Tag: book 7

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

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

May 2026 Wrap-Up

Stack of fantasy books titled The Astral Compendium, Year of Dreams 2026, Whispers of Eloria, and Tales from the Void on a wooden table with glowing fairies, a candle, an open book, compasses, a lantern, and a steaming cup.

Personal Highlights from this month:

  • Week of April 26th through May 2nd:
    • Mr. Z finished his internship this week. I can’t tell you how happy I am that this is over. With gas prices shooting up and it taking $50 to fill my car’s half tank, I am thankful I won’t be driving 15 minutes each way to drop him off/pick him up. He learned a lot from the internship and is now interested in IT (still wants to major in history in college).
    • Miss R was sick at the beginning of the week. She was running a temp and just didn’t feel great.
    • I had my sleep study on Saturday. Normally, the clinic doesn’t do sleep studies on weekends, but they are short-staffed and have people working weekends. I now know what kind of mask I will be using for my sleep apnea (I have central apnea).
    • Mr. Z was able to register for classes at the end of the week. He meets with an advisor on Monday to see if the classes he picked will stay. His classes: 1st year seminar, Wellness Literacy, Historical Studies, Writing Inquiries, and Social Science.
  • Week of May 3rd through May 9th:
    • It’s my birthday this week. I am now 40-something (late 40-something…lol).
    • Mr. Z met with his advisor, and his schedule didn’t change. He was pretty happy. All he has left to do is send them his final transcripts, send the transcripts from CVCC (community college), sign the health form waiver, send over his vaccine records, and take out a student loan to cover the rest of his tuition.
    • Miss R had field day on Tuesday. She had a blast (they let the kids keep their phones, so we got details on every event she participated in).
    • Miss R also had her spring chorus concert on Thursday. Her grade sang “Don’t Worry Be Happy” (she had a solo) and “Shake It Off,” with a 6th/7th/8th-grade compilation of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow/It’s a Wonderful Life” at the end of the show.
  • Week of May 10th through May 16th:
    • Mr. Z had his banquet, which signaled the end of his internship.
    • Miss R has her EOG (end-of-grade) testing on Wednesday and Friday.
    • Miss R went to the orthodontist on Monday and was finally able to pick out colors for her bracket band. She went with red.
    • Mr. Z went to the FAA building in Charlotte and got his drone license.
  • Week of May 17th through May 23rd:
    • Mr. Z had his senior awards night on Monday. He got cords for his academy (computer science), was recognized for getting his FAA license (for the drone), was a founding member of the HS’s esports team, and earned a Platinum rating on his ACTs.
    • Miss R passed her EOG’s. She was a little worried about math, but the teacher pulled her aside and told her that only 7 kids had passed the EOG (including her).
    • Miss R had her 6th-grade awards ceremony on Thursday. She made the AB Honor Roll (for the year) and received an award for Most Likely to be the Sheriff in a Western (LOL).
    • Mr. Z graduated on Friday!!!
    • Miss R was accepted into a leadership camp sponsored by our local police department (SROs run it). She can’t wait to attend.
  • Week of May 24th through May 28th (split week due to this post going live on the 28th)
    • Memorial Day here was rainy and cool. But I am not complaining, because we need the rain (we are under water restrictions due to drought).
    • I also had to get used to not waking up at 5:00 am (easier said than done).

Books I Read:

  • Geek Girl Mysteries by Sherry D. Ficklin: I got the first book in this series for free, and I am waiting for the other books to either go free or be added to KU. I also started this book the last week of April and didn’t finish it in time for my April 2026 Wrap-Up.
    • Playing with Fire (Book 1): This book stood out after a long series binge. As a YA mystery with a touch of romance, it offered a refreshing storyline. Farris’s character was memorable—snarky, strong, and vulnerable. While the cybercriminal’s identity was clear early, Farris’s method for discovering it was impressive. The book left me eager to read the rest of the series; it’s worth picking up if you’re looking for engaging YA mysteries.
  • The Districts series by Orion Enzo Gaudio: Another book that I got for free, and another series that I am either waiting for the rest of the books to become free or show up on KU.
    • EMP (Book 1): An engaging introduction to the series. It introduces multiple intertwined plotlines and characters. I am left curious about several matters, such as whether the president survived and the whereabouts of the First Lady. I expect these questions will be resolved in future books.
  • Daughters of the People series by Lucy Varna: I have been interested in this series for years, but never had a reason to read it (it had been sitting on my TBR for a while). So far, I like it and will be reading the rest of the books in the series (they were on KU as of this post).
    • The Prophecy (Book 1): This was an excellent series debut. It moved quickly, yet paused enough for meaningful character development. I appreciated Maya and Dierdre’s dynamic and their engagement with the other Daughters. Maya and James’ relationship evolved naturally from beginning to end. Several pivotal characters appeared, including those leading into the next book. The ending of The Prophecy was chaotic and intriguing, raising more questions than it answered. Normally, I prefer clarity, but this ambiguity was effective. The author thoughtfully added a glossary, which clarified terms used throughout the series.
    • Light’s Bane (Book 2): This book starts shortly after the events in The Prophecy. Like the first book, the author doesn’t skimp on action. At the same time, she builds Dani and Dave’s relationship, complicating matters as the head of The Shadow People wants peace (even though his brother doesn’t). Around halfway through, a twist hinted at in book 1 is revealed, and because it involves Dani and her parentage, I felt shock and sympathy for her. When the truth comes out, Dani’s anger toward Rebecca feels entirely justified, and I share in her frustration. The end, just as chaotic as the first book, had a funeral scene that gave me chills and left me feeling unsettled. Finally, the author hints at who book 3 will focus on, and I am really looking forward to it.
    • The Enemy Within (Book 3): This book is Indigo and Bobby’s love story. While I liked the book (and loved the second-chance romance), I did get a little grumpy about everything else that is going on. For instance, I thought Rebecca’s reaction to what Bobby did (the tattoo) and blaming it on Indigo was insane. Similarly, Bobby’s digging into Indigo’s past by asking her mother about her nightmares rather than asking Indigo felt off. Moving on, the whole storyline with India—her jealousy over Indigo having a husband (which made zero sense), her commitment to The Eternal Order, and her relationship with Bobby’s friend—was almost too much.
    • Tempered (Book 3.5): This is Hawthorne and Aaron’s story. I liked Hawthorne—she took zero crap from anyone and had a soft side reserved for Lali, her granddaughter. In contrast, I wasn’t so fond of Aaron; not believing Hawthorne about her age was understandable, but telling others she was crazy was awful. The things he said to her face (calling her delusional, etc.) made me want to go into the book and smack him. However, he did redeem himself, mostly because of how he treated Lali (Aaron was her puppy… lol) and because he admitted he was wrong about everything. The Eternal Order appeared when Hawthorne’s niece tried to kidnap Lali to raise her in the Order, and the assassin also showed up. Overall, it was a fast, good read.
    • In All Things, Balance (Book 4): This was Moira and Tom’s book, set right before, during, and after Bobby’s kidnapping. I loved Moira—a badass with a foul mouth and a kind soul, whose actions were fierce and touching. Tom, in contrast, frustrated me. He understood the Daughters’ customs but refused to follow them, leading Moira and Naomi (another Daughter) on, which unsettled me. Things worked out in the middle, aside from his bullheadedness, which almost got him killed. When Moira revealed what happened to her daughters during the Easter Massacre, my heart broke for her. The book ended in a shocking way after the Assassin’s actions, and the author set up the next book with Jerusha and Drew, leaving me eager for more.
    • Sanctuary (Book 5): This is Jerusha and Drew’s book. Fast-paced and heavy on the sex, Sanctuary was set mostly in Turkey. I loved Jerusha and Drew’s relationship. The Oracle’s connection to the head of the Shadow People explained a lot. Heads-up for sensitive content: Jerusha was subjected to repeated sexual assault for 10 days by Marcus, the younger brother of the Shadow People leader. The end was interesting, as the author didn’t reveal the next couple.
  • Saturn Society series by Jennette Marie Powell: I was only able to read the first book in this series (which I got for free). I am waiting for the rest of the books to either go on KU or become free themselves.
    • Time’s Enemy (Book 1): I felt somewhat ambivalent about this book. It started off strong, but towards the middle of the book (when he was saving Charlotte as a child), my interest waned. The rest of the book featured Tony moving back and forth in time, each time altering the future. I realized who Violet was early on, but her storyline frequently shifted. She moved from having amnesia to searching for her birth parents to knowing who she was, which made the plot harder to follow and didn’t seem to contribute much.
  • Beyond the Eyes series by Rebekkah Ford: As with 95% of the books I read, I got this for free (either from a newsletter or found on a blog I follow).
    • Beyond the Eyes (Book 1): I was ambivalent towards this book. I enjoyed Paige’s relationship with her friends. In contrast, I disliked anything involving Matt and Brayden and the insta-love. I also found the bullying subplot with Ashley unnecessary. Furthermore, I wish the author had explained where the dark beings came from. Paige’s premonitions were discussed repeatedly in the first few chapters, but the visions only appeared twice and lacked an explanation. Lastly, the ending seemed rushed, and the explanation about what happened to the ring didn’t sit right with me.
  • Hollywood Alphabet series by M.Z. Kelly: I almost cried when I saw how many books were in this series (26). But I am determined to continue finishing the series (the books are on KU). So here goes nothing.
    • Hollywood Assassin (Book 1): This was an outstanding start to the series. I appreciated Kate’s witty humor, even during setbacks. Her moral compass was uncompromising—she’d risk termination rather than distort the truth. I admired her commitment to the unexpected case she dove into. That case was wild, packed with unpredictable twists that left me reeling. The reveal of the antagonists stunned me, especially the last-minute surprise villain. Kate’s best friend, Natalie, was hilarious; I laughed out loud every time she appeared.
    • Hollywood Blood (Book 2): This was a strong sequel in the series. Typically, the second book diminishes the first’s momentum, but not here. The story was chaotic from start to finish, and I enjoyed every moment. Kate skillfully assembled the mystery of how Myra knew Karma and the cause behind the deaths surrounding Karma. Myra was disturbingly evil, yet I sympathized with her. It seems she would have been deeply traumatized without meeting Azareal or suffering psychological and sexual abuse from him. Azareal’s true identity shocked me; the reveal was entirely unexpected. The final two chapters delivered a major twist.
    • Hollywood Crazy (Book 3): This book occurs several months after Hollywood Blood. After Kate’s apartment exploded at the end of the previous book, she now lives with Natalie (who is separated from her husband) and other roommates. The roommates—and the thin walls—had me laughing uncontrollably. Conversely, I was fascinated by the investigation into the double murder. The plot was intricate and unpredictable, and Kate’s final revelation of the culprit and motive stunned me. A compelling secondary storyline involves Kate, her late father, and the circumstances of his death. I was genuinely taken aback by what was uncovered.
    • Hollywood Dirty (Book 4): I enjoyed reading this book. It unfolds several months after Hollywood Crazy, and Kate’s life grows even more chaotic. She is tasked with reopening a cold case after glaring inconsistencies in the original investigation come to light. This book consistently made me laugh. Nana’s antics provided essential comic relief amid Kate’s inquiry into Jezzy’s murder. I was stunned by what she discovered and surprised that earlier investigators overlooked so much. The plot involving Kate’s biological mother took an unexpectedly painful direction, revealing clues about the man who killed Kate’s father. The story became even stranger when Kate tracked him down and learned he was dating her adoptive mother. The finale is packed with surprises. What I appreciated most was that Jezzy’s death involved multiple people, not just one. There was also a devastating twist I never anticipated. I am eager to read book 5!
    • Hollywood Enemy (Book 5): This book is set shortly after Hollywood Dirty. I enjoyed the two main narratives: Kate’s search for the Artist and her being pursued by her biomother’s stalker. The FBI case she investigated captivated me. A serial killer inspired directly by a painting from a mentally ill artist was compelling. I appreciated how the author withheld the true culprit (well, in a way, he revealed it, but I didn’t recognize it until I finished the book). The stalker, who seemed like a literal chameleon, fascinated me. You never knew where or when he would emerge. The way the author wove both narratives together was impressive. The two twists at the end of the book stunned me and broke my heart.
    • Hollywood Forbidden (Book 6): Set three months after the tragic events of Hollywood Enemy and on Catalina Island, this book examines healing from grief and navigating life after trauma. It also delves into cults, specifically a sex cult, highlighting perseverance and the instinct to protect others. With dual plotlines, it tracks crime and investigation concurrently. I found the investigation engaging, though I was frustrated by the two officers assigned to help Kate. Kate’s decision to help search for the girls felt compelling, given that her best friend’s niece was missing. The investigation proved challenging, and I appreciated that. Kate fought for every clue. I also enjoyed the storyline about Grace and the missing girls, admiring her ingenuity and determination to help the younger girls. Her decisive actions at the end saved Sissy and her friends. The conclusion was somewhat predictable (the antagonists were apprehended), yet it also offered surprises. The ending seamlessly set up the next book.
    • Hollywood Games (Book 7): This book unfolds shortly after Hollywood Forbidden and delivers a thrilling ride. Kate and her friends (Mo, Natalie, and company) return energized after their “vacation.” While Kate investigates the murder of a former rapper turned reality star with a new partner (who has a phobia of dead bodies and aspires to act), she faces escalating turmoil in her personal life. The pace is relentless from the first page, and the author maintains strong momentum. A secondary storyline quickly intertwines with the main plot (FYI: blackmail has its limits). There’s also a thread about a cold case linked to the house where Kate is temporarily staying. And Kate’s ongoing romance with McCade, the cowboy sheriff from Catalina Island, adds depth. The plot twists are intense, and the ending is truly jaw-dropping.
    • Hollywood Homicide (Book 8): This story is set a few months after Hollywood Games. The book is tightly constructed and moves briskly, stirring heartbreak and humor in equal measure. I found myself laughing with Natalie, Mo, Nanna, and other unforgettable characters, even as emotional moments emerged. The plot follows Kate as she confronts her mental health, various relationships, and her career. I empathized with Kate, who felt pressure from all directions, both personally and professionally. Still, even at her lowest, she stayed committed to the case. I found it smart that the author sent Kate to a therapist; her sessions brought visible relief and helped her recover her incisive, boundary-pushing spirit. I enjoyed how she unraveled the case and outmaneuvered both the head of Section One and Jessica, who seems especially vindictive. I’m also intrigued by how her working relationship with Pearce will evolve. I was not surprised by the identity of the murderer or the location of the body in the cold case.

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

April 2026 Wrap-Up

Stack of fantasy books titled The Astral Compendium, Year of Dreams 2026, Whispers of Eloria, and Tales from the Void on a wooden table with glowing fairies, a candle, an open book, compasses, a lantern, and a steaming cup.

Personal Highlights from this month:

  • For the week of March 30th through April 4th:
    • The first half of the week was full of appointments. I had my initial appointment with the Pulmonary Dr. (I have been diagnosed with severe sleep apnea and need a C-Pap machine).
    • I also went and visited my grandcats: Bug (who lived with us for 2 years along with his mom) and Coco (aka Coutore/the girls rescue kitten they adopted last Saturday). I also took in their mail/packages, topped off the cats’ water, fed both cats wet food, made sure the dry food dispenser was working, and cleaned the litterboxes. And, of course, I left my purse there, so BK, Miss R, and I went back to get it.
    • We had a surprise visitor late Tuesday night/early Wednesday morning. An unknown man came onto my porch and was looking at either my leaf blower, my air conditioner, or the charger for BK’s electric car. He kept his face covered because we have a sign that says “monitored by Ring audio and visual“. Gotta love wanna-be thieves. He got scared off when BK turned on the living room light and banged on the front window. But, I’m sure he’ll be back…sigh.
    • Miss R learned an important lesson about internet safety. She had lent her Instagram account to a school “friend“. Said “friend” posted very inappropriate pictures there, which were then shared on her Facebook. A friend of the family saw them and immediately called me. After talking to Miss R, we spent a few hours trying to delete the accounts (the girl kept undoing the deletes). We finally were able to move them all (6 of them!!) off her account, and Miss R changed her phone number, password, and put up 2-step verification. Like I said, a lesson learned.
  • For the week of April 5th through April 11th:
    • It’s spring break here, so all school-aged kids in my household were home from school for the week.
  • For the week of April 12th through April 18th:
    • Mr. Z officially has 2 weeks left of his internship. To be honest, I will not miss driving him to and from the hospital Monday-Friday.
    • Mr. Z also decided that he wants to go to the prom. And, boy, tickets are expensive ($50 for stag, $100 for a couple). He will be wearing a black tux with red lining. He is going stag.
    • Miss R rode a new horse this week, and she loved riding it. But, tacking her up was another thing. The horse wouldn’t let Miss R put the bit in her mouth, and if she got it in, the horse slipped the bridle off her head. It took two experienced people (her instructor and the barn owner’s daughter) to get the bit in.
    • Miss R had her unofficial chorus concert on Friday. I didn’t go, but I heard from friends who did that the kids did an amazing job.
    • Mr. Z had in impormto meeting with his drone class (which is why I didn’t get to go to the concert). I ended up waiting almost 2 hours for the class to finish (it was supposed to be 10-15 mins).
    • Miss R had a sleepover with one of her best friends. She also spent all day Saturday and almost all day Sunday with this friend.
  • For the week of April 19th through April 25th:
    • Mr. Z got his cap and gown this week!! He didn’t get his cords or his stole, but I think he’s getting them at Senior Night.
    • Mr. Z went to his prom, and he had a blast. He actually got up and danced (which surprised his father and me).
    • My best friend came up to visit on Sunday. We were able to catch up on a lot. I plan on driving down to visit her once school is out.

Books I Read:

  • Montana Promises Series by Vella Day (I wasn’t able to finish the last book by the end of March):
    • Burning Seduction (Book 5): I believe this is the last book in this series (but there are other series in the same universe). This book centers on Charlotte and Trent’s relationship, with a murder investigation as its backdrop. I loved how their relationship progressed. I also loved the little catch-ups that the author threw in about the other Montana Promises couples. There was an interesting secondary storyline with Harmon (Trent’s brother), and I can’t wait to see if he has his own book (I need to look).
  • The Valkyrie Series by J.K. Hawk:
    • The Nameless Survivor (Book 1): If you like a book told through diary entries and interoffice memos, this is the book for you. While I usually don’t enjoy this format, I did enjoy this book. However, some parts were difficult—such as the depiction of child rape in Mia’s recollections—and I was uncomfortable with the age difference between the survivor (whose name wasn’t given) and Mia, who was 15-16 years old, as it seemed to be at least 20-30 years. Other than that, it was a good read.
    • The Surviving Son (Book 2): This book didn’t live up to the first. My main issue was that the only person who could cure the virus was inexplicably allowed to leave on a risky search for The Nameless Survivor’s son in Northern New England. The timeline was also muddled, as Abel was described inconsistently as either a six-year-old or a teenager. I wasn’t satisfied with the portrayal of The Nameless Survivor, now renamed Adam. Most frustratingly, the ending left Stephanie and Abel’s fate unresolved, leaving the conclusion feeling incomplete.
  • The Imp series by Debra Dunbar (I was able to get almost the entire series on KU. There are 5 books that were not on KU or not on Amazon).
    • A Demon Bound (Book 1): This was an engaging book with a unique twist on the genre. Sam, an imp who has lived on Earth for 40 years as a slumlord, is drawn into a murder mystery when a werewolf blackmails her into trying to kill the rogue angel targeting her kind. The book is fast-paced, witty, and decidedly tongue-in-cheek.
    • Satan’s Sword (Book 2): Another engaging book that centers on Sam and her friends. In this book, Sam had to bail her foster brother, Dar, out of hot water with a higher-up demon. All she has to do is get an ancient artifact and deliver it to said demon. Sam is also dealing with a serial killer who is taking ears as trophies and has moved from the homeless to children. This book was funny, a little gross (there was a lot of gore), and just an overall good read. I am very interested to see what happens in the next book with Sam’s new title, the elves, the demon trying to kill Sam, and the vampires.
    • Elven Blood (Book 3): In this book, Sam must work for an Elven Lord to track down a unique elf/demon hybrid and bring it to the Elven lands, dead or alive. If successful, the Lord will resolve her demon problem. I found this book as enjoyable as the first two, and it was a quicker read. The plot had interesting twists, especially regarding the hybrid, and I liked Sam’s interactions with the Ruling Council of Angels.
    • Devil’s Paw (Book 4): Sam, for once, doesn’t have anyone wanting to kill her. She is content doing impish things (having lots of sex and causing mischief). But things go sideways when Gregory (the angel) is convinced that Sam is behind the murder of an angel and several demons (because of her devouring ability). I loved this book. It was a little faster-paced than the previous three books and featured much more action. I loved Sam’s interactions with Gregory, but I didn’t love how he treated her. I also loved that Sam’s emotional maturity has come so far in just three books and that she has developed strong morals. I was a little surprised and upset by the ending. But saying that, I can’t wait to read book 5 and see what shenanigans Sam gets into in Hel.
    • Imp Forsaken (Book 5): This book centers on Sam and Gabe (Gregory’s younger brother), split between Sam’s recovery in Hel after Gregory’s banishment and Gabe’s investigation into an angel rebellion in Aaru. The narrative alternates between their experiences: Sam’s struggle to heal/recover her powers, her violent encounters with powerful beings, and her leadership in a violent rebellion; Gabe’s efforts to uncover the source of unrest among the angels. The story is marked by intense violence and significant character development. I enjoyed seeing how Sam’s experiences shaped her, and I am eager to see her reunited with Gregory.
    • Angel of Chaos (Book 6): The book follows the Nephilim, Sam, and Gregory (revealed as Archangel Michael), focusing on the chaos Sam creates. It features significant violence and both physical and spiritual sex. The author expands on why angels cannot procreate. Another side of Gabe emerges, as hinted at in Imp Forsaken. Harper, a mortal, was enthralled and impregnated by an angel against her will, which led to anger and trust issues. The ending was expected, and Sam’s absorption of others into her household was intriguing. I’m curious about the Kingdom of Lies and Sam’s deals with sorcerers Kirby and Gabe.
    • Kingdom of Lies (Book 7): This book picks up a few months after Angel of Chaos. Sam’s quest to retrieve a dangerous, modified gem for a sorcerer becomes more perilous when a greedy demon uses the gem’s power to grow stronger. Meanwhile, Sam manages her relationship with Gregory, the tensions in her household, and the mystery of gates opening to other dimensions. Kingdom of Lies is fast-paced, plenty violent, but light on sex. The snark level is high (I love Sam’s sense of humor and her skewed moral compass). The author does something interesting by exposing humans to demons, angels, and other supernatural beings. I was slightly disappointed that the gate closings didn’t get more time, but that would probably take another book. I’m eager to see where Exodus (the next book) will go.
    • Exodus (Book 8): As the angel rebellion peaks and the Ruling Council pressures Sam to leave while elves advance on humans, chaos erupts. In response, Sam welcomes all refugees into her household (most of them on temporary status). She plans to defend Aaru alongside Gregory and his brothers using her Lows. The ensuing battle is tense and well described; plot twists unfold logically yet remain surprising. Ultimately, the conclusion is impactful, as Sam’s allies prove formidable.
    • Queen of the Damned (Book 9): This book starts several months after the events in Exodus. The angels (and Sam) are still locked out of Aaru and trying to get back in. Soon after, Sam learns someone has kidnapped three of her Lows. The investigation is chaotic, but she eventually uncovers the culprit—a very odd figure, like Mr. Rogers with an Ancient twist. The Ancient who took the Lows is unsettling, but ultimately seems fine. As she continues, Sam discovers the Ancients have awoken and want to return to Aaru—a storyline that is both humorous and a bit sad. Later, a surprising twist involving Harper’s angel baby daddy brings the plot full circle and adds a bittersweet note. At the very end, Samael is revealed to be alive. Overall, the book was a compelling, enjoyable read—I couldn’t put it down.
    • The Morning Star (Book 10): This book concludes Sam and Gregory’s journey, focusing on Samael’s rumored return after a 2-billion-year absence. When this rumor proves true, Sam tries to unite the Ancients and demons to avert war on Earth, all while raising Lux, an adorable Angel of Order. The fast-paced, hilarious story delivers well-written twists. Although I had anticipated the Samael reveal back in book 8, the actual revelation and the intense ending twist exceeded expectations. Lux’s biological sire wants him back, but Sam stands firm, and she discusses Lux’s safety with Remiel. The author delivers an astonishing final twist that powerfully concludes the series.
    • With This Ring (Book 11): Several months after The Morning Star, Sam is adapting to her new life, balancing committee responsibilities and personal milestones, including serving as a bridesmaid in Amber/Irix’s wedding. Her adopted angel Lux brings unexpected chaos by taking his ring-bearing role literally. Amid challenges—humans wielding powerful weapons, strict immigration rules, evasive elves, and a zombie onslaught—Sam is overwhelmed but ultimately solves everything in her signature chaotic style. This chaos, paired with her indifference to rules and deep love for Lux and her found family, grounds her and makes the book a joy to read. The hilarious sex toy scene exemplifies the humor, keeping me laughing throughout.
    • A Crown of Imp and Bone (Book 12): I expected this to be the last book, but the author announced book 13, which I’m eager to read. In this installment, Sam faces her most dangerous challenge, juggling wedding preparations and a quest for peace after Lux steals the Seelie Queen’s ring—breaking a historic contract and threatening humans. Sam’s mission plunges her into conspiracies: rescuing kidnapped Seelie girls, investigating mysterious towers, battling the Wild Hunt, Unseelie King for help, and a climactic fight. For the first time in the series, I genuinely feared for Sam’s survival.

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

Overdue or Die (The Haunted Library Mysteries: Book 7) by Allison Brook

Publisher: Crooked Lane Books

Date of publication: October 10th, 2023

Genre: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Family, Ghosts

Series: The Haunted Library Mysteries

Death Overdue—Book 1

Read and Gone—Book 2

Buried in the Stacks—Book 3

Checked Out for Murder—Book 4

Death on the Shelf—Book 5

Dewey Decimated—Book 6

Overdue or Die—Book 7

Purchase Links: Kindle | B&N

Goodreads Synopsis:

Carrie Singleton has a wedding to plan, a killer to catch, and a conspiracy to uncover in this charming seventh novel of Agatha Award-nominee Allison Brook’s Haunted Library mysteries.

Carrie Singleton has more than her fair share on her plate: her job at the Clover Ridge Library, preparing for her wedding to Dylan Avery, and hoping that the local art gallery doesn’t steal away one of her part-time employees. Her fiancé Dylan accompanies her to the beautiful home of Victor Zalinka—art collector and successful businessman—to select paintings for an art show at the library. While Carrie muses that Victor’s home would be the perfect wedding venue, Dylan spots a forgery among the paintings in Victor’s collection.

Then Martha Mallory is found murdered in her art gallery. With the assistance of Evelyn, the library ghost; the resident cat, Smoky Joe; and the office manager of Dylan’s private investigation company, Carrie comes up with a suspect list long enough to rival the size of an encyclopedia. During her investigation, Carrie stumbles across a terrible truth: Martha’s murder was part of something far bigger and more dangerous than she could have ever imagined. And it all leads back to the art gallery.

How far will Carrie go to find the killer and uncover the truth? If the killer finds her first—will Carrie finally be taken out of circulation?

First Line:

I gazed down at Great-Uncle Bosco in his bed in the Cardiology Care Unit of South Conn Hostipal, trying to process the fast that he’d suffered a heart attack.

Overdue or Die by Allison Brook

Life isn’t boring for Carrie Singleton these days. Between planning her wedding, working, and worrying that a local art gallery will steal her assistant, Carrie has a lot on her plate. And when a local art gallery owner, Martha Mallory, is found murdered, Carrie can’t help but get involved. With the help of a ghost, Carrie discovers that Martha’s murder is just the tip of the iceberg. What was Martha involved in? What got her killed? And can Carrie live long enough to find out who the killer is?

Overdue or Die is the 7th book in The Haunted Library series. While this can be read as a standalone book, I recommend reading books 1-6 first. That way, you can understand what is going on in the book. This is something that I wish I had done.

I needed help getting comfortable reading Overdue or Die. I couldn’t connect with any of the characters. The mystery was written well, but I felt it was drawn out in places. I feel the same way about the secondary storylines as well.

The main storyline in Overdue or Die centers around Carrie and her investigation into Martha’s murder. While I liked the storyline and felt it was interesting, I couldn’t get into it. Much was happening besides Martha’s murder, and I thought it took away from the main storyline.

The mystery angle in Overdue or Die was interesting. But, again, it was overshadowed by everything else that was going on in the book. I was taken by surprise at who Martha’s killer ended up being and what the motive was. But, the reveal was at the end of a meandering plotline that did go off course several times during the book. There are a couple of twists that did take me by surprise.

The end of Overdue or Die was run of the mill. The reveal of the killer and Carrie’s involvement in it was interesting. I am not sure if I want to read book eight or not.

I would recommend Overdue or Die to anyone over 16. There is language, violence, and fade to black sexual situations.

Many thanks to Crooked Lane Books, NetGalley, and Allison Brook for allowing me to read and review Overdue or Die. All opinions stated in this review are mine.

If you enjoyed reading this review of Overdue or Die, then you will enjoy reading these books:

Other books by Allison Brook:

Against the Odds (North Oak: Book 7) by Ann Hunter

Publisher: Rebel House Ink

Date of publication: July 24th, 2019

Genre: Young Adult, Equestrian

Series: North Oak

Born to Run—book 1 (review here)

Yearling—book 2 (review here)

Morning Glory—book 3 (review here)

To Bottle Lightening—book 4 (review here)

Far Turn—book 5 (review here)

Dark Horse—book 6 (review here)

Against the Odds—book 7

Ride for Glory—book 8

Hard Boot—book 9

Purchase Links: Kindle

Goodreads Synopsis:

Alex’s racing career starts with Venus Nights, the filly she helped birth into the world, and a head case mare named Florescent Cheerio who Brooke has claimed.

When things go missing around the North Oak barns, Alex is sure she is being stalked. What’s more is Venus Galaxies has foaled twins, fighting for their lives to survive. Can they beat the odds?

First Line:

Sixteen-year-old Alexandra Anderson zipped her racing silks, tucking the tails into her bright white breeches.

Against the Odds by Ann Hunter

Alex is finally getting her life back in order and is ready to start racing. She is racing again and excitedly waiting for Venus Galaxy to foal. But, when Alex notices that her belongings are going missing, Alex immediately thinks she is being stalked. Then she has an accident while warming up a horse known for being unpredictable and is benched while her arm heals. During that time, Alex is confronted by the past she left behind and her soul horse giving birth to twins. Will Alex be able to face her past? Will the twin foals and Venus Galaxy survive?

When I started to get ready to read this book, I did some brush-up reading about horse racing, horse farms, and jockeys. What I read fascinated me. Women make up 27.2% of jockeys in horse racing (stated in this article), making it a male-dominated sport. So, to have a teenage girl (OK, woman) trying to break into this world was fascinating. What I read aligned with what the author portrayed (the sexist remarks made to Alex at the beginning of the book). That, along with a twist I genuinely didn’t see coming (even though the author warned me), made this book fantastic.

Against the Odds is the 7th book in the North Oak series. While this could be read as a stand-alone book, I recommend reading books 1-6 first. That way, you better understand Alex, her background, and the backstories of the other people in the book.

Against the Odds is a fast-paced book mostly set on a horse farm in Hamlin, Kentucky. I feel that the book’s pacing was perfect for it. It matched Alex’s energy and her whip-fast responses to people and situations. I had no issue following the storyline. There was no backtracking or me going, “Huh, what?” at any point in this book.

The main storyline of Against the Odds is focused on Alex, her continuing recovery from rape, her racing ambitions, her relationships (romantic and otherwise), and her love of horses. Against the Odds was a well-written storyline that kept me glued to the book. There was also a massive twist in the storyline that I didn’t see coming.

I liked Alex, but was she stubborn, like her being mad at her foster mother about something I can’t mention because of spoilers. That went on for more than half the book!! I worried about her health, mainly when she started skipping meals and throwing herself up. I worried about how it would affect her racing (which it did) and how the people in her life would help her. I also worried for her mental well-being and wondered (out loud, which earned a look from my SO). But the author addressed my worries and some in the book. I also loved her interactions with the horses. Her respect and love for these animals shone through the book.

I was thrilled when the author let Brooke have her chapters. It was nice to see Alex through someone else’s eyes. It was also nice to see the races/training of the racehorses through someone else other than Alex. I did laugh when she rescued Fluorescent Cheerio (the name alone made me giggle), but I didn’t laugh when I realized precisely what horse Flo was and how she was treated.

Alex’s relationships were still as messy as in the previous six books. She still had feelings for both Dejado and Carol. But, what was interesting, was that the author threw Brooke into the mix. Brooke had feelings for Dejado, which he didn’t return. While I want a resolution to the jumble, I like figuring out who will end up with whom.

The horses were still the main focus of the book. I was on pins and needles with Venus Galaxies foaling. That whole chapter had me biting my nails. I know that twin foals sometimes don’t survive birthing, and I wondered if that was how the author would go with the storyline. Also, Fluorescent Cheerio was a welcome distraction to the book. I loved her personality. She also came so far in the book. From an abused horse to one that was happy but had quirks. I loved it!!

I didn’t see the twist in this storyline coming. Honestly, I thought it was Brad stalking Alex. I didn’t expect what was revealed. My jaw dropped, and I had to put my Kindle down. After the shock wore off, I got very angry with North. This was something that Alex should have known way before she found out the way she did. But, at the same time, I was pretty excited to see how this twist will affect Alex.

The end of Against the Odds was interesting. It set the stage for book 8. There were no endings of storylines; everything was left in the air.

I recommend Against the Odds to anyone over 16. There is language, mild violence, and no sexual situations.

Many thanks to Ann Hunter for allowing me to read and review Against the Odds. All opinions stated in this review are mine.

If you enjoyed reading this review of Against the Odds, then you will enjoy reading these books:

Other books by Ann Hunter:

Shadowed Deliverance (The Guardians: Book 7) by Reily Garrett

Publisher:

Date of publication: May 19th, 2023

Genre: Paranormal, Romance, Suspense

Series: The Guardians

Shadowed Horizons—Book 1 (review here)

Shadowed Origins—Book 2 (review here)

Shadowed Passages—Book 3

Shadowed Spirits—Book 4 (review here)

Shadowed Intent—Book 5 (review here)

Shadowed Visions—Book 6 (review here)

Shadowed Deliverance—Book 7

Purchase Links: Kindle

Goodreads Synopsis:

Family.
The Channon legacy entails keeping a well-guarded secret safe until the time arrives to face the psychopath bent on imprisoning psychics, studying genetic mutations for the purpose of creating an army, and dominating the world.

The psychopath is Brianna’s brother, a psychic with a following of murderous spirits and trained mercenaries.

Through the years, Nicholai Semenov has overseen a group of psychics intent on ensuring safety and peace among their kind. After discovering one of his team is a shifter, the group expands to include the entire pack.

Join the warriors in this final chapter as they take on the Order of Assassins and warrior ghosts determined to control the fate of humanity.

First Line:

In a singular twist of luck, fate assisted Roth’s effort in preparing for the most romantic evening of his life.

Shadowed Deliverance by Reily Garrett

Brianna Channon has finally been reunited with her children after twenty years of forced separation due to her deranged brother, Roth. Brianna is ready to confront Roth for everything he has done to her family. But first, Brianna must recover an amulet that will help with their battle against Roth and his allies. This amulet can only be used by a chosen one, but who that chosen one could be is unknown to Brianna. And unfortunately, Roth has gotten his hands on the amulet and is using it to rally spirits to his cause. At her side, also, is Nicholai Semenov, a powerful psychic and group leader. He has gathered and protected her children from Roth and his allies. But, even with Nicholai’s help, the battle against Roth will be hard. He thinks he is guaranteed a win with the Order of Assassins, the amulet, and the spirits on his side. But is he? Can Brianna and her family (biological and found) defeat Roth? Or will they all fall to his mad and psychotic delusions? And who will wield the amulet?

I was happy and sad when I got the email from the author asking me to read/review Shadowed Deliverance. I was delighted because I had reviewed this series from the beginning and enjoyed reading it. I was sad because this is the last book in the series. The author explained that while the Channon family’s story ends, it doesn’t mean the other characters’ stories would. But still. I had grown attached to the characters and struggled with change.

Shadowed Deliverance is The Guardians series’ 7th (and last) book. This book cannot be read as a stand-alone book. You need to read books 1-6 to read this book. If you don’t, you will be lost. I didn’t read Logan’s story (book 3) and felt I missed a lot (I will be reading it as soon as possible, though).

Shadowed Deliverance is a fast-paced book that I couldn’t put down. The book started fast (it started right after the events of book 6) and slowed down at the end of the book.

The main storyline of Shadowed Deliverance focuses on Brianna, her children and their spouses, Casper, Nicholai, and Roth. This storyline was a well-written storyline that kept me glued to the book. While I was interested in Brianna and company, I was more interested in Roth and the amulet. He had been gone from the series for a while. The author did not disappoint (I will discuss him further in the review).

The storyline with the amulet was interesting. When Roth had it, he gave a good look into how it worked. But, I was more curious about who could wield it and what it could do once it was with the chosen person. When the author revealed who the chosen person was, I was surprised. It was someone I didn’t see coming. But, at the same time, it made sense.

I had figured that Brianna would have the last book in the series. Why? Her six children had found each other again (in Silver’s book), and there was no indication that the author ended the series. Plue, only Nicholai was left without a mate, so I took a guess and figured that Brianna would be the next book. I liked seeing the group from her POV and how the different dynamics worked out. I also liked seeing Roth from her POV. She went between hating him (he did kill their parents, forced Logan to kill Devon, and kidnapped/abused Ashlyn) and pitying him. The pitying part made me feel awful because she kept flashing back to when Roth was normal (not psychotic and murderous).

I was thrilled that Nicholai would be featured as a main character in this book. He was very mysterious during the series and used his psychic powers as they came to him (he could see into the future but also saw different paths). He was a guiding force with the Channon children and was like a second father to all of them. His relationship with Caspar was pretty funny, and I loved seeing him parent her (his reactions to her are what I have with my seventeen-year-old). I thought he and Brianna were perfect for each other (and I will discuss that more in the romance section).

The third main character in Shadowed Deliverance is Caspar. That girl had me rolling with her one-liners and made me tear up with her fierce devotion to her family. Her verbal sparring sessions with Roth were on point and truthful. She was the most powerful of any psychics there, which the author repeatedly showed. I also loved how she needled Dacien (it was a running theme throughout the series) and tried to get anyone to tell her about sex (those scenes had me in stitches). I do wish that the author had given more information about her background. Other than the nickname, Moon Pie, there was nothing. Not even her real name. The author said she will be featured in a new series, so I hope more information is given in those books. Out of all the characters, I will miss her the most.

The last main character in Shadowed Deliverance is Roth. It was interesting to see another side to Roth other than his usual psychotic/murderous one. What was also interesting was the catalyst for everything. It showed a different side of Roth that I wasn’t expecting and explained why he turned evil. But, ultimately, his pride and manipulating ways ended him. I wasn’t sad to see him go, but at the same time, I wondered what if (if you read the book, you know what I am talking about).

The paranormal angle was wonderfully written. I loved that the author incorporated psychics, shifters, and spirits into the storyline. The concept of evil spirits at Roth’s bidding was scary and wasn’t an enemy the group could easily fight. I’m not going to go into much detail, but I loved how the author handled the spirit storyline and the ending of it. It was scary and sad at the same time.

As with all of Reily’s books, romance is very much present. But in this book, it did take a backseat to everything else that was going on. I liked it that way. I liked that the author had Brianna need a moment to think about everything happening between her and Nicholai. She was worried about what her kids (and Caspar) would think. It was normal, and I loved it (spoiler, they could care less).

The end of Shadowed Deliverance seemed almost anti-climatic compared to the other books. I can’t get into much detail, but I was not expecting what happened to Roth. It was a twist that I should have seen coming. I will not go into much after this because there will be spoilers but be prepared to have tissues!! I was openly crying.

I recommend Shadowed Deliverance to anyone over 21. There are language, violence, and nongraphic sexual situations (the author faded to black after kissing).

Many thanks to Reily Garrett for allowing me to read and review Shadowed Deliverance. All opinions stated in this review are mine.

If you enjoyed this review of Shadowed Deliverance, then you will enjoy reading these books:

Other books by Reily Garrett:

Once a Killer (Blackhawk Security: Book 7) by Margaret Watson

Publisher: Dragonfly Press

Date of Publication: December 13th, 2022

Genre: Romance, Suspense, Thriller, Mystery

Series: Blackhawk Security

With One Breath—Book 1 (review here)

Once Removed—Book 2 (review here)

Once Burned—Book 3 (review here)

Fool Me Once—Book 4 (review here)

Just This Once—Book 5 (review here)

Once and Always—Book 6 (review here)

Once a Killer—Book 7

Trigger Warnings: stalking, PTSD, gun violence, general violence, mentions of severe depression (in a side character)

Purchase Links: Kindle

Goodreads Synopsis:

Bree Gordon looks nothing like a bodyguard. But the short, slender woman knows how to keep her principal safe. And one of her most potent weapons is her appearance. People see her and dismiss her. Their mistake.

Jameson Ford is a technical whiz who’s working on a program that’ll be a game changer. The military wants it. So does the CIA, along with some unsavory players. Someone close to him wants it, as well – one of the engineers in his lab.

When he reluctantly hires a bodyguard, he’s shocked when Bree shows up. But it doesn’t take long for him to appreciate her abilities. Will the attraction flaring between them be their salvation? Or will it be their downfall?

First Line:

Bree sat next to Alex Conway in the Blackhawk Security dining room, swirling pieces of pancake through the puddle of maple syrup on her plate.

Once a Killer by Margaret Watson

Once a Killer is the seventh book in the Blackhawk Security series. It can be read as a standalone novel. But I suggest reading the previous six to see who the previous characters were, their relationships, and how they fit into this storyline.

Bree Gordon doesn’t look like your typical bodyguard. She is short, slender, and can blend into the background. Bree is also as tough as nails, thanks to her military experience. So, in other words, she is perfect for personal security. Her newest client is Jameson Ford. He is working on a program that could change lives, making him a target. From the CIA to an engineer at his lab, someone wants to get their hands on it. The problem is Jameson doesn’t know who, and when the attempts start getting physical, he needs a bodyguard. Bree doesn’t know that her past is directly tied to what is happening to Jameson. Can she keep Jameson, the program, and her heart safe? Or will she end up losing all three?

I wasn’t a huge fan of Bree at the beginning of the book. She came across as kind of a jerk. But, the more the author revealed about her background, the more I understood why she acted the way she did. I did like her commitment to Jameson. She was committed to keeping him safe, and when her enemies started targeting him, the fury in her was pretty awesome to read.

What is it with clueless men in romance novels? While I liked Jameson, he embodied every clueless hero I read. How could you not know who at your lab was after your program? It wasn’t like he had a vast suspect pool there. He did score some brownie points with me over how he felt about Bree. He knew she was damaged (it was pretty apparent). He didn’t push her for anything; instead, he waited for her to tell him. Usually, it is the other way around (the woman waiting for the man), so it was refreshing to read. I liked that.

The main storyline in Once a Killer was Bree bodyguarding Jameson until they figured out who was after his program. I liked seeing the role reversal here. A small, thin woman guarding a grown man did bring a smile to my face. And Bree was the real deal. That woman showed, a few times, that she wasn’t one to be trifled with. The author didn’t draw this storyline out. Instead, she added Bree’s issues from the military towards the end of it. I wasn’t a big fan of that, but it did add a much-needed oomph to the storyline.

The romance in Once a Killer was scorching hot. It was a combination of forced proximity and Instalove (neither of which I like). Even with my dislike of those tropes, it was still a great love story. I liked that Jameson had to wait for Bree to open up instead of the other way around. It wasn’t an easy romance, with Bree running scared toward the end. But it did end up with a HEA.

The sex scenes were amazing. I would have been disappointed if the sex had fallen short. But it didn’t, and I loved it!! I do think that amazing sex scenes go hand in hand with these types of romances.

The mystery angle in Once a Killer was well written. I did figure out who was behind everything reasonably early in the book. That made me frustrated when Bree and Jameson couldn’t figure it out. I was yelling about who it was in my head. Of course, the culmination of this storyline ended with a huge bang and with me feeling very satisfied as a reader.

The trigger warnings in Once a Killer weren’t that bad. There was a lot of violence (gun, physical, and car). There were also some elements of stalking (mentioned and shown briefly) that Bree took care of quickly. Bree’s PTSD was mentioned, and she did explain to Jameson the events that led up to it. The severe depression in the side character was well written. My heart broke for that character, and I was slightly aggravated with Jameson for not seeing it sooner. But as soon as it was brought to his attention, Jameson got that person help. If any of these triggers you, I suggest not reading the book.

The end of Once a Killer was interesting. For one, I couldn’t figure out if there would be a new book. With the introduction of Bree’s enemies, I wonder if the author will start a new series and set it in the same universe as her other books. I liked that Bree and Jameson did get their HEA. As much as I complained about Bree, I feel Jameson will be good for her and help her overcome her issues.

I would recommend Once a Killer to anyone over 21. Besides the trigger warnings, there are also language and sexual situations.

Many thanks to Margaret Watson and Dragonfly Press for allowing me to read and review Once a Killer. All opinions expressed in this review are mine.

If you enjoyed reading this review of Once a Killer, then you will enjoy reading these books:

Own to Obey (Myth of Omega: Book 7) by Zoey Ellis

Own To Obey (Myth of Omega Book 7) by [Ellis, Zoey]

4 Stars

Publisher: Quill Ink Books

Date of publication: February 6th, 2019

Genre: Dark Fantasy, Romance

Series: Myth of Omega

Crave to Conquer—Book 1

Crave to Capture—Book 2

Crave to Claim—Book 3

Credence—Book 3.5

Reign to Ruin—Book 4

Reign to Ravage—Book 5

Reign to Rule—Book 6

Own to Obey—Book 7

Own to Obsess—Book 8 (expected publication date: April 25th, 2019)

Where to find Own to Obey: Bookbub| Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Synopsis:

He obtained her – and now she must obey

The Alpha Prince

Brutality and tradition are a way of life for ferocious tribe leader, Kardos. Born different from the other princes, he strives to be the best–to earn his place and prove his worth.

After negotiating for a rare Omega not seen in his Land for over one hundred years, he is keen to present her to the High Chief and gain the recognition he deserves.

It doesn’t matter that she has mesmerizing beauty, or that her manner is too mild for his culture. It doesn’t matter that deep down, a craving burns strong to keep her for himself.

She must accept her fate – and so must he.

The Omega Gift

Sheltered all her life, Omega Shaya found joy in the gardens of her home, the protection of her sister, and the simplicity of her life.

But when the decision to save her sister suddenly puts her in the possession of a fierce tribal warrior, she begins to understand that life can be savage, and painful, and complex.

Alone, and with no way to protect herself, Shaya is determined to overcome the harsh treatment of a culture she doesn’t understand, but when she finds herself attracted to the Alpha’s dominance, she has to find a way to resist him so he doesn’t break her completely; body, mind, and heart.

Own To Obey is the first book in this couple’s story, but the seventh installment of the Myth of Omega series. This is a dark, steamy, Omegaverse romance. Cliff-hanger included. For fans of barbarian Alpha anti-heroes, sweet but savvy Omega heroines, epic fantasy worlds, and captive romances. Discover a magical kind of dark…

Own To Obey includes romance and situations of a dark nature. Some aspects of this story may be sensitive for some readers. For ages 18 and over

My review:

I am going to start off this book with a warning. There are situations in this book that will trigger people. There are situations that will make people upset. If you have triggers, then don’t read the book. If not and you can look past the beginning few chapters, then read it.

Now that is out of the way, let’s get onto the review!!

I enjoyed reading Own to Obey, even though it was the 7th book in the Myth of Omega series. I do not like picking up a book mid-series. 9 out of 10 times, I am left with a “WTH” feeling as I read. I did get a small sense of that when I started reading Own to Obey. I was confused with who the characters were and why Kardos needed an Omega. But, the author did a fantastic job of explaining everything.

I will admit that I wasn’t a fan of the first few sexual scenes of the book. The author did a great job of having Kardos explain why he did what he did. But still. It was hard to read. But, as Shaya’s feelings for Kardos grew, the sex scenes got hotter. By the time Shaya went into her Haze, the sex was steaming hot. I was a little confused about the knotting at first. But it was explained in the book and then it made sense. Survival of the fittest.

I did like Kardos even if I didn’t understand his reasoning sometimes. It drove me nuts. He should have talked to Rozalia sooner. If he did, some of the hurt that Shaya went through could have been avoided.

I felt awful for Shaya. She had been ripped away from everyone she loved and was given to a leader who was determined to make her into one of his people. She tried so hard those first days. As traumatized as she was, she tried. And what did she get? A shinno who’s way of teaching her things involved pain and a hurt shoulder. I would have acted the same way she did if in that situation. Except for the orgy she walked into. I would have noped right out of there instead of staying…lol.

The end of the book was interesting. It showed a lot more of Kardos’s peoples culture. It explained the hierarchy on the island and how an Omega was going to change everything. It explained Kardos’s role in that hierarchy. It showed the depth of feelings that Kardos had for Shaya. Those last scenes said it all. I can’t wait to read book 8!!

I would give Own to Obey an Adult rating. There is explicit sex. There is language. There is violence There are triggers. I am not going to say what they are because they are spoilers to the plot. I will say that I recommend that no one under the age of 21 read this book.

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I would reread Own to Obey. I would also recommend this book to family and friends.

I would like to thank the publisher and the author for allowing me to read and review Own to Obey.

All opinions stated in this review of Own to Obey are mine.

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

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Dark Alpha’s Awakening (Reaper: Book 7) by Donna Grant

4 Stars

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press, Swerve

Date of publication: February 5th, 2019

Genre: Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy

Series: Reaper

Dark Alpha’s Claim—Book 1

Dark Alpha’s Embrace—Book 2

Dark Alpha’s Demand—Book 3

Dark Alpha’s Lover—Book 4

Dark Alpha’s Night—Book 5

Dark Alpha’s Hunger—Book 6 (review here)

Dark Alpha’s Awakening—Book 7

Where you can find Dark Alpha’s Awakening: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Goodreads synopsis:

There is no escaping a Reaper. I am an elite assassin, part of a brotherhood that only answers to Death. And when Death says your time is up, I’m coming for you…

Serving Death and the Reapers has been my life for centuries. I’ve always put my duty before everything, even my yearning for Death. But now, she’s fading – our foe is bent on destroying her and he will stop at nothing until he does. Death holds the key to our survival. I will do everything in my power to stop her from disappearing. For her, I will ensure we have the best fighting chance. For her…I will cross the divide keeping us apart.

My review:

I was pretty stoked when I saw that there was going to be a book 7 in the Reapers series. I got even more excited when I started reading Dark Alpha’s Awakening. Why was I excited? Because it was Cael and Death (Erith’s) romance. The romance that I was waiting to read. It was also the romance that I didn’t think would happen. So, yes, I was thrilled.

I loved that I got to know more about Erith in this book. Her origins fascinated me. Her stint as Mistress of War and what started it fascinated me. As did why she stopped and formed the Reapers.

Erith brought it in this book. She was determined to find out what Bran was doing/using to drain her life essence. She was also going to end Bran, which was something that should have been done years ago. I loved it.

Cael was awesome in this book also. He was going to do whatever it took to save Erith from Bran. He was a great leader who was loyal to his Reapers. He was willing to do whatever it took to protect his Reapers, their women, and Erith. And oh boy, did he.

I liked how the author kept the sex scenes in Dark Alpha’s Awakening to a minimum. There were 2 or 3 scenes of Erith and Cael having sex. Those sex scenes were beyond hot. There was no build up of sexual tension in this book. But, Cael and Erith had 6 previous books to let it build and man, did it explode.

I enjoyed that the author had this world intertwined with The Dark Kings world. I didn’t quite catch on that they were in the same universe until the last Dark King book, Dragonfire. There was a certain point where Eoghan and Thea were mentioned. At that point, I was like “They are connected, WTH.”. That showed up even more so in this book. Bran, Balladyn, Rhi, Usaeil, and Xaneth were all featured in this book.

What surprised me the most about this book was the author was not afraid to let people die in this book. There were a couple of deaths that took me by surprise. One I was expecting but the other, well it blindsided me. That made me wonder who was going to be the next one to get killed. I have a good idea who but I am going to have to wait to see what happens in the next book.

I am also waiting to see if Erith takes the advice that was given to her and involve the Dragon Kings in the war that is going to happen. Guess I am going to need to keep reading the books to find out.

The end of the book was interesting. While some plotlines were tied up there were other ones that were left open. New plotlines were introduced near the end of the book. I am interested to see where the plotline with Xaneth is going to go. From what was written at the end of the book, it doesn’t look good.

I would give Dark Alpha’s Awakening an Adult rating. There is explicit sex. There is language. There is explicit violence. There are triggers. They are the death of a loved one and murder. I would recommend that no one under the age of 21 read this book.

I would reread Dark Alpha’s Awakening. I would also recommend this book to family and friends.

I would like to thank the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review Dark Alpha’s Awakening.

All opinions stated in this review of Dark Alpha’s Awakening are mine.