Review Unexpected by Jenny Frame

Unexpected by Jenny Frame
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dale is a mechanic who owns several garages. She starts feeling something is missing from her life when her partying lifestyle is no longer fun.

Rebecca is trying to take care of her family but problems keep cropping up. The stress from not being able to make ends meet is causing problems with her health. Her son Jake decides to take action and asks Dale for help which definitely complicates things.

I enjoyed this story. Both characters had many things to overcome in order to trust each other. I liked them slowly getting to know one another instead of instant family. Jake was one of my favorite characters it was fun learning how he went about finding Dale. He was so intelligent and interesting to read about.
I thought the romance was sweet and loved seeing the characters come together to form a family.

Overall a good story. I have read a few books by Frame and have really enjoyed her writing style. I'm looking forward to reading more books by her.

I received this book from Bold Strokes Books via netgalley for an honest review.


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What I found Wednesday

What I found Wednesday is books or series that have caught my eye and are new to me.


The Maradaine series
https://www.goodreads.com/series/146658

 


Veranix Calbert leads a double life. By day, he’s a struggling magic student at the University of Maradaine. At night, he spoils the drug trade of Willem Fenmere, crime boss of Dentonhill and murderer of Veranix’s father. He’s determined to shut Fenmere down.

With that goal in mind, Veranix disrupts the delivery of two magical artifacts meant for Fenmere's clients, the mages of the Blue Hand Circle.  Using these power-filled objects in his fight, he quickly becomes a real thorn in Fenmere's side.

So much so that soon not only Fenmere, but powerful mages, assassins, and street gangs all want a piece of “The Thorn.” And with professors and prefects on the verge of discovering his secrets, Veranix’s double life might just fall apart. Unless, of course, Fenmere puts an end to it first.

 The Olympus bound series https://www.goodreads.com/series/176384

 


 MANHATTAN HAS MANY SECRETS. SOME ARE OLDER THAN THE CITY ITSELF. Manhattan. The city sleeps. Selene DiSilva walks her dog along the banks of the Hudson. She is alone-just the way she likes it. She doesn't believe in friends, and she doesn't speak to her family. Most of them are simply too dangerous. Murders. In the predawn calm, Selene finds the body of a young woman washed ashore, gruesomely mutilated and wreathed in laurel. Her ancient rage returns. And so does the memory of a promise she made long ago. To protect the innocent-and to punish those who stand in her way. Gods. With the NYPD out of its depth, Selene vows to hunt the killer on her own. But when classics professor Theo Schultz decodes the ancient myth behind the crime, the solitary Huntress finds herself working with a man who's her opposite in every way. Together, they face a long-forgotten cult that lies behind a string of murders, and they'll need help from the one source Selene distrusts most of all: the city's other Immortals.


 I have been doing more difficult challenges so I have been having to hunt for books to fit certain tasks. Have you found any interesting new to you books? Or been hunting for books to fit your challenges? I look forward to your comments.

Review Future shock by Elizabeth Briggs

Future Shock by Elizabeth Briggs
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Elena Martinez has to make plans quickly before she ages out of the foster care system. She applies for jobs but gets no offers and is feeling hopeless. Even though Elena has had a rough life she still has dreams and goals that she wants to work toward. After all of the setbacks on the job front an opportunity comes out of the blue and seems too good to be true. Elena feels it's her only choice though to be able to be independent.


I enjoyed the gritty feeling of the story. It made the story more real. All of the characters had so much going on and I enjoyed learning more about them. Elena and Chloe were definitely my favorites. Elena had to act so hard but felt lonely and needed someone she could count on. Chloe was more insecure but started to have more confidence in herself as the story progressed.

The book had lots of action that grabbed and held my attention. I was always wondering what was going to happen next. The time travel parts were interesting with no long drawn out explanations.

I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone looking for an enjoyable exciting read.

I received this book from Netgalley for an honest review.

