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??

 

My Favorite Books of 2020

I was so happy to reach my reading goal of 100 books this year, I actually ended up with 108 I think. Not only did I find some great books to read, but found some new authors to follow as well. The below books are the ones that really swept me off my feet, some gave me major book-hangovers and I've even re-read a few of them already. I would definitely recommend any of these books to someone looking for well written stories, great characters and swoony romance! 

*This is a clean read, don't let the partially clothed cover model fool you! lol

The Seat Filler by Sariah Wilson

The Seat Filler: A Novel by Sariah Wilson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Warning- lots of great chemistry, romantic banter, scrumptious hero and endearing heroine


This may be Sariah's best book yet, and that's saying a lot because all her books are so good! I can't even form words, I just want to go and read the book again. Loved the storyline, loved the characters, loved all the swoony, and I mean S.W.O.O.N.Y. kisses! Did I mention the swoony kisses? But seriously, the love story is so great. Noah and Juliet have great chemistry, fun banter and a genuine connection.

Y'all need to pre-order your copies right now. Like drop everything, you will not want to miss out on this book. I'll write a full review closer to release date, after I've probably read it a few more times. *happy sigh*

Content:
Romance: Clean...did someone mention swoony kisses yet?
Language: None
Violence: None


2021 Swoony Nominee: https://tinyurl.com/y593ce67

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Forest of Firelight by Shari L Tapscott

Forest of Firelight by Shari L. Tapscott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

*happy sigh* *frustrated sigh*

I picked this one up late last night, just wanting to give it a quick peek to see what it was like. Before I knew it I was sucked in, totally invested and up way past my bedtime. Luckily, it was a nice rainy day here and I was able to curl up and finish reading. I really enjoyed this one, it reminded me how much I just love the High Fantasy genre.

I'm kind of glad I didn't read the synopsis before diving in. I like the mystery of it all, especially where the Huntsman Rhys is concerned. Is he a friend or foe? He's certainly swoony as all get out. Broody in one moment and a big softy in the next. But always a protector. Or is he? He will keep you guessing for sure. Princess Amalia was charming, endearing and just very likable. She's a bit clueless and I'm not sure if she'd ever be able to survive on her own (which sounds a lot like me), but you can't help but like her. Amalia has different kind of strength, which I liked. She is loyal, kind and brave. The sparks just leap off the pages whenever Amalia and Rhys share a scene, which thankfully is most of the book.

I typically wait for a series to be complete before reading, but I'm glad I went ahead and read this one even though the next installment isn't out for a couple months. I really loved it, it's easily one of my favorite books I've read this year, or in a long time. I love the world Ms. Tapscott has created, wasn't over the top, just a wonderful place I'd like to visit. I obviously loved the main characters, but also enjoyed the supporting cast.

I am really looking forward to this new series, highly recommend to anyone who likes to read. Seriously, if you've never read a high fantasy before, this is a great one to start with. And if you are a fan of the genre, you'll want to add this to your collection.

Content
Romance: Swoony clean.
Language: None
Violence: Mild-Moderate. Attempted kidnappings, death. Nothing graphic.

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Blackmoore by Julianne Donaldson

Kate Worthington knows her heart and she knows she will never marry. Her plan is to travel to India instead—if only to find peace for her restless spirit and to escape the family she abhors. But Kate’s meddlesome mother has other plans. She makes a bargain with Kate: India, yes, but only after Kate has secured—and rejected—three marriage proposals.

Kate journeys to the stately manor of Blackmoore determined to fulfill her end of the bargain and enlists the help of her dearest childhood friend, Henry Delafield. But when it comes to matters of love, bargains are meaningless and plans are changeable. There on the wild lands of Blackmoore, Kate must face the truth that has kept her heart captive. Will the proposal she is determined to reject actually be the one thing that will set her heart free?

I was so excited when I saw this was available for review on Netgalley (what a great website!), but I admit I was a tiny bit nervous as well. Would it be as good as Edenbrooke? Well, I was not disappointed. Right from the start I knew I was going to like this one, especially our hero Henry. He was perfect, I loved everything about him. He has the best lines; I had to re-read a few of the scenes between him and Kate. I thought Henry and Kate had great chemistry, I loved them together. You do wonder though how things are going to work out and what is keeping them apart. I loved the flashback scenes and a part of me wanted to slap Kate for not realizing what was in front of her! But, I can’t go into that without spoilers, but it does make sense why. I liked Kate, even more as the story goes on. She was  genuinely a good person and has a good heart. I like that even though she is still discovering herself, she was confident and intelligent. She sees the good in others and doesn’t hold grudges for those who do not like her. Her family was awful! Her mother, wow. There are just so many things I’d like to write, but I don’t want to give any spoilers.

I thought Blackmoore had a different feel to it than Edenbrooke, maybe it was the obstacles they had to overcome to be together, or how awful Kate’s family is. But the romance was great, filled with tension and the wondering if things are going to work out. All I know is, Henry gives Phillip a run for his money! It was a great story with great characters. I again loved the scenes with Henry and Kate, especially on the tower. Mmmm. This is one of those books you’ll want to re-read as soon as you finish.

Content: Clean.

Torrent by Lisa T Bergren

GoodReads Synopsis: Gabi and Lia Betarrini have learned to control their time travel, and they return from medieval Italy to save their father from his tragic death in modern times. But love calls across the centuries, and the girls are determined to return forever—even though they know the Black Plague is advancing across Europe, claiming the lives of one-third of the population.

