100+ Books in 2025 discussion
2023 Lists
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Nan's Reads in 2023
2. Wild in Love by Bella Andre and Jennifer SkullyThis is the fifth novel in this series, but it works as a standalone romance. Having not read the previous four, there was little that this reader couldn't follow. Yes, some characters had obviously been in the previous stories (and their histories were hinted at), but the main romance between the protagonists, Tasha and Daniel, was fresh and easily followed.
Tasha is hiding out in a rundown cabin she recently purchased when her father and brother involve her in a scam of immense proportions. She's embarrassed, ashamed, and feeling both betrayed and guilty, but she's cooperated with the authorities. She's cut herself off from her friends and closed down her graphic art and website building business.
Tasha is rebuilding the cabin and is surviving on ramen, cereal, and soup. When she slips and falls from the roof, she is rescued by her next-door neighbor, Daniel, who finds Tasha, guarded but beautiful. He wants to get to know her better, but will she let him?
Will Tasha tell him the truth about her family and the life she once had, or will she stay away from him? Will Daniel break down the barriers that she keeps putting up? Has he found the "perfect" woman?
This is a contemporary romance that is fresh (new scenarios) and relatively clean. Yes, there are some What-the-tuck trends (billionaire, tucking incidents, smirks, and winks), but it is not so heavily pushed that it's overwhelming. Few, if any, typos noticed, too.
May have to check out others in the series based on this novel.
3. Cradles of the Reich by Jennifer CoburnFull disclosure: I received this novel as a First Reads Goodreads giveaway, but that in no way affected this review.
This historical fiction is set during the early days of World War II when Hitler is beginning to implement laws concerning the Jewish people (taking away citizenship, etc.).
Into this, he and his top people (Himmler, etc.) start a Nazi breeding program to ensure racial purity; they create Lebensborn Society maternity homes. One such home, Heim Hochland, in Bavaria is where three women will meet and their fates will intertwine.
Gundi finds her herself pregnant, and being sent there against her will. She is the ultimate Aryan young woman (blond, blue-eyed), but she is part of the resistance and her child's father, Leo Solomon, is Jewish. What will happen once the infant is born? Will the child have her features or his?
Hilde is the ultimate "true believer" in racial purity and Nazism, and she becomes involved and pregnant with an upper echelon Nazi. She's thrilled, and she, too, is sent to Heim Hochland, but will this man keep her around afterwards? He is already married with children.
Irma has had heartbreak of her own, and she is convinced by her friend, Marianne, to help at the maternity home since she's a nurse. Once she sees what is going on with the mothers and babies, will she be able to live with herself?
Powerful, poignant, and terrifying story of another untold (until now) story of what was going on in Germany and Nazi party. Lest we forget...
A more detailed review to be posted www.pedometergeek.wordpress.com
4. The Speckled Beauty: A Dog and his People by Rick BraggThis is a folksy memoir of the terrible dog Rick Bragg rescues, and it's also the story of the people and other animals in his life
The dog's antics will amuse, will sadden, and will make people happy. In the end (at the end of the book, at least), the dog named Speck does not die.
Speck was a stray, running wild over the mountain where the author lives when he comes into Rick's life. Always outlandish, but full of life, he herds animals who don't wish to be herded; he chases after (and sometimes get caught by) animals he probably shouldn't (like copperheads and water moccasins), and he scares the heck out of the Fedex man.
There are laugh-out-loud moments, but also some sad moments throughout the memoir, and they tend to revolve around the dog. All in all, Speck is quite a dog.
5. On Mystic Lake by Kristin HannahThis is a contemporary mainstream novel, the first of Hannah's hardcover novels, featuring Annie, a woman, a wife, and mother.
When her daughter Natalie heads off to London for the summer before her freshman year in college, Annie's life is turned upside down when, Blake, her husband of twenty years, tells her that he wants a divorce. She is blindsided by his words (not a spoiler, this all happens in the first chapter!).
Wallowing in her loss of all she holds dear (her love for Blake, her love for her daughter who is away), she goes home to Mystic to stay with her father Hank. There, she reconnects with a friend, Nick, from her past, and meets his silent six-year-old daughter, Izzy.
This is a story of family, of loss, love, redemption. and second chances. Will Annie get back together with Blake, or will she find a new love? Per usual, there are moments that may cause a reader to tear up.
6. Underneath It All by Kate CanterbaryA contemporary romance features Matthew Walsh, an architect and structural engineer, and Lauren Halstead, a teacher looking to build a school, in a battle of wills.
She wants to avoid entanglements escaping in the middle of the night, but she still needs his help to find a building that will work for her school; however, the chemistry between them is uncontrollable. He, on the other hand, wants something more permanent. Is it possible to have both? Or will she shut down the possibility of something long-term?
The sex is hot and spicy, but there are plenty of What-the-trends throughout the novel.
7. Hidden in Plain Sight by Elana Johnson3.5 stars actually--a romantic suspense novella between a college instructor, Cassie, and one of her students, Jon. Will they will be able to keep their growing relationship secret?
More importantly, will she be able to protect her wards, Kyle and Lars, from their father, who has been recently released from prison on parole?
8. Hell Hath No Fury by Annabelle AndersThis historical romance was a breath of fresh air. Yes, there were What-the-tuck trends (green-eyed protagonist, smirks, winks (although a few were referring to sleep)), but the plot itself was different.
