Tag: book 1

Goodreads Monday: The Way We Fall (The Story of Us: Book 1) by Cassia Leo

This is a weekly meme in which anyone can choose and highlight a random book from their Goodreads TBR. It was formerly featured on LaurensPageTurners and was taken over by Budget Tales Book Blog.

Goodreads Synopsis:

From New York Times bestselling author Cassia Leo comes a twisted and passionate love story about secrets and lies.

Five pages. A letter holding a secret buried for more than five years. A secret neither of them wanted to know.

Five years after their messy breakup, Houston and Rory are forced to work together opening up a new wine bar. Despite their tragic past, they find themselves once again drawn to each other, unable to deny their potent attraction.

But the secret of the letter hangs like a guillotine over their heads. And soon, Houston finds himself in the same position he was in five years ago, choosing between the truth and the only woman he’s ever loved.

Goodreads Monday: Poison (The Seaclusion: Book 1) by Leanne Davis

This is a weekly meme in which anyone can choose and highlight a random book from their Goodreads TBR. It was formerly featured on LaurensPageTurners and was taken over by Budget Tales Book Blog.

Goodreads Synopsis:

On the run from her violent ex-husband, Cassie Reeves will do anything to keep her son safe, even if it means turning to a man she betrayed a decade ago. John Tyler now hates her as much as he once loved her–but Cassie has no choice. John’s quiet life as a small town doctor in Seaclusion, Washington has no place in it for the woman he turned his back on ten years ago. But when Cassie and her son land on his doorstep, he can’t turn them away. The longer she stays, though, the harder it is to remember why he stopped loving her. With her ex-husband closing in, Cassie soon realizes that only she can end what he has started. And as John and Cassie’s mutual attraction reignites, she vows to do anything to protect her son and grab the happiness that has escaped her for so long.

Goodreads Monday: Amara’s Daughter (Shudalandia: Book 1) by E.H. Howard

This is a weekly meme in which anyone can choose and highlight a random book from their Goodreads TBR. It was formerly featured on LaurensPageTurners and was taken over by Budget Tales Book Blog.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Carved from ice with blades of fire, the rigidly feminist state of Serenia breeds heroes. Unimaginably perfect, Amara the Magnificent, the legendary Ultimate Warrior is their greatest.

Five years since Amara’s mysterious disappearance, her daughter, Maryan, struggles to escape her mother’s formidable shadow. Shunned by most, her only friends are oddball characters from the edge of society.

The Queen sees Maryan as an asset to the nation, a pawn to play with and a pretty bauble to appease the neighbouring king, but lurking beneath the surface, an ancient terror plots to wipe out Maryan’s bloodline.

Friend, lover, and more, Amara’s Daughter is a turbulent, rite of passage story tracing Maryan’s growth from naive schoolgirl to the woman destiny needs her to be.

August 2026 Wrap-Up

Personal Highlights from this month:

  • For the days of July 30th through August 1st
    • Miss R finished the leadership camp. She was invited by the head of the camp to join his Junior Explorers group when she’s 14 (next year). She is very excited to have gotten that invitation!
    • I also confirmed that Miss R will be doing wrestling this school year (not too thrilled about that).
    • Miss R also got thrown off the horse she was riding during her Saturday lesson. She’s fine (some whiplash, a sprained wrist, and a huge bruise on her hip). The horse had gotten stung by a wasp, bucked, and then bolted. She got thrown off when he made a sharp turn. He is also all right (no lasting issues from the sting).
  • For the week of August 2nd through August 8th
    • It is one week until Mr. Z moves into his dorm. We started boxing up stuff that he wasn’t using and will finish packing over the weekend.
    • It was the last week of Miss R doing camp at the barn. She is thankful that she can sleep past 7:30 a.m. lol.
  • For the week of August 9th through August 15th:
    • We moved Mr. Z into his dorm this week. It was uneventful, and he seems to be getting along with his roommate.
    • I did Miss R’s back-to-school shopping (clothes and supplies). We also picked up a few things for Mr. Z (we went back over the weekend to drop off some he forgot).
  • For the week of August 16th through August 22nd:
    • I finally got to try 7 Brew and Guthrie’s Chicken. I loved 7 Brew but was not too fond of Guthrie’s.
    • Mr. Z started classes on the 17th. His first class is also his furthest class (a 5-minute shuttle ride or a 15-minute walk).
    • Miss R has her sneak peek (for school) later on this week. She meets the teachers, gets her schedule, and confirms transportation. We are also talking to the wrestling coach to get a sports physical form.
    • Miss R also got her hair done. She did red chunks with her natural color, brunette. It looks really good.
  • For the week of August 23rd through August 29th
    • School started this week.
    • And since we are on the subject of school, Mr. Z is loving college. He’s acclimated pretty well.
    • Miss R is loving school. The school is doing something different. They are splitting science and social studies into different semesters. Right now, Miss R is in science. Next semester, she will be in social studies. I think it is a good way to get the kids used to that kind of schedule shift for high school.
    • Miss R isn’t loving the bus ride, though. Her route got changed because that driver retired. So, two routes were combined, and they have a new driver. On the first day of school, she was 10 minutes late getting there (they start at 7:20, and the bus got there at 7:30). But it was the ride home that got parents complaining (not me, though). Miss R was dropped off at 3:10ish (her regular time). The rest of the route took almost 1 1/2 hours to drop off because the driver got lost. Thankfully, the assistant principal will be driving with that driver until he gets the hang of the route.

