Reading Right Now! (245)

Hooray! The long work hours are officially over and I can go back to my regular potato life. It feels so good. The long work hours did really mess with my reading for the month of February though. I've only finished three books so far and there's a good chance that I won't finish anything else. That's the lowest reading month I've had in a long while. It's a little bit of a bummer, but oh well.
What I'm Reading Right Now! is...

 

The Remaking by Clay McLeod Chapman -- This book really caught my interest because of the synopsis and awesome cover. I'm over the halfway point in it and it's okay. It's got a really cool concept, I'm just not sold on the execution. It can be very long-winded. I don't really love the main character. I just wish it was told in a different way.

So, a quick what it's about, it starts off with an urban legend that gets told around campfires, which then gets turned into a 1970's cheesy movie that becomes a cult classic, which then gets remade into a 1990's version, which then gets the podcast love in the present day. That synopsis sounds so cool. The Book's not bad, but it doesn't have that edge-of-your-seat feeling either.

Nocturna (#1) by Maya Motayne -- I'm enjoying this one so far. It's got magic, a prince, a face-changing thief. The writing is really quick. I'm interested. It's good. And, another awesome cover!

And that's what I'm Reading Right Now! What are you reading?

BLOG TOUR: Wild, Wild Rake by Janna MacGregor

I am excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Wild, Wild Rake by Janna MacGregor. This is the sixth book in the Cavensham Heiresses Series, but they can be read in any order. I was sent a free electronic copy from the Publisher for honest review. Thanks so much to St. Martin's Paperbacks and Janna MacGregor for letting me be a part of this fun, romantic tour!

Title: Wild, Wild Rake (The Cavensham Heiresses #6)

Author: Janna MacGregor

Published by: St. Martin's Paperbacks

Released: February 25, 2020

Source: Review Copy from Publisher

Goodreads   Amazon

Synopsis: Her first marriage was an epic failure. 

Lady Avalon Warwyck never did love her husband. Arrogant, selfish, and cruel, it’s a blessing when she’s widowed and left to raise her son all by herself. Finally, Avalon can live freely and do the work she loves: helping fallen women become businesswomen. She’s lived these past ten years with no desire to remarry―that is, until Mr. Devan Farris comes to town.

Can he convince her to take another chance at happily ever after? 

Devan Farris―charming vicar, reputed rake, and the brother of Avalon’s son’s guardian―is reluctantly sent to town to keep tabs on Avalon and her son. Devan wishes he didn’t have to meddle in her affairs; he’s not one to trod on a woman’s independent nature and keen sense of convictions. But she’ll have nothing to do with vicar with a wild reputation―even though he’s never given his heart and body to another. If only he could find a way to show Avalon who he really is on the inside―a good, true soul looking for its other half. But how can prove that he wants to love and care for her. . .until death do they part? (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: I liked this historical romance a lot! It is a part of the Cavensham Heiresses Series, but they don't have to be read in order to be enjoyed. This book follows Lady Avalon and Devan Farris, and I enjoyed every second of their story. It definitely gave me what I wanted.

I really enjoyed the journey of their romance. It didn't happen too fast or too slow, it progressed just right. I also liked the switch where the lady was more experienced then the gentleman. That is something I don't tend to see in romance books. It's usually the guy who is more experienced and the girl is sweet and innocent. It was a nice change on the formula.

It had a nice amount of steam to it that I enjoyed.

I also liked how Avalon was able to do what she wanted in life, at least after the death of her husband. Being a widow gave her some freedoms with what she wanted to do and pursue.

All in all, I really enjoyed Wild, Wild Rake by Janna MacGregor. If you love a good historical romance, I'd definitely suggest giving this a read. Plus, the purple vibe from this cover is on point!

Janna MacGregor was born and raised in the bootheel of Missouri. She credits her darling mom for introducing her to the happily-ever-after world of romance novels. Janna writes stories where compelling and powerful heroines meet and fall in love with their equally matched heroes. She is the mother of triplets and lives in Kansas City with her very own dashing rogue, and two smug, but not surprisingly, perfect pugs. She loves to hear from readers.

Visit her at www.JannaMacGregor.com.
Twitter: @JannaMacGregor
Facebook: Janna MacGregor
Sign up for her newsletter atwww.JannaMacGregor.com 

Thank you for stopping by my Blog Tour Stop for Wild, Wild Rake by Janna MacGregor. Thanks so much to St. Martin's Paperbacks and Janna MacGregor for letting me be a part of this romantic tour!

BLOG TOUR: Before He Vanished by Debra Webb

I am really excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Before He Vanished by Debra Webb. I was provided a free copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Harlequin Intrigue and Debra Webb for letting me be a part of this mysterious tour.

Title: Before He Vanished

Author: Debra Webb

Published by: Harlequin Intrigue

Released: March 1, 2020

Source: Review Copy from Publisher

Goodreads   Amazon

Synopsis: His disappearance changed her life forever.

Twenty-five years ago, Halle Lane's best friend vanished from their Tennessee town. When a childhood photo brings Liam Hart to Winchester, Halle is certain the man is the same child who vanished. Now Liam seeks out Halle to help him investigate the circumstances of his mysterious past. Can Liam and Halle uncover the truth before a killer buries all traces of the boy Halle loved--and the man he may have become--forever? (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: What a fun book with a really captivating mystery. I really liked it! Debra Webb did a great job of keeping me on my toes and guessing until the last page. I am always a fan of a mystery, and this one definitely delivered.

I enjoyed the two characters of Halle and Liam. I liked how they teamed up to find out secrets and a killer. They made a good team.

This was great! I'd definitely recommend it if mysteries are your thing. It's quick, it's fast, and it will keep you on the edge of your seat.

DEBRA WEBB is the USA Today bestselling author of more than 150 novels, including reader favorites the Shades of Death, the Faces of Evil and the Colby Agency series. She is the recipient of the prestigious Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for Romantic Suspense as well as numerous Reviewers Choice Awards. In 2012 Debra was honored as the first recipient of the esteemed L. A. Banks Warrior Woman Award for her courage, strength, and grace in the face of adversity. Recently Debra was awarded the distinguished Centennial Award for having achieved publication of her 100th novel. 

With more than four million books in print in numerous languages and countries, Debra’s love of storytelling goes back to her childhood when her mother bought her an old typewriter in a tag sale. Born in Alabama, Debra grew up on a farm. She spent every available hour exploring the world around her and creating her stories. She wrote her first story at age nine and her first romance at thirteen. It wasn’t until she spent three years working for the Commanding General of the US Army in Berlin behind the Iron Curtain and a five-year stint in NASA’s Shuttle Program that she realized her true calling. A collision course between suspense and romance was set. Since then she has expanded her work into some of the darkest places the human psyche dares to go. Visit Debra atwww.debrawebb.com.

Thanks for stopping by my Blog Tour Stop for Before He Vanished by Debra Webb. Thanks so much to Harlequin Intrigue and Debra Webb for letting me be a part of this tour.

Reading Right Now! (244)

My reading this month has been sad. I just haven't had the time to really sit down and read during the week because of work. I had a big project at work and it wasn't that fun. 
So... what I'm Reading Right Now! is...

-- Stormrise  by Jillian Boehme -- I'm liking this. At the beginning, it has a very Mulan feel. Like Mulan but with different characters. Some of the situations are very similar. That's okay though, because I love Mulan. I also really love the cover for this book. It's nice.

The dragons are not what I thought they were going to be. They have hair, six legs, I'm not even sure if they fly. They can run really fast, but I don't think I ever got the impression that they could fly. It's different.

So I'm really planning on finishing this this weekend. That would then make three books read for February so far. I am slightly ashamed that it's not more.

So that's what I'm Reading Right Now! What are you reading?

