinkle a little bit of danger and mystery to the *hot* romance.]]> 268 Elle Love Auj 0 second-tier-tbr 3.66
author: Elle Love
name: Auj
average rating: 3.66
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/11/26
shelves: second-tier-tbr
review:

]]> 53868388 What happens when you've been under an uglification spell your entire life and it suddenly gets lifted?

Well, read my book if you want to find out--it's what you might call a cautionary tale...

I used to be plain, boring, forgettable Emma Plunkett...but that was back when I thought I was human. Now, I'm something completely different. I have raven hair, purple eyes, and the power to Fascinate--not to mention two gorgeous Fae warriors who have both sworn their undying love and loyalty to me. (How can I choose between them when I want them both?)

I've heard the other students at Nocturne Academy whispering behind my back. Either I'm a lost Fairy Princess...or a creature so dark and evil I could change the fate of the Fae Realm forever--only I don't know which!

But I have a bad feeling I'm about to find out...

EDITORIAL REVIEWS

Must Read--Stone and Secret is a gripping page-turner you will find difficult to put down for unimportant things like eating, drinking, or sleeping~ Robert Baker, Readsy Discovery]]> 530 Evangeline Anderson Auj 0 second-tier-tbr 3.91 2021
author: Evangeline Anderson
name: Auj
average rating: 3.91
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/11/26
shelves: second-tier-tbr
review:

]]> 50239368 Me, apparently.

Since I started school at Nocturne Academy, strange happenings have befallen me. The weird key-shaped necklace I found at a flea market chokes me every time I try to take it off. Also, a tall, beautiful, and bitingly sarcastic Nocturne has the lock that matches it.

His name is Griffin Darkheart, and—like this freaking necklace—I can't seem to stay away from him, though he's being Censured for mysterious crimes. Among a student body composed of vampires, witches, were-dragons, and fairies, I no longer know what my future holds.

To heck with graduating with honors. I'm just hoping to graduate alive. Nocturne Academy is full of deadly dangers.
And I've already got a target on my back...]]> 458 Evangeline Anderson 1654752398 Auj 0 second-tier-tbr 3.79 2020
author: Evangeline Anderson
name: Auj
average rating: 3.79
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/11/26
shelves: second-tier-tbr
review:

]]> 50707155
The Fire stole everything from me.

My home...my family...even my beauty.

The right side of my face is normal--even pretty. But the left side, I hide in shame. That's where The Fire marked me...scarred me forever.

At Nocturne Academy I'm nothing--just a little Norm girl with no supernatural powers and a disfigured face.

Which is why it's so strange that a big, Handsome Drake like Ari Reyes should take an interest in me.

But it isn't only Ari who's interested in me.

For under his high cheekbones and clear amber eyes, he hides another, much more frightening visage--A Drake, the fire-breathing monster that lives within him.

A monster who has decided I should be his alone.

Can I survive Ari's love for me? And more importantly, can I survive the love of his Drake?

Because once a girl has been claimed by a Drake, the only way out is through The Fire.

What am I going to do?]]> 515 Evangeline Anderson Auj 0 second-tier-tbr 4.06 2020
author: Evangeline Anderson
name: Auj
average rating: 4.06
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/11/26
shelves: second-tier-tbr
review:

]]> 60771303 A woman whose unique powers are just coming to Light
Can they survive the dangers of a hostile planet together?
Find out in��
Dragon in the Dark

*This is a Plus length novel--115,000 words long*
Dr. Iyanna Washington has landed her dream job—as a botanist aboard the Monstrum Mother Ship she will be able to study as many fascinating alien plants as she could ever dream of. But she’s been warned to stay on the Light Side of the ship during her studies. The Dark Side hides Monstrum so big and powerful they would frighten any humans who happened to see them.

Dra’vik happens to be one of those that humans must not see. As a Drake Monstrum, he is nine feet tall with horns and scales—naturally he thinks humans would fear him. But when Iyanna gets lost on the Dark Side of the ship, he finds himself drawn to the curvy little Elite with the creamy brown skin. She’s both beautiful and brave and she doesn’t fear his immense size or “devilish�� appearance.

When the two of them are sent on a secret mission where they must pretend to be Master and pleasure slave, they find themselves drawn even closer together. But danger is in the air. Iyanna has proven to have special abilities and unique talents that are priceless to someone who would be happy to steal her away from the big Drake. And even if Dra’vik manages to save her, there are other obstacles standing in the way of their happiness—specifically the fact that bonding with a Monstrum Drake causes instant pregnancy.

Can Dra’vik save Iyanna from the danger that threatens her life?
And will Iyanna be willing to bond with the big Drake, despite the unique consequences?
You’ll have to read Dragon in the Dark to find out.

Author's Note: the heroine gets into some pretty scary situations in this book which may make you uncomfortable if you are a survivor of assault. Anyone who has read my books knows that it all works out in the end, but I wanted to warn you just in case. Please read responsibly!]]> 446 Evangeline Anderson 1005659265 Auj 4
Anyway... I enjoyed this one, though I thought it might be a 3-star read. I felt like it was a thick book for not much happening. Typically, the missions the Kindred and a human female go on are longer and more complicated. Also, the characters typically start their mission earlier in the novel, but Iyanna was busy being fucked by the plants. That was weird but different. I also thought it was odd how Iyanna got a tour of the Monstrum Mother Ship, but all the details were omitted. It felt like she hardly saw anything.

Even though the book could have ended sooner, I liked the plot twist a lot [spoilers removed]

I definitely wouldn't want to be with a 9-foot monstrous-looking man, so I didn't view Dra'vik so much as attractive, but I was able to look past his appearance and still enjoy the book for the plot. Maybe I'm so used to reading Evangeline Anderson's type of sex scenes now because they don't do so much for me anymore. I keep reading her books because of the plot.

I also would have liked to have known more about Dra'vik's backstory because we hardly got anything. I knew more about Iyanna and her ex. I'm also so sick of the my-ex-sucked-in-the-bedroom "trope" that Evangeline keeps peddling out. I wrote in my notes, "Evangeline smh, not using the same trope as the past lover not being interested in experimenting or BDSM, so now we know the Kindred guy will be."]]> 4.31
author: Evangeline Anderson
name: Auj
average rating: 4.31
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2024/11/26
date added: 2024/11/26
shelves: scifi-romance, aliens, monster-erotica, adventure
review:
I just noticed that my Kindle app on my computer updated itself, which I'm not a fan of as the note section looks different.

Anyway... I enjoyed this one, though I thought it might be a 3-star read. I felt like it was a thick book for not much happening. Typically, the missions the Kindred and a human female go on are longer and more complicated. Also, the characters typically start their mission earlier in the novel, but Iyanna was busy being fucked by the plants. That was weird but different. I also thought it was odd how Iyanna got a tour of the Monstrum Mother Ship, but all the details were omitted. It felt like she hardly saw anything.

Even though the book could have ended sooner, I liked the plot twist a lot [spoilers removed]

I definitely wouldn't want to be with a 9-foot monstrous-looking man, so I didn't view Dra'vik so much as attractive, but I was able to look past his appearance and still enjoy the book for the plot. Maybe I'm so used to reading Evangeline Anderson's type of sex scenes now because they don't do so much for me anymore. I keep reading her books because of the plot.

I also would have liked to have known more about Dra'vik's backstory because we hardly got anything. I knew more about Iyanna and her ex. I'm also so sick of the my-ex-sucked-in-the-bedroom "trope" that Evangeline keeps peddling out. I wrote in my notes, "Evangeline smh, not using the same trope as the past lover not being interested in experimenting or BDSM, so now we know the Kindred guy will be."
]]> 470535 One Summer is an outstanding novel that readers will turn to again and again.]]> 346 Karen Robards 0434639524 Auj 4 One Summer 4 stars with a few caveats. Mainly, I struggled with the first 80 pages or so and thought about DNF-ing. (But I had to know who the murderer was!) Even later on a chapter would make me lose interest in the book. I don't know why.

I discovered this book from one of my ŷ������ friends writing a review and got it from the library. Because this book was published in 1993, it sometimes has a slightly historical romance feel, but I think it's a contemporary romance. For example, condoms are called rubbers. People are still using landlines instead of cellphones.

I tagged this as a teacher-student romance, but it's not as taboo as most student/teacher romances that I've read because this story takes place when the characters are no longer in a student-teacher relationship. Rachel, the high school English teacher, is five years older than her former student, Johnny.

Johnny was so surly towards Rachel at the beginning of the book I couldn't see them ever ending up together and talking about anything substantial. Also, Rachel resisted her feelings for Johnny so long that it seemed to come out of left field when she thought that she was falling in love with him.

