Weekly Wrap Up

The first full week of 2021 is officially in the books, and what a week it was! I think my eyes were glued to Twitter for more hours than I'd care to admit. (and we all know I'm, unfortunately, not talking about books.)

As for my reading this week, well this is where my illness messed with my reading time. Like I said last week, I was dealing with exhaustion and body aches. So I was passed out for the first few days of the week. It is what it is, and thankfully whatever bug I had did not affect anyone else in my family. From January 3 through January 9, I managed to read 4 books. 

So what did I read? One new release, one book from my local library, one 2020 release that was provided to me by the author, and the fourth was an ARC for one of my anticipated January reads. (the ARC was also author supplied.)

Let's start talking books!

My first read of the week was High Risk Rookie by Odette Stone. Now if you're in her Facebook group, you already know that this book has been HIGHLY anticipated. Odette would be asked multiple times daily when High Risk Rookie was coming out. On January 2 the Vancouver Wolves fandom gasped, and then ran to Amazon to purchase the much anticipated book.

Now if you're a hockey romance fan, and you've read the first three books in the Vancouver Wolves series, then go read this book! Well technically you don't have to read the first three books, but it gives you backstory on some of the other characters. Plus if you've read those books, then you know who Krista is. Krista is given a mission to fly to Mexico, find Levi Ziegler, and bring him back to Vancouver. Scouts say he is an amazing hockey player, but off the ice he has issues. Trouble seems to just follow him It doesn't really matter though because the Wolves are interested. Can Krista convince Levi to go back to Vancouver with her? If so, can she keep this rookie in line? Could he sign a contract with the Wolves, and become a professional hockey player? Can what happened in Mexico, stay in Mexico? 

You are probably waiting for me to say that I loved this book, and I totally did. I was all in, and could not get enough. Plus there is a bit of a mystery to be solved as you read. Who is messing with Levi's career? There are a handful of options, that's for darn sure. Oh, and Krista's family is the worst. 

Next, I decided to go with what I thought would be a cute, geeky romance novel. I was expecting something along the lines of Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell, or even Geekerella by Ashley Poston. Believe me, those two books were ah-maz-ing. I fully embrace my geeky tendencies, and love my fandoms, so needless to say, I had pretty high expectations for Spoiler Alert by Olivia Dade. I mean, how could I not? Spoiler Alert if fandom based, it mentions fanfiction, and it's a romance. It's three of my favorite things!

All that being said, something was a miss for me with this book. I loved that April is a professional, yet geeky, plus sized woman who is confident in who she is. She owns who she is, and the interests that she has. As for Marcus, he is an actor on a popular TV show, but struggles with his identity. Plus imagine being an actor who is writing fanfiction for his own show? LOVE IT.  Plus both these characters are closer to my age, and so that is relatable. I also loved the relationship that April and Marcus had online, and in person. 

I think the aspect of the book that I didn't like, was all the excess. There were parts of the show written in, then add in the snippets of their fanfiction stories, and then even the message board communication between April, Marcus, and others in the community. I mean, I love all those things, but there was too much of it for me. A story every few chapters, or a message written into the chapter, that would have been better in my mind. The scenes though while Marcus is filming? Where it is like a recap of the script? That I could have done with out. That's just me though! Ultimately I did enjoy the story, but it was just okay.

My third book was a surprise read. Paula Dombrowiak had reached out to me on Instagram, and asked if I might be interested in reading her debut novel. After heading over to Amazon to read the blurb for Blood and Bone, I decided to go for it. Paula then sent the file to my kindle, and I was all set.

Now there is so much I want to say about Blood and Bone, but I also don't want to ruin the story! In these pages we learn Jack's side of how the band Mogo came to be. We follow the band's rough beginnings, their rise to fame, Jack's substance abuse issues, relationships (pregnancy, marriage, dating, infidelity), and ultimately the breakup. We also learn about the song writing that Jack has collaborated on with Mia Stone, and how personal their songs are. All of this comes out when journalist Erin Langford arrives on the scene. She came to write a story on Jack, and it ends up being so much more than that. After a situation with her boss, Erin cannot move forward with the article. She's devastated. Ultimately though she preservers, and what was once an article is now a book. Can Jack heal his relationship with his daughter, Hayley? Can they find common ground? What happens with Jack and Mia? Jack and Amber? Cash and Mia? 

This book alternates between time periods, and it just felt right. I DM'd Paula and told her that Blood and Bone was giving me major Evelyn Hugo vibes, with a little Daisy Jones mixed in. So if you are a fan of those two books, pick up Blood and Bone. Oh and good news, there is a second book coming that will follow Hayley's story! Now I just need to wait until the end of November to get my hands on that. 

My last read for this week was Connectivity 2.0 by Aven Ellis. It doesn't release until January 27, but I was fortunate enough to get my hands on an e-ARC. (thanks Aven!) When one of your favorite authors say "hey who would like an ARC for review?" you know my answer. 🤣

Connectivity 2.0 is the second book in the British Isles Billionaires series, and here we are introduced to Lauren and Oliver. Lauren has been accepted into an internship program in London where she will be working side by side with Mary Kate Cumberland! MK is someone that Lauren looks up to, and to say Lauren is excited for this adventure is a bit of an understatement. When Lauren gets on the plane she is shocked when someone wants to change seats with her! Upon arriving up in FIRST CLASS (!), Lauren sits down next to a stunningly handsome man. After a long flight filled with conversation, Lauren mentions her internship, and it is then that she learns the true identity of the man sitting next to her. He is the one and only Oliver Pratt, the famous billionaire who just sold his business to William Cumberland! There's an issue though as he initially told her that his name was something else. So it causes a fight between the two. Flash forward to the first day of work, and Lauren finds herself getting "introduced" to Oliver. Even though the two have hit it off, Lauren cannot get over the fact that he lied to her. 

Now I want to tell you more, but I also don't want to ruin the story for you. What I will tell you is that I literally laughed out loud a few times. I also swooned, and aww'd. These characters, I tell ya, they are my kind of people. 

Here's what I posted on Instagram:

From their initial meeting, to the first date that wasn't a date, to the helicopter ride, to Lauren fixing Oliver a plate (if you know, you know), and the dates that lead us up to the scene at Big Ben, I have had a gigantic smile upon my face.

The Big Ben scene could have been so romantic, but this was where the relationship issue pops up and shreds any chance of romance. Oh my heart. 

Read Connectivity 1.0 and 2.0! Fall for the characters, and then try not to hound Aven about when 3.0 will be available. I mean she teased Aoife and Jack's relationship, so we know we're getting another book in the series! (my gut tells me we're looking at 2022 for this book, if we're lucky. Oh how I hope we don't have to wait until 2023.)

What books did you read last week? Anything I might enjoy? I'm always open to book recommendations. 🙂 No matter what, I hope you enjoyed what you read, and that it has you searching out more from the author.

Happy Reading,

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Only One Night {a book review}

On Tuesday, January 5, Natasha Madison's latest book was released, and it was one that I had been eagerly anticipating! For those who may not know, Only One Night is the third book in her Only One hockey series. This series launched in September 2020, and is slated to wrap up in February 2021 with the release of Only One Touch. 

In Only One Night, we are finally getting Manning's story! We've heard bits and pieces of his situation, but did not know all of it. If you're anything like me, you were probably hoping Manning's story would have been the second book in the series. I think the wait was worth the wait. 

Here's the teaser from Amazon:

Manning

As captain of the Dallas Oilers, I was their leader on and off the ice. From the outside, it looked like I had the perfect life.

I didn’t.

I was married to a woman who refused to give me a divorce. All she wanted was the status title, and all I wanted was to be set free.

It was supposed to be just another event, except it took a turn I didn’t see coming.

