It has gotten to the point where I have been so busy with work and trying to prioritize my time to enjoy those things I love. Because of that I have not been able to spend much time writing reviews for books that I am reading. I have a Novel Companion that I use to track my reading and there is a section for short reviews. I’m trying to be more intentional with my posting and figured I would put some of that together in a post, since I am already doing that. Its a goal that I want to be able to share more about the books I am reading other than just the new releases. I was able to read a total of 13 books in the month of May, which is the most books in a month so far this year! So here are some thoughts, first lines and mini reviews for the Books I Read in May 2020!
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Books Read
Theirs For The Night by Katee Robert
“Don’t give me that look – you’re coming out tonight.”
This is a MMF novella between a prince, his bodyguard and a girl out on her birthday. Although a little short, this was some steamy smut! It definitely had me blushing. It has me so intrigued for more and I can’t wait to see what the full length novel has in story.
4/5
Shift Out Of Luck by Ruby Dixon
“You ever going to do anything about that or just stand here and howl at the moon like a dumbass wolf?”
I find something so gripping about Dixon’s writing. This is a were-bear novella. I adored Cole and his grumpiness! The character development and romance were not what I wanted but it was so short and quick. There was a lot of potential in the relationship and if it was a full novel I think I would have loved it!
3/5
Half A King by Joe Abercrombie
“There was a harsh gale blowing on the night Yarvi learned he was a king.“
This was a reread for me as I haven’t read it since it came out and I want to continue with the series. Was just as great the second time around. The world is so interesting and dark. The story was full of twists and turns that you do not see coming.I really like the group of characters. They went through a lot and all had such different personalities.
” I sit alone in the supply tent, gazing at the baskets full of dried food.”
I could relate to Hannah in quite a few ways, but I did find her annoying at times. J’shel is one of my favorite alien heroes so far! He was so sweet and such a great hero. I was so happy we got to return to the fruit cave and learned more about the Island. I enjoyed that Dixon added another element to the plot of ” the grandfather” !
3.5/5
Arctic Bite by N.J Walters
“Alexie Medvedev checked the Forgotten Brotherhood website, a clearinghouse for jobs for men like him- immortals who assassinated other immortals. “
Polar Bear Vamp Shifter and an ex Reaper romance! Alexie is my favorite kind of male lead ! He is the tall silent type and an absolute gent! I also really enjoyed Cassie, she is such a fierce female! It was definitely Steamy and sexy!
This had so many things wrong with it. It definitely has a taboo focus that was revealed so early. It is suppose to be a mystery/thriller and I didn’t find much to be mystery/thriller about it. The characters were all flat and unlikable.
2/5
Devi’s Distraction by Ruby Dixon
” The beach is my favorite spot at camp.”
Devi is so nerdy and cute! I am so glad we got more from one of the girls actually participating in an activity in which she enjoyed and loved seeing her talk about the creatures. I was also really happy to get more from N’dek, his feelings of being inadequate and how soft he is with Devi. We are starting to get the build up to something larger happening .
4/5
Untamed by A.G Howard
“If we are going to survive this, Alison, you have to go for the jugular.”
This is a collection of novellas that are a companion to the Splintered Trilogy by AG Howard. It is the perfect conclusion and wrap up to where the trilogy left off. I was happy that they were stories we hadn’t heard before and go into the future to show us how things end up! I still adore the writing and characters.
5/5
The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker
“Wren sets the two navy suitcases next to the stroller and then reaches for the cigarettes precariously perched between his lips, taking a long, slow drag.”
This was a super cute book, while dealing with some heavy topics. I enjoyed the second chance father/daughter relationship. The enemies to lovers relationship was also everything I live for! The banter was great and I was definitely laughing a lot. The Alaskan setting was also enjoyable and learning more about bush pilots.
5/5
Here and Gone by Haylen Beck
“The road swayed left and then right , the rhythm of it making Audra Kinney’s eyelids grow heavier as each mile marker passed.”
I wanted to love this book more than I did. sIt was such a intriguing concept and showcases a darker side to our society. The thing that really got me was the big suspense was revealed too early. I feel like it was all predictable and I knew what was going to happen. A few things could have been changed to really have me on the edge of my seat and have me not believing certain characters.
3/5
Live Like Legends by Kate Cornell
“I ran my hands down the bodice of the red and black dress, the traditional wedding dress of my homeland.”
This book started out a little weird in regards to the writing style and it was a slow to start book. But it was a super easy read and I flew through it. It was so much more than the typical princess marries prince to save kingdom fantasy. I really liked the aspect that their was a language barrier in the romance and they had to work through that to understand each other, but still grew to care for each other.
Full Review to come June 5th
4/5
The Stepford Wives by Ira Levin
“The Welcome Wagon lady, sixty if she was a day but working at youth and vivacity (ginger hair, red lips, a sunshine-yellow dress), twinkled her eyes and teeth at Joanna and said, ‘You’re really going to like it here! Its a nice town with nice people! You couldn’t have made a better choice!'”
The look into the patriarchal society we live in and the feminist movement was interesting. The idea of what the perfect women is and how she should act. As you go are reading through this story of a new family moving to a suburb and slowly questions are being asked. You are kept on the edge of your seat and the answers slowly reveal themselves. It is definitely a modern horror story with a cautionary tale.
5/5
Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout
“I stared at the pile of boxes in my new bedroom, wishing the Internet had been hooked up.”
I have no idea why I haven’t picked up this one sooner. I love Armentrout. This was a great nostalgic read that reminds me of those YA paranormals I love. This was a great frenemies romance, that was more focused on the tension and build up. I loved the friendship focus as well. I mean how can you not be obsessed with Daemon he is definitely one of those love to hate male characters. I also loved that Katy was a book blogger and pretty kickass when she needed to be. I’m interested to see where the series goes.
4.5/5
Have you read any of these books ? What books did you read this month?
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