3 girlfriends were the main characters: Candice, Dallas, and Sasha.
All ladies had relationship drama and they leaned on each other for support and advice. This book chronicled their relationship woes and journey to happiness.
2.75 stars
Candice had a man who wasn’t faithful but he took care of things financially so Candice had to decide if the financial security was worth the lack of true partnership she desired.
Dallas was with Messiah for 15 years and he cheated and got engaged to his mistress. Dallas couldn’t let him go after all the time she invested and plus they have a child together.
Sasha and Hunter had been trying desperately to have a child with her man Jackson but their inferiority issues was taking a toll on their relationship.
I didn’t connect with their experiences and never got drawn in. It did feel like it would make an interesting show because it was full of drama. Ultimately, I was satisfied that all the secrets and lies were revealed and the women decided on what they needed to be happy.
TITLE: The Expiration Date by Kimberly Brown Release Date: February 13, 2024 by Dreamscape Media Genre: Contemporary Romance; Black Romance Format: Audiobook (6 hrs and 18 mins); Kindle Edition (230 pages) Narrated by: Jaime Lincoln Smith, J. Shani Michaels My rating:4.25 of 5 stars
Blurb: Audrey Pilar is a master in the art of breaking up. Her friends have dubbed her ritual of leaving men as “The Expiration Date”. Hurt from her past has caused Audrey to protect her heart at all costs, even if it means self sabotage. She’s developed the habit of looking for red flags and it seemed to work for her. That is until she meets Sullivan Santiago. The confident, thirty-three year old owner of Sullivan’s Coffee Tavern is unlike anyone she’s ever met and for Audrey, if it’s too good to be true, it usually is.
Sullivan “Sully” Santiago is a man that says what he means and means what he says. His honesty, though sometime brutal, has never been a problem for him until he meets the beautiful Audrey Pilar. The twenty-seven year old professional crafter caught his eye after witnessing several of her gentle let downs in his establishment. Where as most people would see it as a turn off, Sully is intrigued.
When Audrey agrees to a date with him, Sully soon learns that his own expiration date will come sooner than he thought. Unfortunately they are left with a special parting gift that doesn’t make letting go as easy as Audrey would have liked.
This is my first time listening to the work of Kimberly Brown and it was a really good story. Jaime Lincoln Smith and J. Shani Michaels really did this entertaining romance justice.
I chuckled a lot throughout the story because Sully and Audrey had really amusing banter.
Audrey was a serial dater and dumped men at any perceived red flags which her friends affectionally dubbed the expiration date. Audrey was content until she met Sullivan “Sully” who wasn’t intimidated by how she discarded men. Sully was fine being a hook up thing even though he clearly wanted more. He practiced patience and understanding while he challenged her to confront and work through issues instead of running from relationship to relationship.
This audiobook made me smile, laugh and look over my shoulder to make sure no one could hear the sex scenes because Sully and Audrey were getting it in!
I will say that Sully’s brother Emmanuel was a scene stealer. He was hilarious, a player but a loyal and loving twin brother. He added some levity to certain situations that were emotional and tense.
This story had all the things I enjoy in a good romance, so I definitely plan to read more of this author.
TITLE: The Women by Kristin Hannah My rating:5 of 5 stars Format: Audiobook (14 hrs and 57 mins) by MacMillan Audio; Kindle Edition (480 Pages) Genre: Historical Fiction, Vietnam War Blurb: From the celebrated author of The Nightingale and The Four Winds comes Kristin Hannah’s The Women—at once an intimate portrait of coming of age in a dangerous time and an epic tale of a nation divided.
Women can be heroes. When twenty-year-old nursing student Frances “Frankie” McGrath hears these words, it is a revelation. Raised in the sun-drenched, idyllic world of Southern California and sheltered by her conservative parents, she has always prided herself on doing the right thing. But in 1965, the world is changing, and she suddenly dares to imagine a different future for herself. When her brother ships out to serve in Vietnam, she joins the Army Nurse Corps and follows his path.
As green and inexperienced as the men sent to Vietnam to fight, Frankie is overwhelmed by the chaos and destruction of war. Each day is a gamble of life and death, hope and betrayal; friendships run deep and can be shattered in an instant. In war, she meets—and becomes one of—the lucky, the brave, the broken, and the lost.
But war is just the beginning for Frankie and her veteran friends. The real battle lies in coming home to a changed and divided America, to angry protesters, and to a country that wants to forget Vietnam.
The Women is the story of one woman gone to war, but it shines a light on all women who put themselves in harm’s way and whose sacrifice and commitment to their country has too often been forgotten. A novel about deep friendships and bold patriotism, The Women is a richly drawn story with a memorable heroine whose idealism and courage under fire will come to define an era.
Kristin Hannah just doesn’t miss. Paired with the narration of Julia Whelan, I knew I was in for a treat.
I believe this is my first time reading about The Vietnam war and the focus on the women who served our country was gripping. The way the veterans were maligned is well documented but never have I read (nor considered) the double whammy the women suffered in the aftermath of this tumultuous event. This book was well written, well narrated, poignant and at times, very intense.
I was invested in Frankie McGrath, her account of the Vietnam war effects on the nurses, doctors, and their families at home. She was a hero and so resilient, I was proud of her and my heart also hurt for her. This book opened my eyes, and it is definitely going to stay with me. The way this story was told kept me emotionally engaged the entire time. I will be encouraging everyone to read this book, as it was so enlightening to a forgotten female heroes.
Special to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the advanced copy of the audiobook. My opinions are my own thoughts and feelings about the story.
TITLE: The Stand-In by Lily Chu Format:Kindle Edition (240 Pages)
Genre:Contemporary Romance, Celebrity, Family My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Blurb: Gracie Reed is doing just fine. Sure, she was fired by her overly “friendly” boss, and yes she still hasn’t gotten her mother into the nursing home of their dreams, but she’s healthy, she’s (somewhat) happy, and she’s (mostly) holding it all together.
But when a mysterious SUV pulls up beside her, revealing Chinese cinema’s golden couple Wei Fangli and Sam Yao, Gracie’s world is turned on its head. The famous actress has a proposition: due to their uncanny resemblance, Fangli wants Gracie to be her stand-in. The catch? Gracie will have to be escorted by Sam, the most attractive—and infuriating—man Gracie’s ever met.
If it means getting the money she needs for her mother, Gracie’s in. Soon Gracie moves into a world of luxury she never knew existed. But resisting Sam, and playing the role of an elegant movie star, proves more difficult than she ever imagined—especially when she learns the real reason Fangli so desperately needs her help. In the end all the lists in the world won’t be able to help Gracie keep up this elaborate ruse without losing herself…and her heart.
I enjoyed this audiobook for both the narration and the plot. Gracie was really likable and I enjoyed her learning to trust her own instincts as well as fighting for the space to make her own decisions. She was in a tough spot because of finances which cause one to compromise their moral code but Gracie rallied to be true to herself.
I didn’t like Sam for the first part of the story but he grew on me. It always boggles my mind when adults over 30 years of age still let their mommies and daddies tell them who to marry and what to do.
I respect the author’s sensitivity in dealing with mental health throughout this book. It was with grace and encouraging to see that seeking help isn’t viewed as weakness.
This story was more of a finding oneself than a romance story. I really enjoyed it though I will say the pacing was slower than I would have liked.
TITLE: Pride and Protest by Nikki Payne My rating: 4 of 5 stars Genre: Modern retelling, contemporary romance, Jane Austen retelling, diverse romance Format: Paperback (401 pages) Published: November 15, 2022 by Berkeley Blurb: Liza B–The Only DJ That Gives a Jam—wants to take her neighborhood back from the soulless property developer dropping unaffordable condos on every street corner in DC. But her planned protest at their corporate event takes a turn after she mistakes the smoldering hot CEO for the waitstaff. When they go toe-to-toe, the sparks fly—but her impossible-to-ignore family thwarts her every move. Liza wants Dorsey Fitzgerald out of her hood, but she’ll settle for getting him out of her head.
At first, Dorsey writes Liza Bennett off as an over-caffeinated woke weekend warrior. As the adopted Filipino son of a wealthy white family, he’s always felt a bit out of place, and knows a fraud when he sees one. But when Liza’s protest results in a viral meme, their lives are turned upside down and Dorsey comes to realize this irresistible revolutionist is the most real woman he’s ever met.
A really good modern & diverse retelling of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.
I really enjoyed this book. I came to read this book because Nikki Payne came to Steamy Lit Con with such a positive energy. I love how this story had a diverse love match as Dorsey was Filipino adopted by Asian parents with a Kenyan adopted sister. Liza’s family had a whole host of issues from the mom to her sister’s tragedy. Each character had self-identity issues coupled with the outside world perception of them.
If you have read Jane Austen’s book, you understand the family dynamics and the prejudices that both Liza and Dorsey had about the other.
The corporate angle as well as the social commentary modernized this story while keeping the same spirit of enemies to lovers that we have come to love about this story.
The character development here was solid and the chemistry between the Lizzie and Dorsey was sexy. I enjoyed their candor with their various besties. The author really did a good job adding her own twist to this story. What a cute retelling.
My favorite quote: “What does friendship mean to you?
Having someone you can show your scars to without their judgement. Someone who shows up for you when you are emotionally, physically exhausted.”
On the left side are my book club selections as I belong to 3 Bookclubs. it’s actually 5 books but there are 2 selections that have sequels and I’m too nosy not to read the sequels.
The right side are books that I’ve bought or been eying on audio. Those are my own choices. The ones that looked intriguing to me.
As you can see, I plan my reading and there isn’t a lot of room for spontaneity though 1-2 books may slip in the list.
Question: Do you Plan your reading or are you purely a mood reader?
BLURB: Hi! I’m Kareena Mann. As cheesy as it sounds, I’m looking for my soulmate. In four months. And he must gain the approval of my meddling aunties.
Kareena dreams of having a perfect love story like her parents did. That’s why on the morning of her thirtieth birthday, she’s decided to suit up and enter the dating arena. When her widowed father announces he’s retiring and selling their home after her sister’s engagement party, Kareena makes a deal with him. If she can find her soulmate by the date of the party, he’ll gift her the house, and she’ll be able to keep her mother’s legacy alive.
Hi, I’m Dr. Prem Verma, host of the Dr. Dil Show. Prem means love, Dil means heart, and I’m a cardiologist. Don’t let my name fool you. I only fix broken hearts in the literal sense.
Prem doesn’t have time for romance, which is why it’s no surprise when his first meeting with Kareena goes awry. Their second encounter is worse when their on-air debate about love goes viral. Now Prem’s largest community center donor is backing out because Prem’s reputation as a heart-health expert is at risk. To get back in his donor’s good graces, he needs to fix his image fast, and dating Kareena is his only option.
Even though they have warring interests, the more time Prem spends with Kareena, the more he thinks she’s might actually be the woman he wants to spend the rest of his life with. In this Taming of the Shrew re-imagination, for Prem and Kareena to find their happily ever after, they must admit that hate has turned into fate.
Kareena believes in love
Kareena wanted to marry for love and nothing else will do. When marriage therapist Prem tried to tell her that marriage should be entered from a more practical and less emotional point of view, Kareena decide he was full of it. And from then, it was a war of wills.
I enjoyed how this author told the story so the reader could understand why each character had the views they had. Both Prem and Kareena were really likable but the aunties were the funniest.
I can relate to nosy family members trying to marry you off regardless of passion and love.
It was well written, entertaining and sexy. What a fun read. I wish I had read this author earlier before Steamy Lit. The audiobook was really easy to listen to. There was humor, but don’t get it twisted, the sex scenes were the business. Yaaaass huney! I was here for Prem and Kareena’s intimate scenes. The best part of this story was truly the peeling back of the layers to understand what love meant to each person and how love shows up for each person. Prem and Kareena finally got it together and the ending was so satisfying.
Cruel Seduction by Katee Robert
My rating: 3.75 of 5 stars Format :Audiobook: 11hrs, 10mins. Published :August 8, 2023 by Dreamscape Media Blurb:
He was my enemy. My lover. My husband.
And the one man I swore by all Olympus I would destroy.
Aphrodite has never flinched at getting her perfectly manicured hands dirty, and she’s not about to start now—even if that means marrying Olympus’s enemy number one, the new Hephaestus. She has a wicked plan to keep her deadly new husband off-balance, seducing the one person he seems to care about most in this world: Pandora, a woman as beautiful as she is sweet.
Two can play the seduction game, however, and Hephaestus is all too happy to put his new wife in her place. Her ex, Adonis, seems like he’ll do the trick. It doesn’t hurt that he’s gorgeous in the way of fallen angels, either.
The only problem with using seduction as a weapon? Hearts are all too quick to get involved. With Hephaestus and Aphrodite trading venomous strikes that feel a whole lot like foreplay, lines become blurred and emotions entangled. But a broken heart may be the least of their worries. With unrest in Olympus reaching new heights, these bedroom games may have deadly consequences for themselves, their city, and everyone they’ve come to love.
I enjoyed the plot more than the romance
First I have to say that Alex Moorcock and Zara Hampton-Brown make a great duo on this series. I prefer listening than reading these books. However this particular installment just had too much going on in the love department.
We had Aphrodite who used to be with Adonis but is now married to the new Hephaestus. She finds herself still attracted to Adonis but also her new husband. She planned to use her husbands close friend Pandora as a pawn to get influence over Hephaestus but lo and behold, Aphrodite finds Pandora attractive too.
Then all four of them just started this romance musical chairs. It didn’t hold my attention as much as the mystery of who was behind the plot to topple Olympus. Whoever it is has been working diligently since book 1 and each book gives us a piece to the puzzle. Trying to see who is betraying the 13 is so much more intriguing than the bed games played by those four who aren’t really that interesting as characters.
This wasn’t one of the better stories in the series but it sets up the next book quite well. I look forward to the unmasking of the mastermind.
Blurb: Fans of Christina Lauren and Tessa Bailey will adore this witty and unforgettable rom-com about skyways, highways, and all the perfectly wrong ways to fall in love.
As the black sheep of the family, choreographer Cassidy Bliss vowed she’d do anything to get home in time to help with her sister’s wedding and avoid family disappointment… again . She just never expected “anything” would involve sharing the last rental car with the jerk who cut her off in line at the airport this morning. But horrible times apparently call for here-goes-nothing measures.
Driving across the country with Luke “life can be solved with a spreadsheet” Carlisle must be a penance for some crime she committed. Because the second he opens his mouth, it’s all she can do to not maim him with her carry-on. But somewhere between his surprisingly thoughtful snack sharing and his uncanny ability to see straight to the core of her, her feelings go unchecked.
Suddenly, their crackling chemistry is just one more thing they have to navigate—and it couldn’t come at a worse time. But after a lifetime of letting the expectations and needs of others drive her life, Cassidy must decide if she’s ready to take the wheel once and for all.
a cute romantic comedy with lots of growth
Cassidy was a relatable character. She was in charge of helping with her younger sisters wedding but her mom and sister kept making her jump through hoops. From the beginning, we see how hard she worked to build her own dreams in her own way despite how devastating her mother’s comments and overt favoritism towards her sister was. Her trip home to California led to a collision (literally) with Luke and the events just went downhill from there.
This story was well written and humorous. The drive to Cassidy’s sisters wedding was really entertaining as everything that could go wrong did. At first I didn’t see the depth to Luke but he was really a good guy taking care of his family. Both characters were loyal to their family and that was their motivation for their actions. Their chemistry was evident early on and the build up was angsty. This is my first time reading Livy Hart but I eagerly look forward to her next book
Format: 270 pages, kindle edition Published: March 3, 2020 by William Morrow Blurb: A chilling tale of psychological suspense and an homage to the thriller genre tailor-made for fans: the story of a bookseller who finds himself at the center of an FBI investigation because a very clever killer has started using his list of fiction’s most ingenious murders.
Years ago, bookseller and mystery aficionado Malcolm Kershaw compiled a list of the genre’s most unsolvable murders, those that are almost impossible to crack—which he titled “Eight Perfect Murders”—chosen from among the best of the best including Agatha Christie’s A. B. C. Murders, Patricia Highsmith’s Strangers on a Train, Ira Levin’s Death Trap, A. A. Milne’s Red House Mystery, Anthony Berkeley Cox’s Malice Aforethought, James M. Cain’s Double Indemnity, John D. Macdonald’s The Drowner, and Donna Tartt’s A Secret History.
But no one is more surprised than Mal, now the owner of the Old Devils Bookstore in Boston, when an FBI agent comes knocking on his door one snowy day in February. She’s looking for information about a series of unsolved murders that look eerily similar to the killings on Mal’s old list. And the FBI agent isn’t the only one interested in this bookseller who spends almost every night at home reading. The killer is out there, watching his every move—a diabolical threat who knows way too much about Mal’s personal history, especially the secrets he’s never told anyone, even his recently deceased wife.
To protect himself, Mal begins looking into possible suspects . . . and sees a killer in everyone around him. But Mal doesn’t count on the investigation leaving a trail of death in its wake. Suddenly, a series of shocking twists leaves more victims dead—and the noose around Mal’s neck grows so tight he might never escape.
This one was good! It drew me in right from the beginning and I was determined to figure out the mystery of the serial killer.
*Don’t read the spoilers in the reviews, just experience this one for yourself.* I wasn’t successful in figuring out who the actual killer was but the way the author wrote this story was enthralling. It had a good number of twists and turns and I didn’t know who was framing Malcolm (the bookstore owner) or the killer’s motives. When I got to the end and things started to click, I was impressed with how the author kept me interesting the police investigation as well as the bookseller’s own story. This was probably one of the best mystery-suspense thrillers I’ve read in a long time and I can’t believe it will be a series.
This book needs to be a movie or miniseries on Netflix
Thick of Love by Danielle Marcus
The Chaise & Lounge 