Honestly, I think the suspense aspect of this novel was the most interesting and unique part of it. It's so rare to read a book that has reincarnation tied up into it. I had NO clue who the murderer was until the chapter where they confronted Rachel. [spoilers removed] And it took me a while to guess the whole reincarnation aspect (it took me so long to read this book because of how busy I was that I wasn't sure if that old story about the cheating reverend was from this book or another!) of the killings.

I thought Johnny was hot, and the one sex scene (well to be fair, there were like 1.5) was so steamy and well-written that I wish Karen Robards had written more sex scenes and less of everything else. The man Rachel was dating previously, Rob, didn't really add much to the plot and should have been cut, imo. Rachel's sister Becky getting dumped by her husband also didn't add much to the main story and could have been another plot thread axed. (I would let her dad having some form of dementia stay in the story.) I thought the book was almost too long and wished we would get to the end (and find out who the murderer was already!!).

[spoilers removed]

Now after having written this review, I feel like I should give it 3 stars again. Ugh, sometimes this star-rating business is tough!]]> 3.96 1993
author: Karen Robards
name: Auj
average rating: 3.96
book published: 1993
rating: 4
read at: 2024/11/22
date added: 2024/11/25
shelves: romantic-suspense, forbidden-love, teacher-student-romance, age-gap, other-woman-or-man, abuse, abduction-captivity, books-that-need-to-be-shorter, childhood-crush, hot-guy, hot-and-steamy-only-once, 3-6-stars, the-woman-is-older, contemporary-romance
review:
I'm giving One Summer 4 stars with a few caveats. Mainly, I struggled with the first 80 pages or so and thought about DNF-ing. (But I had to know who the murderer was!) Even later on a chapter would make me lose interest in the book. I don't know why.

I discovered this book from one of my ŷ������ friends writing a review and got it from the library. Because this book was published in 1993, it sometimes has a slightly historical romance feel, but I think it's a contemporary romance. For example, condoms are called rubbers. People are still using landlines instead of cellphones.

I tagged this as a teacher-student romance, but it's not as taboo as most student/teacher romances that I've read because this story takes place when the characters are no longer in a student-teacher relationship. Rachel, the high school English teacher, is five years older than her former student, Johnny.

Johnny was so surly towards Rachel at the beginning of the book I couldn't see them ever ending up together and talking about anything substantial. Also, Rachel resisted her feelings for Johnny so long that it seemed to come out of left field when she thought that she was falling in love with him.

Honestly, I think the suspense aspect of this novel was the most interesting and unique part of it. It's so rare to read a book that has reincarnation tied up into it. I had NO clue who the murderer was until the chapter where they confronted Rachel. [spoilers removed] And it took me a while to guess the whole reincarnation aspect (it took me so long to read this book because of how busy I was that I wasn't sure if that old story about the cheating reverend was from this book or another!) of the killings.

I thought Johnny was hot, and the one sex scene (well to be fair, there were like 1.5) was so steamy and well-written that I wish Karen Robards had written more sex scenes and less of everything else. The man Rachel was dating previously, Rob, didn't really add much to the plot and should have been cut, imo. Rachel's sister Becky getting dumped by her husband also didn't add much to the main story and could have been another plot thread axed. (I would let her dad having some form of dementia stay in the story.) I thought the book was almost too long and wished we would get to the end (and find out who the murderer was already!!).

[spoilers removed]

Now after having written this review, I feel like I should give it 3 stars again. Ugh, sometimes this star-rating business is tough!
]]> 215214468 I’m an alibi for a killer, but he demands so much more than my testimony.

I stumbled across something I wasn’t supposed to discover. I saw something I wasn’t meant to see, and now I’m an alibi for a killer. He’s the most feared and powerful man in the New York underworld. I don’t have a choice but to do as he says.

But he commands so much more than just my testimony.

Anya and Saverio's story continues in Coerced Wife (Book 2) and concludes in Coerced Queen (Book 3).]]> 370 Charmaine Pauls Auj 0 second-tier-tbr 4.21
author: Charmaine Pauls
name: Auj
average rating: 4.21
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/11/24
shelves: second-tier-tbr
review:

]]> 214312329
“What Does It Feel Like? is fiction, but it is my most autobiographical work to date. Eve’s story is my story.”—Sophie Kinsella

Eve is a successful novelist who wakes up one day in a hospital bed with no memory of how she got there. Her husband, never far from her side, explains that she has had an operation to remove the large, malignant tumor growing in her brain.

As Eve learns to walk, talk, and write again—and as she wrestles with her diagnosis, and how and when to explain it to her beloved children—she begins to recall what’s most important to her: long walks with her husband’s hand clasped firmly around her own, family game nights, and always buying that dress when she sees it.

Recounted in brief anecdotes, each one is an attempt to answer the type of impossible questions recognizable to anyone navigating the labyrinth of grief. This short, extraordinary novel is a celebration of life, shot through with warmth and humor—it will both break your heart and put it back together again.

“Why did I write such a personal book? I have always processed my life through writing. Hiding behind my fictional characters, I have always turned my own life into a narrative. It is my version of therapy, maybe. Writing is my happy place, and writing this book, although tough going at times, was immensely satisfying and therapeutic for me.”—Sophie Kinsella]]> 144 Sophie Kinsella 0593977564 Auj 3 made-me-cry
This is a short, emotional read about a bestselling novelist who seems like she has it all until she wakes up in a hospital with no recollection to then learn that she's just had an 8-hour surgery to remove a tumor on her brain. This fictional story is based on author Sophie Kinsella's diagnosis with glioblastoma.

As you can imagine, this book made me cry multiple times. So why did you only rate it 3 stars, Audrey? Because I rate based on entertainment. (Even though this isn't a book you read to entertain yourself.) Also, though I found the vignette style interesting, it broke up the narrative. Moreover, I felt like the book shied away from something a little more substantial with the vignette form and probably the author's desire for privacy. I agree with Kerri Anne's review: "Every time this book tiptoed its way toward something real, toward something true, toward something that might be slightly raw and difficult and sticky and worthwhile, it immediately backed away."

I loved the last line: "And right at that moment, this is her only aim in life, the only happy ending she wants. Just to keep going."

YES, welcome to third person present tense, lol.

The mention to Wimbledon Village at the beginning of the story made me happy as Wimbledon means so much to me after I met the guy I like there.

Anyway, I'm just so happy/relieved that Madeleine Wickham, Sophie Kinsella's real name, is still around to continue sharing her stories with the world. (I'm also glad she's still alive for her own sake, her kids, her husband, etc. I don't want to sound selfish.) It sounded like the prognosis for glioblastoma was grim, with 25% of people only living a year after being diagnosed...]]> 4.26 2024
author: Sophie Kinsella
name: Auj
average rating: 4.26
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2024/11/23
date added: 2024/11/24
shelves: made-me-cry
review:
Omg, I just read the blurb, and I'm already emotional...

This is a short, emotional read about a bestselling novelist who seems like she has it all until she wakes up in a hospital with no recollection to then learn that she's just had an 8-hour surgery to remove a tumor on her brain. This fictional story is based on author Sophie Kinsella's diagnosis with glioblastoma.

As you can imagine, this book made me cry multiple times. So why did you only rate it 3 stars, Audrey? Because I rate based on entertainment. (Even though this isn't a book you read to entertain yourself.) Also, though I found the vignette style interesting, it broke up the narrative. Moreover, I felt like the book shied away from something a little more substantial with the vignette form and probably the author's desire for privacy. I agree with Kerri Anne's review: "Every time this book tiptoed its way toward something real, toward something true, toward something that might be slightly raw and difficult and sticky and worthwhile, it immediately backed away."

I loved the last line: "And right at that moment, this is her only aim in life, the only happy ending she wants. Just to keep going."

YES, welcome to third person present tense, lol.

The mention to Wimbledon Village at the beginning of the story made me happy as Wimbledon means so much to me after I met the guy I like there.

Anyway, I'm just so happy/relieved that Madeleine Wickham, Sophie Kinsella's real name, is still around to continue sharing her stories with the world. (I'm also glad she's still alive for her own sake, her kids, her husband, etc. I don't want to sound selfish.) It sounded like the prognosis for glioblastoma was grim, with 25% of people only living a year after being diagnosed...
]]> 221630218 SLADE
I knew as soon as I saw her that she was MINE.

It's called The Lightning Strike--the feeling a Brute gets when he finds his Fated Mate. I knew Aurora was my Fated Mate, but how could I get her?

