Favorite November Reads – 2018

My November book budget was kind of lean, but I did manage to read a few really good books.

Uncommonly Tidy Poltergeists by Angel Martinez

This book has been out for a while, but I only recently got around to reading it. Taro is living his dream of world travel when he manages to pick up a poltergeist along the way. Helps arrives in the form of Jack, who is absolutely not a dashing and daring hero. Both of these characters had to overcome preconceived notions before then could even attempt to solve the mystery. An enjoyable romp around the world with not-so-scary, exceptionally tidy poltergeists to brighten things up. A solid, good read.

Brownie’s Sway (Midnight Rodeo #10) by B.A. Tortuga

I absolutely love this series! This time it’s January’s turn to find love in the form of a gorgeous unicorn. Kingston has hired on as a healer with the Darque & Knight Rodeo. He’s kind of hiding from some unpleasantness in his past and January is just what the doctor ordered to cure him. There’s some angst, of course, and lots of loving, along with a bit of a brownie riding a unicorn. A fun, short read.

Favorite October Reads – 2019

Have I mentioned how much I love reading? No? I do! I simply love escaping into a book that takes me to a different world, makes me fall in love with the characters, and leaves me with a happy sigh at the end. I found several books this month that decidedly fit that bill.

Ends, Means, Laws and an Angry Ship by Lyn Gala

This book is set in the Claimings universe, but isn’t a continuation of Liam and Ondri’s story. The story is set at the end of the human civil war, when Command wants it’s hands on anyone they consider a traitor. There were so many stories within the story with this book and it had some totally unexpected twists. A couple surprises had me gasping and wide-eyed because I totally didn’t see that coming. A thoroughly enjoyable book I have no problem recommending. If the author wants to write more books set in this universe, I’ll gladly read them.

Love You So Sweetly (Love You So Stories #4) by Tara Lain

Want a wonderfully sappy, sweet, makes-your-heart-happy story? This is definitely the book for you. The author is brilliant at writing the soft, cuddly sort of romance you just want to grab an afghan, a hot cocoa, and curl up with your kindle in front of the fire. Okay, so not in summer, but for this time of year it’s the perfect read. I loved the southern drawl you could hear in the dialogue and the whispers of Scarlett and Rhett sitting on the veranda of Tara. This book wasn’t all sweet, though. There was some angst and an evil villain, too. All together a great addition to this series.

Honeythorn by Marina Vivancos

A totally new to me author, but if this is an example of their writing, I’ll be busting my book budget to get more of her work. That’s actually saying something since the whole alpha/omega but not a shifter thing isn’t my favorite trope. This story was so good and grabbed my heart so quickly, I read it anyway. Have a box of tissues handy because this story will hit you in the feels so hard it will leave you breathless. There was some next level angst going on, but I’m happy to say there was an HEA that left me sighing and completely satisfied with the story. I can’t recommend this book enough.

Butterbean and the Pretty Princess Make a Home by R. Cooper

This was an adorable short about two roommates and two kittens. What could be sweeter? Well, not much, and this story fit into my sweet and sappy heart quite nicely. Eli is a shy teddy bear and his roommate, Riley, is more of a party boy. Enter two abandoned kittens and get ready for love to find a way. A perfect novella for the cooler autumn temps.

Favorite Reads – July 2019

I have more than usual in my favorite reads for July, but a few of them are shorter novellas.

Homecoming by J. Scott Coatsworth

This is a rerelease, but I’d not read it before. This is a tale of what could happen if those who escaped a dying earth returned many years in the future. Only to find those left behind survived. As I expected, there were some twists and turns in this short novella that I just didn’t foresee. That is the norm for this author and one of the reasons I voraciously read anything he writes.

Demons Don’t Dare (Demonic Tales #4) by Hannah Walker

I was so excited to see another installment in the Demonic Tales. This story focuses on King Vict’arin of the demons and Commander Dima from the Alliance. Lots of action and angst and even more fun. I truly love the way this author builds her characters and brings them to life. I went from laughing to crying to biting my fingernails. Tissues are required for this story, but is well worth the read and I highly recommend it.

Come Back Around (Leaning N #4) by B.A. Tortuga

An offering of the Dreamspun Desires imprint, the Leaning N is home to Ford and Stoney, as well as some amazing stories. Mateo and Reid are best men in the wedding for Mateo’s brother and Reid’s best friend. The stickler is they were once a couple, but now divorced. They’re not sure if this is going to be pure hell or a second chance. With children involved, you know it’s going to be an interesting ride. There’s a lot of angst and misunderstandings, as well as revisiting characters from the Leaning N universe. This story is a winner if you like cowboys and love and happy ever afters.

