Weekly Wrap Up

 

Happy Monday! Hope that you had a wonderful weekend. Here in Minnesota it was cold, and we had some snow. My family and I just laid low, and had a quiet (well as quiet can be with 4 kids) weekend at home. A low key weekend gave me plenty of opportunity to rest my ankle after spraining it on Tuesday during school pickup. Thankfully the swelling has decreased greatly, and the bruising isn't looking as horrible as it had been. I still cannot believe that happened.  

Reading wise, last week I managed to read 5 books!  I read some books that I absolutely cannot get out of my mind, and others that we just middle of the road. All the books read were e-books (naturally), 2 were advanced reader copies (ARC), and the other 3 were backlist titles. It should be of no surprise that they all fall into the romance genre. Hey, I like what I like. 

Last week I also had the honor of working with a few authors on promotions for their books. I love getting to do things like that. There is just something about promoting a book and/or author that others might not be familiar with. I know I've definitely learned about a lot of authors from others! (I'm looking at you Bookstagram!)

Let's talk about what I read last week.

First up was an advanced reader copy of Hopeless Romantic by Marina Adair. When I ran across this book on NetGalley, I was drawn in by the autism storyline. I was curious as to how autism (and caregivers) would be portrayed. Would it be realistic? I can honestly say that I was good with how everything was portrayed. It felt familiar in a way. Add in the way that Beckett felt like she had little to no help, and it was relatable. I can only hope that after the book ended, the characters were able to establish new routines and boundaries, so that Beckett could have a little respite from her Dad and brother. (as well as helping them with the social and relational skills they both needed.)

I should say that Hopeless Romantic is a small town romance between two people who constantly give. They give their time, their energy, their resources, but they never ask for anything in return. Also, Gregory Pecker had me laughing. Everything that happened with that chicken had me chuckling. 

If you're interested, here is the description for the book:

Set against the breezy backdrop of coastal Rhode Island, the latest novel from bestselling author Marina Adair asks whether two of a small town's biggest hearts can learn to put themselves first--in the name of love...

As caregiver for her autistic brother, Beckett Hayes knows how meaningful a little extra help can be when life happens. Which is why she runs Consider It Done, a personal concierge service in her small town. Her job also gives her the flexibility to follow her passion, being Rome, Rhode Island's unofficial special needs advocate, training emotional support companions in her spare time. There's not much of that, though, and certainly not enough for serious dating. It's always been family first for Beck. But one unquestionably gorgeous, good-natured man is suddenly a temptation that's getting tougher to resist...

Sixteen years ago, Levi Rhodes was ready to sail off into the sunset--literally. But then his father's death and his sister's unexpected pregnancy postponed his sailing scholarship and the adventures he had planned. Running the family marina and bar was the least he could do for his grieving mother. Plus, his niece needed a father-figure. But now that she's in high school and has her bio-dad in her life, Levi's wondering if it's time to get his sea legs under him again...until curvy, caring Beck showed up in his bar, and then in his dreams...

Over all, this story gave me what I wanted. The representation of a neurodiverse family, and how a caretaker can often get little respite is relatable to many people. Yes, the relationship between Beckett and Levi was nice, but for me it wasn't what stood out. Instead it was the relationship between Beckett's family and how they worked (or rather didn't fully work) as a unit, as well as the relationship that Levi had with his. Hopeless Romantic also spoke to me about accepting assistance from those who offer, and also about asking for assistance. It's about not doing it all on your own. Consider reading this book. Hopeless Romantic releases on January 26, 2021.

After reading Hopeless Romantic, it was time to switch things up, so I read some new adult romance. I don't often read new adult (I consider new adult as characters who are college aged), but every so often it calls my name. I had recently purchased the Over the Fence series by Carrie Aaron after seeing some of her TikTok videos. The way she described her books had me intrigued. Plus this series is sports romance, so obviously I'm going to be drawn in.

