Tome Thursday: New Beginning

 

Hello everyone!

 

A little novella for you tonight.

 

I tend to read pretty much anything I can get my hands on, but this one's kind of special.

 

This one returns to the world of Jackson's Bridge!

 

In case you don't remember, that's the fictional community author Angela Day is currently in the process of writing about, and we're headed straight back into it.

 

This is a short story that hasn't officially released yet, but then again it's not exactly connected to the main novels in the way you'd think.

 

It's in the same world, but it isn't about the same characters.

 

We're getting more of the surrounding arcs fleshed out, and I'm here for it!

 

So come along for the ride in New Beginning.

 

Tome Thursday: Lily & Thorne

 

Hello everyone!

 

Welcome to this week's book of choice.

 

Now if you've been following me for a bit, you might remember that this title seems familiar to some extent.

 

Perhaps you're thinking: have I seen this before?

 

Have you?

 

Well, turns out, you have!

 

Originally published as part of an anthology, this particular novella got expanded upon, rewritten, and re-published!

 

And, because I'm a good soul like that - and also, because Rhi Hargadon is an absolute ANGEL - I'm here to write a quick review about this new version of the tale.

 

Without further ado: Lily & Thorne!

 

Tome Thursday: Stay for Christmas

 

Hello everyone!

 

I know this particular book looks like it really ought to have been featured on the blog much, much earlier - oops!

 

I unfortunately lost blog space since I was doing some other reviews first, but I figured it might be a really great way to kick this all off, you know?

 

We started strong with Sandokan this Tuesday, and so now we're finishing the week off even stronger.

 

Serenity Woods is an author I will NEVER not feature on this blog, because her books are amazing. I've pretty much read almost her entire bibliography at this point, and I'm not ashamed to admit it. I've been a fan of hers since the Three Wise Men days, and it's all just gotten better and better.

 

Now, after focusing on billionaire romances for a good bit, she's returning to the small-town sort of feel with tight-knit communities, families who help each other out, and some wonderful animals that'll warm our hearts along the way.

 

With that said, let's hop straight into this series prequel, shall we?

 

Because everything has to start somewhere, and we're about to in Stay for Christmas.

 

Tome Thursday: Dance for Daddy

 

Hello everyone!

 

Something a little less conventional from me tonight.

 

Or, unconventional, rather.

 

Then again I kind of ran across this author completely by accident, I think. I don't even fully memorize how or when I pick something up in terms of books, so this one either got me through Instagram, a recommendation, or someone on Goodreads reading it from my friends and me thinking, why not.

 

See, every once in a while, I pick a book up that's more smut than plot.

 

I call it a brain reset.

 

It doesn't require more from me than sitting there leafing through it, and the plot, however little of it there is, is brief enough that it doesn't make me bend over backwards to understand anything.

 

That's exactly what happened with tonight's book of choice.

 

Without further ado: Dance for Daddy.

 

Tome Thursday: Midnight Enemy

 

Hello everyone!

 

It's that time again, when Serenity Woods releases a new book, and I'm all up in the heavens about it because her works are just THAT GOOD, every single time. 

 

Tonight's book isn't an exception, either. 

 

The book officially releases this Saturday, so in two days, on May 31st, but I'm super super lucky enough to be part of Ms Woods' ARC team, which means I get it a little bit earlier.

 

I sat down for two afternoons in a row this week to read through it, and man oh MAN, are these going to be such good romances again.

 

Not that they ever AREN'T, I don't think I've really stumbled across a book of hers that I truly disliked.

 

Maybe I had quibbles with some, but dislikes? Not really, not ever.

 

So without further ado, let's hop straight into this next series starter (oh yes, it's definitely going to be a series) and see what it's all about in Midnight Enemy.

 

Tome Thursday: Lily & Thorne

 

Hello everyone!

 

Welcome back.

 

As I plan to take next Tuesday off (this weekend being Easter and all that jazz), I thought I'd dig up the last vestiges of energy I can possibly summon and get a book review up and running.

 

After all, this is what the blog is all about, right?

 

Right.

 

So without further ado, we're heading straight into another ARC.

 

Because I've been so INSANELY lucky that the absolutely incredible and lovely Rhiannon Hargadon invited me to be a part of her team - The Darklings, IYKYK - and I received this short story one as an introduction, really.

 

Then again, I've read her Descendants of the Fates series thus far - haven't blogged them yet, might do in future however - and LOVED IT. So I was crazy pleased to be invited along for the ride.

 

Here we go then, into a slightly easier starter: Lily & Thorne!

 

Tome Thursday: Obsession Under the Southern Stars

 

Hello everyone!

 

We're well underway into 2025 now, and I feel as though I have a pretty good grasp on how this year is going to unfold (spoiler alert: it's going to be busy, LOL), which hopefully means that everyone else is settling into their paces as well.

This ALSO means that, considering I'm now out of my Christmas blogging, I can focus on all the stuff that I had to push to the side while that was happening, and catch up with all that I read prior to December hitting with full force.

