New Release Book Review: The Waiting Game by Brigham Vaughn

I am really loving the Relationship Goals series, Brigham Vaughn has really managed to capture so much heart in these stories while at the same time tackling some important issues.

In The Waiting Game Jonah and Felix move from best friends to lovers whilst also dealing with Felix’s recovery from alcohol addiction and Jonah’s grandmother’s ill health.

What starts as a fake engagement for various reasons soon becomes the real things and I was there for the whole ride. I loved Jonah and Felix and loved how much they loved each other as friends and then as more.

The way the team are there for their friends and teammates is also a big part of this series adds even more heart to these stories.

I’d say this is my favourite in the series but I think they are all favourites so far.

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About the book

Fans Have Mixed Reactions to Engagement of Fisher Cats’ Hale and Brewer

On the eve of their first playoff game this post-season, the Toronto Fisher Cats organization sent out a press release announcing the engagement of their top d-pair.

The release insinuates the childhood friends may have been involved as far back as college and makes it clear the front office supports the relationship. “We are confident that such a longstanding relationship will be nothing but beneficial to Felix in his recovery.”

Reactions are mixed.

An anonymous inside source stated, “Legit? No way. This whole thing’s a PR stunt to soften the public’s perception of Hale.”

One fan commented, “Hale & Brewer have always been so adorable together! It’s great they finally feel comfortable being out about their relationship!”

While many fans are similarly supportive, others speculate that the announcement is tied to the Cats’ shaky play of late. “We all know they’re not gonna make it past the first round,” one fan stated. “It’s just an attempt to distract from how weak the team is.”

Adding fuel to the controversy, Hale shared an image of the players naked in bed together and captioned, “Pre-game nap with Jonah before we take on the Montreal Lynx. Go, Cats!”

PR stunt or happily engaged couple? Only time will tell.

TRIGGER WARNING: Frank discussion of alcoholism, past death of parents, and emotionally neglectful parents.

#ThrowbackThursday #2

I was asking Davida from The Chocolate Lady’s Book Review Blog for some ideas of memes I could join in with and she suggested I could join her twist on #ThrowbackThursday.

The gist of her Throwback Thursday is to highlight one of your previously published book reviews. I love this idea as it brings to people’s minds wonderful books they might have forgotten or not even heard of.

For the Twists/Instructions for Throwback Thursday visit her here. I’m going to try and keep the same schedule she does, the Thursday before the first Saturday of every month, but you can link to her blog all month.

I’d love to know if you join in.

For my second #ThrowbackThursday post I scrolled back a few years to uncover this one, it was the cover that first drew me to this novel isn’t it lovely?

This was such an interesting concept that I was immediately drawn to wanting to read The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner. A dual timeline novel, 1791 and the present day, these two stories are brought together when Caroline, our present-day character who once had dreams of being a historian and who has just found out her husband has cheated on her. Travelling on her own to London, she goes mudlarking (a term I’d never heard of before) and finds a small glass vial hidden in the mud of the Thames. This, in turn, leads her to investigate where it came from and in turn, uncover a 200-year-old mystery.

Click here to read the rest of my review along with an excerpt from the novel

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

First seen over on Book’d Out I’m going to try to do this post regularly linking to It’s Monday! What are you reading? at BookDate.

I’ve had a pretty good reading week this week

I finished 2 brilliant audiobooks

Wildflower by Monique Mulligan – Read my review

The Rat Catcher: A Love Story by Kim Kelly – Review to come

I finished reading

UnConVentional Kiss by K.C Carmine & Katherine McIntyre (ARC) – Review to come

Brighter Than Fear (Fangs and Felons #3) by Becca Seymour (ARC) – Read my review

This week I will be reading

To the RIver by Vikki Wakefield (ARC)

April’s Fool (Northarbor Coven #2) by Jax Stuart (ARC)

The Sea Captain’s Wife by Jackie French (ARC)

I am currently listening to 3 audiobooks but none of them has particularly grabbed me just yet and 1 of them I’m thinking of giving up which is a shame, but there is no point continuing with something I’m not enjoying.

Around the World in 80 Days by Michael Palin which was one of the books I used in my #6degrees Challenge post for February.

The Peacemaker – Sharps and Springfield book 1 by Morgan Brice (ARC)

Lonely Diner (Some Like It Haute book 3) by Dann Hazel (ARC)

I start my study this week, and I have well and truly overextended myself until the end of April adding an extra shift on a Monday evening as well as an Art Therapy client on a Friday, so here’s hoping I survive.

My art lesson went well, it was interesting learning what worked and what didn’t. I also made a card for a client’s 60th birthday tomorrow.