A newly married young woman, Cecily, is already contemplating getting out of a marriage after a short time since her wedding to Flavian Nottingham. She may be a countess now, but not love. She and her friends (Emily, Rhoda, and Sophia) sit at balls, ignored by all, and jokingly plot his murder or suggest a seduction so she can get a divorce. Then he can marry his mistress, Daphne, and she can be free of him.
Enter Flave's cousin, Stephen Nottingham, who figures out quickly that all is not well in the Nottingham household. The huge dowry is being spent rashly, the earldom is in arrears, etc. He also notices Cecily is not happy, and he's willing to go along with a plan to shock his cousin into getting a divorce. What he doesn't expect is to fall for Cecily, and she, him.
Will Flavian react to Cecily's and Stephen's "fake seduction," or will the pair act on the growing attraction? If so, what next for them? Will Cecily be ruined? If so, what next for Flavian? What about Daphne and all the women that Flavian charm?
Overall, this is a different romance with some surprising elements that this reader enjoyed. On the other hand, I was surprised that the term, knocked-up, was used. The other pregnancy euphemisms seemed typical for the period though. It may well have been used during this time frame, but it seemed too twentieth century for me and threw me out of the story.
9. Island No. 6 by Ty RothThis novel is a suspenseful take on the Covid pandemic. Set on a local island, Kelley's Island, the bird flu is running rampant on it. Danny Foe, the narrator and main character, is recalling the story many years later.
Danny becomes deputized since he recovered. He and the Chief of police are the only ones providing any law and order as the flu worsens. Cut off from the mainland, and constantly being watched by the Coast Guard and its blockade, drones and helicopters, Danny relates the story.
He relates the tale as if were happening right now, and the other characters act much many of the people reacted to Covid. Who will survive? Who will die? And will there be a positive outcome for any of them?
Written by an author who lives near Kelley's Island, it's easy to see how correct it is. A few typos, but overall not too bad a story.
10. The Vanishing Half by Brit BennettTwo identical twins, who are light-skinned Blacks, take off from their little village one night. Heading to New Orleans, they make their way together, until they split off.
Desiree goes north to Washington, DC, gets married, has a very dark-skinned child, and eventually returns home to avoid her abusive husband.
Stella becomes another person altogether, passing for white, and eventually moving to Los Angeles with her husband and daughter.
What will happen to them both? Will they ever meet again? Will their children ever meet, and if so, what will be the ramifications for them?
Lies surround Stella, but if anyone finds out about her deception, will she lose it all?
11. Kissing Jessie by Laurie KelloggA contemporary romance with a twist (actually more than one), this story finds a younger sister and a broken engagement the starting point for a romance between a couple who are separated by nearly twenty years of age.
When Jessie inherits her grandmother's Victorian home (and the suggestion she turn it into a B&B), the scene is set when her sister's fiance, Mike, agrees to help her with the remodel for guests. They work together daily as rooms are added, the kitchen is remodeled, and more. Tracy, her sister, calls off the wedding, too.
12. The Nearness of You by Iris MorlandThis contemporary romance reminds this reader of a Romeo and Juliet remix since this small town, Fair Haven, has two families, the Thorntons and the Flannigans, who seem at war with each other. The Thorntons are well-to-do and the Flannigans are considered trailer trash.
When the oldest Thornton son, Harrison, meets Sarah, the mother of one of his patients, there is chemistry between them. Harrison is just old enough (and off to college) that he doesn't remember Sarah's high school years when rumors flew about her (and the football team).
She's recently returned to Fair Haven, but for some, she must be the same slut she was rumored to be. After all, she is now divorced with a young son, James. She's as vulnerable as she ever was, and many of the people of Fair Haven won't let her forget her and her mother's "past" including some of his family.
Will Sarah even agree to go out with Harrison? And if she does, will others try to derail their growing relationship? Can Harrison convince her that he really loves her? Especially when there are people in his family who are doing everything to break them up?
Unlike Romeo and Juliet, there is a happy ending. There are a few spicy scenes; there are quite a few What-the-tuck trends (green-eyed characters, smirks, winks), and a fair number of typos (missing words, wrong words), but overall, not a bad romance. 3.5 stars actually
13. If Cats Disappeared From the World by Genki KawamoraA young man gets a terminal cancer diagnosis, and life as he knows it is about to change. Will he create a bucket list? He's estranged from his father, and he lives with his cat, Cabbage. The devil, dressed in wildly colored Hawaiian shirts and shorts, offers to give him an extra day of life for everything he banishes.
Who wouldn't make a deal for an extra day of life?
First, phones disappear, then movies, and then clocks. Image that. No more phones; no more movies; no more clocks, but he gets an extra day for each, and each day becomes precious to him as he relives and rethinks events of significance of his life. Will cats be next? Especially his beloved cat, Cabbage? What will make him choose death (his own disappearance)?
This is a philosophical novel that makes the reader think about what is important in life. A poignant read.
14. The Little French Bistro by Nina GeorgeThis novel tells the story of a woman, Marianne, who is fed up with her life, She's in a loveless marriage, dreams quashed by trying to please (Lothar) a man who continually is involved in affairs. One night she decides to end her life by jumping into the Seine.
Marianne is saved by a stranger, ends up in the hospital, and then runs away from her life, from her husband. Leaving her life behind, she makes her way to Brittany (Kerdruc). Once there, she meets a cast of characters and discovers (or perhaps, rediscovers) herself.
Poignant, funny, serious, and magical...will she find herself, or will she drown herself in the sea?
