The Kindest Lie - Review

 

By: Nancy Johnson

Genre: Fiction

Publication Date: February 2nd, 2021 by William Morrow

Rate: ♥♥♥

SOURCE: Book of the Month

Goodreads│Amazon

Book Summary:

It’s 2008, and the inauguration of President Barack Obama ushers in a new kind of hope. In Chicago, Ruth Tuttle, an Ivy-League educated Black engineer, is married to a kind and successful man. He’s eager to start a family, but Ruth is uncertain. She has never gotten over the baby she gave birth to—and was forced to leave behind—when she was a teenager. She had promised her family she’d never look back, but Ruth knows that to move forward, she must make peace with the past.

Returning home, Ruth discovers the Indiana factory town of her youth is plagued by unemployment, racism, and despair. As she begins digging into the past, she unexpectedly befriends Midnight, a young white boy who is also adrift and looking for connection. Just as Ruth is about to uncover a burning secret her family desperately wants to keep hidden, a traumatic incident strains the town’s already searing racial tensions, sending Ruth and Midnight on a collision course that could upend both their lives.

Powerful and revealing, The Kindest Lie captures the heartbreaking divide between Black and white communities and offers both an unflinching view of motherhood in contemporary America and the never-ending quest to achieve the American Dream.

My Thoughts:

I thought it was relatable to real people and the problems they could face. I loved the ending. All in all, I enjoyed the book, but it wasn't something I loved.

May 2021 OwlCrate Box - Unboxing

 

The May OwlCrate box is full of all kinds of good things.

A signed copy of The Ones We're Meant to Find by Joan He. It features an exclusive cover and an exclusive foil design on the hardcover case.

An exclusive Rule of Wolves Square Scarf by Out of Print.

A Corduroy Bag with hand lettering by Studio Kyra Calligraphy that says May We Meet Again On Distant Shores.

A Metal Tassel Bookmark that is two-sided by Pixel & Ink Creative.

A collectible book tin inspired by A Darker Shade of Magic by Forensics and Flowers.

A vinyl sticker by Lion in the Trees.

An enamel pin created by Icey Designs that says Logic Ends Where Love Begins.

I think my favorite thing besides the book of course is the Corduroy Bag it's really sturdy and well made. I can see myself using it to carry books. Also the Collectible Book Tin. It will be hand for storing secret items. I loved this box again and will continue next month.

The Kiss Quotient - Review

 

By: Helen Hoang

Genre: Romance

Publication Date: June 5th, 2018 by Berkley

Rate: ♥♥♥♥♥

Source: Book of the Month

Goodreads│Amazon

Book Summary:

Stella Lane thinks math is the only thing that unites the universe. She comes up with algorithms to predict customer purchases - a job that given her more money than she knows what to do with, and way less experience in the dating department than the average thirty-year-old.

It doesn't help that Stella has Asperger's and French kissing reminds her of a shark getting its teeth cleaned by pilot fish. Her conclusion: she needs lots of practice - with a professional. This is why she hires escort Michael Phan. The Vietnamese and Swedish stunner can't afford to turn down Stella's offer and agrees to help her check off the boxes on her lesson plan - from foreplay to more-than-missionary position...

Before long. Stella not only learns to appreciate his kisses but to crave all the other things he's making her feel. Soon, their no-nonsense partnership starts making a strange kind of sense. And the pattern that emerges will convince Stella that love is the best kind of logic...

My Thoughts:

I thought this was a really cute story. I loved Stella's logical thinking and how Michael made her think and feel things she wasn't prepared for. They went on real dates and learned things about each other. I really enjoyed how Michael took all of the things Stella was feeling and worked with it. He didn't get discouraged or mad. I highly recommend it.

I gave it 5 hearts because I loved it and would have stayed up all night reading it.

Book of the Month: May 2021

 

With Book of the Month, you can pick one main book for $14.99, and then you can add up to two additional books for $9.99 each including shipping. Getting a book for $14.99 is a bargain, but getting two more for $9.99 each is an incredible deal and you don't pay to ship.

Awesome right!

My Book of the Month pick was The Last Thing He Told Me By Laura Dave. Then of course I had to pick two add-ons. How Lucky was a current selection and The Queen of Nothing was from a previous month's selection choices. All three look interesting and I haven't read any of these authors before.