Books I Read:

Monthly Playlist (I use songs featured in the book, if there are any, along with a playlist generated by ChatGPT).

Featured Song of the Month

Goodreads Monday: Final Hours (Love in Time: Book 1) by Cate Dean

This is a weekly meme in which anyone can choose and highlight a random book from their Goodreads TBR. It was formerly featured on LaurensPageTurners and was taken over by Budget Tales Book Blog.

Goodreads Synopsis:

One man’s death will change the future.

Only two people can save him – if they have the courage to trust each other.

Elizabeth Barritt fought hard to put her childhood behind her. Now she has the chance to move forward, to reach out for a new, exciting future. All she has to do is take the first step.

And she does – straight into Jackson Kane’s path. He is a time traveler, on the hunt for a rogue agent.

When Kane is injured protecting Elizabeth from that agent, she makes a decision that will change her life, in ways she can’t even begin to grasp. She takes him home.

Once he is healed enough to travel, Kane goes after the agent, chasing him back to war-torn London. But his journey back takes a sideways turn, forcing Elizabeth to make another choice. She follows him into the past, to help him stop one man from changing their future.

Goodreads Monday: Drawn to You (Swanson Court: Book 1) by Serena Grey

This is a weekly meme in which anyone can choose and highlight a random book from their Goodreads TBR. It was formerly featured on LaurensPageTurners and was taken over by Budget Tales Book Blog.

Goodreads Synopsis:

On the night she discovers her ex’s engagement, Rachel meets Landon, the most attractive man she has ever seen, who, for some reason, mistakes her for a hooker. However, he’s so sexy. And it’s just one night… What harm can there be in giving in to the desire to lose herself in his touch? She’s never going to see him again, even though he has given her the most intensely pleasurable night of her life.

Landon prefers his women beautiful and sophisticated, with no desire for commitment, so when his brother ignores his protests and sends him a hooker on his birthday, he’s surprised at how willing he is to continue paying for her services. It should be easy, except she’s no hooker, and she has no intention of letting him into her life.

However, as the billionaire owner of the Swanson Court hotels, Landon is used to getting what he wants, and Rachel is not going to be an exception.

Goodreads Monday: Forget Me Not (Mark Kane: Book 1) by John Hemmings

This is a weekly meme in which anyone can choose and highlight a random book from their Goodreads TBR. It was formerly featured on LaurensPageTurners and was taken over by Budget Tales Book Blog.

Goodreads Synopsis:

A devoted husband has planted a blanket of Forget-Me-Nots in memory of his wife who has recently died from complications following the rapid progress of Alzheimer’s disease…Or has she?
Greg Philips’ wife, Gloria, has recently died after suffering from chronic dementia, leaving her long-lost illegitimate daughter, Susan, a large slice of her estate. But is Susan who she claims to be? And was Gloria mentally competent when she made her will or was she manipulated in some way? Boston Investigator Mark Kane is hired to discover the truth, but as the investigation proceeds he soon finds himself embroiled in a murder mystery, and as the suspects mount up he needs all his wits about him to find out the truth, and prevent Greg’s adult sons from financial ruin or worse. As usual, Kane’s longtime companion Lucy is there to lend him a helping hand, but will she be able to help him solve the mystery?

Goodreads Monday: The One Discovered (Chronicles of Diasodz: Book 1) by Yvette M. Calleiro

This is a weekly meme in which anyone can choose and highlight a random book from their Goodreads TBR. It was formerly featured on LaurensPageTurners and was taken over by Budget Tales Book Blog.

Goodreads Synopsis:

How do you choose when both options have dire consequences?

Sofia is a 17 year old who is quite content with her life. She has a caring boyfriend who also just happens to be her best friend since birth. She has a loving mother. She is successfully completing her last year of high school and enjoys her part-time job. She can’t imagine wanting more from her life…until Ar’ch (pronounced Ar-rick) enters her dreams, sparking a burning flame inside of her that she can’t seem to extinguish nor does she want to.

Ar’ch is a Diasodz (Die-ah-sodz), a species created by the Goddess back when God created humans. Diasodz were made to heal and protect humans, but when the Diasodz turned their backs on helping humans and left Earth to live in their own world, the Goddess abandoned them. Since then, their powers and their very lives have been fading. A prophecy foretold that a young girl born on Earth would be the Diasodz’s savior. Ar’ch and his brother, Angel, travel to Earth to retrieve her and bring her back to their world before her death day in order to save their kind. Ar’ch knows the drill: find the target, capture her, and safely bring her home. But what happens when the target captures his dormant heart?

Choices create action. Actions have consequences. When faced with the truth, what choice will Sofia make? Will she be able to accept the consequences that follow?

Goodreads Monday: Survival (Twisted: Book 1) by Rebecca Sherwin

This is a weekly meme in which anyone can choose and highlight a random book from their Goodreads TBR. It was formerly featured on LaurensPageTurners and was taken over by Budget Tales Book Blog.

Goodreads Synopsis:

With intertwining memories and a world of deceit and betrayal yet to be exposed, Survival, book #1 in the Twisted series, is an intense, compelling page-turner, seen through the eyes of Skye ‘the Skillet’ Jones.

