Thursday, February 20, 2025

Book Spotlight Friday! Rescued Duty

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 My Head is Full of Books 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 love this small town setting filled with heroes.


Rescued Duty





About the book:


After growing up in foster care, investigative reporter Naya Michél has learned there’s usually more to a situation than meets the eye. When she’s assigned a story about the current water contamination crisis in town, Naya is ready to show her boss she has what it takes to secure a promotion—especially since the events surrounding the story have personal ties to her childhood. When her investigation makes her the target of someone who wants the truth kept quiet, how far will Naya’s determination take her before the cost becomes too much?

Rescue Squad firefighter and former foster kid Zack Stephens is ready to step up his game at work when his boss hands him a cold case for hazmat training. As Zack delves into the case, he uncovers a shocking revelation—his parents’ deaths weren’t accidental. Determined to find their murderer, Zack throws himself into the investigation. But he doesn’t expect his search to collide with Naya, the girl he promised to protect when they lived in foster care together.

As threats mount and Naya is caught in the crosshairs, can Zack reconcile the mistakes of his past and find a killer before someone deals a lethal blow? And can the two of them learn to trust—and love—each other again despite the pain of their past?

Rescued Duty is a pulse-pounding tale of second chances, found family, and the unbreakable bonds forged in the face of adversity.


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

Book Beginnings

Naya Mitchell made it her duty to tell a story and expose the truth.

Friday 56

One spark and your house could be seconds from exploding.

My thoughts so far

This was a suspenseful read with a few twists you do not see coming.


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

 

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Can't Wait Wednesday! Rescued Duty

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.

I really enjoyed all the books I have already read in this series and am looking forward to reading more!


About the book: Rescued Duty





After growing up in foster care, investigative reporter Naya Michél has learned there’s usually more to a situation than meets the eye. When she’s assigned a story about the current water contamination crisis in town, Naya is ready to show her boss she has what it takes to secure a promotion—especially since the events surrounding the story have personal ties to her childhood. When her investigation makes her the target of someone who wants the truth kept quiet, how far will Naya’s determination take her before the cost becomes too much?

Rescue Squad firefighter and former foster kid Zack Stephens is ready to step up his game at work when his boss hands him a cold case for hazmat training. As Zack delves into the case, he uncovers a shocking revelation—his parents’ deaths weren’t accidental. Determined to find their murderer, Zack throws himself into the investigation. But he doesn’t expect his search to collide with Naya, the girl he promised to protect when they lived in foster care together.

As threats mount and Naya is caught in the crosshairs, can Zack reconcile the mistakes of his past and find a killer before someone deals a lethal blow? And can the two of them learn to trust—and love—each other again despite the pain of their past?

Rescued Duty is a pulse-pounding tale of second chances, found family, and the unbreakable bonds forged in the face of adversity.

What are you waiting on this week?

Sunday, February 16, 2025

Weekend Wrap-up: February 16th

 

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

Still recovering from being sick, but managed to embrace the cold and enjoy a bit sunny winter days.


Finished






(Reviews can be found under Book Review tag)

Currently reading




Next up:





What are you reading this week?



Here is my past week's Blog Posts.




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? 

One this week.




Bought: One





Freebies: None








Friday, February 14, 2025

Book Spotlight Friday! Conrad


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 My Head is Full of Books 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.

Loving this new family series by Susan May Warren.


Conrad






About the book:


There's Trouble Up North...

Meet Conrad, a hockey star meets celebrity romance in the Minnesota Kingston series by USA Today bestselling author Susan May Warren.

He’s an unlikely bodyguard, but someone has to keep this woman alive…

Meet Penelope billionaire heiress, mystery podcaster, and magnet for trouble. If only she wasn’t so determined to unravel the mystery of “who killed her sister’s fiancé.” Because clearly, given her recent kidnapping, with each episode, she’s closer to the truth.

And someone wants to silence her.

Probably she needs a protector, right?

Enter Conrad Kingston, power Center for the Minnesota Blue Ox hockey team and a Guy with a Secret. Namely, the panic attacks that haunt him every time he steps into the limelight. Hanging out with Celebrity Penny is exactly NOT what he needs…

Except, Blue Ox need ticket sales and when a mix-up ropes him into playing Penelope's fake boyfriend, he’s suddenly the social media darling, driving in fans to the home ice. Only problem…one of them doesn’t know the dating is fake.

As Penelope's stalker draws nearer with every juicy episode, Conrad finds himself sliding from fake kisses to real protective instincts, and on thin ice with his heart. But can he find his footing before the killer catches up to Penelope?

Fake dating meets real danger, in this clean, sweet but suspenseful romance in book 2 of the Minnesota Kingstons series.

The Minnesota Kingstons
Jack
Book 2: Conrad
Book 3: Doyle
Book 4: Austen
Book 5: Steinbeck


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

Book Beginnings

If they'd been on the ice, Conrad Kingston, center for the Blue Ox hockey team, would have done time in the penalty box.

