Castle Mountain Lodge

I've found another romance series to read!  I got book one as a freebie, and I did enjoy it.  I think I'm going to end up really liking this author as I read more.  I feel like she has popped up in my e-mails with freebies before, too.  So, I'm going to have to search my Nook and Kindle libraries for more books by her.  I do have a tendency to one-click often!  

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Unexpected Gifts by Elena Aitken

It's been awhile since I've read a Christmas-y book around the holidays.  In all honesty, I didn't know that it was going to be set in Christmas time when I began, but I loved that it was.  What a great way to put you in the Holiday spirit!

Andi is a character that I feel like every reader will empathize with.  She's been through something that's horrible and heart breaking and the person who should have been there wasn't.  Colin is the typical guy who thinks he's not relationship type, but might be more than he realizes.  I loved the chance meeting, the forced proximity, and just the chemistry between the two.  Even more than that, I loved the challenge Colin gave himself to help Andi learn to love Christmas again, even when he didn't know what made her stop.

There were times over the course of this book that I laughed, but also times where I teared up a bit.  And overall I was left with a feeling of contentment.  I think the story went exactly where it needed to go and it was effortless in its flow.

I hadn't read this author before, but I already am excited to read the 2nd book in the Castle Mountain Lodge series.

Back in Sweet Pea

As much as I loved this book, it took me forever to write the review.  The main problem was, the things I was most excited about and loved the most were difficult to put into words without giving spoilers.  And I, personally, hate spoilers in reviews.  I want to know how you felt about the book or how the book made you feel and vague things you might have liked or disliked, but not specifics and even when I tried to be vague, it seemed too spoilerish.  In any case, here is my review of the 2nd book in the Sweet Pea Flings series.

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Sneaking Around With Slade by Piper James

If you love a good, cute (but also spicy,) contemporary romance, I'm convinced that you can't go wrong with Piper James.  Every book is fun to read, emotional, and full of heat.

If you've read the first book in the Sweet Pea Flings series, then you've already met both Saylor and Slade in passing.  And you also know they have a secret.  I, personally, am a huge fan of the 'brother's best friend' romance trope, but this story adds a bit of an age gap as well.  Sometimes that can be a turn off for me, but I found that it wasn't in this book.  

What I loved most about this book was how Ford reacted to the news.  I found it made me love him as a character even more than I already did.  I also can't get over how creative this author is to make sure each book in each series ends up tying into the previous ones.  For me, it makes the reading of these series even more enjoyable.

I am already looking forward to the next book in this series, in addition to anything Ms. James writes in the future.  

Can you say YUM?

I both love and hate books that include recipes.  I don't need more reasons to make and eat tasty food, you know?  But let me tell you, there were parts of this book that had my mouth watering!  More than that though, I really loved the main characters.  I found she was so well developed and an enjoyment to "listen to" as she told her story.  And I know I've said before that I enjoy reading contemporary fiction about other cultures.  That was another big reason to love this book.  I highly recommend!

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With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo

I listened to this book on Audio using the Libby app.  I have to say that I really enjoyed the narrator.  I think it really enhances the book if the narration is done well.

I loved learning about different cultures in this book.  While it primarily takes place in Philadelphia, there are many references to Puerto Rico as well as a trip to Spain.  Getting little lessons about other places and people while reading fiction is a very cool thing.

Emoni is a character who has been through things that a lot of girls her age have not and so has a very different mental voice than other teens her age might.  I found the story being told from her thoughts to be so intriguing, especially when the more "normal" teenage side would show itself.  But she is a very mature teenager due to her life circumstances and that shows up in her narration.  

The other thing about this book that I truly loved, was the chapter titles and the little recipes thrown in throughout the book.  It made the story a little more fun and made me a little hungry as well.

I think fans of contemporary young adult books, fans of books with food or cooking in them, and stories about overcoming challenges are going to love this book.

Nesta's Story

I have loved the journey this series has taken me on, but I'm so upset that the next book isn't out yet!  OMG I'm so impatient!  Anyway, here's my review for probably my favorite book in the series so far.

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A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas

Here's me over here, reading these books because TikTok goes crazy for them, right?  And then here's me realizing this is the last published book in the series and now I have to wait.  Like, what?  TikTok what have you done to me?  Ok so that was my fun way of warning you, if you are reading this to be aware that the next book isn't out yet!  There are also a few trigger warnings in this one.  If you react badly to descriptions of abuse, you might be triggered.  There are also mentions of rape.  

Ok, now that I've gotten through my warnings, I can tell you that this was an amazing book.  I think I liked it better than the previous three to be honest!  I love Feyre and Rhys, don't get me wrong, but somehow I connected more with Nesta.  Which shocked me because I didn't much care for her in the other books.  Getting inside her head, however, was a totally different story.  Once I could see things from her point of view, I realized that I'm much more like Nesta than Feyre.  

Another thing I really and truly loved about this book was the relationship between Cassian and Nesta.  I think the way he supported her and was so patient as she worked through her issues and faced her demons was impressive and what everyone should aspire to when dealing with someone who has had trauma in their lives.  