With no friends, no family and a life of loneliness ahead, Skye was looking for a reason to fight. To live. To survive. A once happy family was torn apart, leaving a hazy cloud of confusion, abandonment and fear in its wake. Her twin brother, Oliver, was all she had… until the talons of death and the consequences of his dangerous coping mechanism tore his life from him.

Skye was left alone, mourning the loss of her brother and the life he would never live, when Cut Throat Curtis swooped in and taught her to fight; to control her emotional anguish with physical strength. But he was dangerous, a force to be reckoned with. A man with turmoil and secrets of his own. He soon left as quickly as he’d appeared, becoming a ghost in the life she no longer knew.

She had nothing. She had no one.

When all Skye had was her will to survive, fate gave her Thomas. He fought for her, he fought with her and he loved her like no other.But fate was waiting, ready to strike with the force of a hurricane when she thought she had everything she’d ever wanted. It was coming, the cruel twist of fate that would bring Skye to her knees and threaten her survival once more…

July 2026 Wrap-Up

Personal Highlights from this month:

  • For the week of July 1st through July 4th:
    • Miss R had camp from Monday to Thursday (Barn owner canceled Friday due to extremely hot weather).
    • We are in the middle of a heat wave. It is so hot that Miss R’s barn put off all lessons until Monday, at the latest.
    • We had my best friend, Mrs. H, over on the 4th of July. She has just moved to NC (lives 45 mins from me) and is my oldest friend. We’ve been friends since we were 12, and we’re both turning 50 in the next year.
  • For the week of July 5th through July 11th:
    • We are still in a heat wave, but the dangerous heat has gone away, for now.
    • Mr. Z got his final bill in for college. They were missing some of his federal loans, but he should be all set once the college applies them. He forgot to do something on the FAFSA website (watch a 30-minute video and take a quiz). According to App State and FAFSA, the next time App State refreshes its server (which it does often), they will be applied.
    • Miss R is having a relaxing week off from helping at the barn/lessons. But starting next week, she will begin lessons with her new trainer and counseling at camp.
    • We attended a meeting for the police leadership camp that Miss R is attending in 2 weeks. This is a wonderful program (Miss B attended it when she was in 7th grade and it was just starting).
    • Mrs. H came and hung out at my house for a little while this week. We went out and had Mexican (which she loves but normally doesn’t have because her husband doesn’t like it). We made plans to see each other next week, with me driving to her place.
    • I took Biscuit to the vet this week. She is small (weighs almost 8lbs) but healthy. She got her 3-year rabies vaccine and her 1-year distemper/panleukemenia vaccine. I was told that next year they will be giving her the 3-year distemper/panleukemia vaccine (which they haven’t done before).
  • For the week of July 12th through July 18th:
    • Miss R was a counselor at her barn’s horse camp again.
    • She also asked her new instructor about having lessons twice a week. The instructor said we can either pay (unsure how much that would cost) or she can work at the barn to pay for the 2nd lesson. She said she’d work at the barn. This kid is a horse girl through and through… lol.
  • For the week of July 19th through July 25th:
    • We’re still having awful heat and humidity. I don’t think we’ve had a day where it’s been under 90. I am so looking forward to fall!!
    • Because of the heat, Miss R has been having lessons either super early (between 8-9) or in the evening (7pm).
    • Miss R also switched instructors because the one she’s been with for almost 6 years is moving to Virginia to be with her daughter. The instructor she has now is tough but fair. She plans on having Miss R show in the fall (too hot for the horses to show right now).
    • Mr. Z is in the final weeks before we move him into his dorm. His tuition is fully paid for (thanks to a student loan and 2k more in grants). We just have to get him packed, and he’ll be all set.
  • For the week of July 26th through July 29th:
    • Miss R started her leadership camp with our local police department today. Our department has been doing this since 2017/2018 (can’t remember). The SROs handpick the kids who attend. Miss R has been looking forward to it. They do everything from CSI to mock car stops/arrests to various demonstrations (taser, K9, etc.), as well as field trips (local aviation museum, movie theater, and a state park).

Books I Read:

  • Mob Boss Series by Michelle St. James
    • Ruthless (book 1):
      • Triggers
        • Abduction and Captivity
        • Dubious Consent / Dark Romance Dynamics
        • Organized Crime and Violence
        • Murder and Death
        • Explicit Sexual Content
      • My thoughts: I enjoyed this book, even though it felt a little far-fetched in places and Angelica got on my nerves. I felt bad for Nico, but he seemed too soft (aka nice) to run a Mafia family. He and Angelica had insane chemistry, but I kept wondering whether it was real or Stockholm Syndrome. I guess I’ll have to see in the next books!!
    • Fearless (book 2)
      • Triggers
        • Violence and Bloodshed
        • Kidnapping and Hostage Situations:
        • Death of a Parent / Grief
        • Suicide
        • Sexual Assault (Mentions)
        • Dubious Consent (Dubcon) Dynamics
        • Explicit Sexual Content
      • My Thoughts: I liked Fearless better than Ruthless (go figure). Nico and Angel’s chemistry was still off the charts and made for some very steamy sex scenes. The kidnapping storyline was interesting, but once body parts started arriving in the mail, I lost interest. I felt for poor Daniel, the only innocent one in this whole series. I am not a fan of cliffhangers, and this book was no exception.
    • Lawless (book 3)
      • Triggers
        • Violence and Gore
        • Murder and Death
        • Explicit Sexual Content
        • Captivity and Abduction
        • Profanity and Substance Use
      • My Thoughts: This was a whirlwind of a book. Once a hit was taken out on Angel and Nico came back from the dead, it was super fast. There were times when it seemed the storyline was running on fumes (mainly towards the end), but overall I enjoyed it. The end was predictable and sweet.
  • Memory’s Wake Trilogy by Selina Fenech
    • Memory’s Wake (book 1)
      • Triggers: Taken from the official trigger and content warnings listed by the author.
        • Violence, Harm & Trauma
          • Assault and violence
          • Murder and execution
          • Mass death and war
          • Kidnapping
          • Amputation and branding
          • Descriptions of blood
          • Nightmares about traumatic events
        • Child-Related Themes
          • Child abuse
          • Threats involving a baby or child
          • Childbirth
        • Social & Interpersonal Themes
          • Misogyny
          • Forced marriage
          • Use of the word “savage”
        • Mental Health & Substance Use
          • Suicide and suicidal ideation
          • Underage drinking
          • Profanity
      • My Thoughts: This was a great start to a series. I loved the plot but felt it could have been developed more in places. A couple of twists took me by surprise, especially the one revealed in the memory. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series once it is either free or on KU.
  • Emma Frost series by Willow Rose
    • Itsy Bitsy Spider (book 1)
      • Triggers
        • Captivity and Abduction
        • Graphic Violence and Gore
        • Cannibalism
        • Child or Minor Peril
        • Physical and Psychological Abuse
        • Mental Health Struggles
        • Religious Trauma / Cult Dynamics
      • My Thoughts: I had been waiting a long time to read this book. It has been on my TBR since 2018. I have read other Willow Rose books, enjoyed them, and expected no less from this one—I loved it. There are dual storylines (Emma and Astrid/Sebastian) that offer no clue as to how they are connected. The author revealed that connection very slowly. When the big reveal happened—the killer and motive behind the killings—I was shocked. I am looking forward to reading the next book!!
    • Miss Polly Had a Dolly (book 2)
      • Triggers
        • Kidnapping and Abduction
        • Child / Minor Peril
        • Psychological and Emotional Abuse
        • Captivity and Confinement
        • Violence and Harm to Minors
      • My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book, even though it broke my heart in places. There are three interconnected storylines, one of which is told through flashbacks. I figured out who Patrick was fairly early, but I didn’t figure out who Helle was or who the old lady was, and that surprised me. I thought the book’s ending was sad, and I didn’t get any real sense of closure.
    • Run Run as Fast as You Can (book 3)
      • Triggers
        • Violence Against Mothers / Women
        • Gun Violence
        • Abduction and Kidnapping
        • Child Distress / Abandonment
        • Grief and Bereavement
        • Stalking
        • Cannibilism
      • My Thoughts: Another book I enjoyed. I figured out who the killer was, since the author made it very clear. But the motive wasn’t clear until almost the end of the book, which surprised me. I liked the secondary storyline with Lisa, even though it grossed me out. I loved that Emma turned what happened to her into bestselling books. I also liked that she took Victor seriously and had him help Sophia. Of course, I am curious to see if and how Lisa will get caught.
    • Cross Your Heart and Hope to Die (book 4)
      • Triggers
        • Graphic Violence and Murder
        • Gore and Blood
        • Confinement and Captivity
        • Stalking and Surveillance
        • Psychological Trauma and Repressed Memories
        • Bullying and Peer Cruelty
        • Death of a Parent / Family Trauma
        • Sexual Assualt/Rape
        • Drugging
        • Traumatic Dental Procedure/Medical Procedures
      • My Thoughts: This was a doozy of a book, and I don’t even know where to begin. It was written as a locked-room murder mystery that paid homage to Agatha Christie. I did enjoy the book, but I got confused by the multiple POVs (6-7). I was truly surprised when everything was revealed at the end. I was not expecting what was revealed. As with the other books, Emma is central to the storyline and helps solve what happened/who the killer was. I am very interested in reading the next book because I believe it will address the aftermath of this one.
    • Peek A Boo, I See You (book 5)
      • Triggers
        • Child Abduction and Endangerment
        • Graphic Violence and Body Modification
        • Stalking and Severe Harassment
        • Parental Dread and Psychological Terror
      • My Thoughts: Another Willow Rose book I enjoyed. The author split the storyline into three parts: the killer’s parents, Emma’s investigation, and one of the killer’s victims, rescued fairly early in the story. The author had me doubting what was going on with the killer, and I was surprised when the big twist was revealed. I didn’t see it coming at all.