My BOTM boxes are piling up I better get to reading!

Did you get Book of the Month for May? What did you pick? 

The Crown of Gilded Bones - Review

By: Jennifer L Armentrout

Genre: Fantasy, Romance

Publication Date: April 20,, 2021, by Blue Box Press

Rate: ♥♥♥♥♥

Goodreads│Amazon

Book Summary:

She's been the victim and the survivor…

Poppy never dreamed she would find the love she’s found with Prince Casteel. She wants to revel in her happiness but first, they must free his brother and find hers. It’s a dangerous mission and one with far-reaching consequences neither dreamed of. Because Poppy is the Chosen, the Blessed. The true ruler of Atlantia. She carries the blood of the King of Gods within her. By right the crown and the kingdom are hers.

The enemy and the warrior…

Poppy has only ever wanted to control her own life, not the lives of others, but now she must choose to either forsake her birthright or seize the gilded crown and become the Queen of Flesh and Fire. But as the kingdoms’ dark sins and blood-drenched secrets finally unravel, a long-forgotten power rises to pose a genuine threat. And they will stop at nothing to ensure that the crown never sits upon Poppy’s head.

A lover and heartmate…

But the greatest threat to them and to Atlantia is what awaits in the far west, where the Queen of Blood and Ash has her own plans, ones she has waited hundreds of years to carry out. Poppy and Casteel must consider the impossible—travel to the Lands of the Gods and wake the King himself. And as shocking secrets and the harshest betrayals come to light, and enemies emerge to threaten everything Poppy and Casteel have fought for, they will discover just how far they are willing to go for their people—and each other.

And now she will become Queen…

My Thoughts:

OMG... I loved the characters and the roller coaster ride the storyline takes you on. Poppy and Castel's love story continues to grow and I love the banter between these two. Poppy seems to come into her badassness a bit more and figures out she doesn't have to take anyone's crap.

I listened to this on Audible and loved Stina Nielsen job narrating. I can't wait for book four!

I gave this book 5 hearts because I loved it and I will be buying the next book as soon as it's available.

 

Saving Eli - Review

 

By: Amber Thielman

Genre: Romance

Publication Date: August 14, 2020, Independently Published

Rate: ♥♥♥♥

Source: Voracious Readers

Goodreads│Amazon 

Book Summary:

Bringing a criminal mastermind to justice was my intention. Falling in love with a cop was most certainly not.


Kasper Hill is a wife beater. A corrupt cop. A relentless, cruel man.

He might think he’s above the law, but I beg to differ. As a social worker, I don’t carry a gun. I don’t have mobster connections. But I have something he’ll never have—integrity and true courage.

When Kasper Hill’s wife ends up in the hospital, claiming she fell down the stairs, I swear to do whatever it takes to protect her and her young daughter from the monster in their house.

Knowing that Hill is two steps ahead of me, I search for a cop who is both ethical and fearless.

That’s when I meet Eli. Handsome, honest, and charming, he’s still recovering from his wife and son being killed in a home invasion, yet he’s willing to help me despite the detriment to his own career.

My gratefulness turns soon to more. It’s impossible to resist Eli. I want him. I need him. With him by my side, I feel like I can do anything.

Together, we dig up evidence on Hill. He’ll pay for what he did to his wife, and his young daughter will never again quiver in fear.

By making our move against dirty Hill, Eli and I are risking everything. If we fail to put Hill behind bars, he’ll crush us. But giving up is not an option. Eli and I will fight for justice until the very bitter end.

Saving Eli is a steamy first-responder romance novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat. A sexy cop, his sassy woman, no cheating, no cliffhanger, plenty of heat, and a guaranteed HEA!

My Thoughts:

I enjoyed it and it had enough steamy scenes to keep me wanting to keep reading. As well as wanting to make sure the bad guy got it in the end. Although the whole timeline seemed off. Like it happened in a week's time but at others time it seemed like longer.

I have it 4 hearts because I enjoyed it but didn't love it.

Kingdom of Flesh & Fire - Review

By: Jennifer L Armentrout

Genre: Fantasy, Romance

Publication Date: September 1, 2020, by Blue Box Press

Rate: ♥♥♥♥♥

Goodreads│Amazon │Audible

Book Summary:

A Betrayal…

Everything Poppy has ever believed in is a lie, including the man she was falling in love with. Thrust among those who see her as a symbol of a monstrous kingdom, she barely knows who she is without the veil of the Maiden. But what she does know is that nothing is as dangerous to her as him. The Dark One. The Prince of Atlantia. He wants her to fight him, and that’s one order she’s more than happy to obey. He may have taken her, but he will never have her.