She's a Princess but worse, she's Untainted with pure human DNA--they don't want anything to do with my kind. I guess I can't blame her--I'm a criminal after all. A member of the Four Families--Clan Cruel to be exact. Sure we dabble in extortion, gun-running, gambling, and illegal cloning. But that doesn't mean I won't do anything in the universe to make the curvy little human mine and taste her until she moans my name and tugs my horns.

Aurora
All I knew about Slade was that he was the Enforcer from Clan Cruel who collected our Tribute every six months. Muscles strained the expensive suits he wore and his golden eyes followed me everywhere. The way he looked at me made me quiver inside so I tried to avoid him.

I had no idea he had decided I was his Fated Mate.

Apparently, he's been watching me for years and now he sees his opportunity--my foolish younger brother has gambled away all the tribute money. With no other way to pay, I'm forced to accept his proposition--Slade wants to marry me and make me bear his heir. For six months he gets to try to impregnate me. If I get pregnant, I have to stay.

I'm not staying.

I might have to marry the huge Brute, but I'll never have his child.

Author's Note--Cruel Union is a forced marriage, Dark Mafia Romance--the first book in the new Brutal Universe Series.

Enter The Brutal Universe

Years ago everyone who could afford it left the dying Earth and traveled to the stars. There, humanity found that they were not alone—there was plenty of sentient life to connect with…if they wanted to.

A core group of humans refused to have anything to do with the aliens. The Untainted, as they chose to call themselves, have pure human blood in their veins—their DNA has remained unchanged for centuries. They marry each other and do their best to ignore the outsiders—but there are some who are hard to ignore…for instance, the Brutal Crime Lords.

The Brutal Crime Organization operates like the Cosa Nostra back on Dying Earth. Made up of four different Alien Crime families, they rule over whole sectors of the Imperium Galaxy and extract tribute from anyone living in their territory. The Brutes, as they are called, have inhuman lusts. Always searching for their Fated Mate, once they find her, they develop The Thirst which compels them to taste her juices. Some have tails and most have horns. All of them have special equipment that’s big enough to split a woman in two…or give her pleasure beyond her wildest dreams.
When a woman enters a Permanent Binding with a Brute, she can never, ever be free of him.

*Author's Note--I hope you'll enjoy this new series--I wanted to take Mafia Romance themes and tropes and put them in a sci-fi setting filled with cruel and irresistible Alien Mafia Enforcers. Expect to find Love and Betrayal, Enemies to Lovers, and growly, grumpy Morally Grey Heroes determined to find their Fated Mates at all costs.

The Four Families
Clan Cruel--these Alien Mafiosos carry a Darkness inside them that other Clans fear
Clan Savage-- Serpentine blood ensures these Alien Enforcers have fangs and a des]]> 376 Evangeline Anderson Auj 0 second-tier-tbr 3.89
author: Evangeline Anderson
name: Auj
average rating: 3.89
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/11/23
shelves: second-tier-tbr
review:

]]> 210406929 An all-new standalone dark romance, contemporary Frankenstein Retelling by K.J. Devoir, author of Amazon best selling Moonvine Series.

MAJESTY INTERNATIONAL is more than a premier matchmaking service, securing the fortunes and power of world elites via carefully calculated marriages. Majesty is a lifestyle club with a range of exclusive benefits requiring an oath of secrecy from members to its governing Crown and a pledge to uphold its motto Once & Always. Once a member, always a member.

THE GROOM

He is a dangerous mafia billionaire they call Frankenstein. I am his mail-order bride.

THE BRIDE

The writing I spied on that gold-embossed paper inside Father’s office was a tiny window into the twisted darkness that would become my future. It said nothing about arranged marriages sealed with blood oaths, or death threats over broken vows. Father would only say that marrying me off was for the benefit of the family legacy. Mother let it slip that Father was being blackmailed. I put two and two together. Father was desperate. His mafioso dealings had caught up to him. I was his last bargaining chip. Mother convinced herself that I would be happier finishing college in California. She promised I only had to endure the marriage for three years. My choices have been made for me. All I can do is make the best of it until I earn my freedom. But I’ve learned that some vows can not be broken, and the only way out is death.

this is a dark romance. Please, check TW's in Author's Note of book.]]> 202 K.J. Devoir Auj 4
"But then again, leaving California will be a major relief." --I forget the last time I related to a line in a book so much. I hate that I'm no longer in Europe, and it is a big deal (both financially and energetically bc of the flight length) to go back. Even though it feels like yesterday I was staying in my guy's hotel in Wimbledon and that I could go back there anytime, I can't return just yet.

I rounded up to 4 stars because I liked Eliza and Derek together. I understand why they liked each other, and I saw a lot of myself in Eliza. Though she wasn't the brightest light when she let a guy she had just met photograph her nude! I sensed the chemistry between Eliza and Derek right way, and I was like huh, I thought this was an arranged marriage romance. No, though Eliza is arranged to marry someone. Her husband is Derek's uncle, a monster of a man who enjoys his own flesh being ripped off.

However, there were quite a few typos (hopefully, just in my ARC) and scenes that I wish were fleshed out more instead of ending abruptly. The book was also short, so I thought it would have benefitted from a few more pages (not more scenes, just having them be longer). I also wanted more closure at the end: what happens with Frank, and Eliza + Derek on the lam? What about Eliza's education? Will there be another book?]]> 4.07
author: K.J. Devoir
name: Auj
average rating: 4.07
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2024/05/10
date added: 2024/11/23
shelves: arc, dark-romance, other-woman-or-man, forbidden-love, hot-and-steamy, booksirens, 3-7-stars
review:
This one was a fast read; I was just so busy it took me ten days to finish...

"But then again, leaving California will be a major relief." --I forget the last time I related to a line in a book so much. I hate that I'm no longer in Europe, and it is a big deal (both financially and energetically bc of the flight length) to go back. Even though it feels like yesterday I was staying in my guy's hotel in Wimbledon and that I could go back there anytime, I can't return just yet.

I rounded up to 4 stars because I liked Eliza and Derek together. I understand why they liked each other, and I saw a lot of myself in Eliza. Though she wasn't the brightest light when she let a guy she had just met photograph her nude! I sensed the chemistry between Eliza and Derek right way, and I was like huh, I thought this was an arranged marriage romance. No, though Eliza is arranged to marry someone. Her husband is Derek's uncle, a monster of a man who enjoys his own flesh being ripped off.

However, there were quite a few typos (hopefully, just in my ARC) and scenes that I wish were fleshed out more instead of ending abruptly. The book was also short, so I thought it would have benefitted from a few more pages (not more scenes, just having them be longer). I also wanted more closure at the end: what happens with Frank, and Eliza + Derek on the lam? What about Eliza's education? Will there be another book?
]]> 32503079
But the deeper I immerse myself into this new world of mine—planning a wedding to a man I don't remember dating, attempting to run a business I don't remember starting—the clearer it becomes that nothing is as it seems. Do I have the life I’ve always wanted or is it a facade propped up by secrets I don't even know I have?

I need answers before I marry Max, and the only person who seems to have them is the angry, tatted, sexy-as-sin rocker Nate Crane. And Nate wants me for himself.]]> 216 Lexi Ryan 1940832926 Auj 0 second-tier-tbr 4.00 2014
author: Lexi Ryan
name: Auj
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2014
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/11/20
shelves: second-tier-tbr
review:

]]> 29864343 Crazy Rich Asians and China Rich Girlfriend, is back with an uproarious new novel featuring a family driven by fortune, an ex-wife driven psychotic with jealousy, a battle royal fought through couture-gown sabotage, and the heir to one of Asia's greatest fortunes locked out of his inheritance.

When Nicholas Young hears that his grandmother, Su Yi, is on her deathbed, he rushes to be by her bedside—but he's not alone. The entire Shang-Young clan has convened from all corners of the globe to stake claim to their matriarch's massive fortune. With each family member vying to inherit Tyersall Park—a trophy estate on sixty-four prime acres in the heart of Singapore—Nicholas' childhood home turns into a hotbed of backbiting and intrigue. As Su Yi's relatives fight over heirlooms, Astrid Leong is at the center of her own storm, desperately in love with her old sweetheart Charlie Wu but tormented by her ex-husband—a man hell-bent on destroying Astrid's reputation and relationship. Meanwhile, Kitty Pong, married to China's second richest man, Jack Bing, still feels upstaged by her new stepdaughter, famous fashionista Colette Bing.

