Monthly Swoons - February 2021

I don't know about you, but February flew by for me! It felt like we were constantly on the go and at the same time anxiously watching the calendar and wondering when my hubby would return from deployment (not until March now). I was able to get some great reading in though and ended up reading 21 books this month!! Another fun thing I realized, I was able to try nine new-to-me authors so far this year! This is the first year I have actually kept track and it has been fun discovering new authors to follow. 

So, my top favorite books I read in February are....

Where the Stars Meet the Sea by Heidi Kimball

Regency Romance - Five Stars

This was the fist book I read by Ms. Kimball, it was charming and engaging and I loved every minute. Loved it so much, I went on a binge and read almost all her other books (I think I have one left that I'm holding on to!) 

Once Upon a Devilishly Enchanting Kiss by BreeWolf

Regency Romance - Four Stars

It had been awhile since I read a Bree Wolf regency and the synopsis really called to me. I ended up really enjoying this one and I'm eagerly awaiting the rest of the series. 

Dragon Chained by Haley Ryan

Urban Fantasy - Four Stars

This was a new-to-me author that I will continue to follow. It's hard finding good UFs, and I was happy to find this fun trilogy. Engaging, romantic, funny and just an overall fun series to get lost in for awhile. 

So, what were your favorite reads of February??

 

Guild of Secrets by Shannon Lynn Cook

Guild of Secrets by Shannon Lynn Cook
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love finding a new Urban Fantasy series to follow. I broke my own rule (of not starting a series unless the whole thing is complete) and gave this one a try. I was quickly pulled into the story and it kept me glued to the pages. The worldbuilding was good, I thought it had a unique take on Fae and it was fun learning about the different factions. The story moves along quickly, and we're introduced to quite a few main characters. Has a good set-up for the rest of the series and leaves you wanting to grab the next book, but enough closure to not leave you totally hanging.

While I did like the characters, I just have to say, Madeline came off as pretty fickle. Putting it mildly, her interest in different guys jumped around a lot. Part of the problem, and the story's biggest weakness, is the whole thing takes place in a week. I have no idea why it needed to happen in a span of just a few days. Why not have after the first chapter or so, a time jump of a month or so at least? For me that would make the relationships a little more believable and the overall story a bit stronger. I did like the Knights a lot though, and the witty banter throughout. The characters are fun and intrigued me enough I want to see what happens with them next.

Overall, its a fun Urban Fantasy and entertaining read. Would recommend to anyone that's a fan of the genre.

Content (PG13):
Romance: Clean, some steamy kisses, mild innuendo
Violence: Mild (view spoiler)[an attempted kidnapping, crude remarks/intentions, an actual kidnapping. (hide spoiler)] Nothing overly graphic or disturbing

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Can't Wait Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Tressa at Wishful Endings, which spotlights books we're looking forward to reading. Typically its books that have yet to be released, but can be any book you've been wanting to read.

That cover. Wow. I really enjoyed the first book in this series, Beauty and the Clockwork Beast, and was excited when I found out it was going to be a series. Sounds like this book will be a Sleeping Beauty retelling. I can't wait! 

Kiss of the Spindle by Nancy Campbell Allen

Steampunk Proper Romance, Book Two

Regency Urban Fantasy - Steampunk

Publication Date: July 3, 2018

Doctor Isla Cooper is cursed. Literally. Each night, at the stroke of midnight she falls into a death-like sleep from which she cannot be awakened for six hours. To make it worse, the curse has an expiration date—after a year, it becomes permanent. And the year is almost up.

In a desperate attempt to find Malette—the witch who cursed her—Isla blackmails her way onto Daniel Pickett's private airship bound for the Caribbean, only to discover she's traveling with three illegal shapeshifters and the despicable Nigel Crowe, a government official determined to hunt down and exterminate every shapeshifter in England. Isla and Daniel must work together to keep the identities of the shapeshifters hidden while coming to terms with their own hidden secrets, and their blossoming attraction to each other.

Filled with suspense, intrigue, and plenty of romance, Kiss of the Spindle is steampunk Sleeping Beauty story. It is a race against the clock as Isla and Daniel try to hunt down the elusive Malette before Isla's death-like sleep becomes permanent.

(Mis(fortune) by Melissa Haag

(Mis)fortune by Melissa Haag
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
New Adult Urban Fantasy

4.5

I enjoyed this one much more than the first book. Maybe it was the fact I knew more about what was going on or maybe I just liked the story and characters more. We learn new things in each book, but basically there are six girls with different abilities, because of their specialness werewolves are attracted to them and are able to mate with them (they're not able to mate with regular humans. Dang it.) In the first book, Gabby was unsure what her talents were and how they worked. She figured out a little more by the end of the book. In this book, Michelle is more self aware, she may not know *why* she has her talent, but she is more comfortable with it and how it works. That is until her talent starts changing.