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Review Away with the fairies by Kerry Greenwood

Away With the Fairies by Kerry Greenwood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 stars

Phryne gets involved in the investigation of a murdered author. She starts working at the magazine the victim was employed to question the staff.

I quickly got bored with the main mystery and didn't care much about the characters. I did enjoy the secondary mystery of Lin Chang's whereabouts also the loved the familiar characters especially Dot and the doctor. Since I'm skipping around in the series I was surprised with a few of the additions to Phrynes life but definitely plan to read earlier books to find out more.

The information on the pirates felt well researched and made me want to learn more. I also enjoyed the descriptions of the adventuress club and the patrons. One of my favorite things about this series is the information and descriptions of Australia during this time. I really like reading about how Phryne deals with the problems woman had in society during this time.

Overall a good book with great characters but the main mystery could have been better.

I received this book from the publisher via Netgalley for an honest review.


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Review Mulch ado about murder by Edith Maxwell

Mulch Ado about Murder by Edith Maxwell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cam is having a hard time on her farm with spring being so hot and dry. Her plants need rain badly in order to have enough produce for her shareholders. Along with these problems her parents have decided to come for a visit which complicates things. Cam`s friend is starting a hydroponics business and needed her help. While dropping off some seedlings she finds her friends body. Once again she becomes involved in a murder investigation. Only this time her mother may be a suspect.

I really enjoy this series and am loving the characters. It's great to read what familiar characters are up to. I connect the most with Cam love how she acknowledges her awkwardness and difficulties in social situations. I also like Sim and Lucinda.

There was enough action to keep me interested. I loved how Cam thought through the mystery finding clues and figuring out what to do next. She has learned to keep the police involved and ask for help when needed hoping that would keep her from getting into sticky situations.

It was good to see how she interacted with her family. I liked how she was trying to have a better relationship with her parents. Also her willingness to listen to her mother even when she kept shutting her out.

This was a great addition to the series. I definitely recommend this to mystery lovers.

ARC provided by the publisher through Netgalley for an honest review.

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Review Murder most fowl by Edith Maxwell

Murder Most Fowl by Edith Maxwell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cam is preparing for a busy spring season with planting and taking care of the chickens. But her farm work is interrupted when a neighbor is found dead. Of Course Cam is caught up in the middle of the investigation. She ends up uncovering a few secrets a few people would like to keep hidden.

I really enjoyed this book I definitely identify with Cam and love reading about happenings around her farm. She often gets herself into trouble but luckily finds a way out. I'm also enjoying Cam's relationship with Pete. It's great how they are getting more comfortable with each other. Eventhough Pete doesn't want her to get in the way of the police investigation he always listens when she gives him information.

The mystery kept my interest and it was fun trying to figure out what was going to happen next. I would definitely recommend this book to cozy mystery readers.

I received this book from netgalley for an honest review.



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Review Farmed and dangerous by Edith Maxwell

The local foods mystery series is one of my favorite series.

  Farmed and Dangerous by Edith Maxwell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love Cam in all her awkward geekiness. This story was a great addition to the local foods mystery series. Cam struggles the have enough produce for her customers through the winter. She tries to get a contract to provide produce to Moran Manor the assisted living facility her great uncle lives but someone is murdered and suspicion is cast on Cam. Of Course she gets herself into trouble while investigating. I enjoyed the mystery and didn't figure it out til the end. I can't wait to find out what happens next.

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Review Sweet boy and Wild one by T.L. Hayes

Sweet Boy and Wild One by T.L. Hayes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Rachel meets Bobby at her favorite hangout. Bobby catches her eye when he sings in the open Mic event. Things go south when Bobby introduces himself as transgender. Eventually they meet again and start hanging out.

I really enjoyed this book and loved the characters both main and secondary. I realized this book was connected to Class Act and will read it soon to find out how Maggie and Rory meet. I found the romance sweet and enjoyed the chemistry between Bobby and Rachel. Rachel really stuck by Bobby and wanted to be able to help out if things got violent. The ending felt a little rushed but the rest of the story had enough going on keep my attention.

