Book reviews for the week of December 4th and "Paperback Goals"

 

Happy weekend!  This week was a strange one for me.  I got my second booster of the Covid vaccine, and it knocked me for a loop for a day.  On top of that I worked an extra nightshift to cover a sick call.  That always feels like it takes two days instead of one.  

I did read two ARCs this week.  Both of them will release in the coming week.  Take a look.  I am hopeful that my reviews will help you determine to add them to your TBR.

I am currently reading my first paperback book in over a year.  Normally, I read on my kindle.  

Some things I have discovered while doing this are:

• Tapping the page does not turn a paper page. 
• I am unable to change the font size of the book.
• My finger cannot highlight paper.
• If I tap a word on a page, the built in dictionary does not pop up.
• I need a lamp or good lighting to read since I cannot adjust the brightness of the page.
• I get to use an actual bookmark (which I seem to be collecting a lot of lately) and it is kind of cool.
• I didn't have to reboot my paperback book.  Not once.

I know I am not the only one to experience this.  It is almost hard to believe I used to devour as many paperback books as I do eBooks currently. I love having thousands of books at my fingertips in my kindle.  There is something to be said about reading a real, paper book more often though.  Maybe I will make a goal of reading at least one a month in 2023.  Since I started attending book signings in September 2021, I have attended six of them.  I have bought a lot of paperbacks at these, some of which I still haven't read.  Some are favorites I already own in eBook and even audiobook and have both read and listened to at least once.  I hear those unread books calling me.  As I am planning to attend several signing next year also, I really need to get to reading.  I also may need to get a bigger bookshelf.

Who wants to join me in the challenge to read more paperbacks next year?

A Greene Family Christmas (Greene Family #9.5) 

by Piper Rayne

ARC: Release Date-12/13/2022

#Holiday #FamilySeries #ARC

5 STARS

This novella jumps 12 years into the future from Cam and Chevelle’s book.  It is written in first person from multiple POV and wraps the Greene Family series up with a nice little bow.  It also sets the stage for the new Lake Starlight series coming in 2023.

This was a blast to read.  I loved seeing the families our couples have formed.  I adore that they have normal troubles like the rest of us.  Marla and Hank are the absolute best heads of the family.  I loved reading Rylan and Calista, older now.  I am dying to read their love story.  Grandma Ethel has a chapter that made me tear up a little.  This little holiday novella has all the feels.  It made me feel full while still wanting more.  It was the perfect way to finish one series and begin another.

The Target (Redemption Ranch #4) by Lena Hendrix

ARC: Release Date- 12/16/2022

#AgeGap #HealingLove #EnemiesToLovers #ARC

5 STARS

Book four in the Redemption Ranch series can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA.  I will say that readers will enjoy reading the series in series order to gain backstory and see Gemma’s growth over the four books.  This book is written in first person from an alternating dual POV.

Gemma and Scott have a story I have been waiting to read.  They have an age-gap, and I love that in a book.  Four years ago, when Scott realized he had feelings for Gemma, and she was so vulnerable, he left.  We find out what he was doing those four years in this book after he returns to take Gemma to Chicago as a prime witness in a huge mafia trial.  Once friends with additional feelings for each other, Gemma feels only anger and animosity when Scott returns.

These two are perfect for each other.  Their road is not without obstacles, yet they persevere.  I believe this may be the steamiest book this author has written.  Scott and Gemma share a power dynamic in the bedroom that suits each of them and is smoking-hot.  I adore how Gemma gains confidence through Scott’s eyes.  She has grown from a frightened young woman to a woman who knows exactly what she needs and wants and is unafraid to go after it.  She shows such amazing strength in this book.  I loved her.  Scott grows too.  He must reevaluate everything he thought he wanted from his life when his relationship with Gemma becomes more than he hoped it could be.  I adored this book and I recommend it completely.