My Week in Reads
Well we’re still trucking right along with month three of 2022, and the reading train keeps on moving along. This week was an interesting one. My mental and physical health were wildly uncooperative, but I still managed to read a few really great ones AND keep up to date on all the insane booktok and JLA (Jennifer L Armentrout) drama, more on that later.
Ok here we go…
The Plan by Karla Sorensen (Free with KU)
Set in the extended Washington Wolves universe, this is a bodyguard age gap, grumpy sunshine romance featuring the daughter of Allie and Luke from The Bombshell Effect. Lydia is paired with ex-NFL defensive lineman Erik Wilder. This was a cute, albeit predictable one, but that did not stop me from enjoying it thoroughly.
Slow burn, medium angst and heat, and a solid connection between the two main characters made for a quick, enjoyable and in some moments very sweet read.
Boarlander Boss Bear by TS Joyce (Free with KU)
I’ve seen these pop up in a few threads over on r/romancebooks and figured a quick shifter, fated mates palate cleanser was in order. The banter between all the bears in Harrison’s crew (especially Clinton and Bash) made this one really hilarious. I enjoyed the connection the shifters shared and the love story between Harrison and Audrey was really lovely.
Also Nards, the 1010 magic trailer mouse makes a pitch perfect appearance.
Boarlander Bash Bear by TS Joyce (Free with KU)
Grabbing book two in the series was a no-brainer especially after meeting Bash and his early ’Missionary Impossible’ declaration. He’s such a giant adorably earnest himbo with Emerson. I loved these two. Bash just being so open and honest, and Emerson helping Bash build his own confidence and belief in himself. Too cute.
Girls Before Earls by Anna Bennet
I’ve been trying to expand my HR reads outside of my comfort authors in this genre. Enter Girls Before Earls by Anna Bennet. This was a sweet romance between a schoolteacher and an Earl committed to NEVER LOVING ANYONE after experiencing early in life heartbreak and betrayal. This also had a kind-of love triangle, which normally I am NOT a huge fan of, but Anna really made it work to illustrate the choice Gabriel has before him. A group of young girls Hazel is teaching really round out the book, especially the parent trap moment near the end of the book.
Beauty and the Blacksmith by Tessa Dare
Over on #booktwt someone I followed had mentioned how hot they got over Aaron Dawes, the blacksmith who makes multiple appearances throughout Tessa’s main spindle cove books. So I figured I would see what the fuss was about. My god. Okay yes co-sign. My man Aaron can get it. The first we find him in the smithy, trying to coax some metal to his will and the dialog, is deeply, deeply hot. Look, Tessa’s books are an instant buy/read/love and this one is NO different. And Diana, as a fellow absolutely tragic in the kitchen wife type person I get it, I really do.
The Beast of Beswick by Amalie Howard
This was a delightful surprise and you can thank the iBooks algorithm for placing this in my lap. A Historical romance that is full of banter sweetness and delicious heat. This is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast and my first Amalie Howard book (spoiler: it will not be my last). I really enjoyed the banter between Thane and Astrid (aka Lady Astringent) and how the relationship evolves. Perfect for fans of Tessa Dare (hello Duchess Deal) and cinnamon roll hero’s.
Protecting You by Claire Kingsley
This is the first in a interconnected series of books from Claire Kingsley, featuring the very hot, very tall, very fun Bailey brothers. This was book 1, a novella that lays the foundation for book 2 that is a little tragic imho. Neighbours and childhood best friends Asher and Grace have been mostly inseparable, but with time (teenage hormones) they started to drift apart. One summer as Grace returns from college, the “weather changes” and its pretty clear these two are it for each other. Some pretty heavy stuff almost happens to Grace (read attempted rape) and in an effort to save her Asher accidentally kills her assailant. Book one ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, Asher is being sentenced to 8 years and tells Grace they are done. RIP to my heart, and lord I hope these two figure it out in book 2.