I received this book from Bold Strokes Books via netgalley for an honest review.

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 Related book Class act

Review Murder go round by Carol J. Perry

Murder Go Round by Carol J. Perry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lee and her aunt Ibby buy a locker at a storage auction and end up with some surprise treasures. Strange things start to happen that involve the items from the auction. Lee ends up having a vision of a murder victim then things get complicated.

I'm jumping into this series on this fourth book I didn't feel lost at all. I do want to go back to the beginning to see when Lee got her ability. I loved the characters they worked together so well. Especially Ibby the reference librarian. All the research into the Russian royalty was interesting. I also loved how O'Ryan the cat played a big role in helping them solve the mystery. I will be continuing on with this series.

I received this book from Netgalley for an honest review

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 I will be reviewing book 5 Grave errors soon.

September monthly challenge The Challenge factory group

Another Challenge I like to do sometimes.

September monthly challenge
  The challenge factory
  September monthly challenge

0/6 Foreman Trea's Letter of the Month: H:

Read a book published in the month of September in any year.

Read a book with an Aster or Sapphire on the cover

Read a book where characters make or eat breakfast

Read a book with a hat on the cover, worn or unworn

Read a book with a piano on the cover, or where a character plays piano

Read a book that has a baby on the cover, or where a baby factors into the plot somehow

 Read a self help book

 Read a book where a character attends a tailgating party, or grills out

 Read a book where a character is in court or on a jury

Read any book you wish

Read a book where someone has survived cancer

Read a book with a character that likes to play video games 

Read a book with a character that works in a trade

Read a book with a character that eats or makes a Cheeseburger

Read a book with a woman that works in the business world
Read a book with a character that reads/collects comic books, works in a comic book store, or is a superhero or super villain

Read a book with a character that is dependent/addicted to coffee  

Read a book with a character that works in a bank

Read a book where a character is a photographer, either professionally or as a hobby

Read a book where a character participates or has participated in a beauty pageant

Read a book set in California

Read a book where a character likes to sew

Read a book where a main character is in prison or has been in prison or a book set in New York City

Read a mystery book

Read a book set in England or in the 1600s, where a character travels from England to America, or where a character can trace their ancestry back to a Mayflower Pilgrim

Read a book that features a puppet of some kind, a book with an educator as a main character (teacher, coach, principal, etc), or a book with an actor main character

Spell out

F
I
R
E

What do you like about challenges? How do you choose the ones you participate in?

September monthly challenge

I participate in many challenges on Goodreads I'll probably be sharing some of them on my blog.

September Monthly Challenge
My vampire book obsession
September monthly challenge




Starts: September 1
Ends: September 30

Ten books each month is a lot, so there will be 5 different levels. So pick which level you want to do and that's how many items you will need to check off.

Levels:
Transitional - 2 books
Fledgling - 4 books
Vampire - 6 books
Master - 8 books
Vampire King or Queen - 10 books

 Each month we will have a "check list" of 10 items. To check something off, all you have to do is read a book that applies to that item. So if the item is "read a book with vampires" - then once you've read a book with vampires, you can check it off.

1. September is typically the month the kids go back to school. Read a book with kids.

2. September first is, National Lazy Mom's Day. If your kids have two legs, or four legs. You are still a mom, be lazy today and read any book you want.

3. September's birthstone is the sapphire. Read a book with a blue cover, or with blue lettering in the title.

4. September forth is, Eat an Extra Dessert day. Read a book with man candy on the cover.

5. September fifth is, National be Late for Something Day. Read a book you meant to read last month.

6. September sixth is, Barbie Doll day. Read a book with a kick ass chick. I wanted to say.....with someone TSTL but that would be unfair.