Kathy’s Review: Have I mentioned how much I love this series? It is so good. I can’t remember the last time I read a series where each book was equally awesome. I love all the characters in this book. Gabi is a great leading lady and you can see why everyone around her loves her as well. Marcello is dreamy and you can’t help but love him. Luca and Lia are also amazing and I hope that we get another trilogy with their story. There is once again a lot of adventure in this story, Bergren weaves the historical elements in so nicely that you hardly realize your learning something as you’re reading. While the story takes place in 1344 Italy, you don’t really feel like you’re reading a historical novel. Bergren really brings everything to life. The plot is great and executed well, you have to keep reading to find out what is going to happen and how Gabi is every going to get out of the trouble she finds herself in. There is even a bit of a love triangle in this one, which added a lot to the story.

The series is awesome and keeps you reading; you love the characters and setting and any series that is this good deserves five stars. My only complaint is that I wanted a tiny bit more at the end, and epilog or something. I wanted to know what happened with certain characters. I also wanted to see more of Lia and Luca in the story, they both were awesome in book two and I missed seeing them in this book. I really do hope that Bergren writes a series about them.

If you haven’t read these books…DO IT. It’s such a fun series that anyone would enjoy.

Bookworm Rating: 5

Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance
Publication Date: September 2011
One Word Review: Excellent
Author Website: www.lisatawnbergren.com

Reading Order:
Book One: Waterfall
Book Two: Cascade
Book Three: Torrent

Cascade by Lisa T Bergren

GoodReads Synopsis: Gabi knows she’s left her heart in the fourteenth century and she persuades Lia to help her to return, even though they know doing so will risk their very lives. When they arrive, weeks have passed and all of Siena longs to celebrate the heroines who turned the tide in the battle against Florence—while the Florentines will go to great lengths to see them dead. But Marcello patiently awaits, and Gabi must decide if she’s willing to leave her family behind for good in order to give her heart to him forever.

Kathy’s Review: Wow. I can’t remember the last time a sequel was as good as its predecessor. I loved this book! Once I got going I couldn’t put it down. Once again it ends with an amazing cliff hanger that has been antsy to read the next book!

This book starts off right were the last one ended. I was a little surprised by that, and for some odd reason I did have a little bit of a hard time getting into this one. However, once I had the chance to really sit down and read I was totally hooked. I HAD to know what was going to happen next. Gabi is a great heroine. She is easy to relate to and very easy to like. I like that her toughness is believable, I like her courage and loyalty. When everything seems overwhelming and futile, she is still brave and speaks her mind. She uses her wits and I just loved being along for the ride. Her sister Lia is equally cool. I liked that they were together a lot during this book. Marcello and Luca were awesome as usual. Both are very dreamy, and all-male. Their individual relationships were fun to read. Lia and Luca have a fun banter between them. I also liked our bad guy Lord Greco. He’s very mysterious and I’m very curious to see what happens with him in the next book. I hope there is more of him.

While I totally loved this book, I think I liked Waterfall a touch more. It’s still an awesome book though and definitely holds its own. I have no idea what’s coming in the last book, but I can’t wait to find out!

Bookworm Rating: 4.5

Genre: YA Historical Fiction
Publication Date: June 2011
One Word Review: Awesome
Author Website: www.lisatawnbergren.com

Reading Order:
Book One: Waterfall
Book Two: Cascade
Book Three: Torrent

My Unfair Godmother by Janette Rallison

GoodReads Synopsis: Tansy Miller has always felt that her divorced father has never had enough time for her. But mistakenly getting caught on the wrong side of the law wasn't exactly how she wanted to get his attention. Enter Chrysanthemum "Chrissy" Everstar, Tansy's fairy in shining, er, high heels. Chrissy is only a fair godmother, of course, so Tansy's three wishes don't exactly go according to plan. And if bringing Robin Hood to the twenty-first century isn't bad enough for Tansy, being transported back to the Middle Ages to deal with Rumpelstiltskin certainly is. She'll need the help of her blended family, her wits, and especially the cute police chief 's son to stop the gold-spinning story from spinning wildly out of control.

Kathy’s Review: I really loved this book! It reminded me why Rallison is one of my favorite authors. I was sad when it ended, although it did end with a hint that there might be another book in the series (I sure hope so!). This story follows Tansy and Hudson as they try and figure out how to make the best of Tansy’s three wishes. Tansy was of course a likable character. She kind of has a chip on her shoulder when the story begins, but with a little help from her fair godmother, Chrissy, she learns some valuable lessons. The story was a lot of fun, it sucks you in and I had a hard time putting the book down. Hudson was easy to like, he has good values, works hard, and cares about those around him. Oh and he’s a hottie. The end had me tear up, and even Hudson learned some interesting things about himself. This is the second book in the series, you could read it on its own, but I’d recommend reading My Fair Godmother first. In fact I would recommend all of Rallison’s books, there great!

Genre: YA Fantasy – Fairytale
Publication Date: April 2011
One Word Review: Charming
Author Website: www.janetterallison.com
Bookworm Rating: 5, G

Reading Order:
Book One: My Fair Godmother
Book Two: My Unfair Godmother
Book Three: