Books I Plan to Read August 16-22 and last week's results

 

Hello to all of you,

I hope your week went well. The weather here has basically been 70-80 degrees, mostly with clouds and a little rain. I spent most of the time inside - reading, packing, and chilling. I did get out with my husband to see Spiderman: A Brand New Day and thoroughly enjoyed it. Packing is going slow but I can see the end of the tunnel.

Reading went well. I even snuck in a paperback. Here are last week's results:

Ebooks: 

Redeeming Bolt by Barbara Nolan - 4 1/2 stars

The Bake-Off Conspiracty by Sylvie Brooks - 4 stars

Eternal Craving by Vanessa Fewings - 4 1/2 stars

Murder at the Agency by Kylie Forsythe - 5 stars

A Merry Misfit Christmas by Darlene Tallman and Nikki Landis - 5 stars

Marked by Myth by Kate Bonham - 5 stars

Audiobooks: 

(finished) Fractured Games by Simran - 4 1/2 stars

Colt by Jessica Peterson - 5 stars

Paperback:

Biker Boo by Morgan Jane Mitchell - 4 stars

Reading for August 16-22: 

Ebooks:

Audiobooks: 

Well, that is it for this week. I know that this is appearing late. I ended up packing for longer than anticipated today. Have a good week. Take the time to see a movie, read a book, or do a craft. 

Phir Milenge (we will meet again in East Indian)

Ebook Review: Marked by Myth (Royal Bastards MC: Sydney, AU #1) by Kate Bonham

 

Blurb: 

The man. The myth. The legend.
He earned the name in blood and fire. Legendary for his fierceness, feared for the violence he’s capable of unleashing when someone crosses him.
Dark. Ruthless. Unapologetically possessive.
As President of the Sydney chapter of the Royal Bastards MC, loyalty is law, and Myth enforces it without mercy.

But even legends have regrets.

Losing one of his own shattered him, leaving guilt gnawing at his bones for not being there when it mattered most. It’s a failure he’ll never forgive, and one that nearly destroyed him.

Then she comes back.

Rox.
His ex-wife. His greatest mistake.
The only woman who ever stood toe-to-toe with the fiercest man in the club and walked away standing.

He ruined them once. Let her slip through his fingers.
He won’t make that mistake again.

Now that Rox is back in his world, Myth isn’t asking permission. He doesn’t care if she hates him. Doesn’t care if she fights him every step of the way.

She was always his.
And this time, the legend is keeping her.

Whether she wants him…or not.

Marked by Myth is the first book in the Royal Bastards MC: Sydney AU series and is a fierce love-hate second chance romance between an unyielding MC prez and his ex-wife who doesn't take orders well. This is a dark romance of obsession and possession, and a lot of spice.

Amazon: Amazon.com: Marked by Myth (Royal Bastards MC: Sydney AU Book 1) eBook : Bonham, Kate: Kindle Store

Bookbub: Marked by Myth (Royal Bastards MC: Sydney AU Book 1) by Kate Bonham - BookBub

Goodreads: Marked by Myth (Royal Bastards MC: Sydney AU) by Kate Bonham | Goodreads

My Review - 5 of 5 stars - 

A wonderful way to start a series. There was plenty of steam, family, angst, and love. I enjoyed how the brotherhood stood by each other and stood by Rox despite the past between her and Myth. He was quite a neanderthal but did not go beyond what she would accept (definitely some triggers here). Misunderstandings caused the break up between Rox and Myth, and I loved how they finally got everything out in the open before danger from another MC used Rox to get to Myth and others in the MC. I look forward to the next in the series.

I received an ARC, and this is my unsolicited review.

Ebook Review: A Merry Misfit Christmas (The Shifted Misfits MC #1) by Darlene Tallman and Nikki Landis

 

Blurb: 

Paws, Claws, & Jaws - Welcome to Yukon Bluff, home of the Shifted Misfits MC.

After years spent on the run and living on the outside looking in, a group of shifters form a motorcycle club where the men become a blended family of sorts. Determined to find their place and form a home, they start up several businesses to help their somewhat impoverished community. Their only desire? To finally fit in somewhere. Finding their mates will be a wild, unexpected ride!

It's Christmas time, and when the local foster care organization reaches out, the president of the Misfits offers up one of the members to play Santa Claus for the kids …

He's grumpy, surly, and can't believe he's being forced to be around whiny, snotty children when all he wants to do is head into the woods and sulk. Until … the most delectable scent wafts across his nose, and he realizes his mate is nearby.

But with a chance encounter, an overturned cup of hot cocoa, and his fumbling fingers, she's stomping away from him instead of into his arms. That's not acceptable. He's determined to win her heart no matter what it takes, even if that means donning a white beard and shouting ho, ho, ho in front of every member of the club.

A grumpy/sunshine, fated mates, holiday romance with a rowdy bear, and his sweet but sinful Christmas gift. 

**Suitable for ages 18+ due to adult language, content, and situations*

Amazon: A Merry Misfit Christmas (The Shifted Misfits MC Book 1) - Kindle edition by Landis, Nikki, Tallman, Darlene. Paranormal Romance Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

B&N: A Merry Misfit Christmas (The Shifted Misfits MC, #1) | Barnes & Noble®

Kobo: A Merry Misfit Christmas eBook by Nikki Landis - EPUB | Rakuten Kobo United States

Bookbub: A Merry Misfit Christmas (The Shifted Misfits MC, #1) by Nikki Landis and Darlene Tallman - BookBub

Goodreads: A Merry Misfit Christmas by Nikki Landis | Goodreads

My Review - 5 of 5 stars - 

I loved this story largely because the belief in fated mates was new to this MC. I thoroughly enjoyed the idea of the misfits forming such a trusting family. Callie was trying to stay hidden, running from her past. She cared about others, trusted her inner feelings, and accepted the MC for what it was. Kodiak was so cute with his conversations with his bear. Danger came to their doorstep with a surprise connection to the club. A wonderfully entertaining book.

This is my unsolicited review.

Ebook Review: Murder at the Agency (A Cassidy Blayne Mystery) by Kylie Forsythe

 

Blurb: 

Who knew the marketing world could be so dangerous?

Just when it seems like everything in twenty-eight year old Cassidy Blayne's life is falling apart, a thrilling coffee shop encounter leads to the opportunity of a lifetime. Landing her dream job as Creative Director with an elite advertising firm in a nearby lakeside town fills her with renewed purpose. She’s no longer going to allow herself to settle, and resolves to rebuild her life on her own terms.

But from the moment she steps foot out of the elevator, she senses things may not be as they seem at Turner & Nash Advertising. Despite her wariness, Cassie puts all her energy into landing her first big account. Arriving early on the day of the presentation, she's shocked to find one of the owners dead and herself a suspect.

She embarks on a desperate search for answers, unknowingly putting her and the people she cares about in danger. As she pieces things together with some help from her spunky new roommate, twin childhood best friends, an uptight detective, and a gorgeous up-and-coming rock star, warnings and threats escalate. It's clear the killer will stop at nothing to keep her quiet.

Cassie must risk everything to unravel the murder before someone takes her off the market for good.

Fans of “Olive You To Death” by Lynn Cahoon or “A Limited Edition Murder” by Lauren Elliott will enjoy “Murder At The Agency” by Kylie Forsythe.

Amazon: Amazon.com: Murder at the Agency eBook : Forsythe, Kylie: Kindle Store

B&N: Murder at the Agency | Barnes & Noble®

Kobo: Murder at the Agency eBook by Kylie Forsythe - EPUB | Rakuten Kobo United States

Google: Murder at the Agency by Kylie Forsythe - Books on Google Play

Bookbub: Murder at the Agency by Kylie Forsythe - BookBub

Goodreads: Murder at the Agency by Kylie Forsythe | Goodreads

My Review - 5 of 5 stars - 

A fun cozy mystery. Cassie was newly hired by a man who would soon be murdered. I loved how she took on the job of finding the killer while she continued to being great at the job. Danger began to follow her around as she made new friends, found clues, and worked with the police. I was a little surprised at the end with the reveal, but I enjoyed the journey to get to that ending.

I received a copy through Rowan Publishing, and this is my unsolicited review.

Audiobook Review: Colt (Double U Ranch #1) by Jessica Peterson, narrators Vanessa Edwin and Aiden Snow

 

Blurb: 

She isn’t supposed to care about a ranch.
She definitely isn't supposed to fall for the foreman.
And his six-year-old son is absolutely, definitely not supposed to capture her heart.

Lainey Brown is not ranch material. She's a city girl who landed on the legendary Wallace Ranch to give the place a fresh coat of branding—and get her career back on track. She's got no interest in cowboys, cattle, or the infuriatingly gorgeous foreman who clearly wants her gone.

Colton Wallace has spent every day since losing his wife building something worth leaving his son: a spotless reputation, a thriving operation, and a life with no room for complications. The last thing he needs is a firecracker from Austin with a sketchbook full of big ideas and a smile that makes him forget every reason he swore off wanting things he can't keep.