BLOG TOUR: Inebriated by Katey Taylor

I am really excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Inebriated by Katey Taylor. I received a free copy of this book for honest review. Thanks so much to Xpresso Tours and Katey Taylor for letting me be a part of this Tour.

Title: Inebriated

Author: Katey Taylor

Published by: Katey Taylor

Released: February 26, 2019

Source: Review Copy from Author and Xpresso Tours

Goodreads   Amazon

Synopsis: Barely seventeen and as pretty as can be: the summer is their playground. Cait and her best friends Steph and Allie take on San Francisco's party scene with fake IDs and short dresses. 

When Cait meets Adrien Cross, the charismatic lead singer of her favorite indie band, she's introduced to a hedonistic world of liquor and lust that she never wants to leave.
But then that world spirals out of control and the harsh realities of reckless living take a toll on Cait and the ones she loves.
What will be left when the makeup masks wash off, the bottles are empty, and Cait begins to lose her grip on everything?

Katey Taylor's heart-wrenching debut novel will have you strapped into the intense rollercoaster ride of Cait's life and one chaotic summer that will change it all. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: A rollercoaster ride is right! This book was intense. A lot of stuff happened, things went down, and consequences were felt. I really enjoyed Katey Taylor's debut novel. I think it was an eye opening look into what can happen when you live fast and loose. Cait's focus on just living large really does end in a kind of disaster.

I wish Cait's parents had been there for her more. Had noticed what she was doing. I think it really shows that parents need to be a part of their children's lives, try to teach them and protect them before letting them loose in the world.

Inebriated was a really intense read, not for the faint of heart, and I'm glad I got to experience the journey. It's an awesome debut and I can't wait to see what's next from Katey Taylor.

Katey Taylor is the author behind the emotionally wrenching Young Adult Novel Inebriated. Katey's passion for storytelling stemmed not long after she first learned to write with a pencil. Every story she writes is infused with a piece of her heart and her absolute muses of music and travel. She's a San Francisco Bay Area native living in a house that sits on a bayside lagoon with her husband and two cats.

Thank you for stopping by my Blog Tour Stop for Inebriated by Katey Taylor. Thanks so much to Xpresso Tours and Katey Taylor for letting me be a part of the Tour!

BLOG TOUR: Foul is Fair by Hannah Capin

I am really excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Foul is Fair by Hannah Capin. The synopsis really drew me in and convinced me I needed to read this book. I received a free copy from the publisher for honest review. Thanks so much to Wednesday Books and Hannah Capin for letting me be a part of this fun Blog Tour. Wednesday Books is one of my favorite publishers because they release such good things.

Title: Foul is Fair

Author: Hannah Capin

Published by: Wednesday Books

Released: February 18, 2020

Source: Review Copy from Publisher

Goodreads   Amazon

Synopsis: Elle and her friends Mads, Jenny, and Summer rule their glittering LA circle. Untouchable, they have the kind of power other girls only dream of. Every party is theirs and the world is at their feet. Until the night of Elle’s sweet sixteen, when they crash a St. Andrew’s Prep party. The night the golden boys choose Elle as their next target. 

They picked the wrong girl. 
Sworn to vengeance, Elle transfers to St. Andrew’s. She plots to destroy each boy, one by one. She’ll take their power, their lives, and their control of the prep school’s hierarchy. And she and her coven have the perfect way in: a boy named Mack, whose ambition could turn deadly. 

Foul is Fair is a bloody, thrilling revenge fantasy for the girls who have had enough. Golden boys beware: something wicked this way comes. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: Wow! This was dark, brutal, and I loved it! Foul is Fair is an intense ride, filled with revenge, and a girl gang. You don't mess with these girls, they have long memories and won't forgive and forget. 

I love a good brutal book, so I was all for Foul is Fair. I enjoyed every minute of it. I kept flipping pages, being shocked, and not wanting to put it down.

I really enjoyed Hannah Capin's writing. I'm definitely going to be on the lookout for more books by her.