I’d love to hear what you’ve been reading and what you hope to read this week. Until next week, happy reading.

New Release Book Review: Brighter Than Fear by Becca Seymour

4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨

Fangs and Felons is one of my favourite Urban Fantasy series, I love the world Becca Seymour has created and I’m thrilled she is writing more in the series. You don’t have to have read the previous two books, but you are missing out on a fabulous read and the back story behind what is happening now.

I did not want to put this book down, I loved diving back into this world and the found family the members of the SICB have become. I loved Rowan and Flynn’s connection from where Rowan stalks Flynn from afar to where they meet and already have a connection between them. I really enjoyed the connection between Flynn and Rowan and loved seeing it expand albeit quite fast, it was clear there was something special between them.

The hunt to bring down Hornell, the tech used to bring back Prince which causes some tense times for Flynn and his coworkers and loved ones, the corruption they uncover and the danger and intrigue that is always close had me well and truly caught up in the story.

I can’t wait for book 4 Stronger Than Fate to continue the intrigue and learn Lucus’ story.

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Purchase Link → Amazon

About the book

In the world of covert operations, trust is paramount, yet I’ve been straying, fostering secret ties with the elusive “unicorn hacker,” challenging my loyalty to the ITU, my SICB family.

No doubt about it, I’m going to be in deep shit when they find out—it’s only a matter of time.

But when an investigation explodes, so does my world—and for the first time, I hear the hacker’s voice, magnetic and captivating, pulling me in deeper.

I also finally get his name.

Rowan Hart, a former agent and a tiger shifter with haunting scars. He becomes an unexpected hero, thrusting us into an alliance against Hornell, SICB’s prime target. Despite clashes with my team, we form an unstoppable duo, until a sudden attack fractures our team, leaving me changed in ways beyond imagination.

As I fight for survival, it takes both my unit and Rowan’s unwavering resolve to keep me alive. Amidst chaos, Rowan’s commitment becomes clear—he’ll move heaven and earth to grant me a second chance at life and, perhaps, with him.

Audiobook Review: Wildfire by Monique Mulligan

When I read this two years ago it impacted me greatly. Listening to Katherine Littrell bring Monique Mulligan’s fabulous, emotional and heartfelt story to life, conveying all the emotions I felt when I first read it, made this an audiobook I didn’t want to put down.

A glimpse at domestic violence through the eyes of a 10-year-old who has so many questions about everything. Her new friend Acacia brings with her life experiences Jane can’t begin to understand and in the end that friendship will change the way Jane and her family view things that ‘are none of our business ‘.

I highly recommend this novel in any form, hopefully, it brings about conversation and change.

Read my full review of this novel from 2 years ago here

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About the book

When no one stands up to an abuser, can anyone be truly safe?

“Weaves together a tender and poignant coming-of-age story with a powerful narrative.” —Lyn Yeowart, author of The Silent Listener

Tormented at school, ten-year-old Jane wants a best friend more than anything. Her wish is answered when Acacia moves in next door, and a carefree summer break beckons. Yet as their friendship blossoms and secrets are shared, Acacia remains stubbornly guarded about her home life, especially when it comes to her mother’s new boyfriend Daryl.

Jane stumbles onto a disturbing scene involving Daryl and is coerced into silence. Frightened and confused, she stays quiet, but when sounds of violence start emerging from Acacia’s house, she hopes an adult will intervene.

Jane’s own family seems to be deteriorating into chaos too, as if the darkness in Acacia’s house is spreading like ripples in a pond. It will end in disaster if no one acts, and it may end in tragedy if someone does …

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

First seen over on Book’d Out I’m going to try to do this post regularly linking to It’s Monday! What are you reading? at BookDate.

I’ve had a pretty good reading week this week, it was helped by the fact three of the books were ones I needed to finish from previous weeks.

This week I finished reading

Snowy Mountains Dawn (Bundilla Novel #4) by Alissa Callen (ARC) Review to come, another fabulous addition to this series, possibly my favourite.

Icebound Rivals by Hayden Hall (ARC) Review to come, I will say this was my favourite in this series so far.

Cry of the Firebird by T.M Clark (Bookclub pick and #backlistread) Review to come

Ocean Coloured Hearts by Lyndsey Jeminson – Review to come

Easy Does It (Palm Island #5) by K.M Neuhold (ARC) Review to come

I finished Listening to

To the Moon and Back by NR Walker – Review to come

I am currently listening to a fabulous novel that I read nearly 2 years ago, Wildflower by Monique Mulligan, it is narrated by Katherine Littrell and she has completely blown me away with how she has brought the book to life, she has managed to convey all the emotions I felt when I read it. I’ve only got 2 hours to go so I will finish this tomorrow or Tuesday.