    • Tweedledum and Tweedledee (book 6)
      • Triggers
        • Violence Against Children & Child Endangerment
        • Graphic Descriptions of Murder / Dismemberment
        • Grief and Loss of a Child
        • Gun Violence
        • Psychological Terror / Stalking
      • My Thoughts: In my opinion, this is the darkest of all the Willow Rose books that I have read so far. Like the other books, this book has two storylines: Emma’s vacation, the murders on the ship, and the past, focusing on the twins. I was completely shocked by the killer’s identity (it isn’t who you think) and the reason why.
    • Easy as One Two Three (book 7)
      • Triggers
        • Severe Medical Trauma & Coma
        • Child Endangerment & Teenager in Peril
        • Severe Vehicular Accidents / Hit-and-Run
        • Parental Panic and Distress
        • Abduction and Missing Persons
        • Murder
        • Assault (sexual and physical)
        • Captivity
        • Child abuse (sexual-no details; told through flashbacks)
        • Drugging
        • Loss of memory
      • My Thoughts: If I thought the previous book was the darkest, this was the scariest. It touched upon fears I have as a parent. I would not, in any way, like to live in this universe. The police are incompetent, as are the medical personnel. There are three storylines in the book: Emma’s, Mads (past and present), and the numerologist. I liked how the author connected everything. I also liked that two characters from a previous series were secondary characters in the book. I wasn’t surprised by the ending, but I was surprised by the epilogue.
    • There’s No Place Like Home (book 8)
      • Triggers
        • Graphic Murder and Slasher Violence
        • Stalking and Home Invasion
        • Gory and Macabre Imagery
        • Child in Peril / Family Endangerment
        • Psychological Manipulation
      • My Thoughts: This book paid a strange homage to The Wizard of Oz. The killer was obsessed with the movie and used his victims to portray various characters (Tin Man, Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion). As with her other books, this one was fast-paced and had a plotline with more twists than anything. There were three storylines: Emma (present), Louise (past and present), and Bjarke Lund/Jesper Melander (past and present). I loved how the author tied all three storylines together. She doesn’t hide who the killer is, but she does hide his accomplice. The reveal of the accomplice shouldn’t have been a surprise, but it was. Oh, and the numerologist from Easy As One Two Three appears as a secondary character (a counselor helping Maya with her amnesia).
    • Where the Wild Roses Grow by Willow Rose (book 10)
      • Triggers
        • Graphic Murder and Violence
        • Teenage Pregnancy & Historical Child Abuse
        • Violence Against Women
        • Stalking and Intimidation
        • Grief and Bereavement
        • Profanity
        • Descriptions of Corpses
      • My Thoughts: This wasn’t my favorite book in the series. Emma really got in over her head when she questioned the Gardai over the murders, and that put a huge spotlight on her and Morten. I did not like how Morten treated Emma throughout the book. Violet’s storyline also broke my heart. Now, I kinda figured out the partenage of the murder victims about halfway through the book, but I was only halfway right. As for the murderers themselves, I did feel bad for them, but my sympathy only went so far. By the end of the book, I was just glad that Emma and Morten were able to get out of Ireland without being arrested.
    • Waltzing Matilda (book 11)
      • Triggers
        • Violence & Murder
        • Child Endangerment
        • Supernatural/Horror Element
        • Atmospheric Dread
      • My Thoughts: This is the weirdest book in the Emma Frost series. Up until now, the crimes were rooted in reality, but this book went full-on paranormal. There were hints in the previous books (Victor), so I shouldn’t have been surprised when the author chose the route she did. But besides being weird, it was actually fun to read. I loved that the author fleshed out Victor, and I loved that he made a friend. I also loved that Maya started sleuthing on something totally different. I do wonder whether this supernatural aspect of the book will carry over into the remaining books. Guess I’ll have to see!!
    • Drip Drop Dead (book 12)
      • Triggers/Content Warnings
        • Triggers
          • Murder
          • Drowning
          • Death of multiple adults (serial killings)
          • Psychological distress
          • Claustrophobic situations
          • Peril and life-threatening situations
          • Fear of the unknown
          • Child endangerment (non-graphic)
          • References to death and mortality
          • Bullying
        • Content Warnings
          • Crime scene investigations
          • Corpses
          • Suspense and psychological tension
          • Eerie, supernatural-leaning atmosphere
          • Unexplained/paranormal phenomena
          • Small-town fear and paranoia
          • Family members placed in danger
          • Police investigations
          • Deception and secrets
          • Isolation
          • Anxiety and panic
          • Mild horror elements
          • Discussions of grief and loss
          • Emotional stress
          • References to unexplained scientific or paranormal events
          • Some blood and non-graphic descriptions of deceased bodies
      • My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book, and the supernatural/paranormal elements worked well in this series. The author wove them seamlessly into the thriller/mystery angles. This book was a fast read compared to the others. It also ended on a cliffhanger, which I didn’t like. There was some light shed on Skye and her origins, as well as more children like her in the community. I did wonder about Victor and whether he was a foundling of some sort. I cannot wait to read the next book. I hope the author is able to resolve at least some of the storylines not resolved in this book.
    • Black Frost (book 13)
      • Triggers and Content Warnings
        • Triggers
          • Murder
          • Child death
          • Child endangerment
          • Serious illness involving a child
          • Medical trauma
          • Near-death experiences
          • Death from exposure (freezing/hypothermia-like symptoms)
          • Psychological distress
          • Fear for a child’s safety
          • Death of multiple adults
        • Content Warnings