And finally, I really enjoyed the friendships that Nesta made with Gwyn and Amery.  Those connections through their various trauma and recovery reminded me so much of all the strong female friendships I've had in my life and how important that is.  Their support for each other and lifting each other up made this book so much more wonderful for me.

Late October Reading

I pulled out this book and the one I read previously to read for the week of Halloween and then I just didn't read as much as I thought I would  So here I am nearing the end of November and have finally finished books I chose for October reading.  It's ok though, I'm definitely a mood reader and just because I didn't finish them in time for Halloween doesn't mean I didn't enjoy reading them.  I am, however, excited to move back to my contemporary romances!

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The Color of Fear by Billy Phillips and Jenny Nissenson

If you are a fan of darker fairy tale retellings, you will probably enjoy this book.  Was it written for a younger audience, yes, but did I still enjoy it even though I'm in my 40s?  Also yes!  

I loved the imagery in this book and how there was a deeper meaning behind the journey that Caitlin takes.  I think the descriptions of the characters was excellent, and the author did a great job of bringing the reader along on the voyage through not only the descriptions of the characters, but also the scenery and events.

The other thing I really enjoyed was the encompassment of all different types of fairy tales.  From Rapunzel, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella and the rest, to Jack and the Beanstalk and Alice in Wonderland... all of the childhood favorites were covered.  In addition to that, the authors who created these characters were mentioned as well, which I found to be a great homage to them and a testament to their longevity.

There was a cliffhanger at the end, and to be honest when I bought the book (at a Scholastic Book Fair) I wasn't aware it was a series.  I will have to look into finding the next book.

Freebies for the Win

I love getting freebies on my Nook and Kindle.  I found Evelyn Adams on my Nook in some freebies I'd downloaded ages ago.  Now I'm very excited because I've found another romance author who I know I will enjoy pretty much anything I read by her!  Have any of you found new authors this way?

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Feels Like Home by Evelyn Adams

I was disappointed with myself for reading the first book in the spin off series before I read this one.  However, as it turns out, it's not necessary to read this first series before reading the spin off.  Each series can stand alone.

I loved how this book showed how cruel some people can be, and at the same time showed how your background and circumstances don't get to determine the outcome of your life.  It's powerful to me, when a main character can show the other how much they are worth in spite of their perceived flaws.  We all think the worst of ourselves at times and reading a romance like this one can give us hope that the right person will see past what we hate about ourself.  

There was on character, other than the one I'm sure we were meant to dislike, that I really despised and I'm wondering if there will be a redeeming point for him in the future of this series, as he seems to have a close connection with the main family.  I was shocked and disappointed in his actions and even at the end of the book, I didn't like him much.

This being the second book I've read by this author, I can say with certainty that I will be reading more.  I love the emotions she puts into the books and how much depth there is to her characters.  Her writing style is engaging and I found myself drawn in from the very first page.

The Name of the Pig

 So, I started this book from Prime Reading and while the title is cute and clever for the story, it's also the name of a pig in the story (Romeo) and I found that to be quite funny.  I'm really loving RomCom and Contemporary Romances right now, so that's a lot of what the reviews I'll be doing are about.  If you happen to not like those, don't fear, I'm a mood reader and I'm sure to phase on to something new soon!

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Not My Romeo by Ilsa Madden-Mills

I borrowed this book with Prime Reading and I enjoyed it very much!  I loved the idea of a mistaken identity leading to a love story.  Of course, there has to be some stumbling blocks along the way.  Like the person not telling the other that they aren't who they think they are!  

I think the fact that Jack is so vulnerable in spite of his status makes him that much more swoon-worthy.  I really liked that he wasn't some cocky jock who thought the world revolved around him until the right girl stepped in.  He already had flaws and didn't realize his own worth.  I also enjoyed the small town life of Elena and her family and friends.  Coupled with the big time status of Jack, it made for a really cute story.

I hadn't read any of this author before, though several had been on my wish list, so I'm very glad to have found this on Prime Reading so that I could give it a try.  I'll definitely be looking more into this author.

Off to Sweet Pea!

I love when I find an author that I really love.  It's become quite obvious that I'm going to enjoy anything written by Ms. Piper James (aka Wendi Wilson.)  I found this author on TikTok, so thankful to have found my niche over there.  I can't wait to get started on some of her other genres, but I'm enthralled with her contemporary romances.  The following is my review for book one in her newest series!

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Fooling Around With Ford by Piper James

I was so surprised and excited to find out that Piper James had a new book coming out!  I'm slightly embarrassed to say that it took me way too long to recognize the connection between this book and the previous Red River Romps series.  I absolutely love that this author chooses to connect her series in this way.  It makes it so fun for the reader to feel like they already know some of the characters and have been involved in this world for so long.

In the first Sweet Pea Flings we meet Dakota's sister and she's pretty much at her lowest.  The amazing people and atmosphere in this town change her perspective, and obviously Ford had something to do with it as well.  As much as I loved the main characters, the side characters really shine through in Ms. James' writing.  I think it's a large reason that readers keep coming back to her books.

If you enjoy a good contemporary romance with a bit of spice thrown in.  Or if you've enjoyed any of Piper James previous books or series, I think you will truly love Fooling Around with Ford!  As for myself, I can't wait to see who the second book in the series will be about!