This week I hope to start listening to

The Rat Catcher: A Love Story by Kim Kelly, I have the paperback on my shelf I just don’t have time to read it and it’s been sitting patiently there for nearly 2 years so I decided to borrow the audiobook. Kim Kelly is one of my favourite historical fiction authors, actually, I’d read anything she wrote, so I’m disappointed in myself for not getting to this as soon as I bought it.

Since The Rat Catcher is only a 4-hour listen, I’m hoping to at least start Around the World in 80 Days by Michael Palin which was one of the books I used in my #6degrees Challenge post for February.

I will be reading

To the RIver by Vikki Wakefield (ARC)

UnConVentional Kiss by K.C Carmine & Katherine McIntyre (ARC)

Brighter Than Fear (Fangs and Felons #3) by Becca Seymour (ARC)

It’s been a busy week and a hot week with temps in the 40s and that’s Celsius. I had my 3rd rehearsal for the city of Joondalup Festival Community Chior on Thursday and things are starting to come together, it’s nice being part of something.

I only managed to get a little bit of art done, I was trying something out with the purple flowers in my lesson, but couldn’t get it exactly how I wanted. I’ll keep trying. And then today I painted a cute frog for my friend because I haven’t seen her for a while.

I’d love to hear what you’ve been reading and what you hope to read this week. Until next week, happy reading.

New Release Book Review: Oblivious by Ashlynn Mills

4.5 Stars

I thoroughly enjoyed Oblivious (The Herrera Cartel Book 2) by Ashlynn Mills, one of my favourite authors of dark romance.

Antonio, now working for the Herrera Cartel after a devastating event (which we read about in the prologue) tears his world apart. Antonio has locked down his emotions since losing his husband and best friend 15 years before and hasn’t had any sort of relationship since.

Along comes Phillip a bratty, snarky drug mule working for the cartel after being caught stealing from them. Phillip has a secret, a reason for being exactly where he is, though I can’t imagine ever putting myself in this sort of position no matter what.

These two men are thrown together when Antonio has to be his bodyguard on a drug trafficking job. I enjoyed every moment these two spent together and loved seeing Antonio become protective and then possessive of Phillip as the bratty young man wore down his carefully built walls.

There were some dangerous times for these two and some emotional times too, my heart was breaking for Phillip at one point, it’s not often I’m nearly crying in a dark mafia romance.

I was caught up in this story from the get-go and will eagerly be waiting for the next book in the series, or the next book Ashlynn Mills writes.

Though this can be read as a standalone it is recommended you read Conflicted the Forbidden first. I had only read Conflicted but it gave me an introduction to some of the side characters and the leader of the cartel.

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About the book

After leaving my old life behind, I’ve lived by a strict set of rules:

My job always comes first.

Don’t stand out.

Don’t get close to anyone.

Don’t make mistakes.

Don’t get distracted.

Never fall in love again.

These rules also mean nothing when it comes to a cute little drug mule I can’t stand to stay away from.

It’s my job to protect him on missions, not to want and crave him. Phillip Romos has slithered his way into my life, mind and heart and there’s no doubt he will be my downfall.

New release Book Review: Stepbrother Mine by Felicity Snow

High heat and minimal plot was the description and Stepbrother Mine was both of these, it was also sweet and low angst and an easy read. I’ve never really thought of stepbrothers as being taboo, they aren’t actually related but some people do, so each to their own.

I thought that Rome and Sebastian were very sweet and very hot together and I really enjoyed the flashbacks of them getting to know each other when their parents married and how much they cared about each other. Sebastian has had a thing for Rome since they met, and now they are both away at college and hanging out together all the time, the lines they had drawn around their relationship as stepbrothers are about to blur all thanks to a party game that dares one to kiss the other.

Their relationship very quickly changes and becomes sexual and very spicy, each more than willing to try whatever new kink or idea the other comes up with. I liked that they were both discovering new things about themselves as they discovered more about the other. There are plenty of hot spicy scenes and I mean plenty, I’m not a fan of degradation and calling the other names, but whatever floats a person’s boat, this was my least favourite part of their sexy times.

Some reviews have said they didn’t like the repeated ‘little brother’ and ‘big brother’ way of speaking that Rome and Sebastian use a lot, but for me, it was just a substitute for Daddy/boy in many other books, so it didn’t bother me. sure they could have used each other’s names more, but it suited them to use brother as part of their relationship.