Evelyn

Attending my best friend’s bachelorette party isn’t something I was looking forward to.

But it’s strange what a couple of glasses of wine will do.

It was one night, and I thought I would never see him again.

Especially not coming face-to-face with him and his wife while picking up my nephew from hockey practice.

All it takes is one kiss, one touch, one chance, and only one night.

Things we learned in the previous two books:

• Manning is Captain for the Dallas Oilers hockey team.
• He is a dad to a young child. 
• His marriage has been having issues for years.
• He feels stuck in his marriage to Murielle.
• Manning has a strong dislike of social media, and is very private.

In Only One Night we learned EVERYTHING! I mean that should be obvious since it's Manning's story. There is so much I want to say, but I can't because I don't want to ruin the story for you! What I can tell you, is that you'll get your Happily Ever After ending.

1) Manning. 

That should just be obvious by now. This man has captured my attention since the beginning. He is dedicated to his team. He loves his son, Jaxon. He is trying his best to live a life outside the bright lights of a professional athlete. 

 

2) The Dallas Oilers.

From the owner, to the players, they are more than just a team, they are a family. That  is everything. No matter who you are, support in your life is necessary. Surrounding yourself with people who you care for, who encourage you, who challenge you, who help you grow, that is what so many of us need.

3) How Evelyn perserveres

Her ex could have destroyed her emotionally. Yet here she is moving on with her life. She's left her life in Chicago, and has returned home. She has her own support structure in her family and friends. She is an excellent business woman, and she knows how to get things done. 

4) Evelyn & Manning's relationship

Do I even need to say anything else about this? I could also add in the relationship that Evelyn has with Jaxon. She takes his feelings into consideration. 

5) How the entire situation with Murielle played out.

 Oh how I want to explain further, but spoilers. 

 

This is hard for me. I truly enjoyed the story, after all I gave it 5 stars on Goodreads. So you'd think the book was flawless. That being said there are two things I didn't enjoy. The first should be obvious. (plus I mentioned it in my reading wrap up.)

1) Infidelity.

Listen, I get it, he's in a loveless marriage. He's asked for a divorce, and his wife refused. Yet at the same time, I can't look past cheating on your spouse. (and yes, we learn that this is happening with both parties, so it isn't one sided.) 

My second item isn't about the book itself, but rather the promotion of the book.

2) Book promo is referring to Manning as a single dad. 

He isn't. Not in the true sense of the word. Yes, he and Murielle are basically living separate lives while living in the same house. But that isn't the same as being a single dad. To me that means that either Mom is out of the picture due to death, giving up parental rights, abandonment, or the parents are not together due divorce, break up, etc. Manning and Murielle are not divorced. They are still married. Even if it is just in name alone. (obviously I have strong feelings about this, even though it probably doesn't matter to most.)

I loved this story, and Manning's story played out just about how I had expected it to. Although if I'm being honest, in the back of my mind I had wondered if it was going to end up being a second chance romance. I thought maybe just maybe Murielle would become a changed woman, and their marriage would improve. It clearly wasn't, and I am more than fine with that.  

Now I wait for February 9th, and the release of Only One Touch. We learned at the end of Only One Night that Nico has gotten married, but now we'll get more info on that. Also, I'm not ready for the series to end. My only hope is that Natasha Madison stays in Dallas for another 4 books! After all that's what she essentially did with the Something So and  This Is and series.  

Have you read any of Natasha Madison's books? If you're into sports romance, start with the Something So series, then head to her This Is series, and then get to know the players from Only One. It's worth it. 

Happy reading,

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Purchases made via links above may result in my earning of a small commission.

Weekly Wrap Up

 

Before looking at Goodreads, I was prepared to tell you that my reading didn't go as planned last week. I'll just blame those thoughts on being sick for the last handful of days. 🤣 Apparently my brain has turned to mush, and I've forgotten how to count. In reality my reading was quite plentiful.