15. The Executive's Decision by Bernadette Marie3.5 stars actually--This contemporary romance has a new assistant, Regan Keller, and her boss, Zachary Benson, at odds with each other throughout much of the story so will there be a happily ever after for them?
Zach is a high-powered executive in a construction business, and of course, is green-eyed, drop-dead gorgeous; he needs an assistant who can keep him on track with contracts and his day-to-day issues. His soon-to-be former assistant, Mary Ellen, is pregnant, but has handpicked Regan to take over for her.
In fact, Mary Ellen actually goes into labor the first day of Regan's employment (and thus, she hits the ground running as his new assistant).
Zach instantly falls for Regan, but she has strict rules about never (again) falling for the boss. She knows her history, and she doesn't wish to repeat it. He keeps trying to get her to bend to his will, and she's adamant that she won't. Until she does...
Will she or won't she (give in to her growing feelings)? Will he or won't he (give up his pursuit)? What is the past history that she is hiding? What will he do if or when he finds out? Will she ever tell him the truth about her past? Will he ever convince her to marry him?
Some spicy scenes, but not overly graphic. Lots of What-the-tuck trends (winks, smirks, uber-rich, green-eyed characters, even a tucking incident), but overall, the story has suspense, romance, loving families, and Regan's backstory that the author teases out, making this a unique romance.
The biggest flaw is that there are way too many typos (misused words, wrong words, misplaced quotation marks, and even a change of spelling of a character's name (Arianna, which changes to Adrianna in the epilogue). This really throws this reader out of the story. An extra set of eyes re-reading it before publication would have caught many, if not all, of them.
A disclaimer: I read this on my two Nooks, depending where I was; the older edition Nook had a different first name for the antagonist and no epilogue, and the newer Nook had his first name changed to Michael from Alexander* and the epilogue where Regan's sister's name got changed. Still, the typos tended to carry over from both editions of the novel.
* good call on changing the name to Michael, by the way.
16. Boar Island by Nevada BarrFirst time for reading Nevada Barr (why did I wait so long?! Duh!), but it was quite enjoyable and suspenseful. Obviously, not starting with the beginning of the series, I had to fill in some gaps as to the characters, their relationship to each other, and cases that came before; however, the story was complex with two cases going on at the same time. Cyberbullying, revenge, murder, and a surprise relationship all occurring in and around Boar Island in Maine.
17. To Catch a Bad Guy by Marie AstorJanet Maple is a lawyer who has recently been downsized from her position at the DA's office after she discovers an issue. Alex, her lawyer-boyfriend, gets the credit and the promotion. Now she is without a job until her best friend, Lisa, helps her get a position where she works.
Suddenly, she is enmeshed with a possible issue of fraud, too, even as Lisa is trying to find Janet a new guy since her breakup with Alex. The new IT guy, Dean, is way too friendly, and she is back to investigating.
Will she figure it out, or will she be fired once again? This is not quite a mystery, not quite a suspense novel, but it keeps the reader guessing who are the bad guys and who are the good guys.
18. Emily: Sex and Sensability by Sandra MartonEmily Madison wants her independence--that is, make it in New York without her family's influence (and money), but it isn't easy. She's playing piano in a dive bar when she tangles with a drunk and gets fired for it (and thrown out in the pouring rain).
Nothing goes right; she misses the bus, breaks her heel, gets splashed (read: drenched), and then rescued (or is it accosted?) by Marco Santini, an arrogant self-made millionaire, who offers her a job.
Instant chemistry for both, will they get together or not? If they do, how will Emily tell him about her family (and their wealth)?
Spicy, but tasteful sex scenes.
A few typos (missing periods and misused words) and a few What-the-tuck trends including a tucking incident
19. These Precious Days by Ann PatchettThis book is a series essays written by the author of Bel Canto, The Dutch House, and other notable novels as well as other nonfiction books.
Some are serious; some are lighter, and some are somewhere in between, but all are worth reading. Ann Patchett doesn't spare herself in some of them, showing readers her humanity. In others, she writes about family or friends.
She writes about writing; she writes about reading, and she writes about authors.
There is enough variety in these essays that a reader will find something of value within the words.
This reader found myself running to the library for various reasons: looking at book covers and looking for books by other authors (as two reasons).
Having read several of her novels previously, this really was a change of pace, but now may go back and read some of her earlier novels.
20. Ignite by Kaitlyn Davis3.5 stars actually--A YA paranormal romance novel with some suspenseful moments.
Kira has just moved from New York to Charleston, and her first day at school is rather harried. She's a high school senior, and Luke, the first boy she meets, rescues her by helping her find her way around the building and to classes. At lunch she connects with Luke's group, but she notices another group (the 'misfits') who give off a weird vibe. Kira feels extreme negativity especially from the girl named Diana. Despite that, she is drawn to one of the guys, Tristan.
Figuring out why he (and his group) seem to hate her and why Luke wants her to avoid them drives Kira crazy. What is the secret about Tristan that has Luke so protective? Why does she still like Tristan despite what she learns about him? Once she knows his secret, will he betray her? Or can they have a happily ever after despite everything? Lots of teen angst!
A fair amount of typos (misused words, missing words) as well as What-the-tuck trends (smirks, winks, etc.) This is the first in a series. Whether I'll read the rest remains to be seen. Not a bad story.
21. The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs4.5 stars--Mothers, daughters, family, and friends...a true sisterhood that grows through those Friday nights.