          • Crime scene investigations
          • Corpses
          • Autopsy discussions
          • Cold- and winter-related deaths
          • Police investigation
          • Emotional distress
          • Parents fearing the loss of a child
          • Hospital scenes
          • Medical procedures and treatment
          • Suspense and prolonged tension
          • Small-town secrets
          • Conspiracy and deception
          • Grief and mourning
          • Blood (limited)
          • Descriptions of deceased bodies (non-graphic to mildly graphic)
          • References to infectious disease or unexplained medical conditions
          • Anxiety and panic
          • Peril
          • Themes of justice and revenge
      • My Thoughts: I thought this was a fitting ending to this series. The author managed to wrap up almost everything in this book. I still had questions about who Maya’s father was, and I wasn’t thrilled with Morten’s actions, but otherwise I was pretty happy with how everything ended. The paranormal storyline was merged with Lisa (the mayor )’s old storyline from a few books back, and Lisa, well, she delivered. As for Emma, Victor, Skye, and Maya’s storyline, I was hooked. I almost wished there were an epilogue showing what happened a few years later. I will be keeping an eye out for more books in the series, but given that this book was published in 2020, I highly doubt there will be one.
  • The Black Parade series by Kyoko M: I only read the first book, which I got for free from Amazon. I’d have to pay for the rest, and since I’m cheap, I’m waiting for it to go on KU or become free.
    • The Black Parade (book 1)
      • Triggers and Content Warnings
        • Trigger Warnings
          • Death and dying
          • Murder (including accidental killing)
          • Hell and eternal damnation
          • Demonic entities
          • Psychological distress
          • Violence
          • Blood and gore
          • Torture (including supernatural)
          • Threats of eternal suffering
          • Possession and supernatural manipulation
          • Alcohol misuse
          • References to suicide and suicidal thoughts
          • Trauma and survivor’s guilt
          • Emotional abuse
          • Kidnapping and captivity
          • Death of loved ones (referenced)
        • Content Warnings
          • Ghosts and spirits
          • Afterlife themes
          • Paranormal and occult elements
          • Demons and exorcism-like themes
          • Religious imagery and mythology
          • Murder investigations
          • Physical fights
          • Weapons and gun violence
          • Injuries
          • Graphic supernatural violence
          • Corpses
          • Profanity
          • Dark humor
          • Romance
          • Kissing and sexual tension
          • Alcohol consumption
          • Smoking
          • Moral dilemmas
          • Grief and loss
          • Anxiety and panic
          • Betrayal
          • Human sacrifice (referenced)
          • Monsters and supernatural creatures
          • Life-or-death situations
          • Suspense and horror elements
      • My Thoughts: I enjoyed reading The Black Parade, but I almost DNF’d it after the 2nd act (it’s split into three acts). The book seemed to go on and on before it finally ended. I liked Jordan and Michael’s romance, especially that it wasn’t insta-love. There was a lot of graphic violence that I wasn’t fond of, but it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of reading it.
  • The Velvet Rooms series by Linnea May: As with most of the books I read, I got this book for free from Amazon. And, also like most of the books I read, I am waiting for the rest of the series to go on KU/free.
    • Black Velvet (book 1)
      • Triggers and Content Warnings
        • Triggers
          • Emotional abuse
          • Psychological manipulation
          • Coercive relationship dynamics
          • Power imbalance
          • Emotional trauma
          • Consent negotiation and boundary-pushing
          • Obsessive behavior
          • Controlling behavior
          • References to past emotional wounds
          • Sexual coercion
        • Content Warnings:
          • BDSM themes
          • Dominance and submission (D/s)
          • Explicit sexual content
          • Sex work (escort/professional companionship)
          • Contractual relationship
          • Age-gap romance
          • Praise and degradation dynamics
          • Orgasm denial/sexual frustration
          • Voyeuristic themes
          • Possessiveness
          • Jealousy
          • Power exchange
          • Emotional vulnerability
          • Manipulation and mind games
          • Profanity
          • Romance
          • Explicit sexual language
          • Kissing and intimacy
          • Themes of trust and healing
          • High emotional tension
      • My Thoughts: This was a good book and reminded me of an explicit Pretty Woman. It wasn’t a fast read and took me two days. There are some very explicit sex scenes (see above), and most of the book takes place in the sex club, with cutaways to Elene and Damon’s personal and professional lives. I liked the HEA and can’t wait to read the next book.
  • Bridgewater County series by Vanessa Vale: I was only able to read the first book in the series, which I had gotten for free from Amazon. You have to buy the rest of the series, so I am waiting for those books to go either free or on KU.
    • Ride Me Dirty (Book 1)
    • Content and Trigger Warnings
      • Content Warnings
        • Explicit sexual content
        • Multiple romantic partners (MFM ménage romance)
        • BDSM/light power exchange
        • Consensual dominance and submission
        • Dirty talk
        • Nudity
        • Strong sexual themes
        • Strong language
        • Alcohol consumption (social)
        • Family inheritance
        • Small-town romance
        • Cowboy/ranch lifestyle
      • Trigger Warnings
        • Grief following the death of a family member
        • Bereavement
        • Emotional vulnerability
        • References to parental loss and family history
        • Mild jealousy
        • Possessiveness
      • My Thoughts: So, I am not a huge fan of ménage romances. Yes, I will read them, and yes, I do enjoy them, but I do not like the dynamics involved. But in Ride Me Dirty, I was pleasantly surprised. I was also pleasantly surprised that this book wasn’t all just sex. Instead, it focused on Kate’s stress, her job, her nasty ex, and her feelings about getting involved with Sam and Jack.
  • Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes series by Susan Stoker: Again, it’s the end of the month, and I am finding myself reading another 15-book series. So, like last month, I will be continuing the series into August. I am also pretty excited because I have read and enjoyed Susan Stoker’s books in the past.
    • Justice for Mackenzie (book 1)
      • Trigger and Content Warnings
        • Content Warnings
          • Romantic suspense
          • Law enforcement/criminal investigation themes
          • Texas Rangers and police procedural elements
          • Serial killer investigation
          • Kidnapping
          • Stalking and threats
          • Violence and danger
          • Weapons/firearms
          • Crime scenes and investigations
          • Strong language
          • Sexual content
          • Trauma recovery themes
          • Protective/heroic romance dynamics
        • Trigger Warnings
          • Serial murder
          • Murder of women
          • Kidnapping
          • Abduction/captivity
          • Burial alive
          • Threat of death
          • Psychological terror
          • Stalking
          • Fear and intimidation
          • Violence against women
          • Past trauma
          • Grief and loss
          • PTSD/trauma responses
          • Life-threatening situations
          • Physical violence
          • References to depravity and cruelty
  • My Thoughts: I really enjoyed reading this book. The love story between Mack and Daxton was adorable and very realistic, well, besides the whole serial killer angle. I loved that Mack had diarrhea of the mouth. It made for some pretty interesting conversations. And Daxton was amazing. He was respectful, funny, and when Mack went missing, was willing to burn the world down to find her. The ending of the book was also perfect!!
    • Justice for Mickie (book 2)
      • Trigger and Content Warnings
        • Content Warnings
          • Romantic suspense
          • Undercover FBI operation
          • Motorcycle club/gang setting
          • Organized crime
          • Illegal drug trafficking
          • Violence
          • Firearms and weapons
          • Crime and law enforcement
          • Strong language
          • Sexual content
          • Deception/hidden identity
          • Protective romance
          • Family conflict
        • Trigger Warnings
          • Organized criminal violence
          • Drug trafficking
          • Murder
          • Attempted murder
          • Threats of violence
          • Kidnapping
          • Physical assault
          • Stalking
          • Intimidation
          • Psychological manipulation
          • Emotional distress
          • Betrayal and deception
          • Life-threatening situations
          • Grief and loss
          • Trauma related to violent crime
          • Sexual assault
          • Dubious consent scenarios
  • My Thoughts: I enjoyed reading this book. Cruz and Mickie were complex characters. They both had baggage from previous relationships that made them wary about getting involved. Cruz was undercover in the same MC where Mickie’s sister was being set up to be a club whore, which was a little crazy. There is explicit sex (which I didn’t mind). The end of the book was insane. I want to drop some spoilers but won’t. Just be prepared to have your tissues out.
    • Justice for Corrie (book 3)
      • Content and Trigger Warnings
        • Content Warnings
          • Romantic suspense
          • Blind protagonist and disability representation
          • Medical setting (chiropractic practice)
          • Law enforcement themes
          • Murder investigation
          • Violence
          • Firearms and weapons
          • Crime
          • Strong language
          • Sexual content
          • Protective romance
          • Disability discrimination and misconceptions
        • Trigger Warnings
          • Mass shooting/multiple homicide
          • Murder
          • Witness to violent crime
          • Attempted murder
          • Stalking
          • Threats of violence
          • Physical assault
          • Home invasion
          • Psychological trauma
          • Fear and intimidation
          • Ableism
          • Emotional distress
          • Life-threatening situations
          • Grief and loss
          • Blood and violence
      • My Thoughts: Another great book in the Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes series!! The author did a great job of telling the story through Corrie’s observations. Since she’s blind, the author used smell, hearing, and touch to convey emotions. I loved that Corrie was super independent, but what I loved more was Quint and his love for Corrie. When things went sideways at the end of the book, I was more upset for him than I was for Corrie. I figured Corrie, who was always thinking two steps ahead, would figure something out, and she did. Their romance wasn’t a slow burn; it was Instalove (yuck), but it was sweet. And the sex scenes were amazing. Overall, a great book!!
    • Justice for Laine (book 4)
      • Content and Trigger Warnings
        • Content Warnings:
          • Romantic suspense
          • Search and rescue
          • Survival
          • Accident and emergency response
          • Explicit sexual content
          • Strong language
          • Protective romance
          • Animal companion (stray dog)
          • Family and friendship themes
        • Trigger Warnings
          • Accidental fall
          • Trapped in a well
          • Confined spaces
          • Claustrophobia
          • Fear of suffocation
          • Fear of dehydration
          • Isolation
          • Search and rescue emergency
          • Physical injury
          • Emotional distress
          • Threats to life due to environmental circumstances
      • My Thoughts: I was surprised that I was able to read this book in one sitting. Then I reread the blurb and saw that it is technically a short story. Anyway, it was a good read. I liked the sparks between Laine and Weston. Their relationship moved fast (think Insta-love fast), but it was believable. When Laine went to the property and fell into the old well because she was trying to help the dog, it was believable too. I loved how Weston knew something was wrong and acted on it, instead of waiting. I also liked that we got to see Daxton/Mack, Cruz/Mickie, and Quint/Corrie in this book.
    • Shelter for Elizabeth (book 5)
      • Content and Trigger Warning
        • Content Warning
          • Romantic suspense
          • Explicit sexual content
          • Strong language
          • Firefighter and emergency response themes