A Choice...

Casteel Da’Neer is known by many names and many faces. His lies are as seductive as his touch. His truths as sensual as his bite. Poppy knows better than to trust him. He needs her alive, healthy, and whole to achieve his goals. But he’s the only way for her to get what she wants—to find her brother Ian and see for herself if he has become a soulless Ascended. Working with Casteel instead of against him presents its own risks. He still tempts her with every breath, offering up all she’s ever wanted. Casteel has plans for her. Ones that could expose her to unimaginable pleasure and unfathomable pain. Plans that will force her to look beyond everything she thought she knew about herself—about him. Plans that could bind their lives together in unexpected ways that neither kingdom is prepared for. And she’s far too reckless, too hungry, to resist the temptation.

A Secret…

But unrest has grown in Atlantia as they await the return of their Prince. Whispers of war have become stronger, and Poppy is at the very heart of it all. The King wants to use her to send a message. The Descenters want her dead. The wolven are growing more unpredictable. And as her abilities to feel pain and emotion begin to grow and strengthen, the Atlantians start to fear her. Dark secrets are at play, ones steeped in the blood-drenched sins of two kingdoms that would do anything to keep the truth hidden. But when the earth begins to shake, and the skies start to bleed, it may already be too late.

My Thoughts:

OMG! I didn't think it could get any better than book one but I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. It's filled with action, tension, adventure, and love. I couldn't get enough. JLA had me waiting for the next twist to come to life and she didn't disappoint. Thank goodness book three released on April 20, 2021. I already picked it up on Audible and in the hard back from Barnes and Noble.

I listened to this on Audible and Stina Nielsen does a fabulous job narrating the story.

 I loved this book and gave it 5 hearts because I would stay up reading it all night to finish.

April 2021Owlcrate Box - Unboxing

 

This month's Owlcrate box is full of all kinds of things.

A signed copy of Witches Steeped in Gold by Ciannon Smart with a beautiful reversible dust cover and gold foil embossed image on the book's cover. 

A Nevernight inspired throw pillowcase designed by KDP Letters.

A card game to challenge your fellow bookworms... Et Cetera Card Game designed by Tes Medovich.

A package of Cinnamon Hazelnut Coffee from Fable Grounds Coffee.

A phone wallet inspired by Hamilton by Lady Chubb Letters. (I already put this on my phone)

Two pairs of metal chopstick's designed by Tes Medovich. (I'm thinking of using these as a hair accessory.

I think my favorite thing besides the book is the phone wallet. Just because it's practical and I'm already using it. I enjoyed receiving this subscription and will continue next month.

In A Holidaze - Review

 

By: Christina Lauren

Genre: Romance

Publication Date: October 6, 2020, by Gallery Books

Rate: ♥♥♥♥

Goodreads│Amazon │Audible│Book of the Month

Source: Book of the Month

Book Summary:

It's the most wonderful time of the year... but not for Maelyn Jones. She's living with her parents, hates her going-nowhere job, and has just made a romantic error of epic proportions.

But perhaps worst of all, this is the last Christmas Mae will be at her favorite place in the world-the snowy Utah cabin where she and her family have spent every holiday since she was born, along with two other beloved families. Mentally melting down as she drives away from the cabin for the final time, Mae throws out what she thinks is a simple plea to the universe: Please. Show me what will make me happy.

The next thing she knows, tires screech and metal collide's, everything goes black. But when Mae gasps awake... she's on an airplane bound for Utah, where she begins the same holiday all over again. With one hilarious disaster after another sending her back to the plane, Mae must figure out how to break free of the strange time loop - and finally get her true love under the mistletoe.

My Thoughts:

It was a clever book about getting stuck on a Christmas holiday vacation. I loved Mae's character she is likable in an I need to figure my shit out kind of way. Someone I can relate to on a personal level. It was a wonderful book. I would recommend it to a friend. I enjoyed the book but gave it 4 hearts because, in the end, I was able to set the book down and not stay up reading all night.