What I read this week
The book gods must have ruled in my favour this week, because nothing I read missed. I read some contemporary, holiday, historical and an ARC of Ancients Rising book four!
When I tell you I am SPOILED. So many 5 star reads this week, got me feeling some type of way that’s for sure - here’s hoping this isn’t some anomaly and next week will also continue to be good for picks. Without further fanfare, here is what I read this week:
The Mistletoe Motive by Chloe Liese (Kobo Original)
Chloe has written some of the swooniest (yes that’s a word) books I’ve read this year. Her Bergman Brothers is a 2021 standout series that I am looking forward to re-reading soon.
The Mistletoe Motive is another brilliant read and easily sits on the best of year shelf. We have two bookshop employees and antagonistic rivals Jonathan Frost and Gabriella Di Natale. Jonathan is an analytical, business minded grouch (according to Gabby). And Gabby is a whimsical, softie, who gives all her beautiful smiles to her customers (according to Jonathan). There are so many delicious moments between these two that will have you grinning like a freaking idiot.
Gabby’s autism is handled with such love and kindness, and seeing her share that part of herself with Mr. Frost really warms the old heart. And Jonathan, our quiet diabetic grumpy dude who is just GONE for Gabby is a real treat. There are some “you’ve got mail” moments that made this quick read so darn wonderful. Oh also glovebox M&M’s. You’ll lose your sh*t at the glovebox M&M’s.
This is a Kobo Original, so make sure you head on over there to pick up this wonderful winter love story.
Honor’s Splendour by Julie Garwood
This is an older book written in 91’ which did not put me off in the slightest. Another Reddit recommendation that really hit me directly in the heart.
I think I might have enjoyed this one so much, mostly because I had no idea going into it what it was truly about. I did not expect the softness. The romance. The swooning. The cheek hurting smiles. How the two mains meet was hilarious. She thinks he’s been kidnapped, and sets out to rescue (and warm his feet) him. Only to abruptly realize he let himself get caught so he could kidnap her.
Duncan and Madelyne are pretty much adorable right from the first pages and their love and connection continues to grow and deepen throughout the entirety of the story. And watching her grow out of her carefully crafted veneer, is a real treat. Especially the few scenes where she is recovering from her battle injury, almost killed by Duncan’s horse, feeding her wolf, and being a menace practicing her archery. It’s easily cemented itself as one of my perennial re-reads, and am SO glad I picked it up.
Note that this story covers some more distressing topics of sexual assault and rape (off page) of a secondary character so please read with caution.
Gilded Mess & Golden Chaos by Colette Rhodes (Free on KU)
Polyamorous MMMF Shifter Three bears retelling? DON’T MIND IF I DO. Y’all this was SUCH a flipping delightful find, thanks to my good pals on Reddit. This duet absolutely slays, and was my first ever Colette Rhodes read, so count me VERY excited to dig into her backlist in 2022.
I really liked the shifter universe Colette created, and wow are y’all going to LOVE Aurelia. She’s the perfect blend of soft, funny, fierce and brave. Her relationship(s) with each of her bears is so satisfying and each bring a unique bit of romance and spice that seems to fit her like a glove. The plot is interesting, and is filled with enough suspense and twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat, especially the delicious slow burn between her and our sensitive protector and eldest bear Noah.
Definitely add this to your Kindle or TBR, you will not regret it.
*ARC* Ancient Vendetta by Katie Reus
I was luckily approved for an ARC of Katie’s 4th book in her Ancient’s Rising Series. I have been waiting for King and Aurora’s story pretty much since book one, after she was rescued from her imprisonment, so I was SO pumped when I got the note telling me I was going to get my hands on this early.
These two, gosh they have had a lot thrown at them. And Katie does a really great job showcasing the realities of the stress and pressure King is under as The Alpha of New Orleans. She also touches on how Aurora is slowly working through her own PTSD from being imprisoned, and how the friendship between the two (although it is heating up to more) has remained solid.
Things are slowly rebuilding, and the threats are seemingly never ending. We bounce between a few POVs: Lucius (the baddie), Aurora, King, as well as Casimir (from book 3) and Jo, which kept the story moving quickly, but left me selfishly wanting ALL the page time with our two mains. Fans of earlier books will love the little updates and cameo’s on our past hero’s and their mates.
Lots of reveals and insights on King’s backstory, which I’m assuming has to play into future books, and it was really REALLY fascinating to see the Fae realm. Only wish we got to spend more time there, not in peril.
Overall, it’s a great addition to this series and fans of Aurora and King will not be disappointed in how these two (against literally ALL THE ODDS) finally find their way to each other.
How The Dukes Stole Christmas by Various Authors
Magic-for-creating-love-matches-but-terrible-tasting-shortbread weave all 4 novella’s together in How the Dukes Stole Christmas. This was an unexpected find for .99 on Apple Books and figured it was a good moment to festively #TreatYoSelf. Really glad I did, because each of these historical romances were all wonderfully fun quick reads.
Meet me in Mayfair by Tessa Dare | As documented, Tessa Dare is one of my faves and yet again her ability to write a story that sparkles is unmatched. Here we have a Christmas Cinderella style story between an about to be evicted daughter and a distrustful duke. Seeing these two connect, and then have a magical night on the town was really quite delightful, including watching him force down that darn shortbread.
The Duke of Christmas Present by Sarah MacLean | Next we have a really heart squeezing take on a Christmas Carole from Sarah MacLean. This one was very emotional for me for some reason. We have childhood friends to lovers to estranged for 12 years. Seeing these two reconnect (including the infamous terrible shortbread), and bounce between flashback christmases was a good vehicle to quickly connect to the deep love these two had, and then kind of misplaced. Watching Eben (short for Ebeneezer maybe?!?!) finally understand how to love Jack in the way she wants was really something, and OOF the paper snowflake reveal REALLY got me.
Heiress Alone by Sophie Jordan | This was my first ever Sophie Jordan joint, and dare say I might need to read more? This felt a little like a Home Alone take, insofar as poor Annis is left behind (read: forgotten) by her wildly raucous family, and the bandits hitting all the empty homes. Again the shortbread makes a grand and humorous entrance, and poor Calder has to choke it down. It was a little insta-lovey and you know what, we’re not mad at it! Calder and Annis connect pretty quickly, and there is truly nothing like a romance novel trauma bond to accelerate that I love you timeline.
Christmas in Central Park by Joanna Shupe | A case of mistaken identity leads advice columnist Mrs Walker into some hot water. Rose didn’t mean to pretend to be a perfect 1880’s housewife. Nor did she imagine her advice column would be the talk of the town. But the paper she writes for falls into some hot water and bad PR, publisher and all around handsome man Duke Havermeyer III needs her help to woo the board. Of course he is also smitten with Mrs. Walker and has no idea the ruse she has been maintaining. This was a really refreshing take on the Duke, aspect and wow the shortbread appearance was hilarious. Watching the two circle each other all night was enjoyable as was the spice, heart and ending.