Review: The Housemaid

 

* First Book in a trilogy * 

Mille's out of prison and out of a job. When she lost her job, she lost her apartment. Millie's been living in her car. She needs to find a job pronto - or risk going back to prison. She stumbles across a job opportunity where she would work as a housekeep as a live-in maid. She thinks it's a dream come true.

But her boss, Nina, is nothing like she seemed in the interview. She's moody, jealous, makes giant messes, and lies. Millie thinks she's losing her mind with the whiplash. Can she last long enough to create a life for herself?

My Thoughts: I loved this book. I read it quickly, unable to put it down. There were twists and turns that I never saw coming. Just when I thought I had a handle on the story, everything changed.  I don't want to say too much without spoiling things. If you slept on this book like I did - go forth and pick this one up immediately!  I can't wait to read book 2. 

Cover Thoughts: Love it

Source: My Library 

Library Recommendation: A must have trilogy for your library.

We are passing this author's books all around the library. And there are so many people waiting to read her books. 

Review: Big Bang Theory

 

I'm such a fan of the show, so when I saw this book coming out, I placed a hold immediately. 

And it's quite a long book, but also fascinating. The format is one long interview with various stars, guest starts, cast and crew joining in.

Readers will:

Learn secrets from the show (casting was juicy)

The reasoning behind some of the choices

Get a glimpse at the behind the scenes

Want to watch the show all over again

Review: Beyond the Wand

 

I heard about this book from TikTok and I knew I had to read it.

And it was entertaining. I'm not usually a nonfiction reader, but this one spoke to me.

If you're a fan of the Harry Potter movies, this book has some great stories about what it was like on set.

Of course it has some personal stories from Tom - and it honestly made me want to give him a big hug.

The only disappointment was - there was no mention of his role on The Flash. I wanted to hear a little more about that...

Adult Review: Nobody but You

 * Book 3 in the Cedar Ridge series *

After losing his best friend, Jacob comes home to Cedar Ridge to heal. He knows it's not going to be easy with the way he left, but that doesn't stop him from trying. Unfortunately, he takes his time telling his brother that he's back. When they run into each other, anger gets in the way of a happy reunion.

Sophie needs to pick up the pieces of her life after a messy divorce. She meets Jacob in a case of mistaken identity, but even that doesn't stop her from being attracted to him.

Can both of them stop running long enough to realize they belong together?

My Thoughts: I really loved this book - for the family banter, the brothers finding their way back to each other, Sophie and Jacob, and discovering where you belong. After reading the first two books, I couldn't wait to learn more about Jacob. I loved reading about his time in the armed forces and how it changed him. I liked seeing the fight from his perspective and how he handled things. I love that this small place can come to mean so much to people. I loved the way the family took care of each other and the banter between them all. I'm sad that this is the end of the trilogy, but it was a great trilogy.

Cover Thoughts: Love the background
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for all libraries

Final Thoughts: Fantastic book rounding out a trilogy of brothers, if you're a romance reader, don't miss these books. 

Adult Review: My Kind of Wonderful

* Book 2 in the Cedar Ridge series *

Hudson Kincaid's felt a hole in his life ever since the argument where his twin took off and never looked back. Since then, he's tried to shoulder everything. He's been so good at taking care other people that he's neglected his own happiness.

Bailey's excited to test out her new wings and try things she never thought she'd try. When Hudson's mother hires her to create a mural, she can't say no. Even if Hudson himself isn't on board with the idea.

The two of them butt heads from the beginning, but could those sparks be the start of something real?

My Thoughts: I really loved this book. I love the Kincaid family for how they came together, for their banter, and for their loyalty towards each other. I love how hard they work at turning the ski resort around. 

I loved Bailey outlook on life and how she wanted to try new things. I loved watching her interact with the Kincaid family. 

I loved the banter between Bailey and Hudson. 

I loved the moments on the mountain - watching the world.

Lots of humor, family drama, and that perfect ending scene as expected in a Jill Shalvis book. I can't wait to read the next book: Jacob's story!

Cover Thought: Cute
Source: My Library

Final Thoughts: Another winner for Jill Shalvis. Don't miss it!

Adult Review: Royal We

When Bex decides to spend a semester abroad in Oxford, she has no ideas that her life is about to change forever. She meets Nick on the first night she arrives in the rain, but she doesn't realize he's the crown prince.

Living on the same floor, Bex gets to know the real Nick - not the one everyone thinks they know. They bond over late nights and TV shows.

Time goes by and their feeling grow. Bex decides that she can no longer keep her feelings to herself. She's stunned to learn that Nick fell for her too.

Now they date in secret, hiding away from the public eye and all that drama that goes with it. But how long can Bex keep pretending it doesn't bother her. The fairy tale romance comes with a high price. Will Bex have a happily ever after of her own?

My Thoughts;  I LOVED this book, which make sense because I love learning about the royal family. I devoured this book in one day, loving the modern day fairy tale aspect of the book. 

I loved watching Bex and Nick's relationship grow from the moment they met. The dealt with a lot of issues, misunderstandings, and family members who were not on their side.

The royal family (except for the charming younger brother) isn't impressed with Bex. They're not welcoming and have no intention of seeing her become part of the family. The drama and secrets pile up, shaking things up for the two lovebirds.

I wasn't a big fan of Bex's twin either. She seemed lost in Bex's new world and while I understood that loss, her actions were not sisterly. 

I loved the moments between the friends from University - they were entertaining, quick witted, and sweet. I liked watching how those relationships changed over the years.

This book is all about relationships - between family, between friends, and most importantly between yourself and the person who understands you the best. 

Cover Thoughts: Sweet
Source: From the Library

Final Thoughts: If you're interested in the lives of Royal families, don't let this book pass you by. It's one of my favorites books I've read this year. 

Mysterious Saturday Review: Private Games

* Book 3 in the Private series *

The Olympics games are in London this year with Private providing security for the games. Hours before the opening ceremony, a member of the game organizing committee is murdered. It wasn't a crime of passion and in the hours to come, the press receive a letter from a man who claims responsibility.

He plans to restore the Olympic games to their former glory and rid the world of those connected with the games who are corrupted with greed or cheating.  Can Private solve the identity of the man behind the mask before his actions taint the Olympic games?

My Thoughts: I really like this series for the action and the danger. I devour these books in one setting. This one takes place in London again - although the main character from the last Private book has been killed. The series moves forward with mentions of previous characters, which I like. 

The man who claimed responsibility for the murders likes history and the integrity of the games - not the scandals behind the doping or the cheating to win. He wants to the games to go pack to their purest form. I can understand his reasons, but not the crimes themselves. It's a thought-provoking read, especially as you think of the athletes who have now been deemed cheaters and stripped of his/her medals. 

Cover Thoughts: Great - I love the medal and the city in the background.

Final Thoughts: If you're looking for an action-packed read, pick up the Private series - you won't be disappointed. 

Mysterious Saturday Review: Private London

* Book 2 in the Private series * 

Dan Carter must protect a young girl with a troubled past. When the first happens and she's kidnapped on his watch, he will do everything in his power to save her. Especially after it becomes personal.

His goddaughter was sent to watch over Hannah, to befriend her unknowingly. When she's hurt in the attack, Dan vows revenge of the worst kind to her attackers.

The case takes a turn when his ex-wife reads him in on a body found missing organs. She believes the young woman was murdered and her organs used for transplants.

They share information about their respected cases, wondering if they could be connected. Kristy doesn't mind using Private resources if it means she can get the answer faster. 

Can they figure out the answers before something more horrible happens?

My Thoughts: I really like this series - it didn't feature the same protagonist as the first book, but I didn't mind that.  I liked Dan and how protective he was of both Chloe and Hannah. My heart went out to him because of his past - that moment in the military was heartbreaking. I'm glad that he was able to move past it, even if it did cost him personally. I liked how he had to work with his ex-wife on the case. It was personal for both of them, bringing up issues from the past. Kristy was tough and independent. I loved the twists and turns of this book and trying to keep ahead of them in guessing what would happen next. As a result, this one was hard to put down.

Cover Thoughts: I like this cover -it's not the one I had, which I hated, but then again, it's not the cover that made me pick up the book
Source: My Library

Overall Thoughts: If you like thrillers, you can't go wrong with James Patterson. The Private series has enough action and danger to keep you turning the pages as quickly as you can!

Adult Review: One in a Million

 * Book 12 in the Lucky Harbor series *

Callie's in charge of a very popular wedding website and she works with all kinds of brides so they can fin the happily ever after the escaped her.

She's returned to town to check in on her grandmother - Lucille. The family's worried about her mental health. Callie finds her grandmother happy, feisty, and very nosy.

Lucille takes pride in matching the town together. She's decided that Callie will be her final and greatest match.

How can you think of forever when you are certain that forever isn't in the cards for you?

My Thoughts: I love this series and while I'm sad that this is the final book, it was also a perfect book. I love Lucille - she's been entertaining throughout the entire series, so I loved meeting her granddaughter and learning more about Callie. I loved the interactions between the two of them. Actually, any interaction with Lucille is entertaining. I love how she's living life on her own terms and isn't afraid of what people think. Plus she rocks at social media!

As for the romance, I liked how they both had to overcome past romantic issues - took a deep look at themselves, and decided that maybe happiness could happen.

I loved the moments between Tanner and his son. They stole my heart. I loved seeing Tanner show his unconditional love to his son and try to convince his son that he wants him in his life - and always has. I enjoyed watching them get to know each other between and become family and friends. But I also loved how Callie developed a relationship with Troy.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library

Overall Thoughts: If you like funny and sweet romances set in a small town  where gossip runs wild - devour this series immediately!

Adult Review: Once in a Lifetime

 * Book 9 in the Lucky Harbor series *

Aubrey's had a rough year, but she's determined to succeed. She plans to re-open her decease Aunt's bookstore and make it a warm inviting place.  In working in the building, Audrey decides that she also needs to work on herself.

She writes a list of people she's wronged and works through it trying to right her past. Ben's on that list and given their chemistry, it's going to be hard to acknowledge her mistake. What if she loses him?

My Thoughts: I Love this series so much. I loved Audrey's story - trying to find inner peace and admitting to past failings. I admire that. I love that she's working to make the bookstore a cozy place for reading and hanging out. I really Enjoyed Bemn - especially his interactions with the kids. It was very sweet. As always, the ladies of town make it giggle. Another fabulous Lucky Harbor novel; I hope this series never ends.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library