Top Ten Tuesday: Unlikable Characters You Can’t Help but Love

 Join in the Top Ten Tuesday fun! Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

So this week the theme is: Unlikable Characters You Can’t Help but Love

I am not one to really remember or make note of this topic, so won't be able to find 10 books to show.  What I would rather do is spotlight 10 books in which I found the most creepiest/scariest villains:

1. Don't Look Back

2. Abomination

3. The Gold Digger

4. Deadly Pursuit

5. Every Crooked Path

6. The Void

7. Thin Ice

8. Predator

9. The Reluctant Duchess

10. Trapped

Weekend Wrap-Up: October 30th

 

 It’s Monday! What are you reading? is hosted by Book Date.

Reading went a lot slower this week, mainly due to this new addition to the family:

So, for now my sleep is being interrupted with pajama drills which has a negative impact on my reading.

Finished

(Reviews can be found under Book Review tag)

Currently reading

Next up:

Some great books up on my TBR.

What are you reading this week?

Blog Posts Recap:

Here is my past week's Blog Posts.

Top Ten Tuesday

Can't Wait Wednesday

Book Spotlight Fridays!

Saturday Series Discovery

Adding to the Bookshelf:

Which Avid Reader do not add to their shelves! I try to limit mine to review books since I have so many owned on my TBR to read.  So did I add to my shelf this week? Almost made the week with no additions to the shelves, but then the long awaited next installment in a series I am busy with made it to my ARC list:

Review: The Lost Lieutenant

The Lost Lieutenant by Erica Vetsch
My rating: 💛💛💛

I really enjoyed this regency from a new-to-me author. Regency is one of my favourite time periods in historical fiction.

This story had so many characters to not like! Diana’s father was really something else, with her brother not far behind. I enjoyed seeing how Diana grew in confidence when she got out from under her father’s roof and finding her place with Evan.

Evan was such a great main character. Not without his own issues, he was the first to protect the vulnerable, weak, and stepped up in all areas which mattered. I loved how the author used his character to display what a true gentleman he was, even though he was born a commoner.

One of the supporting characters I loved, was the prince Regent, who, in his oblivion, played a crucial role in protecting Diana.

I also loved Marcus and cannot wait to get to his story.

*I listened to the audiobook on Scribd.*


View all my reviews

About the book:

He's doing what he can to save the Prince Regent's life . . . but can he save his new marriage as well? Evan Eldridge never meant to be a war hero--he just wanted to fight Napoleon for the future of his country. And he certainly didn't think that saving the life of a peer would mean being made the Earl of Whitelock. But when the life you save is dear to the Prince Regent, things can change in a hurry.

Now Evan has a new title, a manor house in shambles, and a stranger for a bride, all thrust upon him by a grateful ruler. What he doesn't have are all his memories. Traumatized as a result of his wounds and bravery on the battlefield, Evan knows there's something he can't quite remember. It's important, dangerous--and if he doesn't recall it in time, will jeopardize not only his marriage but someone's very life.

Readers who enjoy Julie Klassen, Carolyn Miller, and Kristi Ann Hunter will love diving into this brand-new Regency series filled with suspense, aristocratic struggles, and a firm foundation of faith.

About the author:

Best-selling, award-winning author of The Debutante’s Code, first in the Thorndike & Swann Regency Mystery Series, Erica Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum. You can connect with her at her website, www.ericavetsch.com where you can learn about her books and sign up for her newsletter, and you can find her online at https://www.facebook.com/groups/inspi... where she spends way too much time! 

Review: The Secrets of Emberwild

The Secrets of Emberwild by Stephenia H. McGee
My rating: 💛💛💛
I enjoyed this story from a new-to-me author. I really enjoyed the focus on the horse, Arrow, and the training methods both Nora and Silas applied. This almost had a bit of a Heartland feel – if you know and enjoy that series, you will enjoy this story.

I also enjoyed how Silas was different than the other men in Nora’s life, who saw the real her and wanted her to thrive and not control her.

The author also provided me with a character to really dislike. One of those wolves in a sheep’s clothing type of character and I got impatient with Nora not seeing their true character.

The title made me expect that I would discover quite a few secrets while reading this story. Though there were secrets to discover, it felt a lot lighter than what I was expecting.

I did enjoy this story and would recommend it to fans of historical fiction.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*


View all my reviews

About the book:

A gifted trainer in a time women are not allowed to race, Nora Fenton prefers horses to men. They're easier to handle, they're more reliable, and they never tell her what to do. After her father's passing, Nora is determined to save her struggling horse farm, starting with entering her prize colt into the harness races at the 1905 Mississippi Fair. If she wins, she may have a chance at independence. But when a stranger arrives and starts asking disconcerting questions, she suspects he may have other motives than unseating her in the training job that is rightfully hers.