In this sweeping tale that takes us from the elegantly appointed mansions of Manila to the secluded private islands in the Sulu Sea, from a kidnapping at Hong Kong's most elite private school to a surprise marriage proposal at an Indian palace that is caught on camera by the telephoto lenses of paparazzi, Kevin Kwan hilariously reveals the long-buried secrets of Asia's most privileged families and their rich people problems.]]> 398 Kevin Kwan 0385542232 Auj 3
I will miss this series. It helped me get through a time in my life when I felt depressed. There are so many reviews going into depth about the book's plot I don't feel the need to do that, just know that Rachel's barely in the book and the book flows three plot threads: 1) Su Yi is on her deathbed and everyone's wondering who will inherit Tyserall Park, 2) Astrid and Charlie are in love, but their previous spouses are making things quite difficult for them, and 3) Kitty (who became over the top & one dimensional in levels of greed) is jealous of her new stepdaughter she's never met & is trying to one-up in regards to social standing.

I liked the book, but not as much as the previous two books, so I am giving it 3 stars as I enjoyed it.

The whole series is super impressive from all the characters to clothing brands I've never heard and words in different Asian languages and the author's footnotes and trivia.

I do agree with one review I read that when Astrid said, "Any trip I've ever taken has involved family, or it's been a work trip, wedding, or some other social obligation. I've never actually gone anywhere alone just for myself", it came off as tone deaf as Astrid goes to Paris at least once a year to go shopping! Also, what work? I love Astrid, but she doesn't work. Maybe she helps out at a museum, but that's really about it.

Another quote I found hilarious but so ironic was, "His 1.5 percent commission on the Tyersall Park sale would garner $150 million, enough to pay off all his student loans and his parents' crushing debts. They wouldn't be rich, but at least they would have enough to survive." Wouldn't be rich on $150 million?! Jeez. (Okay, let's say the debts and student loans, for some reason, are $50 million. $100 million will cover you for a whole lifetime unless you spend extravagantly.)


There were definitely over-the-top moments in the book, but I can appreciate that in fiction. Maybe one day I'll have to reread the series because I don't know of any other books like this trilogy. I wish they finished making movies for the sequels; it doesn't sound like it'll ever happen.

[spoilers removed]]]> 3.91 2017
author: Kevin Kwan
name: Auj
average rating: 3.91
book published: 2017
rating: 3
read at: 2024/11/14
date added: 2024/11/14
shelves:
review:
*No property in the world is worth 10 billion dollars. You can't change my mind on this.*

I will miss this series. It helped me get through a time in my life when I felt depressed. There are so many reviews going into depth about the book's plot I don't feel the need to do that, just know that Rachel's barely in the book and the book flows three plot threads: 1) Su Yi is on her deathbed and everyone's wondering who will inherit Tyserall Park, 2) Astrid and Charlie are in love, but their previous spouses are making things quite difficult for them, and 3) Kitty (who became over the top & one dimensional in levels of greed) is jealous of her new stepdaughter she's never met & is trying to one-up in regards to social standing.

I liked the book, but not as much as the previous two books, so I am giving it 3 stars as I enjoyed it.

The whole series is super impressive from all the characters to clothing brands I've never heard and words in different Asian languages and the author's footnotes and trivia.

I do agree with one review I read that when Astrid said, "Any trip I've ever taken has involved family, or it's been a work trip, wedding, or some other social obligation. I've never actually gone anywhere alone just for myself", it came off as tone deaf as Astrid goes to Paris at least once a year to go shopping! Also, what work? I love Astrid, but she doesn't work. Maybe she helps out at a museum, but that's really about it.

Another quote I found hilarious but so ironic was, "His 1.5 percent commission on the Tyersall Park sale would garner $150 million, enough to pay off all his student loans and his parents' crushing debts. They wouldn't be rich, but at least they would have enough to survive." Wouldn't be rich on $150 million?! Jeez. (Okay, let's say the debts and student loans, for some reason, are $50 million. $100 million will cover you for a whole lifetime unless you spend extravagantly.)


There were definitely over-the-top moments in the book, but I can appreciate that in fiction. Maybe one day I'll have to reread the series because I don't know of any other books like this trilogy. I wish they finished making movies for the sequels; it doesn't sound like it'll ever happen.

[spoilers removed]
]]> 22674105 Kevin Kwan, bestselling author of Crazy Rich Asians, is back with a wickedly funny new novel of social climbing, secret e-mails, art-world scandal, lovesick billionaires, and the outrageous story of what happens when Rachel Chu, engaged to marry Asia's most eligible bachelor, discovers her birthfather.

On the eve of her wedding to Nicholas Young, heir to one of the greatest fortunes in Asia, Rachel should be over the moon. She has a flawless Asscher-cut diamond from JAR, a wedding dress she loves more than anything found in the salons of Paris, and a fiance willing to sacrifice his entire inheritance in order to marry her. But Rachel still mourns the fact that her birthfather, a man she never knew, won't be able to walk her down the aisle. Until: a shocking revelation draws Rachel into a world of Shanghai splendor beyond anything she has ever imagined. Here we meet Carlton, a Ferrari-crashing bad boy known for Prince Harry-like antics; Colette, a celebrity girlfriend chased by fevered paparazzi; and the man Rachel has spent her entire life waiting to meet: her father. Meanwhile, Singapore's It Girl, Astrid Leong, is shocked to discover that there is a downside to having a newly minted tech billionaire husband. A romp through Asia's most exclusive clubs, auction houses, and estates, China Rich Girlfriend brings us into the elite circles of Mainland China, introducing a captivating cast of characters, and offering an inside glimpse at what it's like to be gloriously, crazily, China-rich.]]> 378 Kevin Kwan 0385539088 Auj 5 chick-lit
I shipped Carlton and Colette & Charlie and Astrid so hard this book. Surprisingly, I liked this book even more than the first. It's so amusing how these rich ladies will buy a historical vase for a few million but balk at paying $25 for food.

[spoilers removed]]]> 3.80 2015
author: Kevin Kwan
name: Auj
average rating: 3.80
book published: 2015
rating: 5
read at: 2024/11/11
date added: 2024/11/11
shelves: chick-lit
review:
on page 48: I hate that Astrid got back with her husband, who isn't the right one for her... what Charlie did in the previous book was too much

I shipped Carlton and Colette & Charlie and Astrid so hard this book. Surprisingly, I liked this book even more than the first. It's so amusing how these rich ladies will buy a historical vase for a few million but balk at paying $25 for food.

[spoilers removed]
]]> 18656251
Millionaire ad executive Landon Downey has a no romantic relationships allowed. So when he's saddled with his six-year-old nephew for a week, he doesn't think twice about asking Kimber Reynolds to act as live-in nanny. What he doesn't expect is the undeniable attraction to the woman he hasn't seen since they were kids. And not only does she like him back-she suggests they work their way down a list of extracurricular activities in the bedroom. How can he resist?

Kimber wants to prove once and for all that she can love 'em and leave 'em with the best of them. All she has to do is keep her sixteen-year crush on Landon out of the equation. No problem . . . until she realizes she may not be the only one whose heart has gotten completely tangled up in their no-strings agreement!]]> 336 Jessica Lemmon 1455584266 Auj 3
It was a little frustrating how Kimber and Landon kept denying themselves happiness by trying to have a no-strings relationship, but that was part of the conflict/plot.

It was hard to think of Kimber as a redhead. I think of a sexy black-haired woman as a Kimber. Or Kimberly. (Like Kim Kardashian)

This book was more "I have crushed on you for years" than "loved for you for years", but I don't have that tag (yet). OK, now I do... ("childhood crush")

[spoilers removed]]]> 3.78 2014
author: Jessica Lemmon
name: Auj
average rating: 3.78
book published: 2014
rating: 3
read at: 2024/11/09
date added: 2024/11/09
shelves: contemporary-romance, accidental-pregnancy, childhood-crush
review:
I randomly found this book at the Newport Beach Library and picked it up. I loved the cover and the blurb sounded promising. Unfortunately, the book didn't live up to my expectations. Many of the sex scenes were fade-to-black, and even though I liked the characters, getting through the book was slightly a bit of a chore. I kept going because it wasn't bad enough to DNF. There was nothing wrong with it, to be fair...

It was a little frustrating how Kimber and Landon kept denying themselves happiness by trying to have a no-strings relationship, but that was part of the conflict/plot.

It was hard to think of Kimber as a redhead. I think of a sexy black-haired woman as a Kimber. Or Kimberly. (Like Kim Kardashian)

This book was more "I have crushed on you for years" than "loved for you for years", but I don't have that tag (yet). OK, now I do... ("childhood crush")

[spoilers removed]
]]> 205788239 In Hot Mess, book 19 of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series from #1 international bestselling author Jeff Kinney, Greg Heffley is in for a particularly awkward summer with his whole family.

The pressure is building for Greg Heffley, who discovers that when you mix heaps of family, a tiny beach house, and sweltering heat, it’s a recipe for disaster.

Speaking of recipes—the secret ingredients behind Gramma’s famous meatballs have been closely guarded for years. Can Greg unpack all of his family’s mysteries before their vacation is over? Or will he just stir the pot?

This sidesplittingly relatable summer story is the funniest Wimpy Kid book yet!]]> 218 Jeff Kinney 1419766953 Auj 3 humor
I'm looking forward to the next. I'll probably buy the whole series for my kids one day. ]]> 4.17 2024
author: Jeff Kinney
name: Auj
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2024/11/07
date added: 2024/11/08
shelves: humor
review:
I liked it, but I felt like something was missing to make it 4 stars for me. I still got a few laughs out of it. [spoilers removed]

I'm looking forward to the next. I'll probably buy the whole series for my kids one day.
]]> 59010219 *This is an Extra plus-length novel, over 120,000 words long*
Dr. Roberta McClelland--Bobbi to her friends--is a Xeno-Cultural Anthropologist living her lifelong dream of studying an alien species. On the peaceful planet of Avria Pentaura, she spends her days tending crops and learning her new people's customs. But her peace doesn't last long--she doesn't count on raiders from the neighboring planet, Saurous, coming to visit and she especially doesn't expect to be kidnapped and held captive by a rogue Kindred named Dragon.

Dragon isn't native to Saurous--a planet inhabited by lizard people called Saurians. His parents were killed when he was little and he has been adopted into the Crimson Blades crime family. As a Hybrid--a mix of two different types of Kindred--he isn't sure of his heritage. He only knows that his mother was a Vision Kindred, but his father's origins and the other half of his own nature are a mystery to him.

The big Hybrid has never met a female like Bobbi before and the minute he sees her, he knows he has to have her. The problem is, his sadistic Saurian brother, Zerlix, wants her too. Dragon can think of only one way to protect the curvy little female--he must marry her and keep her with him always.

But Bobbi is a modern woman and she's not interested in marrying her kidnapper, thank you very much. She's determined to run away no matter how hot her Kindred captor is and she's going to give the evil Zerlix the slip too. But when she gets into trouble in the notorious Blue Light District, can Dragon find her in time to rescue her? And will happen when the hidden half of his heritage comes out?
Read Hidden Rage to find out!]]> 476 Evangeline Anderson 1005045577 Auj 4 4.20 2021
author: Evangeline Anderson
name: Auj
average rating: 4.20
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at: 2024/11/06
date added: 2024/11/06
shelves: aliens, scifi-romance, ott-possessive-hero, abduction-captivity, freebie, plus-sized-there-is-more-to-love, virgin-hero
review:
29%: Where can I find my own Dragon to kidnap me?
]]> 59056659 328 Alannah Carbonneau Auj 0 4.32
author: Alannah Carbonneau
name: Auj
average rating: 4.32
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/11/05
shelves: second-tier-tbr, already-own-tr
review:

]]> 61055136 anything. But when a handsome stranger makes her feel not only beautiful and desired, but declares that her cheating, no-good, dirt-bag of an ex-husband is a fool for letting a woman like her go, she finds herself pressed up against an elevator wall, a hard, hot mouth on hers. And then she finds herself in his hotel room, doing things that she’d never done in ten years of marriage to a man she’d thought would be hers until the end.

She finds herself feeling things she has no business feeling for a stranger after a hot one-night stand, so she does what she thinks she should. She flees.

When Connor Mackenzie wakes to find Natalie gone, he resigns himself to life as it was before her—before heat and wonder and something that could have been love touched his soul. But as fate would, she works her magic and, months later, Natalie finds herself taking a job in a high school in a small mountain town. Connor’s town. The two don’t take long to bump into one another, picking up right where they left off in the hotel bed.

But sometimes the desires of the past weave through the future, and life outside of bed becomes complicated, weighed down by old wounds that haven’t been healed, and tender desires that have yet to come to fruition. But when you love the right person, anything is possible.]]> 262 Alannah Carbonneau Auj 0 4.70
author: Alannah Carbonneau
name: Auj
average rating: 4.70
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/11/05
shelves: second-tier-tbr, already-own-tr
review:

]]> 219214347 She’s Determined To Be A Spinster
Abundantly curvaceous, Octavia Stapleton has been relentlessly chased by fortune hunters to the point she intends never to marry. When she overhears the Duke of Ashurst call her a charity case, Octavia is mortified. Her humiliation is complete when she falls into a rose bush while eavesdropping, only to be rescued by the sinfully handsome duke.

He’s Determined To Change Her Mind
When Atticus finds a voluptuous Aphrodite bathed in moonlight and ensnared by roses, he’s captivated. Unfortunately, she wants nothing to do with him, and when she vanishes, finding her isn't easy. When he finally learns her whereabouts, he risks his life to arrive on her cottage doorstep in the middle of a Christmas snowstorm to keep her safe.

A High Stakes Bargain To Win Her Love
While a blizzard rages outside, inside the cottage the tension sizzling between them rises to a feverish pitch. As Octavia’s desire for Atticus strengthens, his resolve not to claim her weakens by the hour. Convinced her contempt for marriage will make her reject his love, he strikes a bargain with her. One that could land him in a hell beyond imagining.]]> 267 Monica Burns 1948505193 Auj 0 4.33 2024
author: Monica Burns
name: Auj
average rating: 4.33
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/11/05
shelves: second-tier-tbr, already-own-tr
review:

]]> 42856082
Chief Donovan Reese, once the leader of the largest rebellion in Earth’s history, has seen better days. Karma tends to be like that. Now a disfigured galactic bounty hunter with a gambling-addict for a business partner, and a band of wounded warriors as staff, it’s no real surprise when he’s taken captive by the Vladsets. Expecting to be killed, he’s shocked when the queen demands he wed her daughter instead. Suspicion is quick to follow. Why does the queen fear the tiny figure hidden beneath black shrouds? Why is the Intergalactic Alliance keen for the marriage to stand? And why, despite his war-weary heart, is he drawn to his mysterious bride?

In Vladnese, Celeka means Wretched. That’s how her queen mother sees her—how everyone does. That’s why she keeps herself shrouded. But it’s what she’s done to save her sister that makes her feel truly wretched. While unsure of the Chief she’s bound to, he’s her best chance of survival. Though, if he discovers what she did to save her sister, he might kill her himself.

Caught between one Queen’s struggle for power, the Intergalactic Alliance’s mechanisms, and their responsibilities to their respective worlds, they must risk everything for the chance to stay together.]]> 428 Cara Crescent 0999604422 Auj 0 4.31
author: Cara Crescent
name: Auj
average rating: 4.31
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/11/05
shelves: second-tier-tbr, already-own-tr
review:

]]> 56293671 He has a reputation. She's about to discover the truth.Trust me when I say that Rowan Michaels fever is alive and well at Western University. His fanbase is legendary. The guy is a major player. Both on and off the field. Girls fall all over themselves to be with him. They fill the stands at football practice, show up at parties he’s rumored to be at, and basically stalk him around campus.It’s a little nauseating.Don’t these girls have any self-respect when it comes to a hot guy?Fine...I’ll admit it, he’s good looking. If you’re into that kind of thing. Which I’m not. I’ve got school and soccer to keep me busy which is exactly why I avoid him like an unfortunate clap diagnosis.Too bad for me that Rowan is my father’s star quarterback. He’s practically part of the family, attending Wednesday night dinners with us. To make matters worse, we’re in the same major and get stuck together in classes every semester. It’s like the universe is trying to play a cosmic joke on me. The one guy I’d like to steer clear of is the very same one I can’t seem to get away from. But what if Rowan isn’t the player I pegged him to be?What if one little secret has the capability to change everything between us?]]> 308 Jennifer Sucevic Auj 0 3.75
author: Jennifer Sucevic
name: Auj
average rating: 3.75
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/11/05
shelves: second-tier-tbr, already-own-tr
review:

]]> 55939482
Rooney

I wasn’t looking for love, thinking it would find me someday.

I was happy and content with my life, being an art student in my junior year of college and having the best time with my best friend and roommate, Evie.

But as happy as I was, I knew something was missing.

Between all the parties, studying, and painting, I felt an emptiness inside of me.
My heart was longing for something.
For someone.

When the single dad of the sweetest little three-year-old boy caught my attention, I had to figure out a way to stop bottling up my feelings.

The heart wants what it wants.

But how could I ever let a person in if it’s my mind keeping me from opening up and showing exactly what I feel?

Little did I know, he was dealing with the same issue.

NOTE
This is a single dad novel with an age gap of twenty-two years.
This is a standalone novel.]]> 308 Seven Rue Auj 0 3.89
author: Seven Rue
name: Auj
average rating: 3.89
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/11/05
shelves: second-tier-tbr, already-own-tr
review:

]]> 123272656 They came to earth—Pestilence, War, Famine, Death—four horsemen riding their screaming steeds, racing to the corners of the world. Four horsemen with the power to destroy all of humanity. They came to earth, and they came to end us all.

