Moonlight Sins (de Vincent #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Moonlight Sins by Jennifer L. Armentrout
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A new series I am going to devour by Jennifer L. Armentrout! I loved empowered female protagonist Julia Hughes (who does not know she is empowered but as the book rolls on, oh boy, did I like her- seems everyone else did too!) as she leaves everything behind in her old life and accepts a live-in nursing position in a new town. But before she does, her last night in town, she meets "Taylor" a beautifully handsome man who seems to pick Julia out of everyone in the bar to be interested in (not everything is as it seems) and her last night is a steamy one. Her next day, in her new position, who does she meet but "Taylor" who is really Lucian de Vincent, a very wealthy guy from a very secretive prominent family. I could not stop turning the pages! Loved this book (like I love all Jennifer L Armentrout books)

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The Rosie Effect (Don Tillman #2) by Graeme Simsion

The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I loved Dan O'Grady's narration of this 2nd Don Tillman book but not much else in this long overly exaggerated pregnancy with Rosie and Don. As I listened I liked Don even more than the lst book, except for his deceit- not telling Rosie about the playground incident which became so much more than 1 thing he did not tell his wife. Don was all about trying to find out how to be a Dad- awful counselor Lydia told him he should never have a child. After other things I learned about her Lydia should never have been a counselor!!! I also did not like Gene's advice; it was still too much not telling Rosie the truth. So as Don works toward keeping things from Rosie, learning how to be a father, attending anger management classes, volunteering at birthing sessions which has a lesbian couple running it, it all spells disaster for Don. I did not like Rosie in this book either; she was up and down with her comments, not being honest with Don, and her character really disappointed me. And when is someone going to come out and talk about Don's autism?!? So I am really not sure I want to listen to/read the third book in the series and that makes me sad bc I really loved the 1st book.

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There's Something About Sweetie (Dimple & Rishi #2) by Sandhya Menon

There's Something about Sweetie by Sandhya Menon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OMG did I love this funny, dynamic female protagonist, and troubled male diverse read! I loved Sandya Menon's voice- she really delves into what Sweetie feels each time her mother torches her with her "fat" comments, how she will be humiliated if she eats or wears something her mother thinks is off limits for a girl Sweetie's size. I loved Sweetie's resolve and her Sweetie project- she is proud, honest, and compelled to move forward (even as she is devastated by her mom's rejection and her Dad's non-support. The characters, teens and parents in this very diverse story, are real, supportive of Sweetie and continue the Dimple & Rishi series. What I really enjoyed was the slow, wonderful way Sweetie dazzled Ashish, changing him into a better person just by accepting him, talking honestly to him, and understanding his qualms about his previous breakup. I loved the unwavering support of her friends, and how Sweetie and Ashish's friends propel the story through their personal interests and involvement in sports. This ia a must read and now I MUST read As Kismet Would Have it (a Dimple & Rishi novella!

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Patron Saints of Nothing by Randy Ribay

Patron Saints of Nothing by Randy Ribay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved Audible's narrator, Ramón de Ocampo! His voice was mesmerizing, heartbreaking and honest as Jay delves into his cousin Jun's murder in the Phillipines as part of President Duterte's war on drugs. Leaving his home and travelling back to his family's birthplace is jarring to Jay as he reads again and again his cousin Jun's letters over the years (and which he stopped answering) while he investigates (against a family that won't discuss Jun) what really happened. I loved Ribay's deft, authentic look at a culture, family, and politics through Jay's eyes and Jay's transformation as a result. I would love to see this book continue in another book as Jay navigates life after the Phillipines. A must read- diverse, compelling, fraught with true introspection!

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Boone (Buckhorn Brothers #12) by Lori Foster

Boone by Lori Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this novella on my kindle since I am totally in love with the Buckhorn series by Lori Foster! I loved both main characters, April and Boone- they were younger years ago and made some mistakes- but they were meant for each other. Now that Boone has moved back, April wants to put the humiliating past behind her and confront Boone-show him who she really is now that she is much more mature. But does it work out for them? Loved this short sexy summer beach read- loved the characters and setting- no games played, just two people who have never really gotten over their feelings for one another. There is another novella in this kindle edition but I already read and loved that one previously:)

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A Date With Darcy (Bookish Boyfriends #1) by Tiffany Schmidt

A Date with Darcy by Tiffany Schmidt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this first in the Bookish Boyfriends series! I love retellings and this book with cheesy, funny book nerd Merilee, her sister, Rory and best friend, Eliza had me turning those pages, laughing, smiling and rooting for Meri's perfect boyfriend. I always enjoy Tiffany Schmist books and this did not disappoint; looking forward to the next book in the series!

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Vow of Thieves (Dance of Thieves #2) by Mary E. Pearson

Vow of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group and Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) for the Advance Reader Copy Vow of Thieves (Dance of Thieves #2) by Mary E. Pearson (writer extraordinaire!!!) in exchange for an honest review. I am so thankful to have received the first book in this duology, Dance of Thieves and NOW I am honored to have read this second awesome romance/fantasy! Teens will LOVE this series (I also recommend they read The Remnant Chronicles series too) there is so much moving this story forward, Jase and Kazi are strong protagonists; they complement each other, love each other deeply, and are their best selves when they are together. From page one the plot moves quickly; excitement thrilled this reader as I rooted for Kazi to outwit the overwhelming evil forces that have imprisoned her. She must constantly call up her “thief” mentality to battle King Montegue and his henchmen to valiantly to save Jase’s family. The settings were stark and also beautiful with Jase and Kazi’s journey to Tor’s Watch holding so much hope (for Jase) and fear (for Kazi). All of the characters (both good and evil) are strong under Pearson’s talented hands; we can hate them one minute but they also redeem themselves too. There was so much political backstabbing and family drama but there was always loyalty and history propelling the Ballenger family to never give up hope. I loved this book; did not want it to end; but oh what an ending! Highly recommended!

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