During the week of December 27 through January 2, I read 5 books. I KNOW! Considering the fact that I haven't touched a book since late on December 30th, this week was unbelievable! (I really want to call it 6 books, as it looks like I left one off my previous update. I'll give that one a mention anyway.)

So what did I read? Obviously the answer is romance books!

First up is my forgotten book from last week. That is Dirty Talk by Lauren Landish. Now I know what you're probably thinking, and your jaw may have hit the ground when reading the book title. It's not really about that though. I mean, yes there is a bit of "dirty talk", but really it's more about the emerging relationship between a radio personality (think of his show as similar to Love Line) and an app programmer. 

Now is this a book for every romance reader? Um, no. If you're more a "behind closed door" or "fade to black" romance reader, then you'll want to bypass this one.  If you're a fan of a steamier romance, then give this one a try. Oh and if you are an Amazon Prime member, Dirty Talk is currently available on Prime Reading! Now should I read the next 3 books in the series? That is the question that I'm still trying to decide the answer to. 🤷🏼‍♀️

Next up was Sleigh Bride by Xavier Neal. This little book is part of a series called Mistletoe Montana that was created by a variety of authors. Now I went into this book knowing nothing except Xavier Neal wrote it, and that was good enough for me. Or at least at the time it was good enough for me. Now looking back, I wish I had more insight.

This book reads a little bit like a Hallmark movie. Granted it's a bit steamy for Hallmark, but still. You can already picture the fake romance between friends in a cutesy little town, can't you? It's easy to do, especially if you're picturing the Hallmark Christmas movies. 🙂 I'm kind of wishing I had read the first 11 books in the series (this is book 12) to really get to know the town, but I wasn't willing to spend the $17 (plus tax) on the entirety when I only know one of the authors. So there's that. Do I recommend the book? Not really. Something was missing for me with this book. Sorry. 

After flying through Sleigh Bride, it was time to revisit the writings of Lauren Landish. This time I was reading The Dare. It's an office slash forbidden romance, and it was good. I can't lie. I enjoyed it. I'm hoping for a followup novel that focuses on Tiffany. The Dare is about the relationship that forms between Colton Wolfe and Elle Stryker, and all the dares they put each other up to along the way.

Elle and Colton work at the same company, but are at opposite ends of the hierarchy. Colton is in the running to lead the second headquarters for Fox Industries, and Elle works as an assistant/admin. Colton essentially ignores Elle until Tiffany dares Elle to do something. That dare kicks things into action. It also causes some friction between Elle and her dad, Daniel Stryker. Daniel is the other candidate to lead the second headquarters. Is Colton just using Elle to get under Daniel's skin, or is there something more to this relationship? I want to say more, but spoilers! Like the other Lauren Landish book I read, The Dare is on the steamier side. So know that going in if you choose to read it. It's also available through Prime Reading if you do want to check it out. 

It's time to move onto hockey, so let's go!

First of all, Samantha Whiskey snuck one by me! Somehow I missed Sterling being released on December 25th! Believe me, I was shocked. I love her sports romance books, and typically read them the day they are released. This time though I was late to the game, but only by a few days so that's okay. 

Sterling is the sixth book in the Carolina Reapers hockey series. In this book Jansen Sterling has just been traded back to the Reapers, and he is beyond happy to be back with his team! That stint up in Maine with the expansion team was not what he wanted, but he survived. There are two things Sterling wasn't expecting upon his return. The first is to meet a beautiful woman while stuck in an elevator, and the other was to see his half brother, Maxim, in the hallway. The half brother he hates, and wants absolutely nothing to do with.  