When Pestilence comes for Sara Burn’s town, one thing is certain: everyone she knows and loves is marked for death. Unless, of course, the angelic-looking horseman is stopped, which is exactly what Sara has in mind when she shoots the unholy beast off his steed.

Too bad no one told her Pestilence can’t be killed.

Now the horseman, very much alive and very pissed off, has taken her prisoner, and he’s eager to make her suffer. Only, the longer she’s with him, the more uncertain she is about his true feelings towards her�� and hers towards him.

And now, well, Sara might still be able to save the world, but in order to do so, she'll have to sacrifice her heart in the process.

From bestselling indie author Laura Thalassa comes a dark fantasy romance between the Horseman Pestilence and Sara, the girl who shoots Pestilence down only to realize he can't be killed. He takes her as prisoner, but the longer they're together, the more uncertain their feelings for each other grow.]]> 416 Laura Thalassa 1728280168 Auj 0 3.82 2018
author: Laura Thalassa
name: Auj
average rating: 3.82
book published: 2018
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/11/05
shelves: second-tier-tbr, already-own-tr
review:

]]> 55814906 an alternate cover edition can be found here

His brother's untimely death leaves him with an Earldom and a fiancée. Too bad he wants neither of them...

Theodora Lawton has no need of a husband. As an independent woman, she wants to own property, make investments and be the master of her destiny. Unfortunately, her father signed her life away in a marriage contract to the future Earl of Stonemere. But then the cad upped and died, leaving her fate in the hands of his brother, one of the renowned Lustful Lords.

Achilles Denton, the Earl of Stonemere, is far more prepared to be a soldier than a peer. Deeply scarred by his last tour of duty, he knows he will never be a proper, upstanding pillar of the empire. Balanced on the edge of madness, he finds respite by keeping a tight rein on his life, both in and out of the bedroom. His brother’s death has left him with responsibilities he never wanted and isn’t prepared to handle in the respectable manner expected of a peer.

Further complicating his new life is an unwanted fiancée who comes with his equally unwanted title. Saddled with a hand-me-down countess, he soon discovers the woman is a force unto herself. As he grapples with the burden of his new responsibilities, he discovers someone wants him dead. The question is, can he stay alive long enough to figure out who’s trying to kill him while he tries to tame his headstrong wife?]]> 298 Sorcha Mowbray Auj 0 3.88 2017
author: Sorcha Mowbray
name: Auj
average rating: 3.88
book published: 2017
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/11/05
shelves: second-tier-tbr, already-own-tr
review:

]]> 23718223
MacKrannan Castle goes into lockdown for the 'Tradition of the Errant Princess'.
One widow with good cause to be affeared of intimacy. One knight charged with the task of preparing her for marriage again, and in every way possible. A secret which would threaten the stability of three countries... and an unexpected love that rises far above tradition or sorcery.

FOR MATURE READERS ONLY
Contains voyeurism, menage, spanking, anal and double penetration.
Please read no further if such things offend you.

Approx. 47,000 words

Highland erotica with GSOH!]]> 153 Jonnet Carmichael Auj 0 4.05 2014
author: Jonnet Carmichael
name: Auj
average rating: 4.05
book published: 2014
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/11/05
shelves: second-tier-tbr, already-own-tr
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 Auj 0 3.98 2022
author: January Bell
name: Auj
average rating: 3.98
book published: 2022
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/11/05
shelves: second-tier-tbr, already-own-tr
review:

]]> 60856397
Tall, dark, and handsome, Avail Leeds is just your average little Jersey Devil! The millionaire playboy is determined to keep his true nature secret from the prying eyes of the public. Insta-famous for his scandalous lifestyle, one nefarious accusation has him hiding in his tower! Hardly the image for a Devil like him, but what's a guy to do when the family lawyers order him to stay put?

Stephanie Decatur has no idea what she's setting herself up for when she comes knocking on the door of the infamous Avail Leeds. The sassy female works for a committee that is trying to stop a development company from tearing down acres of the Pine Barrens for a new strip mall. Short the funds needed to keep the land a sanctuary for local wildlife, she is determined to try her best to secure them. Surely, the wealthy Leeds family can spare some cash for a good cause?

It's the last quarter moon, Avail's Devil is bursting to be let out when he spies the curvy young woman encroaching on his land! It's too late for her to run away once he sets eyes on her. Beast and man agree, this female has been marked by the devil!

*Note to my readers...

Thank you for purchasing this Purely Paranormal Pleasures tale! Hope you enjoy it!

Purely Paranormal Pleasures will transport you into the realm of sensuous, spellbinding Alphas and their captivating mates. There are no rules....only pure pleasure.

These tales are delivered up by 3 master MAVENS of paranormal P. Mattern, C.D. Gorri, and Amanda Kimberley.

Happy reading!

Xoxo,
C.D. Gorri

Look for these Purely Paranormal Pleasures books:
The Lion Witch by Amanda Kimberley
Sex With a Selkie by P. Mattern
Pride's Legacy by Amanda Kimberley
Sex With a Selkie 2 by P. Mattern
Mated to the Dragon King by C.D. Gorri
Absolute Pride by Amanda Kimberley
Claimed By The Demon by C.D. Gorri
Christmas with a Devil, a Dragon, & a Demon by C.D. Gorri]]> 162 C.D. Gorri Auj 0 3.35
author: C.D. Gorri
name: Auj
average rating: 3.35
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/11/05
shelves: second-tier-tbr, already-own-tr
review:

]]> 59590246
I kill bloodsuckers for a living.

The job should be simple—capture the target and collect the money. But when I draw my enemy out in the open, I’m blindsided by his mesmerizing green eyes and snarky wit. Sam Mason is the type of vampire my mom warned me about—the kind who will seduce you with his easy smile and arrogant charm.

Yet, I know better.

The Vampire Navy SEAL oozes mayhem and sex appeal. Sam’s deadly swagger puts me on edge and sets my nerves on fire. If I mess with him, he’ll annihilate me in a second. That thrills and terrifies me at the same time.

A million red flags are telling me to run. But my sisters lives are in jeopardy, and the only way to save them is to grovel for Sam’s help.

Is it possible to push the flames to the back burner and trust an enemy who can take anything he wants?

The Hunted is an enemies-to-lovers, paranormal, military romance and the first book in the new Vampire Navy SEAL spin-off series. Layla and Sam’s story is a slow burn romance with a feisty heroine, snarky banter, action, suspense, off-the-charts steamy times, and ends on a cliffhanger.]]> S.B. Alexander Auj 0 4.34 2022
author: S.B. Alexander
name: Auj
average rating: 4.34
book published: 2022
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/11/05
shelves: second-tier-tbr, already-own-tr
review:

]]> 62856666 A Reverse Harem, Why Choose, ménage, Bodyguard romance with three Alpha Heroes and one independent woman. She may be trapped in a beachside mansion and under constant surveillance, but she’ll stop at nothing to earn her freedom��

Daniel Schwartz is a free-spirited, independent woman living her life however she pleases. Until she accidentally uncovers the world is about to end. Now the eco-terrorist is imprisoned by a shadowy organisation trying to make her talk.

Locked in a beachside mansion, the only upside Daniel can see to imprisonment is that the private security guards hired to keep her under constant surveillance are all incredibly sexy...

As each man becomes increasingly drawn to the weird, pop-obsessed Daniel, she is equally drawn to them.

How is a girl supposed to choose between three gorgeous, ex-paramilitary men? And does she even really want to escape this ménage à quatre?

TAUNT is a heart-stopping romantic thriller from critically acclaimed author Eve Dangerfield.

★★★★�� "On a scale of sweet to spicy, this thing is a Carolina Reaper Pepper." Jessica Cale, Dirty Sexy History

★★★★�� "Far and away the quirkiest, funniest kick-a** heroine I have read in a long time! This book was so different from anything I have read. It was like a breath of fresh air! It was exciting and funny, and I could not wait to find out what would happen." The Romance Reading Brit blog

★★★★��"Suspense, action, manipulation, intrigue, and let's not forget about the hot sex with a bit of kink. Who doesn't like a good ménage?" Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

★★★★�� “Once again, Miss Dangerfield has given her readers another hot, sexy read that will have them fanning themselves continually.�� Reading Is Our Satisfaction]]> 440 Eve Dangerfield Auj 0 3.50 2016
author: Eve Dangerfield
name: Auj
average rating: 3.50
book published: 2016
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/11/05
shelves: second-tier-tbr, already-own-tr
review:

]]> 45169645 Fated mates aren’t born to the pack. She's born human and it’s up to us to find her.