And it gives me the perfect excuse to start the yearly book blogs with my favourite contemporary romance author, Serenity Woods.

Not only is she a fantastic writer, but she's also just a lovely person in general, so if you ever get the chance to read any of her books, give them a go! She writes strong heroines who nevertheless don't act like witches (another word rhymes with this one ...) and heroes who sweep them off their feet, but who always brighten your day and don't just flash their money and expect things to be solved.

Tonight we're continuing with her Southern Stars series, the end of which is coming sometime in the beginning of this year, and I'm excited! But first, the bridge book if you will, the second of the lot leading the way to the finale, Obsession Under the Southern Stars.

Tome Thursday: Whispers of the Deep

 

Hello everyone!

 

I know some of you might be anticipating - or I hope you're anticipating! - my review of the second season House of the Dragon just graced us with, but I ended up deciding to type that one on Saturday, so that I have PLENTY of time to do it right.

 

For tonight, we're diving in deep.

 

And I mean DEEP, deep.

 

Because we're about to enter a story about mermaids, and what's more, it's a mermaid story that I REALLY love, or ended up loving in any event.

 

I wasn't expecting that, because recently the books I've been randomly picking up have been a bit on the eh side, but this one? Chef's kiss.

 

This one's basically restored my faith in the paranormal romance genre, so I'm now just working my way through another ARC before I grab the second in this series.

 

So put on your rebreathers and your flippers - it's time for Whispers of the Deep.

 

Tome Thursday: Juliette and the Billionaire Boss

 

Hello everyone!

 

Apologies for missing Tuesday's post, but, unfortunately life just hasn't been cooperating this week. I'm sort of back in the groove of things now (I hope!) and I'm aiming to bring you a pretty neat beast come next Talkie Tuesday, so fingers crossed for that.

 

In the meantime, let's have a look at another book.

 

As we usually do, of course.

 

And this week is a pretty huge deal BECAUSE, it's the end of a long-running series, called A Boss in a Billion, by Serenity Woods.

 

This trilogy's titled The Christchurch Billionaires, and man oh man have they been amazing to read.

 

Now with Henry and Juliette's story, it all comes to an end, in the best way possible of course.

 

There isn't any other way when Ms Woods is the one writing these books!

 

So let's look at Juliette and the Billionaire Boss, then.

 

Tome Thursday: Aroha and the Billionaire Boss

 

Hello everyone!

 

And welcome to the newest addition on the shelves of Serenity Woods, because OF COURSE there's going to be a new book releasing soon, am I right?

 

Now, realistically, this one doesn't hit the shelves for another week or so BUT.

 

But.

 

I was super duper lucky to be sent an ARC of it - I'm a part of Ms Woods' ARC readers' group, and I still have no idea just HOW I got this lucky, because she's my absolute favourite contemporary romance author - so I got early access.

 

And man oh man, am I telling you that you NEED to read it.

 

I know I'm putting up a lot of captions and whatnot in this intro, but it's all for a good cause, I promise you this.

 

Because these billionaires ... they literally take your breath away. 

 

Aroha and the Billionaire Boss is no different, either.

 

Tome Thursday: Adagio

 

Hello everyone!

 

And welcome to tonight's spectacular performance, I should say.

 

Our book is yet another choice by BookSirens, because I can't seem to keep away from the site, and there are just SO MANY good ARCs to be found and read!

 

Plus, considering most have a read time of 60 to 90 days, what could be better?

 

You usually get less time when you check a book out of the library!

 

Which means I tend to putter and browse around there quite often, and I think tonight's book was suggested to me through an email once, but I didn't actually get to it before I found another from the same author, read that one first, fell in love with their style of writing, then backtracked to the original I had.

 

I know, super unoriginal of me.

 

BUT I finally got round to reviewing it on the blog, so let's not waste any more time.

 

The stage calls, and the slippers are getting antsy in Adagio.

 

Saturday Snippet: Faking Love with the Billionaire Boss

 

 

It's release day, don't forget to grab your copy!

 

And if you need help deciding - here's my review.

 

xx

*image not mine

Saturday Snippet: Twice Knightley RELEASE!

 

Today's the day! 

Grab your copy of Twice Knightley in My Bed.

 

xx

*image not mine 

Tome Thursday: Twice Knightley in My Bed

 

Hello everyone!

 

For the first time in what feels like ... quite a bit, actually, I have a book review that is not, in fact, from BookSirens.

 

Shocking, I know!

 

This one comes from an author near and dear to my heart, and really I just need to go right back through her entire bibliography and read them all over again, because the universe that she's interwoven through each of her works is breathtakingly beautiful.

 

And also, it's mostly all going down in New Zealand.

 

Do you need any more reason than that to escape? I don't think so!

 

The author I'm talking about is Serenity Woods. And if you've been following my blog for a bit, you'll know I have a TON of her books already reviewed on here.

 

This one, however, releases over the coming weekend. I consider myself exceptionally lucky enough to have been sent an ARC, so here you go guys. 