Can Jansen Sterling get over his issues with his half brother, Maxim? Can they work together on the ice so that the team can all work together, and play their best? Or will the drama between brothers cause an issue? Then there is London! She desperately wants to work with the Reapers, and she wants to stand out with the company on her own, and not for the fact that her brother, Caspian, is one of the players. Add in the fact that she really wants to date Jansen? Well that's just getting a bit messy. I absolutely loved the book, obviously, and cannot wait to see who the next book will be about. My gut says it will be about Maxim or Caspian. Although I did see a few other names mentioned as well. So time will tell. (and now I'm signed up to receive a text when new books are coming out. Another one will not slip by me unnoticed!)

Last week I won an ARC of Only One Night by Natasha Madison! I literally squee'd when I noticed the tag notification on Facebook. I don't know if you fully understand how excited I was. I have been WAITING for Manning's story since he was first introduced to us back in Only One Kiss. That was in September. When I saw that Manning was book THREE? Oh I wasn't happy. (Miller's story still made me swoon, but I wanted Manning!) But that's in the past, because now I have read this man's story, and all the love. It was everything I wanted it to be, and then some.

Now if you've read the previous two books in the series, you already know that Manning's marriage has been over for years. The only reason he's still married is Murielle won't give him a divorce. Last time he asked, Murielle ran away with Jaxon (their child). Manning has all but given up, and believes he will be stuck in loveless marriage for quite a while. One night he's at a business meeting, and he runs into Evelyn. Manning cannot take his eyes off of her. There is just something about Evelyn that speaks to him. Yes, she's beautiful, but it's more than that. Plus Manning likes the fact that Evelyn doesn't care that he's the Captain for the Dallas Oilers. One thing leads to another, and a one night stand happens. 

Side note: I do not condone affairs, I only see people hurting people. So this is the part of the book that I didn't care for, even though it leads to what it does. 

Now that being said, friends, there is DRAMA about to happen between all parties, but honestly it's mainly Murielle's doing. Get your popcorn ready, because you're about to see a show!

  And you already know we are getting our HEA! It's Natasha, it's what she does. 😍

My last read, before succumbing to the exhaustion and body aches for four days, was Charging by Elise Faber. Charging was another new release that I was anticipating as I have been loving the San Francisco Gold hockey team! It just feels like one big family, and I am here for it. It's also the 10th book in the series. So clearly if I'm this far into a series, I'm sticking with it to the end!

At the beginning of Charging we learn that Char and Logan have a history. So right off the bat we know that this is a second chance romance. Love it. One of my favorite tropes. While this is a second chance romance, it's also a workplace romance. It could also be considered a bit of a forbidden romance in a way since Char is the GM for the Gold, and Logan is a hockey player. But as we know by having read other books in the series, the Gold doesn't exactly care about relationships within the company. So maybe it isn't really a forbidden in the true sense of the trope.

What I enjoyed about Charging was learning about their past, and what drove them apart. The reuniting was sweet, but it also was a bit of a miss with me. The story just didn't flow quite right for me. There wasn't the usual "drama" moment that I've come to expect with the Gold series. Or at least it wasn't between Logan and Char. Overall it was a decent story, but definitely not my favorite. There also seemed to be a disconnect with the other seasoned characters. So to add in these two newbies, it just wasn't the best it could have been. Cannot wait to see what book 11, Caged, will bring. Too bad I have to wait until April to find out. 

So that was my week in reading. Most of the books made me smile and swoon, while a couple were just okay. Not complete misses, but just so-so. What did you read last week? Any standouts? 

Have a wonderful week, and happy reading!

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Purchases made via links above may lead to a small commission earned.

Amazon First Reads {January}

If you're an Amazon Prime member, you may or may not know of this little perk associated with your account. Each month, the First Reads program allows you to download an upcoming new release. Yes, these are selected titles, but still it's a "free" book and you may just end up enjoying it. 