Revenge on this level was craaaazy, but so much fun to read about. If you're ready for a book that's not going to play nice, then Foul is Fair would definitely be the one. I really liked it and I'd recommend giving it a read.

Hannah Capin lives in Tidewater Virginia. She ​holds degrees from the Indiana University School of Music and Columbia University. When she isn't working on her next book, you'll find her sailing, singing, or scheming with her friends. She is the author of THE DEAD QUEENS CLUB and FOUL IS FAIR (2020).

Thanks so much for stopping by my Blog Tour Stop for Foul is Fair by Hannah Capin. I'm really glad I got to read this crazy story. Thanks so much to Wednesday Books and Hannah Capin for including me on this fun tour!

BLOG TOUR: The Borgia Confessions by Alyssa Palombo

I'm really excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for The Borgia Confessions by Alyssa Palombo. I received a free copy from the publisher for honest review. Thanks so much to St. Martin's Griffin and Alyssa Palombo for letting me be a part of this fun tour!

Title: The Borgia Confessions

Author: Alyssa Palombo

Published by: St. Martin's Griffin

Released: February 11, 2020

Source: Review Copy from Publisher

Goodreads   Amazon

Synopsis: 'Under Palombo’s skillful hand, the entangled world of the Borgias comes vividly to life, exposing the dark facets of class structure and the all-consuming greed that comes with ambition--and love." - Heather Webb, internationally bestselling author of Last Christmas in Paris and Meet Me in Monaco 

During the sweltering Roman summer of 1492, Rodrigo Borgia has risen to power as pope. Rodrigo’s eldest son Cesare, forced to follow his father into the church and newly made the Archbishop of Valencia, chafes at his ecclesiastical role and fumes with jealousy and resentment at the way that his foolish brother has been chosen for the military greatness he desired.

Maddalena Moretti comes from the countryside, where she has seen how the whims of powerful men wreak havoc on the lives of ordinary people. But now, employed as a servant in the Vatican Palace, she cannot help but be entranced by Cesare Borgia’s handsome face and manner and finds her faith and conviction crumbling in her want of him.

As war rages and shifting alliances challenge the pope’s authority, Maddalena and Cesare's lives grow inexplicably entwined. Maddalena becomes a keeper of dangerous Borgia secrets, and must decide if she is willing to be a pawn in the power games of the man she loves. And as jealousy and betrayal threaten to tear apart the Borgia family from within, Cesare is forced to reckon with his seemingly limitless ambition.

Alyssa Palombo's captivating new novel, The Borgia Confessions, is a story of passion, politics, and class, set against the rise and fall of one of Italy's most infamous families--the Borgias. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: What an interesting foray into a history that I really knew nothing about. I really enjoyed The Borgia Confessions. I don't really know much about that time period or the people involved, but Alyssa Palombo's writing really created a vivid picture and brought it all to life. I feel like I learned something. 

It was full of politics and the quest for power. These characters weren't people that I really liked or enjoyed, but they were definitely believable and ruthless. I had a lot of fun being a fly on the wall to the Borgias. 

Alyssa Palombo really did a good job of bringing them to life and I could tell that she was really into her subject matter. I really liked her writing and being introduced to this notorious family. I'm definitely going to read more by Alyssa Palombo.

If you want to witness the Borgias, whether you are familiar with them or not, I'd definitely recommend giving The Borgia Confessions a read. It's a book where the story leaps off the page and you are immersed in the life and times of the Borgias. Italy will never be the same.

My name is Alyssa Palombo, and I am a writer living and working in Buffalo, NY. I attended Canisius College in Buffalo, where I majored in English and creative writing with a minor in music. I’m a classically trained mezzo-soprano who also dabbles in playing piano. When not writing, I can usually be found reading, hanging out and laughing way too hard at nonsensical inside jokes with friends, traveling (or dreaming of my next travel destination), at a concert, or planning for next Halloween. I’m a metalhead and a self-proclaimed French fry connoisseur. I also own way too many hoodies, pairs of sunglasses, and pajamas, but never enough books.