Single mother Georgia Walker, her daughter Dakota, Anita, K.C., Lucie, and Darwin all end up meeting Friday nights at Walker & Daughter, a yarn shop. Friendship bonds are made as the group knits and talks, sharing their lives through these nights.
Adding in old friends may upset the dynamic, but they also form connections, too.
A recipe and a knitting pattern are also included at the end of this life-affirming, poignant novel.
I kept expecting Lucie's baby would be called Georgia!
22. The Footman and I by Valerie BowmanFull disclosure: I received this novel directly from the author via an e-mail, but that in no way affected this review.
As a reader of romances (and particularly historical romances), I am always looking for something other than the same old, same old, and this one fit the bill. Yes, there was chemistry from the two protagonists, but there appeared to be differences between the classes (servants vs. landed gentry).
More than that, the female protagonist, Frances, was more interested in politics than marriage. The male protagonist, Lucas, the Earl of Kendall), was more interested in finding a woman who would love him for himself and not his title.
The story opens with a bet made between four titled gentlemen. The story then heads to Frances reluctantly getting ready to go to an upcoming an estate where she is being courted by a pompous knight, Sir Reginald. Having met the man at previous engagements, Frances is not interested (and is avoiding him as much as she can), but her mother is promoting a marriage between the pair to help them out of the family's financial difficulties.
Will Frances marry the man that her mother wants for her, or will she find love elsewhere? Will Lucas win the bet, or will he be recognized by others? More importantly, will he find love and be able to marry the one he desires, or will his lies cause hurt feelings and cost him the woman he loves?
Yes, there were a few What-the-tuck trends (tucking incidents, smirks, and winks to name a few), but no egregious typos (maybe a missing word?).
The dialogue and interactions between the pair were fun because they were not run-of-the-mill, definitely making this one of most enjoyable romances I've read in some time. It's almost reminiscent of some of Kathleen Woodiwiss's romances.
22.5 Foster by Claire KeeganA sparse novella/tale of a child whose life is changed in one hot summer when she goes to live with her extended family when her mother is pregnant with another child.
Lyrical, magical language is used to describe her life spent with her aunt and uncle Kinsella, who give her what her own family doesn't. Yet, the quietness of their lives holds secrets, and she learns to say nothing,
23. Behaving Like Adults by Anna MaxtedHolly is the owner of a dating service, Girl Meets Boy, for those who are "beautiful inside and out." Arranging date nights (matchmaking) for her clients is easier than dealing with her own relationship with man-child Nick Mortimer.
In one night, her life turns upside down, and Holly begins to doubt herself (and in her ability to read people to match them up). Holly is in denial, but can she figure out what actually happened? Can she get her life back on track and begin to trust herself again? Basically, will she learn to behave like an adult? Is a happily-ever-after possible for some of her matches, or will her company go under? Is it possible for a happily-ever-after for her?
With the help of family (her sisters Claudia and Issy) and friends (Nige, Rachel, Nick, and Camille), there may just be some positive outcomes...or not because adulting is difficult for them all.
A couple of quotes this reader found interesting:
"The criminal is responsible for the crime. That's why criminals are sent to prison, not their victims." (page 339)
"When you have children, you never relax again. You are forced to care about the state of the world. Your dearest wish as a parent is to protect your babies.You're terrified to let them go, because you cannot stand to experience pain, yet you know that a life without pain is impossible. Feeling pain is the price of loving, the price of living." (page 340)
The story is told from the perspective of Holly for the most part. There is humorous moments and some not-so-humorous moments.
24. Snowfall and Secrets by Kimberly Loth
A romance between the new school teacher, Tess, and Lukas, her landlord.
Tess arrives from Miami to take the third/fourth grade teaching position on Mackinac Island in January. She is totally unprepared for the weather as well as she has found herself pregnant after a night of partying. Who the father is she has no idea, but she's away from her mother.
Lukas not only meets her as she arrives, but he rents his cottage to her. As they get to know each other better, they become involved with the help of a blizzard.
Each has secrets (hers, the pregnancy and his, never wanting to have kids), but can they overcome them?
25. Obsession in Death by J.D. RobbThis fortieth foray into the world of Lt. Eve Dallas, Roarke, Della Peabody, and others finds Eve and crew dealing with a murderer who is obsessed with Eve and getting justice for Eve.
Anyone who has crossed paths with Dallas and caused an injury or slight to her is on the radar of the "one true friend" of Dallas as the notes left at the murder scenes read. First it is a defense attorney, then a junkie, and so on until Eve disses this murderer publicly. Now, Dallas has to protect her loved ones while hunting for this person.
Tracking down the murderer may cost Eve everything if she doesn't find this person first. Who is this person who hidden in plain sight?
Suspenseful, gripping, and exciting, this novel is all this and more. A real page-turner.
I really love this series and the way no two cases are similar, yet all the characters move forward, remain themselves.
25.5 Snowed in With Grumpy by Olivia NobleA contemporary Christmas romance novella featuring a woman named Avalanche Snow and a mountain (of a) man named Garland McGuinty.
With names like these, no wonder she encounters an avalanche and he rescues her with the help of his dog Chestnut.
In her quest to get him to sell some of his land to the area of Silver Mountain, she travels through a snowstorm that eventually becomes a blizzard. She's already made a mess of her presentation, dumping her specialty Christmas-themed coffee on her shirt, accidentally revealing her Christmas-themed bra and cleavage, so what is one more humiliation?
Now stuck together in the snowstorm, what next for them? Lust? Love? Children named Tornado and Hurricane?