Triple Threat (Haven Hart Universe #6) by Davidson King

The first menage in the Haven Hart world, this book is about Lee, Jones and Ginger. I kind of got the feeling there would be something between these men from the previous Haven Hart story, so this was a welcome addition to that universe. In this story, Black sends all three men to take down a human trafficking ring. With the feelings developing between all three, you’ve got jealousy and misunderstandings galore. Like the other books in this series, there is plenty of danger. This author is very good at writing about the more redeemable qualities in those whom the rest of the world might consider unredeemable, who tackle the worst mankind has to offer. An excellent addition to this series.

Let Down Your Hair (Gay Ever After #1) by Marie Brown

An entirely new and fun take on a classic fairy tale, the story of Rapunzel never had it so good. This is a short read, set in a world where fairy tales are real. When a prince makes a wrong turn in looking for his princess and finds what he’s been looking for all along, it’s going to be a journey worth taking. I loved the way this author wove in several classic fairy tales as part of the history of this world. A worthwhile beginning to this series.

Keeping Secrets (Castaways #3) by Alexa Land

Beck Medina was introduced in the first two books of this series, and finally gets his own story. The story is set on the Catalina Islands in a grand resort. Secrets are revealed in this third book of the Castaways series and I can honestly say I didn’t have an inkling what that secret was until the author revealed it. Old characters from her Firsts and Forevers series make appearances. There’s a lot of fun in this story, but just as much danger and angst. I’m thoroughly enjoying this new series and recommend it with a solid thumbs up.

Favorite Reads – June 2019

My favorite reads for the month of June include some superb books

Hellhound Champions/The Chosen One by Macy Blake and Casey Drake

When I find a series I enjoy, I tend to binge. Especially if the series already has several books out. That’s what happened when I read this series. I had to have everything this author wrote, which included another related series, The Chosen One. I did have favorites within the two series, Give Him Hell, Hell to Pay, and Sweet Nothings. I loved this entire story arc and I wouldn’t even begin to know how to tell you about it. There are shifters, mages, hellhounds, and other paranormals galore, and the stories are just amazing. I’m truly hoping there are more books in these series, and I can’t wait to read them.

The More the Merrier (The Teddy Bear Club #2) by Sean Michael

A Dreamspun Desires offering, this book had all the feels – tissues required. I’ve got a soft spot for stories that include families, and this book didn’t disappoint. Logan has taken on the responsibility of newborn triplets. Talk about having your hands full. The guys from the Teddy Bear Club are there to step in and help out. This is a great series, and one I’m hoping the author continues with.

Stalker of Shadows (SPECTR Series 3, #1) by Jordan L. Hawk

I’ve enjoyed every book in this three part series (so far) and this story was definitely a winner. Gray/Caleb and John are back, in New Orleans, this time, and battling more gruesome ghouls and stuff. John is sort of reunited with his family, but not exactly welcomed. This book sort of ended with a cliff hanger, but this story was complete. You just know there’s more to come with the way things ended. I can’t wait to find out the secret the author is hinting at.

Knight’s Fire (Scales of Honor #1) by S.J. Himes

This novella is a great beginning to a series, and it has dragons. As usual, the author provides wonderful world building and great characters. Zephyr is a dragon in trouble and Sir Gawain is his savior. Add in villagers who are quick to point accusing fingers and an evil mage, and things are bound to happen. I can’t recommend this book enough and look forward to reading more in this series.

Favorite Reads – May 2019

Here are my picks for great reads for May

The Mage on the Hill (The Web of Arcana #1) by Angel Martinez

I really looked forward to the release of this book simply because I loved the cover. I know, I know, but it was a cool cover. I also enjoyed the story, which is why it’s one of my pics for May. The MCs aren’t perfect and that’s a plus. It gives them a depth and kept me reading well past my bed time. So, what did I like? Toby was just heart breaking and courageous and flawed. Sometimes I wanted to just cuddle him close and tell him it would all be okay. Even though I loved Darius’ character, it was Toby I was drawn towards the most. This book was fast-paced, highly enjoyable. and well worth the wait for it to release.