Friday 56

And her scream echoing into the night.

My thoughts so far

This was a thrilling read.


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Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Review: The Perfect Rom-Com

The Perfect Rom-Com The Perfect Rom-Com by Melissa Ferguson
My rating: 💛💛💛

Rating 3.5

This was my first book by this author and I enjoyed it.

If you are looking for a light story where you can just relax and escape real life, this is a book you should try. The title, for me, had more to do with Bryony’s writing career than the plot of this story.

The writing was smooth and flowed easy and fast. I didn’t even realise how fast I was flying through the story. It is an easy, not so serious story, and perfect after my heavier gothic read.
Bryony and Jack were fun to get to know and I enjoyed watching their friendship.

Some of Bryony’s language students created some funny moments.

The ending was a bit more drama than real life, but it fit the story (good overcoming evil) and I enjoyed the fun, easy read.

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


View all my reviews

About the book:


She's written dozens of smash hit novels as a ghostwriter. Too bad no one knows it.

Aspiring author Bryony Page attends her first writers conference bursting with optimism and ready to sell her manuscript with long-shot dreams of raising awareness for The Bridge, her grandmother's financially-struggling organization where she teaches ESL full-time. But after a disastrous pitching session, she stumbles into correcting another author's work in a last-ditch attempt to make a good impression with the agent. And she, as it turns out, is spot on.

No one is more surprised than Bryony when the agent offers her the opportunity to be a ghostwriter for Amelia Benedict, popular rom-com novelist. Bryony agrees on one she'll write books for this vain, demanding woman just as long as Jack Sterling, literary agent of the legendary Foundry Literary Agency, works to sell her own book too.

What nobody predicted, however, was that Bryony's books would turn Amelia Benedict into the Amelia Benedict, household name and bestselling author with millions of copies sold around the world.

And just like that, the Foundry Agency can't let her go.

But on a personal note, Jack is realizing he can't either.

About the author:


Bestselling author Melissa Ferguson lives in Tennessee, where she enjoys chasing her children and writing

romantic comedies full of humor and heart. Her favorite hobby is taking friends and acquaintances and turning them into characters in her books without their knowledge.


Connect with her (and prepare for the possibility of becoming her next character) at:

Instagram: @our_friendly_farmhouse

TikTok: @ourfriendlyfarmhouse

Website: https://melissaferguson.com/

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Can't Wait Wednesday! Conrad

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.

I am excited to continue this series. Susan May Warren always provides adventure and thrill.


About the book: Conrad





There's Trouble Up North...

Meet Conrad, a hockey star meets celebrity romance in the Minnesota Kingston series by USA Today bestselling author Susan May Warren.

He’s an unlikely bodyguard, but someone has to keep this woman alive…

Meet Penelope billionaire heiress, mystery podcaster, and magnet for trouble. If only she wasn’t so determined to unravel the mystery of “who killed her sister’s fiancé.” Because clearly, given her recent kidnapping, with each episode, she’s closer to the truth.

And someone wants to silence her.

Probably she needs a protector, right?

Enter Conrad Kingston, power Center for the Minnesota Blue Ox hockey team and a Guy with a Secret. Namely, the panic attacks that haunt him every time he steps into the limelight. Hanging out with Celebrity Penny is exactly NOT what he needs…

Except, Blue Ox need ticket sales and when a mix-up ropes him into playing Penelope's fake boyfriend, he’s suddenly the social media darling, driving in fans to the home ice. Only problem…one of them doesn’t know the dating is fake.

As Penelope's stalker draws nearer with every juicy episode, Conrad finds himself sliding from fake kisses to real protective instincts, and on thin ice with his heart. But can he find his footing before the killer catches up to Penelope?

Fake dating meets real danger, in this clean, sweet but suspenseful romance in book 2 of the Minnesota Kingstons series.

The Minnesota Kingstons
Jack
Book 2: Conrad
Book 3: Doyle
Book 4: Austen
Book 5: Steinbeck

What are you waiting on this week?

Top Ten Tuesday: Love 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.

Books on my TBR with cute couples on the cover:

1. A Twist of Faith



2. The Dancing Master



3. Ever in my Heart



4. The Lieutenant's Bargain



5. Since You've Been Gone



6. The Spy Who Loved Me



7. Children of the Shadows



8. Falling Like Snowflakes



9. Second Impressions



10. Made to Last



Monday, February 10, 2025

Weekend Wrap-up: February 9th

 

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

We have been all off and on sick still this week, but I did manage to read some great stories


Finished









(Reviews can be found under Book Review tag)

Currently reading





Next up:






What are you reading this week?



Here is my past week's Blog Posts.




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? 

Three this week.