While not my favourite Felicity Snow read it was still an enjoyable read that allowed me to tune out of the real world and enjoy some spicy times for a couple of hours.

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About the book

I’ve always loved my stepbrother, but it took a party game for me to realize how much I wanted him.

Rome

Sebastian and I have always been close. From the minute he waltzed into my life he won me over with his pep, snark, and give no shits attitude, and I couldn’t help but feel protective over him. He’s my best friend. When I’m dared to kiss him at a party I don’t think anything of it. Until his lips are on mine and days later I can’t stop thinking about it, questioning everything I thought I knew about myself. But how can I tell him that I’m suddenly seeing him in a whole different light?

Sebastian

I’ve been attracted to Rome since the moment I met him. How could I not be? He’s gorgeous with his dark hair, soulful eyes, and sinful smile. And his broody personality just does it for me. Not to mention how protective he is of me. But he’s straight, and we’re stepbrothers. I know nothing can ever come of my attraction. Right?

Stepbrother Mine is a 48k word opposites attract stepbrother romance with low angst, high steam, a grumpy possessive top and a sunshine femboy bottom who loves his bunny slippers. It features bi-awakening, kink, a virgin mc, size difference, MINIMAL PLOT, MCs in college, and D/s dynamic. This book has explicit content and is not intended for anyone under the age of 18

*Please mind the content notes in the front matter

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

First seen over on Book’d Out I’m going to try to do this post regularly linking to It’s Monday! What are you reading? at BookDate.

I’m slowly catching up with my ARCs which is good, a couple more reviews to catch up on in the next couple of days, so keep your eyes open for those, I updated last week’s post with review links for the books I’d finished.

This week I finished listening to

Growing Up Queer in Australia

I started reading this but had to take it back to the library so I borrowed the audiobook on BorrowBox instead. This is my first book for the Nonfiction Readers Challenge and I will do up a post for that this week.

I finished reading

Stepbrother Mine by Felicity Snow (ARC) Read my Review

Oblivious by Ashlynn Mills (ARC) Read my Review

Thorn Evermore by Mia Monroe – Read my Review

Not as much reading as I’d hoped but happy to have these ones finished, they were all very good reads. I’m continuing on with Cry of the Firebird by TM Clark, I’m at 89% and no matter what, I will finish it this week.

I’m also continuing with

Snowy Mountains Dawn (Bundilla Novels #4) by Alissa Callen (ARC) I’m at 62% so this should also be finished this week.

Candy Hearts Vol 1 – LGBTQIA2S+ Charity Anthology (ARC)

I’m also going to be reading

Easy Does It by K.M Neuhold (ARC)

Icebound Rivals by Hayden Hall (ARC)

I’m listening to

To the Moon and Back by NR Walker

I only have 2 hours left of this one, it’s only a short book but I haven’t decided what I am listening to next. The book I was going to listen to for my book club had triggers in for me and I couldn’t get past the first chapter, so it will be a surprise for all of us what I choose next.

I am excited and a bit overwhelmed as I got into the course I’d applied for, I’ll be doing my Cert 4 in Mental Health which starts in 2 weeks, On top of that I’m doing rehearsals for the City of Joondalup Community Festival Choir, I’ve never sung in my life so it’s an interesting learning curve. I’ve done two rehearsals with 5 more to go before the performance on the 17th March.

I had my art lesson on Friday as I usually do and really liked how my painting turned out so put it in a frame and hung it on the wall. I also did some painting over the weekend doing several small watercolours and my last painting for my Progressive art group something I’ve loved being a part of for the past 3 months.

So a pretty busy week really. I’d love to hear what you’ve been reading and what you hope to read this week. Until next week, happy reading.

Spell the Month in Books #1 – February – Comfort Reads

Seen on The Chocolate Lady’s Book Review Blog, Spell the Month in Books is run by Jana at Reviews From the Stacks a pretty straightforward monthly linkup. Find a book title that starts with each letter in the month’s name, make a list, share your link, and that’s it! The linkup opens on the first Saturday of the month and remains open through the end of the month so that you can participate whenever is convenient.

This month’s theme is Comfort Reads I’ve picked books I’ve loved and that I’ve either read more than once or would if I had the time to do so.

Facing the Flame by Jackie French

Embrace Me by Beck Grey

Black Diamonds by Kim Kelly

The Railway Children by E. Nesbit

Up on Horseshoe Hill by Penelope Janu

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

The Road to Gundagai by Jackie French

Yellow Light by Theresa Smith

Have you read or enjoyed any of these books? What would your comfort reads be for FEBRUARY?

I have to say, this was a harder challenge than I first thought, but it was good to revisit some favourites.