I am the author of four historical novels, The Violinist of Venice, The Most Beautiful Woman in Florence, The Spellbook of Katrina Van Tassel, and the upcoming The Borgia Confessions, all from St. Martin’s Griffin. I am represented by Brianne Johnson of Writer’s House.

You can find me on Twitter and Instagram at @AlyssInWnderlnd.

Thank you for stopping by my Blog Tour Stop for The Borgia Confessions by Alyssa Palombo! Thanks so much to St. Martin's Griffin and Alyssa Palombo for letting me be a part of this fun tour.

Review: The Next Together (#1) by Lauren James

Title: The Next Together (#1) 

Author: Lauren James

Published by: Sky Pony Press

Released: 2015

Source: Library

Synopsis: How many times can you lose the person you love? 

Katherine and Matthew are destined to be born again and again, century after century. Each time, their presence changes history for the better, and each time, they fall hopelessly in love, only to be tragically separated. 

Spanning the Crimean War, the Siege of Carlisle and the near-future of 2019 and 2039 they find themselves sacrificing their lives to save the world. But why do they keep coming back? What else must they achieve before they can be left to live and love in peace? 

Maybe the next together will be different...

A powerful and epic debut novel for teenagers about time-travel, fate and the timelessness of first love. The Next Together is told through a mixture of regular prose, diary entries, letters, "original" historical documents, news reports and internet articles. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: This was such a unique read and I really enjoyed it. I loved the format of the story. I'm always a sucker for mixed media books. They are always so fun for me to read. I think the mixed media worked really well for this.

So this story is about two people who meet over and over at different points in time. They fall in love, and it always seems to end in tragedy. In The Next Together, we are following four different timelines of Katherine and Matthew: 2019, 1745, 2039, and 1854. I found each timeline really easy to follow. Each timeline story was really interesting and engaging. Each Katherine and Matthew were slightly different too. They were the same characters, but they were their own characters too. It's hard to explain, but I'm glad that it managed to do that.

I will say, if you're not a fan of insta-love, you might not like this. It very much focuses on the romance between each Katherine and Matthew. It can feel insta-lovey even though it's really not. It's weird, I know.

The ending didn't really give me any of the answers I wanted. I'm confused. I want to know Who? What? and Why? I'm going to read the sequel, so maybe it will give me some of those answers.

I'd say the last fourth of the book got a little confusing. Overall, I liked it. I'm definitely going to read the sequel. It's a unique book.

BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 3.8/5

Very Unique

BLOG TOUR: Been There, Married That by Gigi Levangie

I'm really excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Been There, Married That by Gigi Levangie. I was sent a free e-arc for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to St. Martin's Press and Gigi Levangie for letting me be a part of this fun tour!

Title: Been There, Married That

Author: Gigi Levangie

Published by: St. Martin's Press

Released: February 11, 2020

Source: Review Copy from Publisher

Goodreads   Amazon

Synopsis: A hilarious new novel full of Hollywood glitz, glamour, and scandal.

When he changes the locks, she changes the rules.

Agnes Murphy Nash is the perfect Hollywood wife – she has the right friends, the right clothes, and even a side career of her own as a writer. Her husband Trevor is a bigshot producer, and from the outside it looks like they’re living a picture-perfect celebrity life, complete with tennis tournaments and lavish parties.
But the job description of a Hollywood wife doesn’t cover divorce, which is the way Agnes’ life is headed after she comes home one day to find her credit cards cancelled and the security passwords to get into her enormous LA home changed. Oh, and there’s a guy there whose job it is to tase her if she tries to enter…which she does. Needless to say, Agnes’ husband is dead set on making sure she loses big time, but Agnes isn’t the type to just lie down and take it. In a world of fremenies and hot nannies, personal psychics and “skinny” jello shots, Agnes may be losing her husband, but could that mean getting her own life back?