Pitching to Win is the first book in the Over the Fence series. It follows the relationship between Minka (the introvert) and Owen (the golden boy). This summer romance starts at a party, where Minka doesn't want to give Owen the time of day. Yes, he's attractive, but she's not going there. Minka is perfectly content living the single life, especially after what happened last time she was in a relationship. Meanwhile Owen is drawn towards Minka. He feels the need to get to know her. There is something about her that he just can't let go of. Both have parental issues that they need to work on, and Minka is still reeling from what happened a couple of years ago with a bad relationship.

I'd tell you more about this story, but honestly it doesn't really matter. For me this story was just meh. It didn't really keep my attention all that well, and it was a bit forgettable. (ugh, I don't like saying that, but it's true.) Yes, there were moments I enjoyed, but ultimately it just wasn't for me. That being said, I did opt to continue with the trilogy. After all I bought the books, so I might as well read them.

The second book in the series is Hitting to Win. Now we are at college, and it is time for Chloe and Miles to have their moment. Chloe has been crushing on Miles since they were children. There has always been something about him that she's been drawn to. Miles is dealing with a broken heart, as well as issues with his Dad, and is being an ass to everyone. Chloe tries to be nice to him, and he says horrible things to her. One day they are forced to work together for a dance competition. They both try to find an out, but ultimately cannot. So they team up, and make it work. Of course along the way a relationship develops. Now I honestly liked Hitting to Win a lot more. Maybe it was the dancing competition aspect. Maybe it was the way Miles works through his past. I'm not entirely certain. What I do know, is that this book made me thankful I stuck with the trilogy.

The last book is Catching to Win. If you've read the previous two books, then you already know Kelsey and Clint. Let me just start by saying, this was my favorite of the series. Absolute favorite. Kelsey had absolutely no interest in having a relationship with Clint. Heck, she didn't even really want him as her friend. Yet here they are talking almost daily while she's overseas. Clint has become someone she can turn to, and talk about anything with. It's weird, but Kelsey likes it. What Kelsey doesn't know is that Clint has been working on changing his body. Before he was a larger man, and women would pay no attention to him. Since he's been making changes, they look, but Clint isn't interested. There is one woman he wants, and she is not in the country. Until suddenly she is. Kelsey looks at Clint, but doesn't realize it's him because his appearance has drastically changed. Once she does, well then she finds herself attracted to him. (No that irritated me, but at the same time I can relate to Clint) Things happen, attraction blossoms, issues arise, and then we get to witness how this all plays out. I will say, one of the things I really liked about this book is how Clint fought for Kelsey. He did everything he possibly could.

For my last book of the week, I dove back into the dark mafia romance world that is the Bennett Duet. Yes that same duet by Xavier Neal that I mentioned last week. Yours truly was given an ARC of Dark Reign, and oh how thankful I am. I am getting my questions answered. 

I just finished reading, and cannot get over everything that happened! I will say, it wasn't who I expected to be behind everything that happened in Dark Ruler. Still though, I was surprised when it was revealed.

I could feel the anger and the pain when Benicio said "I will not stop hunting for her until she has been found and returned home. I will turn over every boulder, every stone, every pebble until the woman that is mine is back where she belongs."

There were a few times where my jaw dropped, whether due to the information revealed or due to the graphic nature of the repercussions. (if you know, you know) Of course me being me, I also shed a few tears. What can I say, I'm a crier. I found myself laughing periodically as well. There were just those scenes that required a good chuckle. One last thing, Gia (Benicio's mama) is amazing, and is definitely someone you want in your corner!

The ending to the book was just what I needed. Almost all the loose ends have been wrapped up. That being said, I do need Xavier Neal to write a novella about Miko, and everything that happened with him in the duet. Especially from the wedding scene onward. ahem.

That wraps up my week in reading! Overall I'm pleased with how it went, and while one of the books was just "meh", the rest were good.

So tell me, what have you been reading? Anything you'd recommend?

Happy Reading,