Silas Cavallero will do whatever it takes to solve the mystery of his father's death--even if it means training an unwieldy colt for Nora, who wants nothing more than to see him gone. But when mysterious accidents threaten their safety and circumstances shrouded in secrets begin unlocking clues to his past, Silas will have to decide if the truth is worth risking ruining everything for the feisty woman he's come to admire.

About the author:

Stephenia H. McGee is a multi-published author of stories of faith, hope, and healing set in the Deep South.

She lives in Mississippi, where she is a mom of two rambunctious boys, writer, dreamer, and husband spoiler. Her novel The Cedar Key was a 2021 Faith, Hope, and Love Readers’ Choice award winner. A member of the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution), she loves all things books and history. Stephenia also loves connecting with readers and can often be found having fun with her Faithful Readers Team on Facebook. For more on books and upcoming events and to connect with Stephenia, visit her at www.StepheniaMcGee.com.

Book Spotlight Fridays! Sundown

 

Book Beginnings and Friday56

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your e-reader and share a non-spoiler sentence or two.  First Line Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Reading is my Superpower that asks you to share the first sentence of the book you're reading.

I always enjoy Susan May Warren's thrilling adventurous suspense.  Excited to read this one over the weekend.

Sundown

About the book:

Former Delta Operative Colt Kingston knows when someone is lying. He may not know the truth, but he sure doesn't trust Tae, the woman who is caring for his ailing father at Sky King Ranch. Behind those beautiful blue eyes, he can tell there is a troubled--and smart--woman.

A few of her stories prove true--he's found the crashed plane and the dead body inside. Still, her story of survival seems too incredible to believe . . . until the thugs she claims to be hunting her show up and threaten Sky King Ranch. Now Tae must disappear, along with her secrets.

But Colt's not about to let her go it alone. And when they discover that her secrets include the antidote to a plague that threatens the world, it'll take all three Kingston brothers to save the country they've vowed to protect.

Susan May Warren brings her Sky King Ranch series to a climactic close with this high-stakes race against the clock.

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Book Beginnings

Colt Kingston was in worse shape than he thought.

Friday 56

Fight. determination. And the reason, probably, that he just kept surviving.  The man didn't have quit or helpless or even fear in him.

My thoughts so far

This started out great!  Susan May Warren never disappoints with her action and adventure.

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Review: Deadly Hunt

Deadly Hunt by Margaret Daley
My rating: 💛💛💛

This was a fast-pacing suspense and romance with a lot of action to keep the reader entertained.

The romance moved fast, but I did enjoy the fast pace of the suspense.

I do plan to continue with the series.


View all my reviews

About the book:

From #1 Amazon Bestselling Author Margaret Daley comes a new romantic suspense Deadly Hunt
All bodyguard Tess Miller wants is a vacation. But when a wounded stranger stumbles into her isolated cabin in the Arizona mountains, Tess becomes his lifeline. When Shane Burkhart opens his eyes, all he can focus on is his guardian angel leaning over him. And in the days to come he will need a guardian angel while being hunted by someone who wants him dead.

About the author:

Margaret Daley, an award-winning author of seventy-six books, has been married for over forty years and is

a firm believer in romance and love. When she isn’t traveling, she’s writing love stories, often with a suspense thread and corralling her three cats that think they rule her household. To find out more about Margaret visit her website at http://www.margaretdaley.com.

Review: In Search of a Prince

In Search of a Prince by Toni Shiloh
My rating: 💛💛💛

This new to me author provided me with an entertaining story, similar to the Princess Diaries movies, movies I loved, and I enjoyed this different version of a fairytale.

What stood out for me with this story was the supporting relationship between Bri and her friend Iris. I just loved how they turned to prayer every time they faced tough questions or decisions.

For me, I did feel the way Bri was so quickly okay with the big revelations was a bit rushed. What was also surprising was the religion of the African island Bri had to rule. It is not very often that you have Christianity as the religion without various African culture religions mixed in.

I did love how the King had a strong and solid relationship with God, as well as Mori, whose strength and character was rooted in Christ.

What was also surprising was the LOL moments as well as the hidden mystery and action at the end.

I plan to read the next book which is about Iris.

*I listened to the audiobook on Scribd*


View all my reviews

About the book:

Brielle Adebayo is fully content teaching at a New York City public school and taking annual summer vacations with her mother to Martha's Vineyard. But everything changes when her mom drops the mother of all bombshells--Brielle is a princess in the kingdom of Oloro IlZ, Africa, and she must immediately assume her royal position, since the health of her grandfather, King Tiwa Jimoh Adebayo, is failing.