3.5 stars actually as it ends abruptly
26. The River by Gary PaulsenThe sequel to Hatchet finds Brian being approached to teach survival skills (and the mindset necessary to) a man from the government. Derek approaches Brian and his parents about going back out to a remote area to show him how he survived so that he can better prepare those military types for those situations.
His parents reluctantly agree, and off they go. What will they do? Will Brian be able to show Derek just what it takes?
When the pair gets out of the bush plane, Brian sets down rules to create a similar scenario (only their knives, Derek's notebook for notes, and a radio for extreme emergencies). All is going well until it isn't, and once again, Brian must marshal his survival skills to save Derek from potential death.
Heart-racing action for tween and teen readers...will Derek and Brian survive?
27. The Reluctant Journey of David Connors by Don LockeA story of redemption set during the Christmas season.
David Connors is currently separated from his wife and two children, and his wife has no desire to continue the marriage if he isn't willing to change (and accept Jesus as she has). Frankly, he has let them down once too often and is emotionally distant.
On the night he decides to end it all, he discovers a carpetbag sitting on the ledge. It seems to be magical as it provides just the right item at the right time. He and a woman he meets named Maggie take a journey of discovery, but will these discoveries answer long held questions that each has? Further, will these discoveries help him with his wife and children? Are angels real?
Can David find redemption?
28. Breakaway by Kellie JamiesonGirls just wanna have fun...at least until it gets serious.
Remi has been rearing her younger brother and sister since their parents died, and now the two younger kids have flown the coop (one to college, the other living with her boyfriend). Remi's friend talks her into going to Rogue, a club, to have some fun.
When she meets Jase, both feel the same way. They both want to have fun, no commitment, etc. In fact, he's just dumped his model girlfriend, Brianne, because she's too serious.
They re-connect when Jase shows up as a volunteer at her school. Soon, they are getting in way too deep, way too fast, but who will blink first? Will Remi run away, or will Jase?
With a twist at the end, this contemporary romance has its sizzling hot moments.
A few missing or misused words and a few WTT trends, too.
29. The Women's March by Jennifer ChiaveriniA historical novel that follows three women who are integral to the woman's suffrage procession, and their activities to get the vote (and equal rights) for women.
Ada Wells-Barnett, a Black woman, fights for equality for women and men; Maud Malone's, an Irish suffragist, fight for suffrage for women gets her arrested for disturbing the peace at a political rally because she dared to ask Woodrow Wilson, "What about the vote for women?" and Alice Paul is the leader of the National group organizing the women's march, the day prior to Wilson's inauguration.
Will the Women's March succeed? Will it open previously closed minds?
These three women refuse to let suffrage die, and will do what it takes to get the vote for women. Alice Paul, according to the author's notes, continues working for equality for women including the Equal Rights Amendment. She died at 92 without seeing it come to fruition.
One passage reminded me of the Pro-Choice movement...for those women who didn't want the vote, they didn't have to, but why deny those who want the freedom to choose what happens to their bodies.
30. Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney BoylanTwo mothers, two children, and the love that binds them all together.
Both Olivia and Ava end up in the same small town of Adams, New Hampshire. Olivia is the mother of Asher, and Ava is the mother of Lily.
Asher and Lily fall in love, but love is never easy especially when one of them dies and the other is accused of being the cause of the death.
Was it murder or not? Will the accused be found guilty by the jury? Will these lives ever be normal again? No spoilers in this review.
Touching, poignant, and illuminating and well worth the read.
31. Tell Me to Go (Tell Me #2) by Charlotte ByrdMaybe because this is the second book in Tell Me series, it felt like playing "catch up" all the way until the end, which then ended in a cliff-hanger.
Olive gets an offer to spend 365 days with Nicholas for a million dollars, but for what? There's chemistry between them, but he won't sleep with her UNTIL she begs him. Will she or won't she?
There's more going on than meets the eye, and it may have to do with her brother Owen.
Olive isn't squeaky clean as she's done some cons (shoplifting, other theft), but neither is Nicholas as he's done his fair share of criminal acts.
Chapter titles are part of the text.
There are some WTT (smirks and winks, mostly), too. Not sure whether to continue the series (going back to the beginning and/or going onto the next book). 2.5 stars actually
32. The Minuscule Mansion of Myra Malone by Audrey BurgesThis debut novel is filled with quirky characters, full of charm, and lots of magical realism.
Myra Malone is a housebound blogger, who blogs about her minuscule mansion (It IS not a dollhouse). What changes she is making in the mansion, the rooms that seem to come and go at will, the music that often plays are just some of the topics she covers. Her best friend Gwen becomes her "out front" agent for an essay contest, which hopefully will save Myra (and the cabin she lives in) from financial ruin.
When a man, Rutherford Alex Rakes, III, discovers that his home is the exact copy of her minuscule mansion. All his quirky items he purchases randomly from vintage shops ends up in the mansion.
What's going on? What is the tie that binds these two people together? Will they ever meet in person, and if so, what will be the result? A fun read.
This novel was recommended by one of my favorite authors, Sarah Addison Allen, who write novels of magical realism, too. It didn't disappoint!
33. The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline MartinThis historical novel is a tale of World War II, set in London during the Blitz. Two young women, Grace Bennett and Viv, move to London on the eve of Germany's invasion of Poland, which pulled Great Britain into the war.
Grace gets a six-month (trial) position at Primrose Hill Books in exchange for a reference letter. During her short tenure, she makes the most of her time by re-organizing the store by decluttering it, rearranging books, etc. becoming invaluable to the owner, Mr. Evans.