But somewhere between their very first fight and a Texas night sky that stretches on forever, something shifts. Lainey stops counting the days until she can leave. And Colt stops pretending he wants her to.

The ranch has always been the Wallace legacy. But Colt is starting to wonder if the best thing that's ever happened to it—and to him—just walked in wearing city shoes.

COLT is the first cowboy romance book in the all-new DOUBLE U RANCH series, releasing summer 2026!

Amazon: Amazon.com: Colt (Double U Ranch Book 1) eBook : Peterson, Jessica: Kindle Store

Audible: Colt Audiobook by Jessica Peterson

B&N: Colt | Barnes & Noble®

Kobo: Colt Audiobook by Jessica Peterson | Rakuten Kobo United States

Bookbub: Colt (Double U Ranch Book 1) by Jessica Peterson - BookBub

Goodreads: Colt (Double U Ranch, #1) by Jessica Peterson | Goodreads

My Review - 5 of 5 stars - 

I really enjoyed this story. Lainey was trying to prove herself, and I loved that she was willing to take the opportunity to work for the Wallace family. She was intelligent, caring, and a bit reserved. Colt was a wonderful dad, kept his focus on his work and his son. Once he lightened up, he proved he could be fun and likable. He was protective and swoon-worthy. His family was also wonderful and welcomed Lainey into the fold quite easily. It was interesting to visit with characters from the Lucky River series too.
Narrator Vanessa Edwin brought a bubbliness to Lainey that helped me fall in love with her. Aiden Snow was very growly, bringing out that in Colt. Well done.

This is my unsolicited review.

Preorder: Late Harvest (Red Wine Supper Club #1) by Cathryn Lyons

Late Harvest 

by Cathryn Lyons 

Releases on August 18th!

https://geni.us/LateHarvest

Available on Kindle Unlimited

The role of a lifetime doesn’t always take place on the silver screen

Arabella “Remy” Remington

I’m a surgeon. I like things tidy—rules, routines, predictability, perfection. And I guard my heart as fiercely as the women and children I’m dedicated to helping.

Until he enters the picture.

Sebastian Wheatley is a walking red flag. A charming, sexy as sin, Hollywood-mega-star red flag. He’s smooth and unpredictable—something decidedly unsafe in the world I’ve intentionally created for myself. But one look at him has my blood heating, and I’m not sure if it’s from annoyance…or desire.

The charming devil slides into my life, looking to make a deal. A temporary marriage of convenience to help him land the role of a lifetime. In exchange, I get the funds necessary to secure the stability of a cause deeply important to me.

My common sense says “run.” But despite the risk to my carefully tidy life and the fortress it provides for my painful secrets and battered heart, something about him has me accepting the proposal. And hoping I haven’t just derailed everything I’ve ever worked for.

Late Harvest brings heart, heat, and humor in book one of the Red Wine Supper Club, a later-in-life romance series.

 

Teaser: Sparrow (Hawke's Wood #3) by Quinn Marlowe

One man is wildfire...

The other is the darkness after it burns. 

And they both want her.

Preorder Sparrow by Quinn Marlowe for just 99¢ today!!

https://geni.us/Sparrow

TWO DANGEROUS MEN. ONE BROKEN GIRL. AND A PROMISE SHE NEVER SAW COMING.

None of this was planned.

One moment I’m eating dinner with friends, and the next I’m kidnapped and dumped in a town I’ve never heard of. Where I know no one.

Then I see a face I recognize. One I’ve known my whole life… and never expected to see again.

My mother’s stepbrother. The one I was never allowed to talk to.

Head of the local motorcycle club, Mars Hawke is rough enough to run it with an iron fist. And he takes one look at me, lost and terrified, and claims me as his own. He’s possessive and dangerous, yes. But also playful.

Devoted.

When he brings his best friend into the picture, I find his complete opposite. Orion is dark. Brooding. Tattooed and silent and the ultimate temptation. If Mars is wildfire, Orion is the darkness after it burns.

They’re both deadly and far too dangerous for someone like me, but when trouble suddenly catches up with me, they jump to my rescue, and I’m faced with a choice.

My instinct is to give myself up. Save the men I’ve come to love. But these men touch me like I’m precious. Like I’m everything they’ve ever wanted. Like I’m worth saving.

And when they say they’ll burn the mountain down before giving me back… I believe them.

Because I’ve never felt so safe before. Like I’m finally seen.

Finally home.

If I can choose to let them keep me.

If they’ll choose to keep me as well.