Distraught by her mother's betrayal, Brielle is further left spinning when the Oloro IlZ Royal Council brings up an old edict that states she must marry before assuming the throne or the crown will be passed to another. Uncertain who to choose from the council's list of bachelors, she struggles with the decision along with the weight of her new role in a new country. With her world totally shaken, she must take a chance on love and brave the perils a wrong decision may bring.

About the author:

Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and Christian fiction writer. Once she understood the powerful saving grace thanks to the love of Christ, she was moved to honor her Savior. She writes to bring Him glory and to learn more about His goodness.

Can't Wait Wednesday! Honor's Refuge

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This final book in the trilogy releases November 2022.

About the book: Honor's Refuge

When she was just five years old, Melissa Braxton watched her father take her mother's life. Separated from her sister, Lola, at that time, Melissa grew up with a strong desire to help those stuck in abusive relationships. It's why she became a family therapist and opened a domestic abuse shelter.

After losing a leg to a gunshot wound in the line of duty, Phil Osbourne has felt like a man without a purpose--until he hears Melissa's story and decides to use his Special Forces contacts to track down her missing sister. He knows what he discovers will break Melissa's heart. What he doesn't realize is that helping the women reunite will bring the cartel down on them like the Category 5 hurricane striking Miami.

Bruised yet not quite broken, Melissa and Phil battle the storm and the cartel, calling on strength they didn't know they had to escape death, save the innocent, and--just maybe--find healing in each other's arms.

What are you waiting on this week?

Top Ten Tuesday: Halloween Freebie

 Join in the Top Ten Tuesday fun! Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

With Halloween you usually thing blood, murder, scary.  So, here is 10 books which is more Gothic - may or may not include Ghosts and a murder or two:

1. On the Cliffs of Foxglove Manor

2. Because You're Mine

3. Beneath His Silence

4. Butterfly Palace

5. Missy's Murder

6. The String

7. The Souls of Lost Lake

8. Everywhere to Hide

9. Dark Motives

10. Invitation

Weekend Wrap-Up: October 23rd

 

It’s Monday! What are you reading? is hosted by Book Date.

Reading this weekend went a bit slower.  We went camping this weekend so ended up connecting more with my friends than the fictional world.  Which, though we avid readers hate to admit it, is sometime more important and more enjoyable. 😱

Finished

(Reviews can be found under Book Review tag)

Currently reading

I made some movement on The Prophet this week:

Next up:

Some great books up on my TBR.

What are you reading this week?

Blog Posts Recap:

Here is my past week's Blog Posts.

Top Ten Tuesday

Can't Wait Wednesday

Book Spotlight Fridays!

Saturday Series Discovery

Adding to the Bookshelf:

Which Avid Reader do not add to their shelves! I try to limit mine to review books since I have so many owned on my TBR to read.  So did I add to my shelf this week? I was better on the bying front, but did download 2 ARCs.

Series review/Series Discovery: The Epic Story of RJ and YORK

This series released in 3 installments, one week apart from each other and is so interlinked that it will be best to review it all in one!  Each Installment ends in a cliffhanger, so please have all 3 books available, because if you are like me, you will puck up the next book the second you are done with the first!

If you enjoy audiobooks, you should not skip these audiobooks, because it is the best audios I have listened to. The narrator Adam Gold has the most beautiful deep voice, delivers the telling brilliantly and the added spy affects just adds to an entertaining read.

Out of the Nights picks up where the Montana Marshall series and Global Search and Rescue series end so it will be best to have read those series first, however the author does recaps on the highlights to get new readers caught up.

After I closed the cover on RJ’s book, I was not ready to say goodbye to RJ and York and involvement with spies, so I was so excited to read this series.

It had everything and more I love from Susan May Warren. Danger, Action, Suspense, dashing hero, a heroine acting without thinking needing rescue and some great banter lines.

This story had me on the edge of my seat, fearing for my favourite characters, feeling annoyed with RJ, heart aching for York and lol moments.

The suspense continues in I Will Find You. I could just feel York's internal struggle about wanting to leave the action and spy world behind, fearing of losing RJ, but also wondering if he should let RJ go.

There was a lot of breath holding moments, especially at the end of chapters, which made it difficult to think about closing the book for sleep or just normal life. I had so many thoughts and feelings while reading this installment, which is evident of great writing. And all the suspects!

I enjoyed the spy Ziggy and the historical scenes about her family and hope she and Roy will have a HEA.

And the the final conclusion in No Matter The Cost.  

What an awesome final installment. And it was great catching up with some of RJ's brothers.