As the war begins in earnest, bombs start dropping in London, and Grace takes on a job dealing with nightly air raids. In the process, she starts daily reading to patrons.
Will she succeed or will she fail? A touching, poignant story inspired by the true history of the few bookshops to survive the Blitz. There are losses, love, and shows the enduring power of literature.
Tear-jerker ending, but such a powerful, hopeful story.
Hope to check out other books by this author.
34. Once Upon a Duke by Erica RidleyThis is the Nook edition and actually combines books 1 and 2 under the same cover.
Benjamin Silkridge is returning to his home village of Cressmouth, AKA Christmas, when his grandfather dies. All he wants is the locket that contains a picture of his mother and him. His grandfather has kept it from him for years. His grandfather's will has him staying for a short interval, and he wants that locket. Once he has it he is out of there...for good, that is, until he meets up again with Noelle Pratchett (the only good thing he knows).
They shared one kiss, once, but will it go further this time? Will he stay or will he go back to London and the House of Lords?
Noelle, for that matter, wants him to stay, but she can't have him. She is an orphan with no title to her name. As much as she cares, she knows her heart will be broken when he leaves, again. Is there a chance for her, or will she only have a night with him?
Racy title, isn't it?
35. Conquer the Kingdom by Jennifer EstepThe last novel in the Gargoyle Queen trilogy does not disappoint! Gemma Ridley wants to protect her land from the dreaded Mortans, particularly Crown Prince Milo Morricone, but will she survive the ordeal? Will her kingdom survive, or will Milo destroy it?
Magic, intrigue, sound effects, gargoyles, strixes, prophesies, fights, romance, and so much more can be found in this page-turning fantasy that features Gemma, Leonidas, Grimley (how could you not love him?), Reiko, and Lyra.
Overall, an exciting , page-turning read. The only downside--waiting for another novel from Jennifer Estep
36. Kiss of a Duke by Erica RidleyThis is the second novel in the series published as the Nook edition.
Penelope is a chemist, a natural scientist, and she doesn't believe in love. She creates, Duke, a cologne that will attract women to men who have difficulty approaching women (especially those who shy or tongue-tied). It is a rousing success, and "Saint Nick" Pringle, a well-known rake, doesn't like it a bit and wants to buy the rights to it. After all, if any man can attract women easily, it cuts into his territory.
She's not selling at any price, and is working on creating, Duchess, which will do for women what Duke does for men. This scent will start an attraction that may lead to something better.
In the interest of scientific inquiry, Penelope fine-tunes her chemical formulation and uses it on Nicholas, who is not interested in anything but spending time with women of a sort (women who don't necessarily want any long term relationship). So why does he come back to visit? Just because she bakes such excellent biscuits (cookies)?
Is it just the chemistry of this compound, or is the time they spend together that keeps bringing them together day after day what is really growing between them? Will he kiss her? Could this be love? Could both of them get caught in this trap?
This series, based on the first two books read, have unconventional (for the times) female protagonists, who are refreshing. Yeah, there are some What-the-tuck trends (chiseled jaws, smirks, winks, etc.), but overall, cute, not too spicy romances set in the village of Cressmouth, AKA Christmas.
37. Size 14 is Not Fat Either by Meg CabotHeather Wells is back, and dealing with the beginning of the winter semester rooming issues. That becomes the least of her worries when one of the cheerleaders is found dead...her head detached from her body. Lindsey's body is no where to be found.
Who killed her and why? Heather, amateur detective and assistant director of a dorm (residence hall, sorry), investigates despite warnings from the police and her private detective-roommate, Cooper. Will she listen, or will she end up dead, or will she solve Lindsey's murder?
Having her just-released-from-prison father just adds to the fun and excitement.
Basically a lighthearted mystery told through the perspective of Heather Wells.
38. The Alice Network by Kate QuinnA historical novel set in World War I and post-World War II features Evelyn Gardiner and Charlie St. Clair. This novel is based upon some real people who were part of the Alice (Dubois) Network, a spy network that worked to send information to the Allies in England.
Told by the two main characters (Charlie and Eve), the story is laid out. It's a fascinating tale of how the spy network managed to get messages through as well as showing how one spy (Eve) played a crucial part, risking her life daily by dealing with a collaborator.
Charlie, on the other hand, is hoping to track down her cousin Rose, whom she believes is still alive despite living in a war-affected area. It is this belief that convinces Charlie to contact Eve in the first place. Will Charlie convince Eve to help her, or will Eve just cast her aside? Will Charlie ever find Rose?
Fascinating, edge-of-your-seat tension throughout, but such compelling action. As the story concludes, this reader stayed up late to finish. Looking forward to reading other novels by Quinn based on this one.
39. All of Me by Leanna MorganThis is a contemporary romance between an ex-model (Tess) and a reporter dealing PTSD (Logan), but it is a slow-burn romance.
Tess now owns a cafe, and she's always up early to bake and cook for the crowd who flock to it. She also makes meals for a good cause. Logan begins to become involved with her and her friends to help with a bride and groom who have lost it all two weeks before their planned wedding.
This leads to the Bridesmaids Club, and slowly, but surely Logan and Tess become close. Will either admit their growing feelings for the other? Will Logan's constant presence in Tess's life make her trust him, or will their secrets come out and destroy the chance for happiness?