Sparrow is the third book in the Hawke’s Wood series, and is why choose, small-town romance that features step-uncle, step-uncle’s best friend, motorcycle club, protective heroes, touch her and die, found family, forced proximity, hidden identity, trauma healing, age gap, angst, and enough spice to make you want a Mars and Orion of your very own.

About Quinn:

Quinn Marlowe is a writer of girls with bad ideas and the men who have to save them. She doesn't believe in simple plots or clean endings... and she loves a good cliffhanger.

She's not sorry for that. 

She's a fan of red wine, cheesecake, perfect hash browns, and really good punk rock. She’s also obsessed with everything piratical—though she refuses to acknowledge any actual connection to pirates. She studied English and Film at UCLA and, when forced to choose a career, chose publishing rather than teaching or being a filmmaker. Quinn lives in San Diego with her dogs, the ducks that moved into the front yard, and far too many cats.

When she's not writing, you can find her riding her horse or playing villain in someone else's story. And she's not sorry about that, either.

Follow Quinn Online!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3qoxxq9
BookBub: https://bit.ly/3x9iX9Y
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3BpUy2g
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3Qvq2s2
Instagram: http://instagram.com/quinn.marlowe.smokeshow
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@quinnmarloweauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/quinnmarlowe 

Web: https://quinnmarlowe.com  

Release: Rehabilitated by My Mate (Night Grove Falls: Midnight Haven #8) by Luna Wilder

Rehabilitated By My Mate 

by Luna Wilder 

Available now!

https://geni.us/RehabilitatedByMyMate

Available on All Platforms

She’s a shifter who’s never shifted. He’s a shifter who just found his fated mate.

Russo
I’ve been all over the world looking for my fated mate with no luck.
I’ve given up now and resigned myself to a quiet life alone in Night Grove Falls.
Until one night, I find an injured woman in my backyard.
An injured woman who just so happens to be my mate.
It’s obvious that she’s been through something, and I know that I need to help her and keep her safe.
I’m just not sure how to go about doing that.

Ever
I’ve been locked away for so long that it’s strange being free.
Although I guess I’m not really free.
I’m scared to step outside, terrified that I’ll be found and dragged back home.
My savior, Russo, says that I can stay as long as I like.
He says that I’m already home, but I’m not sure how to trust his words.
How can I trust him when I can’t even trust myself?

 

Preorder: Inn a Heartbeat (No Reservations #1) by Campbell Linden

Inn A Heartbeat 

by Campbell Linden 

Releases on August 21st!

https://geni.us/InnaHeartbeat

Read With Kindle Unlimited

He’s her boss. She’s sworn off love. But one kiss changes everything.

Pete Hansen has built his life on instinct on the ice and off. So when the retired hockey star buys a small-town inn in Chapman, Connecticut, he doesn’t expect the one thing he can’t outrun… his undeniable attraction to his head of marketing, Susie O’Connor.

Smart, guarded, and fiercely devoted to her ten-year-old son, Susie has no interest in mixing business with pleasure. Especially not with a man like Pete. Charming. Persistent. And far too easy to fall for.

But the closer they work together, the harder it becomes to ignore the spark between them.

As small-town gossip swirls, tensions rise, and Susie’s closest friendship begins to unravel, keeping her distance from Pete might cost her more than she’s willing to lose.

Because some risks aren’t just worth taking… 

They’re worth everything. 

Release Boost: Just My Luck (Accidentally Yours #2) by Jennifer Bernard

Just My Luck 

by Jennifer Bernard 

Available now!

https://geni.us/JustMyLuckJB

Available on All Platforms

Everything's fine. Nothing to see here.

Just because billionaire Lincoln Kerr has misplaced a priceless piece of technology doesn't mean he can't fix the problem. All he has to do is go undercover as a gardener at a luxury Hawaiian resort, search the property, and convince everyone he's just another employee.

Easy.

Until the gorgeous and sunny concierge catches him in a very compromising position.
Zara Morrissey knows something is off about the resort's mysterious new gardener, but she can't quite figure out what. Raising her younger siblings doesn't leave her time for secrets—or charming men who keep showing up exactly when she needs them.

And now Lincoln owes her.

When Zara recruits him to play temporary manny, she has no idea she's stumbled into a high-stakes tug-of-war over a dangerous new threat. She’s experienced her share of life’s crazy left turns, but she never saw this one coming.

A billionaire in hiding. Tropical adventures. One unforgettable meet-cute. And suddenly Zara and Lincoln aren’t just falling for each other hard, they might be the only two people standing between paradise…and disaster.