I thought this was an enjoyable story. Michelle and her two little brothers escaped from captivity and are on the run. They cross paths with Emmitt at an out of the way pit stop. He sees they are in need and offers his protection. Not having any other options, Michelle takes a risk to trust him and goes to stay with his family. Most of the book is spent with her time in hiding, which was okay with me. I liked seeing Michelle and Emmitt's relationship grow, he's so patient and kind. I loved how he gave Michelle time and space, but still made an effort to be with her. Then towards the end things start to pick up again and we learn a little more about Michelle and her captors.

Overall, this was a fun installment. Part of me thought it would have made a good first book, but it works well with the series and world building. If you enjoy a good Urban Fantasy I'd give this series a try. I'm excited to read the next book.

Content
Romance: Clean, kissing and very mild innuendo
Language: None (there may be one or two, can't remember)
Violence: Mild, a kidnapping and mild werewolf fighting
Other: Drinking, going to bars, etc.
Religious: None

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Hope(less) by Melissa Haag

Hope(less) by Melissa Haag
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Genre: New Adult Urban Fantasy
Published: November 2013

Pretty good.

Gabby’s always been a little different, being able to see peoples inner light (not sure how to describe it) and for some reason has an unnaturally strong appeal to men. Because of this, and losing her family and having to be raised in foster care, she has built up some pretty think walls. She is about to be kicked out of her latest foster home when she is walking home from the park and runs into a werewolf.

I thought Gabby was a pretty likable character. Considering her background, I could understand her strong desire to live her life and make her own choices. She wants to get out on her own, go to college, start a career and be self reliant. She does not want to be “claimed” by a werewolf at just eighteen and be tied to someone who will prevent her from fulfilling those dreams. I liked that she was always looking for the good in people, especially those close to her, yet was careful not to let people take advantage of her.

Clay was an interesting character. Still not quite sure what to think about him. Mild spoiler, he doesn’t speak for pretty much the entire book. We’re left having to get to know him in a totally different way. Based on his actions and how he treats Gabby we learn that he’s a pretty great guy. I think the book would have been strong if it had switched POV so we could really get to know him better though. And I admit, I was expecting a little more in regards to *why* he never spoke to Gabby. I thought his reasoning was a little anti-climatic. Could just be me though. I still thought they had a good relationship and it does grow throughout the story, which takes place a little over six months. I like that it took place over a longer time frame.

I thought the werewolf mythology was unique, but could have been developed a little more. Same with Gabby’s talents, which I thought could have been explained a little better. I was kind of confused by that. I’m guessing it will be explained a little more in future books, although it’s my understanding that the following books each focus on a different H/h.

I did think it was a little slow in places, but overall an enjoyable read that kept my interest.

Content
Romance: Clean, just kissing and mild innuendo. Talk about roommate spending the night at her boyfriends house and vice versa.
Language: Mild
Violence: Mild, not overly descriptive fight scene
Religious: None
Series: Book One, Judgment of the Six


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Dark Destiny by Kari Gray

All Lily Bordeaux wants is a shop of her own in the French Quarter, but the family legacy, passed down from her Salem witch ancestors, is bearing down on her despite her efforts to avoid it. A series of events place her in danger, but an old friend from college, Bennett Duschesne, may be the one person who can convince her to confront her past demons and embrace her gifts. As she grows closer to Bennett, evil forces threaten to destroy everything she loves. Will she have accepted her family legacy, only to find she was too late?

I’ve read all of Nancy C Allen’s (aka Kari Gray) books and was so excited when I saw she was going to be writing a new paranormal novella series. I got it the day it came out and devoured it in one sitting. She really can write any genre!

Lily is a descendent from the Salem Witches, but after losing her parents she doesn’t want anything to do with her “powers” and closes them off. Then one day she awakens after a bomb exploded at her aunt’s boutique and she realizes she should have been honing her powers, not ignoring them. To get answers and to protect her aunt she opens herself up to her powers and goes on the hunt for an elusive talisman. I thought this was a fun novella; a lot is packed in to the 118 pages!

Lily was a likable heroine, I liked that she was strong and wanted to take matters into her own hands. I also liked that she was willing to accept help when she needed it. I liked the romance with her and Bennett. They had been friends for a long time and had drifted apart when he started dating another girl. They’re reunited after the explosion and realize the depth of their feelings. The romance was sweet, a little fast, but considering the length of the novel and the fact that they had known each other before made it believable. The overall story was fun and I look forward to reading the rest of the series! Beautiful cover!

Content, PG:
Romance: Clean, mild innuendo (a little steamier than her other books, if I remember)
Language: Mild (H, D, S)
Violence: Mild

Source: Amazon Kindle Unlimited