This romance is more about the friendships and the group that wants to help beleaguered brides. A few WTT trends (chiseled features, green eyes).
40. Debt by Charlotte ByrdA wealthy young man, Jax, and his brothers stop at a diner. There, Jax is taken with the waitress, Sophia. He returns later to ask her out, but she turns him down.
Learning all he can about Sophia, he finds a way to help her and her mother.
A year or so later, his help is now considered a debt, though, that she has to repay, or so he hopes that the time together will change her mind about him.
Spending so much time together makes for high drama (too much so in this reader's opinion). Take out all the angst-ridden soliloquies from Sophia, all the minor squabbles caused by Sophia's emotional state of mind, and there isn't much to this story.
Add in ancillary characters who cause more emotional upheavals and threats make this an issue-filled romance. Continual emotional roadblocks by Sophia don't help; neither does Jax's rash actions. Will they be together in the end? Is a happily-ever-after possible for the pair?
The way it was going, this reader expected a cliffhanger ending; fortunately, there wasn't.
Per usual, a few What-the-tuck trends (chiseled jaw, green-eyed character, smirks, winks, and an uber-wealthy male) are included.
2.5 stars actually because I was so irritated by Sophia's emotional swings (Borderline Personality Disorder, maybe?) back and forth.
41. The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto by Mitch AlbomAs might be expected from a novel from Mitch Albom, there were both unexpected moments as well as tears shed especially at the end.
This is the story of Frankie Presto, an extraordinary guitarist/musician, who lives a life of love and music in a Forrest Gump-like fashion. The tale is narrated by the talent named Music, who tells of the exploits of Frankie in the musical world as well as tells of Frankie's and Aurora's love.
Using musical terms, he describes Frankie's life and love through the years until he dies.
Various well known musicians, songwriters, etc. are scattered throughout the novel. Some directly talk about knowing Frankie; others are mentioned about Frankie's role in their lives.
As for the magic strings, that's a mystery only to be revealed through reading. Ah, to have this talent! Alas...regardless, a book to read.
42. Genuine Fraud by E. LockhartThis novel is written backwards, sort of, and it makes for an interesting perspective especially considering the title is an oxymoron.
Who is Jule? Who is Imogen? And who is the genuine fraud?
This suspenseful novel has enough twists and turns that as a reader, I found myself flipping back and forth to make sure I knew who was who.
A most enjoyable, intriguing read of a young woman reinventing herself constantly.
42.5 A Merry Royal Layover by Teri WilsonA cute holiday-themed short story romance that mimics the movie, "Love, Actually" as two weary travelers heading to the same place end up spending Christmas Eve in a first class lounge.
Told from the perspective of this American veterinarian, she ends up sitting beside a handsome man, who may be the prince of the country she's heading to. They watch the above named movie and discuss the realities of something like that happening.
Does it? Will it? Could he really be who he looks like? Is love possible, or is it a fantasy of spending several hours snowed in at the airport?
43. A Crabby Killer by Leighann Dobbsa man is murdered--strangled and thrown into a crab pot, but who on this island would kill this relative stranger? Plenty of people have reason to dislike the man, but it is up to two islanders and some detective from the mainland to figure it out.
44. Country Heaven by Ava MilesThis contemporary romance has so much going for it. A "bad-boy" country music star, Rye Crenshaw, has to clean up his image after an "Incident." Disowned by his family for even choosing to sing rather than practice law, he's on his own.
When he ends up a roadside diner late one evening as the diner is about to close, he convinces the cook, Tory, into making him dinner for a hefty price. Discovering she is a great cook, he further convinces her to cook for him while he's on tour. Again, she negotiates for a really great salary so that she can finish her schooling, but with a promise of no attachments on either side.
Well, the best made plans of mice and men gang aft agley (Robbie Burns). Because when Rye heads home because of a family emergency, he and Tory find that there is more between them than friendship. Can Rye ever admit he has feelings for Tory? Will Rye ever learn to trust again? Will Rye and Tory actually break down the barriers of the family dynamics in the Hollins family?
This romance has several themes including family, reconciliation, and love. Yes, it has many of the What-the-tuck trends (green eyed Tori, chiseled Rye, winks and smirks), but it also have some very touching moments.
Quite an enjoyable read that leaves the reader with a mystery not yet solved. As this is the first in the Dare River series, maybe the mystery will be solved in the next one. This reader can only hope.
45. Killers of the Flower Moon by David GrannThis nonfiction books lays out the atrocities (murders) of the Osage people. After being pushed out of their native territory, the Osage were given this dry land in Oklahoma. OIl was discovered and the Osage became wealthy. Suddenly, this terrible land wasn't so terrible and many white people descended upon the area and became their guardians (as if these adults were like little children). Some went so far as to poison them or shoot them point-blank. It was the Reign of Terror.
From this, the FBI was born out of the men who were trying to solve the murders. J. Edgar Hoover backed up the men like Tom White and his brothers who went undercover. Would they catch, and more importantly, put the ruthless killers away.
Skillfully, Grann lays out the murders and follows the men who try to hide their deeds as well as the detectives who try to get convictions. Bribery, scandal, and more run rife with the most notorious of the men managing to escape again and again.
Powerful story as he follows certain families even after all this time.
46. An Indiscreet Princess by Georgie BlalockThis historical novel features Princess Louise, the fourth daughter of Queen Victoria. Louise is an artist, a sculptor, and defies her mother to pursue her artistic career. It is only with reluctance that her mother, always the monarch, allows her to attend the National Art Training School--more for citizens with artistic talent than royalty.