Bought: Two



Freebies: Two







Friday, February 7, 2025

Book Spotlight Friday! The Perfect Rom-Com

 

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 My Head is Full of Books 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 my first time reading a story by this author.


The Perfect Rom-Com






About the book:


She's written dozens of smash hit novels as a ghostwriter. Too bad no one knows it.

Aspiring author Bryony Page attends her first writers conference bursting with optimism and ready to sell her manuscript with long-shot dreams of raising awareness for The Bridge, her grandmother's financially-struggling organization where she teaches ESL full-time. But after a disastrous pitching session, she stumbles into correcting another author's work in a last-ditch attempt to make a good impression with the agent. And she, as it turns out, is spot on.

No one is more surprised than Bryony when the agent offers her the opportunity to be a ghostwriter for Amelia Benedict, popular rom-com novelist. Bryony agrees on one she'll write books for this vain, demanding woman just as long as Jack Sterling, literary agent of the legendary Foundry Literary Agency, works to sell her own book too.

What nobody predicted, however, was that Bryony's books would turn Amelia Benedict into the Amelia Benedict, household name and bestselling author with millions of copies sold around the world.

And just like that, the Foundry Agency can't let her go.

But on a personal note, Jack is realizing he can't either.


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

Book Beginnings

It was a dark and stormy night.

Friday 56

This is what happens when you have a sister filling your head with the same narrative over and over.

My thoughts so far

The writing style and plot makes the writing flow smoothly.


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

Thursday, February 6, 2025

Review: The Souls of Lost Lake

The Souls of Lost Lake The Souls of Lost Lake by Jaime Jo Wright
My rating: 💛💛💛💛💛

This was really good! I think it is my new favourite by this author.

The past timeline was filled with lost memories, an ax murder still on the loose and a character who is trying to survive and live after a tragedy, but preconceived ideas and judgments are not letting her.

The current timeline with the missing child and how the ghost story of Ava Coons is involved was very captivating.

It’s holding each other accountable, yes, but it’s also not creating our own narrative and forcing others’ stories into it. Finding the truth which is nonnegotiable. That is our purpose.

The way the author linked past to present was well done, though the timeline of Ava Coons kept me thoroughly engaged.

There were a lot of twists and turns which will keep readers in the dark right till the end.

View all my reviews

About the book:


Wren Blythe has long enjoyed being among the Northwoods, helping her father with programming at a youth camp. But when a little girl in the area goes missing, an all-out search ensues, reviving the decades-old campfire story of Ava Coons, the murderess, who still roams the woods. Joining the search, Wren stumbles upon the Coons cabin ruins and a rotting porcelain doll. But even more terrifying is seeing her name etched on the doll's foot like a sinister omen.

In 1930, Ava Coons has spent the last ten years carrying the mantle of mystery since she emerged from the forest as an eight-year-old girl, spattered with blood, dragging a logger's axe. She has accepted she'll never remember what happened to her family. When a member of the town of Tempter's Creek is murdered, rumors spread that Ava's secret is more malicious than previously imagined.

Both women discover that to save the innocent, they must face an insidious evil.

About the author:



Daphne du Maurier and Christy Award-Winning author, Jaime Jo Wright resides in the hills of Wisconsin writing suspenseful, mysteries stained with history's secrets. Jaime lives in dreamland, exists in reality, and invites you to join her adventures at jaimewrightbooks.com!
 

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Can't Wait Wednesday: When the Sky Burned

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.

Looking forward to continuing this series. I have found I really enjoy Liz Tolsma's writing.


About the book: When the Sky Burned





A Tornado of Fire and Embezzlement Sweep through a Community  
 
Enjoy a series of 6 exciting novels featuring historic disasters that transformed landscapes and multiple lives. Whether by nature or by man, these disasters changed history and were a day to be remembered.
 
Promising painter Mariah Randolph longs to have her canvases displayed in the world’s best museums, and Hollis Stanford, the heir of a railroad tycoon, is her ticket to success. The railroad’s bookkeeper, Jay Franklin, discovers discrepancies and is convinced that Hollis is stealing from the company. But any proof of his dirty dealings go up in smoke when fire utterly destroys the town of Peshtigo, Wisconsin, October 8, 1871.
 
The fire leaves Mariah blind, but Jay befriends her and even helps her to start painting again. But a trip to Chicago to return Hollis’s daughter to him could put both Mariah and Jay in more danger than even the fire that devastated the town and their lives.
 
Also available in the A Day to Remember series:
When the Waters Came by Candice Sue Patterson
When the Flames Ravaged by Rhonda Dragomir
When Hope Sank by Denise Weimer
When the Mountain Crumbled by Angela K. Couch
When the Avalanche Roared by Lauralee Bliss

What are you waiting on this week?

Book Spotlight Friday! Rescued Duty

Book Beginnings and Friday56 Book Beginnings  is a weekly meme hosted by   Rose City Reader  that asks you to share the first sentence (or s...