Been There, Married That is a drop-dead hilarious battle of wills that will make you laugh out loud, cringe, and keep turning the pages to see what crazy disaster will happen to Agnes next…and how she’ll rise from the ashes. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: Been There, Married That is definitely over the top. The characters are very exaggerated. The situations are pushed to the limit. It definitely has its share of funny, ridiculous, and crazy scenes. I mostly liked this book. It was a fun read. It delivered on what was advertised.

I don't know if it will be for everyone. The characters are kind of crappy people. They are vast exaggerations who kind of try too hard. When you don't want to punch them in the face, they can be funny.

I enjoyed Been There, Married That and I'm glad that I got to read it. It was an experience. 

Gigi Levangie is the author of six prior novels, including The After Wife and the New York Times bestseller The Starter Wife, which was adapted as a miniseries for USA Network.

She is the original writer of the screenplay for Stepmom and has written for Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Glamour, and other publications. Levangie lives in Los Angeles.

Thank you for stopping by my Blog Tour Stop for Been There, Married That by Gigi Levangie! Thanks to St. Martin's Press and the author for letting me be a part of this tour.

BLOG TOUR: Her Homecoming Wish by Jo McNally

I'm really excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Her Homecoming Wish by Jo McNally. I received a free copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Harlequin and Jo McNally for letting me be a part of this fun tour.

Title: Her Homecoming Wish

Author: Jo McNally

Published by: Harlequin Special Edition

Released: January 21, 2020

Source: Review Copy from Publisher

Goodreads   Amazon

Synopsis: She’s ready to shed her good-girl ways… 

“You’re all about following the rules now?
“Pity.” 

Mackenzie Wallace hopes there’s still some bad boy lurking beneath single father Danny Adams’s upright exterior. Being the proverbial good girl left her brokenhearted and alone in the past. Now she’s back in town and wants excitement with her high school crush—not love. Dan knows their connection runs deep, despite Mackenzie’s protests. But will their new personas work together—especially when Dan’s secret is exposed? (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: Her Homecoming Wish was a lot of fun, and I'm glad I got to read it. It was romantic, funny, and gave me all the feels. It was just what I wanted from a romance.

I really enjoyed Mackenzie's attempts to shed her good girl image. She was so determined to be bad and edgy. It was obvious it didn't come naturally for her, and it made for some silly situations that made me laugh.

I definitely enjoyed Danny's character. I liked how he was a single father and we got to see the relationship he had with his kid.

Mackenzie and Danny definitely had that spark. I really enjoyed their romance. They had really great chemistry and I was happy to see them realize their true feelings.

I'm glad I got to read Her Homecoming Wish. If you want a cute, fun romance, I'd definitely recommend it.

I write the same kind of romances I like to read – stories about characters facing real-life challenges with real-life consequences. The stories are emotional, but still have humor, and love always finds a way to pull the characters through together.

I live in coastal North Carolina with 100 pounds of dog and 200 pounds of husband – my slice of the bed is very small. When I’m not writing or reading romance novels (or clinging to the edge of the bed…), I can often be found on the back porch sipping wine with friends while listening to an eclectic playlist. If the weather is absolutely perfect, I might join my husband on the golf course, where I always feel far more competitive than my actual skill-level would suggest. 

Thank you for stopping by my Blog Tour Stop for Her Homecoming Wish. If you're looking for a fun romance, this is it! Thanks so much to Harlequin and Jo McNally for letting me be a part of this fun tour.

BLOG TOUR: The Unwilling by Kelly Braffet

I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for The Unwilling by Kelly Braffet. I received an electronic arc from the publisher for honest review. Thanks so much to MIRA and Kelly Braffet for letting me be a part of this fun tour and giving me the opportunity to read The Unwilling.

Title: The Unwilling

Author: Kelly Braffet

Published by: MIRA

Released: February 11, 2020

Source: Review Copy from Publisher

Goodreads   Amazon

Synopsis: A penetrating tale of magic, faith and pride...

