The 5 Duets I Read in 2022 {Bookmas}

Hello Bookmas Day 4! Today I am sharing the 5 duets that I read in 2022. 

All five shared two things: 1) I could not put them down, and 2) I whined when the cliffhanger happened. The cliffhangers in these books were torturous, but I survived. Obviously. 

There was one duet where I had to wait about 5 months for the second book, but the wait was 100% worth it. The author gave me everything I could have wanted in that second half of the story.

What were the 5 duets? Thank you for asking, I'd love to tell you. 

The Mysterious Mr Marcellus by Tomi Tabb {a review}

"This was to be my last chance at making a match. I was foolish to hope that I might finally come away from London a married woman."

Tomi Tabb just released her FIRST Regency Romance novella! When Tomi emailed me, to see if I'd be interested in reviewing The Mysterious Mr Marcellus, I told her that I'd never read a regency romance before. Yet I didn't let that stop me. After all you never truly know what you like and dislike until you've read a lot of different genres, tropes, etc. Since I'm familiar with Tomi's writing, her character development, and all of that, I figured I'd give it a try. It's a novella, so why not? Well let me tell you, I was intrigued.

My rating for The Mysterious Mr Marcellus:

After reading The Mysterious Mr. Marcellus, I now think I need to check out other Regency romances. Or at least others similar to what Tomi has written.

As this was my first (maybe 2nd as I seem to recall a paranormal type regency) Regency, I went into it with an open mind. Like I said above, I know Tomi's writing, so I just trusted that. Honestly I loved this novella. I was immediately curious about Helen, and wanted to know more about her. Then when Mr Marcellus was introduced, my curiosity piqued even more. I truly loved their meet-cute, and the gossip that happened after.

I loved the balls, and all that glitz and glamour. I was fascinated by the visits that took place, and how there was certain protocol and time limitations. All of that was just so interesting.

Now I was confused as to what a "Season" was. I'd never heard that term before, so I had to go to good ole Google. Here's what I found from one website:

The Season refers to the annual period when it was customary for the country’s elite families to unite for balls, dinner parties et al decked in their finest attire.

That makes total sense, and I now understand. I cannot imagine the cost that went into these elaborate events, and what the cost of a full Season truly entailed. Could you imagine that happening today? That would easily be $100k and up. Or at least that's what I'm picturing.

Tomi, you need to write another! Full length or novella, I'll read it!

Now I need Regency recommendations. Novellas are preferred, or anything that you'd recommend to a beginner. Steam level doesn't matter.

Happy Reading,
Laura

Amazon | Goodreads | BookBub

After four unsuccessful Seasons in London, Helen Davenport is aware that she is out of time. Her father cannot afford another Season. With a meager dowry and few connections, what gentlemen would have her? At the age of three and twenty, she might as well consider herself a spinster.

Yet, Helen’s father, Mr. Davenport refuses to give in so easily. After finding a way to raise the funds, Helen soon finds herself in London for one final Season.

When an accident during a morning walk through Hyde Park literally throws her into the path of a gentleman named Mr. Marcellus, Helen learns that there are some circumstances that lie beyond her control. Namely, the vile gossip of the Ton.

With her reputation called into question, Mr. Marcellus promises Helen he will do his duty as a gentleman and marry her. Except there is one problem…no one in town has ever heard of her rescuer. Just who is the mysterious Mr. Marcellus?

Thank you Tomi for providing me with an advanced copy of The Mysterious Mr Marcellus.

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

Purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission.

Thank you!

Monthly Wrap Up {November}

Fear not November's challenge bold—

We've books and friends,

And hearths that never can grow cold:

These make amends!

~Alexander L. Fraser (1870–1954), "November," c.1918

Did anyone see where November went? Were we not just voting in the midterm elections? I mean I know I had a child home sick for a week, but somehow an entire month went by.

November was a pretty quiet month in our house. My oldest daughter turned 10, and celebrated with a group of friends. That same day, my youngest came down with some sort of bug. That kept her home for 5 days. I also made sure to go and vote on election day. (That was when my youngest was sick, so I masked up, and kept my distance from the other voters! Plus I waited for my husband to get home so I wasn't taking her with.) Toward the end of the month a cold took down my middles (10 & 8). Plus my 8 year old showed me that his skin does not tolerate scented laundry detergent. So I had to rewash all of his clothing and bedding. The only other thing that happened this month was my Mom and stepdad returning from Florida! It was so nice to see them, and spend time with them as they had been gone for 6 weeks.

Aside from all of that, and reading, I also have been listening to Faith in the Future by Louis Tomlinson on repeat. Constantly. It's pretty much the only thing I listen to. I am obsessed with this album. (Okay fine I'm alternating occasionally with Midnights and Harry's House.)

The Cabin at Candy Cane Lane by Laramie Briscoe {a review}

I want this familiarity, this peace. I've needed it for far too long, and if she's the person to give it to me, I'm not going to let it slip through my fingers again.

If you are looking for a Hallmark movie in book form, then The Cabin at Candy Cane Lane by Laramie Briscoe should be the book you pick up. This book is second chance romance, insta-love, forced proximity, small town, and it's set at Christmastime. 

My rating for The Cabin at Candy Cane Lane:

I am a sucker for a second chance romance. Add in one set at Christmas time with forced proximity as one of the tropes, and I'm a goner. This book was short, sweet, and steamy!