As the Alpha of my pack, I was resigned to my fate. Never to find my one true partner, the other half of my soul.

But when a miracle happens, I discover Claire is not just mine, but belongs to my pack as well.

This love is unprecedented.

Can Taylor, Jay and I make this work? Am I able to share?

Our future is uncertain.

But when bear shifters come to steal Claire away from us �� I guarantee you �� we will not let them have her.

She is ours, even if she denies it.

Will she finally accept us as her destined mates?

Steamy RH shifter romance with no cheating and a guaranteed super sweet, happily ever after.

For readers who love Alpha men, and women who fall hard and fast.]]> 162 Amelia Shaw Auj 0 3.68
author: Amelia Shaw
name: Auj
average rating: 3.68
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/11/05
shelves: second-tier-tbr, already-own-tr
review:

]]> 59964842 They met in jail.

Deputy Farah James arrests bad boys, she doesn’t date them. So when an ex-con with a fiery past returns to town, she ignores the criminal things he does to her pulse. Behind bars, Jesse Rodriguez and his wicked looks were easy to dismiss, but as a free man with a life to reclaim, he’s never been more dangerous to her—or her job and the ranch that depends on her paycheck.

When stopping to help a stranded motorist puts Jesse on the radar of the local deputy, for once, he doesn’t complain. After all, Farah’s just as cute as he remembers. Too bad she’s also an icy professional who doubts he’s a changed man. He’s willing to give her up as a lost cause and make his way out of town…until an accident strands him at the ranch next door.

Crossing paths on duty is one thing, but seeing how good Jesse is with his hands threatens everything she’s ever worked for. But Farah’s not the only one taking a risk, and he won’t torch his future again, even if it means leaving her in his rearview mirror for good.

Find out if the risk is worth it.]]> 218 Marie Johnston Auj 0 4.07 2018
author: Marie Johnston
name: Auj
average rating: 4.07
book published: 2018
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/11/05
shelves: second-tier-tbr, already-own-tr
review:

]]> 61261108 What would you do if the sea washed all your hopes away?

For Elin, the new Jarl of Bergen, leading her warriors on a successful raid should have cemented her rule �� and embellish the saga of her younger sister Aino, her famed drengr and shield.

Losing the entire crew and their longship in a devastating storm, the shieldmaiden sisters shipwreck far away from the plentiful English shores they set out to pillage and lands them in the arms of the man who once broke Elin’s heart.

Halvar Bear-Bane knows he is their only hope of returning to their undefended home, but his price for safe passage may prove too steep for Elin’s pride as the powerful chief seeks her alliance for his grandiose plans.

Niall, the enigmatic laird of Shetland and Halvar’s newest ally, is fascinated by Aino - and the young shieldmaiden finds herself just as intrigued by the soft-spoken man, despite knowing she will have to leave him soon.

But the sisters quickly find their threads of fate tangled in tragedy; a curse has struck, forcing a desperate Aino to find the source before it claims Elin’s life.



**
SHIELDSWORN is a spicy, historically entirely inaccurate, vibes-only adult fantasy romance featuring two love stories, strong family ties, magic and a threat not one of these badass Vikings ever saw coming.

Tropes: lovers to enemies to uneasy allies to lovers; second chance; historical romance; Viking romance; Scottish islands romance; epic romantasy; fated lovers; starcrossed lovers

Tags: third person 4-way POV; explicit scenes; strong language; violence; murder; themes of grief, death, loss of a child, anxiety, depression, loss of fertility, physical disability; HEA

Heat level: 5/4 chilis oh my]]> 746 Thalia Graves Auj 0 3.91
author: Thalia Graves
name: Auj
average rating: 3.91
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/11/05
shelves: arc, second-tier-tbr, already-own-tr
review:

]]> 218441073 What if the myth of Hades and Persephone isn’t just myth? And what if there is more to the story?

Hades
The story the world knows today is only a fraction of our truth. Mine and hers.
I took her, yes. I schemed and deceived to keep her.
I loved her wholly and completely. Selfishly.
She loved me��
Lore tells the tale of an eternity of love, and it’s not wrong. But the eternity has not been one of bliss. Betrayed in the worst way, my wife was stolen from me—and my eternity of love has been spent searching the world for her reborn soul.
The Underworld suffers in her absence. I suffer��
Now she is back. Just in time for an Olympian war.
The clock is ticking. Her human body makes her vulnerable to vengeful Gods.
I must find a way to possess her heart so that I may protect her eternal soul.
But the more time I spend with her, the more I come to think there is a darker truth to the story of our past. More to the story of her end.
For there are some secrets that are worth killing for.

Persephone
Since as far back as I can remember, I’ve heard a voice in my mind. A man’s voice. Filled with anguish and rage. The doctors threatened a personality disorder while my parents eyed me with horror. I learned to hide the voice, to fit in.
For years, I’ve kept the secret of the man who screams my name from everyone in my life.
With a name like Persephone, it’s no surprise I’m attracted to Greek lore, or to a career in unearthing the secrets of an ancient past. It’s because of this attraction that I’m on my way to Greece now.
Or am I chasing a voice only I can hear across the globe?]]> 221 Alannah Carbonneau Auj 3
The premise of this Hades Persephone retelling is that Persephone's been reincarnated in the soul of a 19-year-old girl from Alberta, Canada (where the author's from). She's heard this voice calling her name her whole life, and she follows it to an archeology program in Greece, where she meets the mysterious, handsome, wealthy Hades. Hades hires her to keep him company, but he's trying to get her to fall in love with him to come with him willingly to save the Underworld, which is dying.

I was surprised that by the end of this book, Persephone still didn't know who she was. I wondered if her mortal mother was the goddess Demeter. I was so into Greek mythology as a kid, and I never liked Hades all that much. However, I liked him a lot more in this book. I liked how fixated he was on Persephone rather than Zeus who couldn't keep it in his pants. If you think about it, Persephone is Hades's niece both ways, LOL. Love how that wasn't mentioned once in this book.

Persephone was sweet but kind of boring. I felt like Hades was only so infatuated with her because she's the reincarnation of his wife and contains the soul of the goddess Persephone. I wonder if anything will be done with the reincarnation of Adonis, Addison. Like will he get his own book?

This book was a slowburn, though very sensual. The book ends with Persephone still being a virgin, as Hades wants her to be in love with him like he is with her before they do that.

Thanks to the author and BookSirens for this ARC! In no way has this affected my review or rating.]]> 4.26
author: Alannah Carbonneau
name: Auj
average rating: 4.26
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2024/11/04
date added: 2024/11/04
shelves: greek-god, contemporary-romance, virgin-heroine, slow-burn, arc, booksirens, ott-possessive-hero, other-woman-or-man
review:
I liked it, but it wasn't my favorite Alannah Carbonneau book. Hades and Persephone retellings have become so common it's almost a cliché at this point. Then, Audrey, why did you request the ARC? To be truthful, I wanted to test if I could still request books on BookSirens (a lot of authors weren't letting me download their books because I had rated their previous books 3 stars, or wanted me to finish the books I had) and because I like Alannah's books.

The premise of this Hades Persephone retelling is that Persephone's been reincarnated in the soul of a 19-year-old girl from Alberta, Canada (where the author's from). She's heard this voice calling her name her whole life, and she follows it to an archeology program in Greece, where she meets the mysterious, handsome, wealthy Hades. Hades hires her to keep him company, but he's trying to get her to fall in love with him to come with him willingly to save the Underworld, which is dying.

I was surprised that by the end of this book, Persephone still didn't know who she was. I wondered if her mortal mother was the goddess Demeter. I was so into Greek mythology as a kid, and I never liked Hades all that much. However, I liked him a lot more in this book. I liked how fixated he was on Persephone rather than Zeus who couldn't keep it in his pants. If you think about it, Persephone is Hades's niece both ways, LOL. Love how that wasn't mentioned once in this book.

Persephone was sweet but kind of boring. I felt like Hades was only so infatuated with her because she's the reincarnation of his wife and contains the soul of the goddess Persephone. I wonder if anything will be done with the reincarnation of Adonis, Addison. Like will he get his own book?

This book was a slowburn, though very sensual. The book ends with Persephone still being a virgin, as Hades wants her to be in love with him like he is with her before they do that.

Thanks to the author and BookSirens for this ARC! In no way has this affected my review or rating.
]]> 210123831
Calm. Calculating. Disciplined.

Xander Maxwell thrives on controlling his emotions. The ruthless hockey player leaves it all on the ice but is levelheaded outside the rink. Until he comes face to face with his estranged father’s beautiful young bride.