The Unwilling is the story of Judah, a foundling born with a special gift and raised inside Highfall castle along with Gavin, the son and heir to Lord Elban's vast empire. Judah and Gavin share an unnatural bond that is both the key to her survival... and possibly her undoing.
As Gavin is groomed for his future role, Judah comes to realize that she has no real position within the kingdom, in fact, no hope at all of ever traveling beyond its castle walls. Elban - a lord as mighty as he is cruel - has his own plans for her, for all of them. She is a mere pawn to him, and he will stop at nothing to get what he wants.
But outside the walls, in the starving, desperate city, a magus, a healer with his own secret power unlike anything Highfall has seen in years, is newly arrived from the provinces. He, too, has plans for the empire, and at the heart of those plans lies Judah... The girl who started life with no name and no history will soon uncover more to her story than she ever imagined.

An epic tale of greed and ambition, cruelty and love, this deeply immersive novel is about bowing to traditions and burning them down. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: The cover is what really drew me to this story. It's beautiful. It made me think of secrets, maybe magic, maybe even haunted manors. What can I say? I love a good cover. The synopsis didn't really give me that much of an idea of what I was walking into.

This book is not going to be for everyone, but if you're willing to stick with it, I think you'll be pleased. The Unwilling is a daaaark book. It has trigger warnings for child abuse. I mean, this tale is not a happy one. 

It's also a chunky monkey book, it's long and a little on the slower side. You have to have a certain patience when it comes to this story.

I enjoyed it. It might not have been a story that kept me on the edge of my seat, but it gave me an experience. I'm glad I stuck with it. I really enjoyed the writing. It had some really interesting world building. The characters were interesting to follow.

This book is a journey and I'm glad I went on it. If this book sounds like your kind of thing, I'd definitely recommend giving it a read.

Kelly Braffet writes stories about unhappy people making bad decisions, occasionally with magic. She is the author of The Unwilling (available 2/20 from Mira Books), Save Yourself, and Last Seen Leaving; her first novel, Josie and Jack, has been made into a feature film starring Olivia DeJonge, Alex Neustaedter, and William Fitchner, and directed by Sarah Lancaster. Her writing has been published in the Fairy Tale Review, Post Road, and in several anthologies, as well as on Salon.com. She is a graduate of Columbia University and Sarah Lawrence College.

She is married to the tall and immensely talented writer Owen King. He's dreamy. For more, seewww.kellybraffet.com.

Thank you for stopping by my Blog Tour Stop for The Unwilling by Kelly Braffet. Thanks so much to MIRA and Kelly Braffet for letting me be on this tour and giving me the chance to read this book.

Review: Rogue Protocol (Murderbot Diaries #3) by Martha Wells

Title: Rogue Protocol (Murderbot Diaries #3)

Author: Martha Wells

Published by: Tom Doherty Associates (TOR)

Released: 2018

Source: Library

Synopsis: SciFi’s favorite antisocial A.I. is again on a mission. The case against the too-big-to-fail GrayCris Corporation is floundering, and more importantly, authorities are beginning to ask more questions about where Dr. Mensah’s SecUnit is.

And Murderbot would rather those questions went away. For good. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: I hold a Murderbot Book in my hand and I am happy. Rogue Protocol was another great Murderbot adventure. Murderbot needs to find more evidence on the bad that is the GrayCris Corporation, so it travels to a sparsely populated station and sneaks aboard a scientific expedition. For a Murderbot that doesn't want to be bothered by humans, it sure seems to get stuck protecting them a lot.

It took me a little bit to get into the flow of this book, but I kind of always feel that way with Murderbot. It's like I have to get back into the Murderbot Zone. Try and remember what happened in the last Volume, but once I'm in, it's go time. I end up getting sucked in.

This Volume was really good with the action and danger. It always goes by too fast. I need the next book ASAP! I never know how I feel about the novella format. It offers a really quick story, but I always feel that it ends too soon. Oh, and I always have trouble keeping the other characters straight, usually the humans. There's always a group of them and I hardly ever remember their names.