Holly has just returned to Blizzard Bluff after her life was flipped upside down. Not only did her wedding not happen, her apartment was all packed up as she was supposed to move with her husband, and now her job is on the line. Perfect timing to head back home to figure it all out. Meanwhile back in Blizzard Bluff, Lucas is there continuing to work at the family business, and feeling stressed. Not only is he stressed, he's also grieving the loss of his dad. It is when he takes a last minute job at a friends cabin, that his life is about to change when he runs into his high school sweetheart.

The Cabin at Candy Cane Lane was a hallmark movie in book format and I loved every second of it.  My only "complaint" is that it wasn't a full length novel. I would have loved to witness Lucas and Holly's relationship build, see some drama/conflict step in to mess things up, and then the reunion. But that is a minor complaint, and I know that this story was meant to be a novella. I mean in Laramie's newsletter today it was even stated:

Since I started writing, I've always wanted to do a Christmas novella that has Hallmark vibes with plenty of steam.

Well Laramie accomplished that! If you are wanting a holiday read in the month of December, go purchase this book!

Happy Reading,
Laura

Amazon | Goodreads | BookBub

Holly, jolly and all that's naughty...

Holly Wreath

Christmas is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year. But not this year; at least not for me.

Laid off from my job, left at the altar, and wanting to bury my head until the new year I head to a family friend's cabin.

Blizzard Bluff was in my rearview as soon as I graduated high school, but now I'm heading back to lick my wounds.

The last person I expect to see is the boy who made my heart pound as a teenager. Only he's a man now, and he's going to be the one to turn my holiday around.

Thank you Laramie Briscoe, and Greys Promotions, for providing me with an advanced copy of The Cabin at Candy Cane Lane.

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

Purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission.

Thank you!

Bookish Q&A {Bookmas}

It's time for a bookish q&a! Where possible, my goal is to keep my answers to books I've read in 2022. There are a couple that will be from previous years, but since Bookmas is a chance to look back at the year, I feel it's best to give as current of answers as possible. Should you choose to answer these prompts, you can answer however you would prefer. (obviously)

Currently Reading

The Mysterious Mr Marcellus by Tomi Tabb

Last Book Read

A Greene Family Christmas by Piper Rayne

Favorite Book or Series

Um...I can't answer this! Choosing a favorite is too difficult. So I'll provide my current favorite series:
Totally Pucked by Maren Moore
Gold Hockey by Elise Faber
Tennessee Thunderbolts by Gina Azzi

The Edge by Kristin Turnage

An author I always recommend

Aven Ellis
She has so many different options within the romance genre. Looking for a royal romance series? Modern Royals. Looking for a hockey series? Aven has 3! How about baseball? Yep, the DC Soaring Eagles! Then there's her business romances in the British Isles series. They are all wonderful. She also has a soccer/football romance series starting up in 2023!

A book/series I DNF'd

One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston
I had loved Red White and Royal Blue, so I was excited to see how this book would be. It wasn't what I wanted, and I don't think I'll revisit.

A fictional place I'd like to visit

Oaks North Carolina
(aka the setting for The Edge series)

An OTP I love

Parker and Cooper
(Something So Right by Natasha Madison is their story, but they make appearances in many other books in the various hockey romance series.)

Favorite book cover owned

This is a difficult one for me as I don't tend to buy the book for the cover, I buy it for the story. If I must choose, I'm going with:

Everything is Ok by Debbie Tung

I love Debbie's art and storytelling. It is all so relatable for me.

Last disappointing read

Lukas, Sometimes by Tempest Phan
I found it really difficult to get invested in the story, and I didn't care for the characters.

A trope I love to see

Brother's Best Friend, or any iteration of that. It's one of my top 3 for a reason!

A trope I can't stand

This is a hard one for me. But I think I'd have to say cheating. I've read one book with that as a trope, and I wasn't a fan.

A fictional character that reminds me of myself

I have two that came to mind.
Holly Johannson from On Thin Ice by Aven Ellis and Jaye Jenkins from Compassion by Xavier Neal.

A highly anticipated book/series release

Made For series from Natasha Madison
How can I not? It's another hockey romance series that ties in with all the others. I HAVE TO READ THEM!

On my TBR

Too many books to even think about. My December Anticipated Reads post sums up my TBR for the month.

My comfort read

Everyone's a Aliebn When UR a Aliebn Too by Jomny Sun

I haven't re-read this one yet in 2022, but I just love everything about this book.

A favorite side character

Miko from The Bennett Duet by Xavier Neal
I know this duet was from late 2020/early 2021, but I am still crossing all the crossables that Miko will get a book. If I can't have a full length novel, I'll settle for a novella. Just no short story please, I can't handle that teasing.

My favorite book to tv/movie adaptation

Hunger Games
I know, I know, that was a while ago. But I just loved how the action was brought to life, and I was fully invested. (note to self: rebuy this series!)

A villain I love to hate

Savannah from Vegas Aces: The Wide Receiver

If you've read any of the Vegas Aces series, then you know who Savannah is. She's pretty much the worst.

My favorite reading spot

It's a toss up between my comfy chair, and my bed. But I'm going to go with bed. After all that's where the majority of my reading takes place each night.

Latest book purchase or haul

I honestly haven't purchased anything recently. I have downloaded some freebies, but nothing else. I'm trying to hold off for Christmas, as people want gift ideas.

Longest book read

Driven: The Complete Series by K Bromberg

This was in 2021, but I don't know when I'll top 806 pages.

Shortest book read

The Crash by Skye Warren & Amelia Wilde

My bookish goals for 2023

Read 150 books
Restart my Instagram/Bookstagram (and figure out Reels)
Continue to review books

 Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

Purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission.

Thank you!