Up to this installment, York fought against his past and wanted a chilled life with no action. In this final installment we are spoiled with York 007. There is action, action and so much action. Surprising reveals and twists and satisfying conclusions.

I loved this spy series featuring RJ and York, and again, not really ready to say goodbye to them, though I know there is so many adventures still to come from Susan May Warren.

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About the author:

Also see: Author Discovery: Susan May Warren

Susan May Warren Short Bio

Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling, Christy and RITA award-winning novelist of over sixty-five novels. An eight-time Christy award finalist, a three-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Carol Award.

A seasoned women’s events speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: The Story Equation.

She is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com, and Novel.Academy, a school for aspiring novelists. You can find her online at www.susanmaywarren.com.

Review: Once Upon a Winter Wonderland: A Deep Haven Christmas Anthology

Once Upon a Winter Wonderland: A Deep Haven Christmas Anthology by Susan May Warren
My rating: 💛💛💛

I was excited to find out about this collection of winter novellas set in the town of Deep Haven and I really enjoyed this collection. It is always a comfort to visit with the people of Deep Haven who has found their way into my heart.

This novella collection focused on Vivienne and Boone’s wedding, but from different POV’s which I really enjoyed. One of my favourite romance stories was Duke and Zuri. I enjoyed how her joy and cheerful outlook broke through his grumpiness.

If you enjoy cosy romance stories around Christmas time, then you should add this to your TBR.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*


View all my reviews

About the book:

Join USA Today best-selling author Susan May Warren, award-winning author, Rachel D. Russell, and best-selling Minnesota authors Michelle Sass Aleckson and Andrea Christenson in this delightful twist on Bing Crosby’s holiday favorite song, Winter Wonderland.

A Deep Haven wedding at Christmas? With snow glistening in the lane, sleigh bells ringing, and all the world a winter wonderland—magical, right?

Or maybe not, because the snowstorm of the century has buried their small town, and as Vivien Calhoun and Boone Buckam fight the sleet, snow, and ice, just about everything can—and does—happen to skid their big day into the ditch. It’ll take all their friends—and a few strangers—to turn this Christmas wedding from a blizzard to a beautiful sight in this charming collection of novellas.

Discover four enchanting stories featuring old friends, and new, who discover that there just might be a happy ending waiting in this winter wonderland—if only they can shovel their way out of trouble.

Want more of Deep Haven?

Book 1: Still the One
Book 2: Can’t Buy Me Love
Book 3: Crazy for You
Book 4: Then Came You
Book 5: Hangin' by a Moment
Book 6: Right Here Waiting

Deep Haven Series by Susan May Warren
Book 1: Happily Ever After
Book 2: Tying the Knot
Book 3: The Perfect Match
Book 4: My Foolish Heart
Book 5: Hook, Line, & Sinker (ebook novella)
Book 6: You Don’t Know Me
Book 7: The Shadow of Your Smile

The Christiansen Family Collection by Susan May Warren
Prequel: Evergreen
Book 1: Take a Chance on Me
Book 2: It Had to Be You
Book 3: When I Fall in Love
Book 4: Always on My Mind
Book 5: The Wonder of You
Book 6: You’re the One That I Want
Book 7: Have Yourself a Christiansen Christmas

Book Spotlight Fridays! The Secrets of Emberwild

Book Beginnings and Friday56

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your e-reader and share a non-spoiler sentence or two.  First Line Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Reading is my Superpower that asks you to share the first sentence of the book you're reading.

This is a new to me author.

The Secrets of Emberwild

About the book:

A gifted trainer in a time women are not allowed to race, Nora Fenton prefers horses to men. They're easier to handle, they're more reliable, and they never tell her what to do. After her father's passing, Nora is determined to save her struggling horse farm, starting with entering her prize colt into the harness races at the 1905 Mississippi Fair. If she wins, she may have a chance at independence. But when a stranger arrives and starts asking disconcerting questions, she suspects he may have other motives than unseating her in the training job that is rightfully hers.

Silas Cavallero will do whatever it takes to solve the mystery of his father's death--even if it means training an unwieldy colt for Nora, who wants nothing more than to see him gone. But when mysterious accidents threaten their safety and circumstances shrouded in secrets begin unlocking clues to his past, Silas will have to decide if the truth is worth risking ruining everything for the feisty woman he's come to admire.

*************************************************************

Book Beginnings

Freedom rushed through Nora Fenton's veins, erupting with each breath.

Friday 56

This was ridiculous.  Nora picked her way across the yard, holding the lantern low so she could see where she stepped.

My thoughts so far

So far I am enjoying this one.  If you have watched Heartland then you would also enjoy this story.

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