Family Camp (Daddy Dearest #1) by Eli Easton

This book truly had all the feels. I’m a huge sucker for family-type romances with kids involved. This story was even better because there were foster kids getting their forever home. Geo is just an awesome guy and I kept cheering him on even if he couldn’t hear me. Travis kind of got on my bad side at the beginning of the story, but redeemed himself, then kind of pissed me off, then redeemed himself again. I loved the epilogue and no, I’m not going to tell you how it ended. Go buy the book and read it. It’s a fantastic story.

Favorite Reads – March 2019

Demon on the Down-Low (Supernatural Selection 3) by E.J. Russell

This was an angst-ridden story, but getting to know the characters, there was good reason. Zeke is just so sweet and I really felt for him in the first two books. The fact he got his own story was really icing on the cake. As for Hamish, I just wanted to smack him upside the head a few times in the beginning, but he redeemed himself in a huge way. I loved revisiting previous characters and the way their continuing stories interwove with the new. If you haven’t read the first two in the series, I do recommend you do before starting this one. Their are quite a few references to a previous series, which I haven’t read, yet, but they’re on my TBR list.

Love Among the Stars (Fire & Ash, Book 1) by Hannah Walker

Another fantastic read from Hannah Walker. I truly sat on the edge of my seat and barely resisted skipping ahead to make sure everything was going to turn out okay. Full of action and suspense, the love story is intertwined beautifully. Blake is so broken, yet so strong, you want to cuddle him close and protect him forever. I loved one of the side characters, Will, a snarky and protective best friend who is a perfect compliment to Blake. I’m probably half in love with Torran because he just sounds so sexy. The fact this is the first book in a series is awesome because I want to keep reading about this world.

The Pumpkin Patch by Darien Cox and Kade Boehme

I haven’t read a story by either of these authors in quite a while and this book makes me sad I waited so long. Boehme and Cox weave a story of murder, mayhem, secrets, and small town rumors that will keep you reading regardless of the clock saying it’s time for bed. I really needed to know what was going to happen on the next page. The story kept me riveted and the ending was perfect for my romantic heart. I highly recommend this book. If it’s on your TBR pile, skip it to the front. You won’t be sorry.

Whiskey to Wine by B. A. Tortuga

This is a brand new Dreamspun Desires story set in Ford and Stoney’s universe on the Leaning N, and I definitely squeed loudly when I realized where this story was set. I even have a favorite character in this book, Bleu, who is so much like a friend of mine I had to wonder if the author had met him, too – totally fearless, wants to try everything, and doesn’t see his blindness as a deterrent. At all. There were some ups and downs in this lost-love-found-again and a bit of angst. There was even a bit of scary that had me biting my fingernails. All around a fantastic story and one you won’t want to miss.

Favorite Authors

Last week I wrote about my favorite rereads, so this week, I’m going to go with my favorite authors. Although, not necessarily auto-buys, (let’s face it, even our favorite authors sometimes write something that just isn’t our cup of tea) these are the authors I most enjoy reading. I’ve found my favorites have changed over the years as I find new to me authors that take the place of others. I’m going to go alphabetical, so there’s no real ranking here as to who is the most favorite. For the fun of it, I’m using their profile pictures from Goodreads.

Z Allora

Z has a quirky and fun writing style that I truly enjoy. I wait impatiently for each new release, but I think my favorite will always be The Craving. I also enjoyed the Dark Angel series, as well as the spin off books from that series The Temple of Heaven, Lock and Key, and Secured and Free.

J. Scott Coatsworth

This author always surprises me with his stories. I know there will be a twist or turn somewhere in his books. More often than not, several unexpected twists. And that’s just one of the reasons I love his books. He keeps me guessing and often throws in a little “Easter egg” when I least expect it. I highly recommend the Liminal Sky series and the Skythane series.

Charlie Cochet

I do believe I’ve read just about every book this author has written. If I’ve missed one, it was purely by accident. It would be hard to choose a favorite book, but the Soldati series is probably top, followed by her newest Four Kings Security series and the Thirds series. There are also the little gems, Beware of Geeks Bearing Gifts and Forgive and Forget.

Andrew Grey

I enjoy Andrew Grey, and his alter ego, Dirk Greyson very much. Their stories range from sweet and sappy to hard hitting crime, and just about everything in between. Andrew has written three of my favorite rereads, but you should also check out The Good Fight series, the Hearts Entwined series, and the Senses series. Under his Greyson persona, I highly recommend the Yellowstone Wolves series.