There, she discovers that it isn't easy to be accepted, but she works hard to prove herself. Along the way, she falls in love with one of her teachers, famed sculptor Edgar Boehm. Is it possible for her to have a career and have love? Or will her royal duties keep her close to home and under the thumb of her mother?
Her royal duties include marriage, and she wants to find a husband that won't have her leaving England. Unfortunately, Edgar is married, leaving her few options; however, she agrees to marry another in what is touted as a "love match." Is it, or will the two work around their differences?
Will she manage to have her art, a marriage, a family, and her relationship, too? Or will her mother have the final say?
This is a fascinating history of Louise, her mother, and her siblings. The interactions between the siblings (Bertie, Alice, Leopold, Lerchen, and Beatrice) and Louise show the difficulties of being the child of the monarch. The author shows how Victoria was very demanding and selfish, expecting her children to bow to her royal demands. She also shows how Louise, known as Miss Saxe-Coburg-Gotha at school, learns to live outside the bounds of her birth as a princess and becomes an artist of note. This is an intimate portrait of a true rebel royal.
Definitely worth reading, especially if the history of the lesser known royals is an interest.
There are some typos (missing words, wrong tenses of verbs, etc.) but nothing too egregious that a reader wouldn't be able to figure out what was intended.
4.5 stars
47. Adore Me by Ashley ZakrzewskiThis contemporary romance about a firefighter (Damon Jackson) and the woman (Tessa) and her child (Emily) he saves seemed a little too much insta-love.
Told from the perspectives of both Tessa and Damon (in chapters titled with their names to keep the reader apprised), there was too much telling, not showing (example, paraphrasing "Damon's just wonderful and I know he really cares about Emily. It's just the way he is." Tessa's perspective almost immediately after staying with him and all the way through the story). Both protagonists do this repeatedly throughout the novel as is the action that triggered isn't enough to carry the story. Each chapter is full of these passages, and they certainly padded the story with more pages to read, but left this reader mentally saying, "Enough already, I get it.--he/she is wonderful, the best single mom in the world, etc."
Another thing that bothered this reader is the "thesaurus effect" of using words that might be a synonym, but isn't really appropriate even if it may sound impressive, and this occurs over and over again. Then, too, is choosing the wrong word. An editor should have picked up on these; a proofreader would have caught them. I found that I used my Nook dictionary so many times when I'd get tripped up by these odd word choices. This is an advantage to me, but maybe not to the author. (an example of the first: A mug of coffee TRANSPIRES in front of her. page 36 of 186 transpires vs. appears; an example of the second: ...there are things that could have kept us apart, but we fought through them and PRESERVED. page 182 of 186 is the word PRESERVED instead of persevered).
As might be expected, plenty of What-the-tuck trends (green-eyed Tessa, pencil skirt, hair tucking, winking, smirking), but they have become ubiquitous in nearly story any more.
Overall, the romance was just okay and seemed rushed (and not just the time-frame of 4-5 months from loss of the apartment to engagement), but going from one holiday to another to a court case to another holiday--no custody case goes that quickly, EVER. Still, there is a happily ever after at least so far with a "to be continued" to end the story.
Younger readers may love this one because of all the mental gymnastics Tessa and Damon constantly go through between scenes of action.
Not sure why this title was chosen unless it was the mental portions where each character made "adoring comments about the other."
48. Heart Stings by Jennifer EstepRe-read Winter's Web (see separate review for that), too.
Heart Stings is from the Elemental Assassin series, but the story is told from Lorelei Parker's perspective.
Lorelei has some feelings for Hugh Tucker, but he's running with another bad guy, Clyde, now that Mason is dead, thanks to incomparable Gin Blanco, the Spider. How can she trust him, yet they've shared a few looks while she nursed back to health.
Every time Lorelei thinks that Hugh might be changing, he does something that cause her heart to feel a sting. Is it possible he could change? Is it possible for them to become a couple? Or will she only have her heart broken?
There's just enough fighting; there's just enough sizzle in the romance department, and there's just enough bad guys to overcome, and this novella didn't disappoint.
Estep infuses humor, heart, and sound effects into her stories, and (oh, joy) she uses the Oxford comma! Oxford commas rock!
1.25 stars actually--started this one with hopes of finishing it off before the end of 2022 for an author challenge, but alas, it was not to be.
Grammar is sexy; editing is sexy; a few well-placed adverbs are sexy. What is not sexy is misplaced words, missing words, extra words, and lack of grammar and editing. Add to that more than a fair share of What-the tuck trends (smirks, winks, and pencil skirts) and name-dropping of outrageously expensive products and over-the-top erotic romances which have scene after scene of sexual activity ( racy, nearly pornographic, so be prepared) gets a bit tedious.
Told from the first person perspective of Sabrina, this erotic romance between her and Dante, her boss/best friend/commitment-phobic/jealousy-laden non-boyfriend is super spicy. I would say BEYOND, but the protagonist is overly enthusiastic as it is (as in adverbs galore). Rina is in love with her boss, but she settles for lots of sex until she doesn't.
Dante has his issues; he'll not be involved in any emotional way; it's just sex.
Will they ever become a true couple? Or will jealousies on both sides do them in?
Overall, this reader will give credit that the author wrote and had a book published, but it really seemed more like a first draft with no one editing it to make it better.
An aside: why is it necessary in so many books to have the parents killed off either by a car accident or drug overdoses? Is this a new WTT trend?