          • Trauma recovery
          • PTSD
          • Anxiety
          • Therapy and healing
          • Grief
          • Protective romance
        • Trigger Warning
          • References to past kidnapping
          • References to a serial killer
          • PTSD and trauma responses
          • Panic attacks
          • Anxiety
          • Agoraphobia/fear of leaving home
          • Survivor’s guilt
          • Obsessive coping behaviors
          • House fire
          • Emotional distress
          • Grief and loss
          • References to the kidnapping and murder of a sibling
          • Rape (mentioned in a flashback)
          • Torture (mentioned in a flashback)
      • My Thoughts: I was pleasantly surprised by this book. When I first started reading this book and read about Beth’s phobia and what caused it, I was afraid that the author was going to gloss over everything. So, when the focus of the book, well besides Cade and Beth’s romance, was Beth’s agoraphobia, I was pleased. I liked that the author chose not to have Beth be mysteriously cured. I liked that she chose to get in-patient treatment at a facility that was dedicated to helping people with agoraphobia. And let’s talk about Cade. He was perfect but imperfect at the same time (when he confronted Beth after the 2nd fire). I loved watching their love bloom and survive. Oh, and the sex scenes were very spicy.
    • Justice for Boone (book 6)
      • Content and Trigger Warnings
        • Content Warnings
          • Romantic suspense
          • Explicit sexual content
          • Strong language
          • Law enforcement themes
          • False allegations
          • Stalking
          • Obsessive behavior
          • Protective romance
          • Small-town setting
          • Jealousy and relationship conflict
        • Trigger Warnings
          • False accusations of domestic abuse
          • Stalking
          • Obsessive ex-partner
          • Harassment
          • Psychological manipulation
          • Emotional distress
          • Threats of violence
          • Attempted murder
          • Fear and intimidation
          • Relationship-related trauma
        • My Thoughts: This book tells Hayden and Boone’s story, and it really is quite a story. Both characters carry a lot from their pasts: Hayden was emotionally and psychologically abused growing up, while Boone witnessed domestic violence as a kid and teen. At first, I felt unsure about how they met, especially since Boone’s ex accused him of domestic violence, but I moved past that pretty quickly. I enjoyed seeing Hayden go from hiding her femininity to embracing it. I didn’t fully connect with Boone, but that’s okay—I don’t always need to relate to every main character. The sex scenes were fantastic, and I loved watching Hayden slowly become more comfortable and open with Boone. What really stood out to me was how the story explored healing and trust. Both Hayden and Boone had to face their past traumas and learn to be vulnerable with each other, which made their journey feel genuine and meaningful. Seeing Hayden reclaim her sense of self and Boone work to break old patterns gave the book a deeper message about empowerment and the chance to build healthier relationships after tough experiences.
    • Shelter for Adeline (book 7)
      • Content and Trigger Warnings
        • Content Warnings
          • Romantic suspense
          • Explicit sexual content
          • Strong language
          • Firefighter and emergency response themes
          • Epilepsy representation
          • Disability representation
          • Service dog
          • Workplace harassment
          • Medical content
          • Protective romance
        • Trigger Warnings
          • Epileptic seizures
          • Medical emergency
          • Workplace harassment
          • Emotional abuse
          • Obsessive behavior
          • Stalking
          • Harassment
          • Psychological manipulation
          • Threats of violence
          • Attempted murder
          • Emotional distress
          • Fear and intimidation
          • Mental Illness
        • My Thoughts: This is another great book in the series. It was fun to see Dean get caught off guard by Adeline, and I enjoyed watching Adeline slowly open up to him. The way the author handled the service animal debate, especially the restaurant scene, was really well done. I also appreciated how Adeline’s epilepsy was part of the story without taking over the plot. I guessed who her stalker was pretty early, but it didn’t spoil the suspense. The ending was just right for the story.
    • Shelter for Sophie (book 8)
      • Content and Trigger Warnings
        • Content Warnings
          • Romantic suspense
          • Explicit sexual content
          • Strong language
          • Firefighter and emergency response themes
          • Disability representation (stutter)
          • Medical research/pharmaceutical workplace
          • Childhood trauma
          • Poverty
          • Prejudice and misunderstandings
          • Protective romance
        • Trigger Warnings
          • Emotional abuse (past)
          • Childhood neglect
          • Poverty
          • Discrimination and prejudice
          • Bullying
          • Harassment
          • Emotional distress
          • Threats to life
          • Physical injury
          • Medical emergency
          • Trauma recovery
      • My Thoughts: This was the sweetest book in this series. I loved Sophie and Chief (Roman )’s relationship. Yes, it might have gotten off to a rough start when Chief overheard part of a conversation that made it seem like Sophie was taking advantage of people of color/people who didn’t have much money (she wasn’t). But once they cleared the air on that, the romance was on. Now Chief did have some issues of his own (OCD and trauma from a childhood that consisted of poverty and racism), but again, he was able to work them out. Sophie also had trauma (bullying as an adult and a child due to her severe stutter), but unlike Chief, she was able to come to terms with it. I loved that the author included Navajo terms, phrases, and superstitions into the book. There was a turn towards the paranormal towards the end (starting with Sophie getting carbon monoxide poisoning and ending after the ritual). Still, it was written in a way that was respectful of Navajo culture. And speaking of the end, it was amazing. I liked seeing Sophie and Chief getting their happy ending.

Monthly Playlist (I use songs featured in the book, if there are any, along with a playlist generated by ChatGPT).

Featured Song of the Month