S.J. Himes

This is an awesome author and there’s no way I can choose a favorite book or even series. They’re all fantastic. From the Beacon Hill Sorcerer series to the Wolfkin Saga to the Bred for Love series written under the Revella Hawthorne pseudonym, they’re all wonderful books. I can’t wait to see what the future holds.

Amber Kell

Amber Kell is a prolific author with some great offerings. I thought it was fitting she had a cover from one of my favorite series, Moon Pack, as her profile picture on Goodreads. Among my other best loved reads are Wooing Master Jones, The Wandmaker, My Man Declan, and The Dragon Groomer. The Dragon Men series is also a worthy read. I haven’t come close to reading all her books, but I’m trying.

Tara Lain

When I’m looking for a sweet, happy ever after, happy sigh when I finish a book story, I always go to Tara Lain. Not only has she written one of my favorite rereads, but put out a host of other worthwhile books. The Aloysius Tales series, Love In Laguna series, and Dangerous Dancer series are all great, as are most of her Pennymaker Tales. Return of the Chauffeurs Son also deserves a special mention.

Angel Martinez

An author of one of my favorite rereads, A Christmas Cactus for the General, Angel Martinez has many other stories that are highly enjoyable. The entire Offbeat Crimes series, the Brimstone series, Yule Planet, Vasily the Beautiful, Gravitational Attraction, Boots, and the unfinished Lijun series (cowritten with Freddy MacKay) are all excellent picks. I also enjoyed A Matter of Faces and Wild Rose, Silent Snow.

Sean Michael

This is the author I go to when I’m in the mood for something a little racier, although they do sweet and sappy very well, too. My all time favorite is The Mannies, Inc. series. I also enjoyed The Bohemians, Daddy Needs a Date, and Unlikely Hero. If you’re in the mood for some BDSM, I recommend Size Matters, The Kennel Klub series, The Biker’s Pup, The Biker’s Dom, and Bringing Nicky Home.

Julia Talbot

Julia Talbot has some fantastic books out. It’s hard to choose favorites, but I’ll give it a shot. Fangs and Catnip and Fangs for the Memories are both excellent reads under the Dreamspun Beyond imprint. In the Midnight Rodeo series, she has Vampire Protection, Light a Rocket and Big Bear, Little Bear. Thorns: A Bloodrose Collection and the Nose to Tail series are also worth recommending.

B.A. Tortuga

When I’m looking for cowboys, B.A. Tortuga is my go to author. No one does cowboy better. Stetsons and Stakeouts is one of my favorites. Trial By Fire, Two Cowboys and a Baby, and The Wounded Warrior are also awesome reads. Then there are Welcome to the Pack, Above the Fold, and Tails and Whiskers in the Midnight Rodeo series. The Release series and Bombs and Guacamole are also very good.

Hannah Walker

I might as well list everything I’ve read of Hannah Walker’s when it comes to enjoyable reading. My favorites? Elements of Dragonis would have to be my top choice, followed by Demonic Tales and it’s companion Avanti Chronicles. Then there is Corrent City Tales and Spoils of War and Shot to the Heart and… Wait, I think that’s all the books I’ve ever bought of hers. Yes, they’re all my favorites.

KC Wells

I consider K.C. Wells one of the queens of BDSM books. I feel it’s a well deserved title with books like the Collars and Cuffs series, Secrets series, and Debt. I’ve also enjoyed A Christmas Promise, Back from the Edge, The Law of Miracles and the Personal series, as well as the Lightning Tales series.

Brandon Witt

I had the lovely experience of actually meeting Brandon for lunch one day when I was in Denver. I can tell you he’s just as sweet in person as he is on Facebook. He’s also a fantastic author who writes under several pseudonyms, all of whom turn out wonderful stories. Among my personal favorites are Mapping the Forest, Braving the Rapids, The Imperfection of Swans, The Shattered Door, Then the Stars Fall, Under a Sky of Ash, and Shifting Silver. Under his Rosalind Abel persona, you can’t go wrong with any of the Lavender Shores novels. If you’re in the mood for a cozy mystery, you should try his Cozy Corgi Mysteries under his Margaret Abbott moniker.

And there you have it – my favorite authors as of 2019. If you’re looking for some excellent books for your collection, you should definitely check them out.