I remember one of my very first selections from July 2019. That month we were allowed to pick two books as well, and to be honest I still haven't read my second selection. I do vividly remember A Fire Sparkling by Julianne Maclean! It is predominantly a historical fiction set during World War II, but it also brings you back to current times as well. We bounce back and forth like that because we are learning about Vivian Hughes, and her life living in Britain during that time. Oh my word, so good.  In August 2019 I had selected a psychological thriller called Here to Stay by Mark Edwards, and it was FABULOUS. The ending completely tripped me up, and I was not expecting it at all. Definitely a must read. And if you know me, you know that this isn't a usual genre read for me, but I don't regret my choice one bit. 

For the month of January, Amazon First Reads is letting us pick TWO books to download. Heck ya!

So what are the options? Well, honestly there are nine fabulous picks, so remember you get to pick two. 

If you like suspense, go with The Shadow Box by Luanne Rice. 

If you like contemporary, then Hadley and Grace by Suzanne Redfearn would be a great option.

Are you a fan of thrillers? Look at Not One Of Us by Debbie Herbert.

Oh you want historical fiction? Then you're looking for West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge. 

Want another thriller option, but with some espionage mixed in? Definitely check out Water Memory by Daniel Pyne. 

For literary fiction, First Reads is offering up Gerta by Katerina Tuckova. 

Looking for Nonfiction, yep got you covered with a memoir! Widowish by Melissa Gould sounds like it will be a good, yet emotional read. 

There's a global fiction option as well in The Ardent Swarm by Yamen Manai. 

Last, but certainly not least, there is a picture book option! Sadie Sprocket Builds a Rocket by Sue Fliess sounds like a cute story, so join Sadie and head off to Mars!

Think you know which two I selected? Tell me below! Maybe I'll surprise you with my selections. But maybe, just maybe, you'll have guessed it easily.

I'll tell you this, I am wishing I had chosen a different book for one of my choices. Having reread the descriptions, yeah, I know which one I'll be paying money for!

Which books are you going to choose? Tell me! 

Happy Reading,

What, did you think I'd leave you hanging? I could never do that. 🙂 My choices for January were Widowish, and Hadley & Grace. Did you guess correctly? If I could re-select though, I'd keep Hadley & Grace, but swap in Water Memory. Seriously, go read the description for Water Memory and tell me it doesn't sound fabulous!

What Laura's Reading participates in the Amazon Affiliates program.

So any purchases made via links in the post, may result in a small commission for me.

Goodreads: Year in Books

 

It's that time of year my friends. 

It is time to look at the stats Goodreads has put together utilizing the information I've provided them. 

We are talking books read, pages read, average rating, shortest book, longest book, and average book length. Of course Goodreads also shows you the cover for each book you read. They also refresh your memory of the first review you wrote for the year, as well as the last review of the year. Now I don't tend to write my reviews on Goodreads, so I ignore that part. Goodreads doesn't tell you your most read genre, but I decided to add that in. (we all know what mine is anyway)

Are you ready to see my reading stats for 2020? I know I am!

Books read:

310

Pages read:

79,477

First Book of 2020:

Green Tea Latte to Go by Aven Ellis

Last Book of 2020:

Only One Night by Natasha Madison

Shortest Book: 72 Pages

The Tea Dragon Society by Katie O'Neill

Longest Book: 556 Pages

Renegades by Marissa Meyer

Average Book Length:

256

Average Rating: ⭐️

3.8

Most Read Genre:

Romance

I absolutely love how I started the year with one favorite author, and ended the year with another. That just might be the perfect way to do it. After all I know I'll start with a happily ever after, and I'll end with one too. 

Now I feel like I should preface my year in books by saying this isn't typical for anyone, especially me. Reading the amount of books I did was pretty much my escape from the pandemic. Some turned towards bingeing tv shows, others toward trying new recipes, others toward fitness. I turned to books. 

What did your stats look like for 2020? What was your original goal? Most read genre? If you met your goal, that's awesome. If you didn't meet your goal, that's okay too! 

Happy 2021! May this year be filled with books that bring you happiness.

*What Laura's Reading participates in the Amazon Affiliates program.

Purchases made via the links in this post may earn me a small commission.