In conclusion, Murderbot is great! I'm ready for Book Four.

BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 4/5

Saving the Humans, again.

Reading Right Now! (243)

I just finished my last read, so I'm planning to start some new books. What I'm going to be Reading Right Now! is...

 

Heroine Worship (Heroine Complex #2) by Sarah Kuhn -- I read the first book and liked it all right, so I thought I'd continue with the series. I think the main draw for me is that I like these covers.

Stormrise by Jillian Boehme -- Again, this is mainly something that drew me in because of the cover. I don't really know much about it, but I'm getting a strong inkling of dragons.

And that's what I'm planning on Reading Right Now! What are you going to be reading this weekend?

BLOG TOUR: An Everyday Hero by Laura Trentham

I am really excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for An Everyday Hero (#2) by Laura Trentham. I received a free electronic copy from the publisher for early review. Thanks so much to St. Martin's Griffin and Laura Trentham for letting me be a part of this fun tour!

Title: An Everyday Hero

Author: Laura Trentham

Published by:

Released: February 4, 2020

Source: Review Copy from Publisher

Goodreads  Amazon 

Synopsis: From award-winning author Laura Trentham comes an emotionally layered novel about redemption, second chances and discovering that life is worth fighting for.

At thirty, Greer Hadley never expected to be forced home to Madison, Tennessee with her life and dreams of being a songwriter up in flames. To make matters worse, a series of bad decisions and even crappier luck lands her community service hours at a nonprofit organization that aids veterans and their families. Greer cannot fathom how she’s supposed to use music to help anyone deal with their trauma and loss when the one thing that brought her joy has failed her.

When Greer meets fifteen-year-old Ally Martinez, her plans to stay detached and do as little as possible get thrown away. New to town and dealing with the death of her father in action, she hides her emotions behind a mask of bitterness and sarcasm, but Greer is able to see past it and recognizes pieces of who she once was in Ally. The raw and obvious talent she possesses could take her to the top and Greer vows to make sure life’s negativities don’t derail Ally’s potential.

After Greer is assigned a veteran to help, she’s not surprised Emmett Lawson, the town’s golden boy, followed his family’s legacy. What leaves her shocked is the shell of a man who believes he doesn’t deserve anyone’s help. A breakthrough with Ally reminds Greer that no one is worth giving up on. So she shows up one day with his old guitar, and meets Emmett’s rage head on with her stubbornness. When a situation with Ally becomes dire, the two of them must become a team to save her—and along the way they might just save themselves too. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: I definitely enjoyed this book. I really liked how it explored military families and veterans issues. I am so thankful for each person who serves in the military. They are what keep America free and strong. They make such a sacrifice, and their families make huge sacrifices. I can't speak to the authenticity of this book, because none of my family members have served, or been deployed, or have experienced PTSD, but I did feel the sacrifice and consequences from this story. I mean, my grandpa did serve in the military, but he never really talks much about it.

I liked how everything was handled. It really made me feel some of the weight of it. War sticks with a person forever, and even when our soldiers come home, they always leave a piece of themselves there.

I liked following the journey of our characters: Greer, Ally, and Emmett. I liked finding out their stories and trying to find a way back from their heartbreaks.

I did not read the first book in the series before reading An Everyday Hero, but I was never lost or out-of-sorts.

An Everyday Hero was just a sweet story and I really enjoyed the opportunity to give it a read. I'd definitely recommend it.

Author of smart, sexy Southern contemporary romance, Regency historicals, & heartfelt Women's Fiction

Series include:

Sweet Home Alabama

Cottonbloom

Spies and Lovers

Heart of a Hero

Highland, Georgia

Thanks so much for stopping by my Blog Tour Stop for An Everyday Hero by Laura Trentham. Thanks so much to St. Martin's Griffin and Laura Trentham for giving me the opportunity to read it.