 

Twice Knightley in My Bed, just for you.

 

Tome Thursday: The Secret Billionaire

 

Hello everyone!

 

Did you miss me?

 

I'm BACK from vacation, and man oh man do I have a bunch of good blog posts coming your way.

 

I had a lovely time just relaxing and spending as much time doing absolutely nothing so that I could recharge for the next stage, as it were.

 

And among those relaxing things was the fact that I read a heap of books.

 

Yep, there are lots and lots of books to be had when you're determined! Haha.

 

I've always been a bookworm though so this is no surprise, and tonight's blog post will happily wrap up a series that's been ongoing for a bit.

 

Remember when I mentioned at one point Serenity Woods is my favourite contemporary romance author?

 

Well, it's back to the drawing board and her last book in The Billionaire Princes, The Secret Billionaire, so come along for the ride!

 

Tome Thursday: I Close My Eyes

 

Hello everyone!

 

A slight departure from my usual reading choices, but I thought that a cute little romp through a Regency novel wouldn't hurt any of us, right?

 

Right.

 

Besides, with all the hype around Bridgerton, there's literally an influx of these now.

 

Not to mention that some are getting much more recognition from the earlier years they were released as well.

 

This one came to me because it was offered for free through BookBub, yet another service that's absolutely fantastic if you're looking for discounted e-books and more affordable options, and I was intrigued enough, really.

 

I mean, someone on the road to spinsterhood and a scarred Duke? Yeah, colour me interested.

 

So without further ado, let's just jump right into it, shall we?

 

Because I Close My Eyes waits for no one.

 

Tome Thursday: Let It Be Me

 

Hello everyone!

 

I come bearing the gift of another book review, and I chose something a little different for this week's actually.

 

I don't usually just pick something up to read, it's either off a list I've been cultivating for years or it's a recommendation/suggestion, but truth be told I was incredibly bored this past weekend and ended up picking something at random.

 

I know. Shocking!

 

Turns out though that it's pretty good, all things considered.

 

I will admit that I have more misses than hits when randomly choosing the things I'm reading, but that aside there's something about the mystery of picking something you haven't ever touched before, so that's something I suppose.

 

And I don't think I've ever read anything from this author before, either, which is an added bonus.

 

So without further ado, it's romance time: Let It Be Me is next.

 

Tome Thursday: The Irresistible Billionaire

 

Hello everyone!

 

Bet you didn't see this one coming.

 

Well, or you did and you're currently just shaking your head, smiling at your computer screens.

 

As you know - or if you don't, you're about to find out - I've been lucky enough to become a member of the Kiwi Birds ARC team, which is the team of people who get book copies from Serenity Woods in advance and then also leave reviews in advance so that others who are contemplating whether or not to buy the book might be persuaded.

 

Which means that I definitely end up with a new and exciting title to review on this blog every once in a while.

 

It's no different tonight either!

 

Despite venturing into cozy paranormal mysteries, Ms Woods remains one of the most beloved contemporary romance authors, and definitely my favourite either way you look at it.

So for her to announce a new contemporary series is a special treat.

And the introduction, The Irresistible Billionaire, is even better!

Saturday Snippet: Suggestion

 

Not Christmas-themed, but still a good book to read!

 

xx

*image not mine

Cop of the Year (Booktober)

 

"If you want the rainbow, you have to put up with the rain."

 

 

 

When it comes to authors I read because I like their realistic approach, their characters and, of course, their finished products, Kathryn Shay might be in my top five. Cop of the Year was the first book of hers I read, and I remember bawling like a baby through about half of it. While it may occasionally suffer from some interesting editorial tweaks, the overreaching story is heartfelt, emotional, and brilliantly executed. Have a look at what the captain and the teacher get into when left to their own devices - and some added help from the kids!

 

 

 

 

When by-the-book Captain Mitch Lansing is forced to work in a high school classroom to improve relationships between At Risk kids and the police department, he’s disconcerted about working with teenagers. But when he meets unorthodox teacher, Cassie Smith, his world goes off kilter. So does Cassie’s. She totally against all he stands for, so why is it she finds herself attracted to him? The further they go into the year, the more they’re drawn to each other. The kids also come to care about Mitch, and because of his past in Vietnam, he tries to distance himself from everybody. He can’t, and he must learn to accept Cassie and her kids into his life permanently.

(from Kobo)

 

xx

*image not mine

 

Nefertiti (Booktober)

Timeline (Booktober)

The Murder at the Vicarage (Booktober)

Persuasion (Booktober)

The Longest Ride (Booktober)

Midnight Sun (Booktober)

Percy Jackson & the Olympians (Booktober)

The Chronicles of Narnia (Booktober)

Atlantis (Booktober)

Origin (Booktober)

Quo Vadis (Booktober)

Death on the Nile (Booktober)

The Little White Horse (Booktober)

The Sign of Four (Booktober)

Harry Potter #2 (Booktober)

Troublemaker (Booktober)

The Lord of the Rings (Booktober)