Favorite Rereads to Date

I have a few books that I find myself returning to whenever I need a pick me up or comfort. To me, they’re timeless, enjoyable, and I just never get tired of them. In no particular order, these are the best of the best.

A Christmas Cactus for the General by Angel Martinez

This book is just an absolute favorite to return to whenever I need a feel good novella. I adore Teer and the way he tries so hard to understand the confusing humans. Bruce’s character is one I can entirely relate to, and I feel his pain at losing the love of his life. The story is a marvelous journey in learning to cope with loss and finding some happiness once again. This title is always near the list of recent books on my Kindle because I enjoy rereading it so much.

Planting His Dream and Growing His Dream by Andrew Grey

This two book series is another of my favorite rereads. I was pretty excited when the second book came out, since I’d enjoyed the first so much. The story begins with Javi and Foster and continues with Lachlan and Abe. Both books are a good triumphing over adversity, but the background story is such an uplifting read, I find myself returning to them. They’re a reminder that even when life throws you a curve ball, you can still find love and happiness.

Snow Falling by Davidson King

The first book in a series, as well as the debut book by Davidson King, this one is by far my favorite and one I have reread several times. I love Snow’s snarkiness and the way he just kind of upends Christopher’s life from the get go. His courage, his zest for life, and the way he seems to be this huge personality in a small body. The series is a good one and I enjoy all of the books in it, so far, but this book is by far the best, in my opinion.

Eastern Cowboy by Andrew Grey

Another offering by Andrew Grey, this book is another reread that I enjoy returning to when I feel the need of a pick me up. Brighton lives with the results of a car accident that hinders his mobility. When his grandfather dies and leaves him a small farm in the middle of suburban Baltimore he turns to Tanner for help. Tanner is the strong, quiet type, but that doesn’t mean he’s an idiot. Even if others have treated him that way in the past. This is a sweet story, with some angst, but mostly a wonderful story of perseverance in the face of adversity.

The Pack or the Panther by Tara Lain

The first book in the Tales of the Harker Pack is my favorite book of the entire series. Cole is supposed to form an alliance with a neighboring pack by marrying their alpha’s daughter. Except he’s gay and she’s not interested to the point of running out on the engagement. Enter her half panther/half wolf half brother, Paris to save the day. But not before Cole saves him when he’s kidnapped. My favorite part of this book is the way the author gave Paris some very feline traits which really made the entire book. I do reread the series, but mostly I just this book since I love Cole and Paris.

The Claimings Series by Lyn Gala

This series only recently earned a spot on my favorite rereads list, but it is a well deserved spot. Liam and Ondry have to be two of my all time favorite characters. Their story is a wonderfully fun read and the kind of tale I will always love. When the series ended, I really wanted to have just one more book, or maybe several more books, filled with their further adventures.

The Gray Court Series by Dana Marie Bell

This is another series reread and one I’ve come back to so many times I’ve lost count. The author created a world of Seelie and Unseelie courts, and the Gray Court, which rules over all. A delicious take on Fae, Vampires, Sirens, Leprechauns, Dragons, and all the other paranormals in an ongoing series that I wait impatiently for each offering. Of course, that means I have to reread all of them each time a new book comes out. And maybe I reread them just for the fun of it even when the next book is months away from being released.

Favorite January Reads – 2019

I was doing a lot of rereading of old favorites this month, but a couple of new books are worth mention for January.

How to (Not) Train a Firecat by R. Cooper

River is a firecat handler who isn’t afraid to tell it like it is. Regardless of who is listening, which sometimes gets him into trouble with guard trainees. Gentle, brilliant Gav is a wizard’s apprentice and the one River dreams of. River believes he’s just someone Gav is using to gain experience; nothing serious. He’s so sure of that belief he sometimes fails to see what everyone else seems to know. This short novella was so sweet and fun to read. Very much a reread for the future.

The Spirit Key (Lock and Key #1) by Parker Williams

Scott has seen ghosts since he died at the age of eight. Not understanding what is happening and too afraid to tell anyone, he runs away from it all. Tim was Scott’s best friend and stood beside him through everything. Of course, he’s hurt by Scott not only running away, but disappearing completely for five years. The journey really doesn’t begin, though, until Scott returns at the behest of Tim’s deceased mother. There were times I wanted to shake Tim until his teeth rattled, but just as many that I wanted to hug both Tim and Scott and tell them it would all be okay. I admit I had a bit of trouble getting into this one, but once I did, it was a thoroughly enjoyable story and well worth the read.