Jordan—a walking wet dream with heart-stopping curves, a sunshine smile, golden hair, and bright blue eyes.

He shouldn’t be enticed. His only goal is to no longer live under his father’s thumb. It doesn’t matter that Jordan is the most beautiful woman on earth or that she radiates like the sun itself.

There is only one problem. She is everywhere—in his thoughts, in every bone, even in his blood. She has snuck into his dreams, and he can’t wrench her out.

***
Successful, affectionate, and warm.

Jordan Banks makes a career out of selling the perfect life. With clients consisting of the wealthy and famous elite, there is no room for error. Perfection is everything, especially to her controlling husband.

The only part of her life she hasn’t perfected is the one that matters the most—family.

When Xander returns home after years, it’s an opportunity to cement the close-knit family dynamic she has always craved. After all, she is closer to him in age than her husband. The unlikely bond she forges with Xander isn’t part of the plan, though. Nor does she expect to see the same suffocating loneliness reflected in his eyes, the one she’s found within her marriage.

Their undeniable connection comes at a cost. A series of devastating secrets come to light, shattering her not-so-perfect life and leaving only Xander to shield her from the glancing blows.

Jordan is used to fighting battles for her clients, but it’s Xander who wages a war for her.

Xander is a steamy reverse age-gap hockey romance. This dark book is inspired by Helen of Troy and the myths surrounding The Gods of Olympus. It includes explicit content and is only recommended for mature readers.]]> 386 Drethi A. Auj 4
I forwent all my responsibilities and plans for Sunday to finish reading this at around 3:30 pm.

This is technically a stepmother-stepson romance, but since I don't have that tag, stepbrother/stepsister will have to work for now. I was planning on saving this book for a special occasion because instinct told me it would be good, but I started it late at night in a room at my grandmother's senior center. We rented one of the apartments as a hotel room for the night. So I guess it was a somewhat unusual occasion.

This is a very loose Helen of Troy retelling. (I didn't know there were Helen of Troy retellings, lol.) Even though I'm a big fan of Greek mythology, I think a lot of the references to the story went over my head.
Since this book is cowritten, I wondered how much of the book was written by each author, who came up with the plot, etc.

Jordan is stepmother to Jasper and Xander. Xander warned Jordan not to marry his father, but she didn't listen as she thought he was accusing her of being a gold-digger. Henry, Jordan's husband and Xander's father, treats Jordan like a prized possession but cheats on her with mistresses. Xander has been in love with Jordan for years but stayed away when Jordan went through with the marriage.

Xander is an over-the-top possessive hero, but I loved him. I was surprised at how resistant Jordan was to him, but I guess that made the story more interesting. Note that not all the sex was consensual, and it seemed like there was somnophilia in this book as well.

Honestly, I want the right man as crazy about me as Xander is regarding Jordan.

[spoilers removed]

I wish the mother's Greek had been translated because when I went to Google Translate, it didn't recognize the writing as Greek...

What I liked about these two is that even though I wanted them to have more time together without so much drama in the background, I could see them happy together years from now, concocting wild stories about other people's lives.

I'm looking forward to reading the upcoming or adjacent books in the series!]]> 3.87
author: Drethi A.
name: Auj
average rating: 3.87
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2024/11/03
date added: 2024/11/03
shelves: 4-4-stars, forbidden-love, contemporary-romance, controlling-hero, ott-possessive-hero, stepbrother-stepsister-romance, steamy, cheating, horrible-parents, i-have-loved-u-for-years, somnophilia, freebie, age-gap
review:
*4.4 stars*

I forwent all my responsibilities and plans for Sunday to finish reading this at around 3:30 pm.

This is technically a stepmother-stepson romance, but since I don't have that tag, stepbrother/stepsister will have to work for now. I was planning on saving this book for a special occasion because instinct told me it would be good, but I started it late at night in a room at my grandmother's senior center. We rented one of the apartments as a hotel room for the night. So I guess it was a somewhat unusual occasion.

This is a very loose Helen of Troy retelling. (I didn't know there were Helen of Troy retellings, lol.) Even though I'm a big fan of Greek mythology, I think a lot of the references to the story went over my head.
Since this book is cowritten, I wondered how much of the book was written by each author, who came up with the plot, etc.

Jordan is stepmother to Jasper and Xander. Xander warned Jordan not to marry his father, but she didn't listen as she thought he was accusing her of being a gold-digger. Henry, Jordan's husband and Xander's father, treats Jordan like a prized possession but cheats on her with mistresses. Xander has been in love with Jordan for years but stayed away when Jordan went through with the marriage.

Xander is an over-the-top possessive hero, but I loved him. I was surprised at how resistant Jordan was to him, but I guess that made the story more interesting. Note that not all the sex was consensual, and it seemed like there was somnophilia in this book as well.

Honestly, I want the right man as crazy about me as Xander is regarding Jordan.

[spoilers removed]

I wish the mother's Greek had been translated because when I went to Google Translate, it didn't recognize the writing as Greek...

What I liked about these two is that even though I wanted them to have more time together without so much drama in the background, I could see them happy together years from now, concocting wild stories about other people's lives.

I'm looking forward to reading the upcoming or adjacent books in the series!
]]> 59515930
He plays my body like an instrument. Every touch lighting a blazing fire inside me I can’t control. New experiences reaching new limits. I never thought of myself as submissive, but I am his.

Edged with danger and a mysterious aura, Xavier has taken over my body and soul.

Her.

She is a magnificent woman who trusts me implicitly. Every instruction I give her is fulfilled without hesitation. She will do well.

Every four weeks they meet in a luxurious location, and Chandler is shown the myriad of forms pleasure can take. The rest of her life pales in comparison as she starts to live for the weekends they spend together.

He takes her to her limits then pushes her past them]]> Skye Black Auj 0 to-read 3.74
author: Skye Black
name: Auj
average rating: 3.74
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/11/03
shelves: to-read
review:

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I should be happy, but I feel an annoying lack of fulfillment, and there’s no way I’m going back to the work I did before.

At a friend’s party, I meet Marissa. We have hot sex against the door and agree to spend the weekend together. Just one weekend. I never expect to see her again.

Except now she’s pregnant with my baby…and I think this is the solution to all my problems. This is what will bring meaning to my life. I’m going to be a devoted father and husband.

Marissa—whose last name I still don’t know—wants me to be involved, though she rejects my marriage proposal. But before the baby arrives, I’m going to prove to her that I can be something other than a playboy.

And the rare times I set my mind to something, I don’t fail…]]> 232 Jackie Lau Auj 0 second-tier-tbr 3.71 2020
author: Jackie Lau
name: Auj
average rating: 3.71
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/11/03
shelves: second-tier-tbr
review:

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When Rachel Chu agrees to spend the summer in Singapore with her boyfriend, Nicholas Young, she envisions a humble family home, long drives to explore the island, and quality time with the man she might one day marry. What she doesn't know is that Nick's family home happens to look like a palace, that she'll ride in more private planes than cars, and that with one of Asia's most eligible bachelors on her arm, Rachel might as well have a target on her back.

Initiated into a world of dynastic splendor beyond imagination, Rachel meets Astrid, the It Girl of Singapore society; Eddie, whose family practically lives in the pages of the Hong Kong socialite magazines; and Eleanor, Nick's formidable mother, a woman who has very strong feelings about who her son should—and should not—marry.

Uproarious, addictive, and filled with jaw-dropping opulence, Crazy Rich Asians is an insider's look at the Asian JetSet; a perfect depiction of the clash between old money and new money; between Overseas Chinese and Mainland Chinese; and a fabulous novel about what it means to be young, in love, and gloriously, crazily rich.]]> 403 Kevin Kwan 0385536976 Auj 4
I don't know why it took me at least three times to get through this book. The prologue and Chapter 1 weren't bad at all, so I don't know why I kept stopping there. Maybe I had some library books to read? I told myself I'd read this book before I moved to London, so... Now I can move back to London. ]]> 3.91 2013
author: Kevin Kwan
name: Auj
average rating: 3.91
book published: 2013
rating: 4
read at: 2024/10/30
date added: 2024/11/01
shelves: chick-lit, made-me-cry, poor-girl-meets-rich-guy, horrible-parents
review:
I was going to give it 3.5 or 3.7 stars as I liked it, but the ending, which ironically everyone's complaining about for the lack of closure (guys, there are two more books...chill), made me cry, so 4 stars it is.

I don't know why it took me at least three times to get through this book. The prologue and Chapter 1 weren't bad at all, so I don't know why I kept stopping there. Maybe I had some library books to read? I told myself I'd read this book before I moved to London, so... Now I can move back to London.
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