7. September thirteen is, National Defy Superstition Day. Read a book with a cat, or a book with a witch.

8. September sixteenth is, National Play-Doh day. Read something you think is funny or fluff.

9. September eighteenth is, International Read an e-Book Day. Read a book that has been hanging around on your e-reader for over a year.

10. September twenty second is, Elaine's birthday. Wish her a Happy Birthday and read a book....pick one. a) Set in Ireland. b) Someone in the story has red hair. c) Something from Elaine's shelves.

BONUS BOOK! September is Pleasure Your Mate Month! If you've finished all 10 books, and you still want more, read a romance - any type.


Do you participate in any reading challenges?  What are your favorites?

Review Serious potential by Maggie Cummings

Serious Potential by Maggie Cummings
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 stars

I'm jumping into the series at book 2 and after a few chapters I felt like I was reading a soap opera. I was pulled into the story quickly and liking the characters. Even with not reading book 1 I never felt lost but I do want to go back to learn how Lexie and Jesse got together.

One of my favorite characters was Tracy I liked learning more about her. I didn't really see the chemistry between Tracy and Jennifer and was more interested in seeing what would happen with Meg and Sasha. So I was not very happy with the ending. It kind of surprised me.

Overall the book was good. I really enjoyed the Bay West community and how they stuck together. Also how much fun they had together with all the parties and events. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

I received this book from Bold Strokes Books via netgalley for an honest review.

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A front page affair review

This was the first review I did for Netgalley. I will be reviewing book 2in this series soon. A Front Page Affair by Radha Vatsal
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Capability (Kitty) Weeks works at the Sentinel Newspaper on the Ladies Page in New York City in 1915. She spent many years abroad in Europe for school and now lives with her father back in the States. Kitty longs to be a real journalist and cover the more hard hitting news but because she is a woman can only cover mostly society events. Her latest assignment is a Fourth of July Party for the wealthy at a country club. A murder happens during the party. Things escalate from there which cause her to get mixed up in the investigation and putting her in danger of losing her job.

I loved Kitty and how much growth she had as a character by the end of the book. Journalism seemed to suit her she was inquisitive and curious about the world around her. Her father allowed more freedom than was typical of the times. I liked when Kitty and her father talked about what was going on with the war in Europe and the negotiations between Germany and the United States pertaining to the sinking of the Lusitania. She was very determined to find her own path and forge a future how she saw it not how people told her it should be.

I really enjoyed the the writing. The historical topics were well researched and brought the time period to life for me. The mystery was very engaging I had a great time trying to figure out what was going on. In the end it was a surprise to find out who the killer was. I hope to read more about Kitty in the future. I definitely recommend this book to people who love historical fiction or mysteries.

I received this book from netgalley and Sourcebooks for a honest review.
Rating: 4/5

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First Position review

I haven't published on this blog in a long time. I'm going to try to get back into it. Here is one of my recent reviews of a book I really enjoyed. First Position by Melissa Brayden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 stars

Anastasia is a dancer with the the New York City Ballet. She's very focused on furthering her career. Her social life is non existent due to always trying to improve her dancing. Anna starts feeling like an outsider when with her colleagues. Natalie is hired by the dance company and really shakes up Ana' s ordered life.

Natalie is a very talented dancer but not as dedicated to ballet as Ana is. She is more of a wild child and carefree loving modern styles of dance more than the traditional ones. These differing attitudes often causing clashes.

I have read a few books by Melissa Brayden and really connected with the characters. My fave book so far by her was Soho #2. First Position didn't disappoint I really loved Ana and Natalie. They were fun to learn more about. Also the secondary characters were interesting and made me want to know more about them. The banter between the characters especially when Ana started to loosen up often had me laughing.

I also found the information about dance and ballet interesting.

The story was a little predictable but did have a sort of twist that I didn't expect. Overall another great book from Melissa Brayden. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more by her.

Book provided by Bold Strokes Books via netgalley for an honest review.

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