Feast of Stephen

Review:

This was a nice, short story.

Original post: RachelGoodbyeBorders.booklikes.com/post/1914656/feast-of-stephen

Flight of Magpies

Review:

This was a pleasant story, wrapping up plot threads from the first book. I liked that Merrick found love too. This introduced Jonah who gets his own story (and that promises to be interesting). Looking forward to Crane and Stephen as side characters in his since they have some unfinished business.
Ripped Bodice Bingo: queer paranormal.

Booklikes-opoly: rolled a 5- #33 set in UK, $3 for bank of $ 61

Original post: RachelGoodbyeBorders.booklikes.com/post/1914499/flight-of-magpies

Wrong to Need You

Review:

This was another great entry in this series. I liked Livvy and Nicholas's appearance in this one. It was nice to see where they were in their relationship. But, on to the main couple in this one- Sadia and Jackson. They were BFFs growing up. Jackson has always been in love with Sadia, but Sadia fell for his brother Paul instead. Things happened and Jackson left and had no contact with Sadia (on his part) for 10 years. He is home now for Livvy.
I really loved this book. Sadia is so complex. I really enjoyed her development throughout the book. Her relationships with her sisters, her parents, her in-laws, Livvy, and yes- Jackson are very layered and full of emotion. I got to know Jackson as well- maybe a little less then Sadia.
And we finally learned who burned down the store and future plans.

[spoiler]

Paul. He wrote a letter and confessed to John. Livvy and Nicolas are engaged with a quick wedding planned. Tani sits down to dinner with John. Sadia and Jackson will be getting married at some point too- after Livvy and Nicholas and with Sadia's family present.

[/spoiler]

I liked the hints at the next (and last) book- Eve and Gabe.
Ripped Bodice Bingo- wine & spirits- Sadia is an excellent bartender to Jackson's chef.

Booklikes-opoly: rolled a 7 to #28- romance/chick-lit.  $4 for bank of $58

 

Original post: RachelGoodbyeBorders.booklikes.com/post/1914496/wrong-to-need-you

No Proper Lady

Review:

This is a little like The Terminator, but with roll reversal. Joan is the assassin. Overall, I liked this, but it was slow in places. I liked how accepting Simon was, but the whole "I can't compromise you" got old. And now that I think about it, Joan told Simon how she felt, but I don't remember Simon confessing his feelings. (And I'm too lazy to go back and look). The 2nd in this series features new people and sounds good, so I most likely will read it.
For Ripped Bodice Bingo- Assassins square

For Booklikes-opoly: rolled a 3 to #22 women's roles/strong female character  $3 for a bank of $54

Original post: RachelGoodbyeBorders.booklikes.com/post/1910792/no-proper-lady

The Untouchable Earl

Review:

I didn't like this as much as the first book. I did like that we did learn more about Nathan Hale and his motivations. It's been awhile since I read the first book, so it took me a bit to catch on, but this book is occurring at the same time as book 1 (Emma's) and book 3 (Portia's).
I liked Lily, but there were moments where thought she was too passive. On the other hand, she did fight for what she wanted and I thought by the end she was more assertive. Avenell was okay. I liked that he had a disability (ill as a child, he has severe neuropathy in his upper body) and experiences pain with touch. I thought this was overcome too quickly. I also thought he was too mean to Lily at times.
I am looking forward to Portia's book.

[spoiler]

Re: Nathan H: his baby mama is addicted and is holding their daughter hostage and needs money. He plans to take his daughter.

[/spoiler]

Booklikes-opoly:  rolled 7= #19 author name begins with any letter in LAKE

$4 for bank of $51
For Ripped Bodice Bingo- I will see what else I read over the next couple of months. This might be a stretch, but Angelique is sassy- but she's a great aunt (and not a grandparent). ? for "Sassy Grandparent square.

Original post: RachelGoodbyeBorders.booklikes.com/post/1906238/the-untouchable-earl

The Trouble with Paradise

Review:

Dorie has a degree in fashion, works full-time at the Shop-Mart (think Wal-Mart), and has an evil boss. So, when she wins a cruise to the South Pacific, she takes it. Things happen.
So, this has several funny moments and several eye-roll moments. I couldn't believe Dorie was so clumsy. I did like the interaction with the other women- Brandy and Cadence. The romance was so-so. I admit I didn't "get" Christian's (and Andy's) attraction to Dorie. But, this was still (overall) a fun (beach) read.
For Ripped Bodice Bingo: a beach on the cover

For Booklikes-opoly- rolled a 4 to #13- beachey items on cover  $3

Bank $47

Original post: RachelGoodbyeBorders.booklikes.com/post/1903032/the-trouble-with-paradise

Wonder Woman: Warbringer

Review:

Wonder Woman as a teen! I liked that this showed her insecurities and her growth throughout the book. Alia is a Warbringer and that title means exactly what it means. People are after her either to kill or use her. There is a lot of Greek mythology in this one and I thought that was refreshing.
I enjoyed the interactions between Alia, Theo, Nim, and Jason. I have to admit I didn't see a certain someone's betrayal coming. This works as a good companion to the movie Wonder Woman (IMO).
For Ripped Bodice Summer Bingo: title includes character's name square.

Booklikes-opoly:  rolled a 6 and landed on Jail: Just Visiting.  $ 3 to bail fund

Bank $44 

Original post: RachelGoodbyeBorders.booklikes.com/post/1902434/wonder-woman-warbringer