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BLUSH tells the story of three generations of women who discover that the trashy novels of the Jackie Collins/Judith Krantz era might hold the key to saving their family’s winery. Jamie Brenner’s BLUSH is the second book in my ABC author challenge [B].
This is a sweeping novel that gives a lot (!) of details about wine and vineyards. The Hollander family owns their Long Island winery—belonging to matriarch Vivian and her husband, Leonard. Leonard, who is quite firm in his ideas about gender roles, would not let their daughter Leah take over, so she runs a cheese shop in New York City. Leah’s daughter Sadie is struggling in college with her thesis.
When they all converge at the vineyard, they discover Leonard is thinking of selling. He refuses to accept any of Leah or Vivian’s ideas to help save it. But when Sadie finds Vivian’s trashy old novels from her book club days, the three women come together. It’s fun to hear about the old novels (you’ll enjoy this book if you like Krantz or Collins) and watch the women triumph over Leonard, who, honestly can be sort of awful. The themes of marriage, sexism, and family run strong and make this an interesting read, even if the characters sometimes frustrate you to no end. 3 stars.
This is a sweeping novel that gives a lot (!) of details about wine and vineyards. The Hollander family owns their Long Island winery—belonging to matriarch Vivian and her husband, Leonard. Leonard, who is quite firm in his ideas about gender roles, would not let their daughter Leah take over, so she runs a cheese shop in New York City. Leah’s daughter Sadie is struggling in college with her thesis.
When they all converge at the vineyard, they discover Leonard is thinking of selling. He refuses to accept any of Leah or Vivian’s ideas to help save it. But when Sadie finds Vivian’s trashy old novels from her book club days, the three women come together. It’s fun to hear about the old novels (you’ll enjoy this book if you like Krantz or Collins) and watch the women triumph over Leonard, who, honestly can be sort of awful. The themes of marriage, sexism, and family run strong and make this an interesting read, even if the characters sometimes frustrate you to no end. 3 stars.
Anne (15130 KP) rated The Beach Trees in Books
Mar 4, 2022
This was a book I received that was personally recommended by the foxedbox and they are amazing at what they do. They are one of the best at getting your information and recommending you some of the best books that are out there.
I loved this book more than I thought I would. It was about a young woman who finds herself suddenly as a guardian to a 5-year-old boy because her friend, his mother, dies from a weak heart/heart problems/defects and how she goes back to her friend's home to honor her friend's wishes.
Along the way, she meets and connects with her friend's family, finds peace with her own family/personal issues and finds some sweet romance too. It takes place in/around New Orleans and mentions some about Hurricane Katrina and rebuilding and what it takes to put roots down and to commit and rebuild after storms in life and such. There's an intriguing story and mystery woven throughout the story between the past and the present and I couldn't get enough of it - I felt as if I was transported there lost in the story sometimes and had a hard time putting it down until it was over.
Now that I'm done reading it, I want to read more - it was SO good!!!
I loved this book more than I thought I would. It was about a young woman who finds herself suddenly as a guardian to a 5-year-old boy because her friend, his mother, dies from a weak heart/heart problems/defects and how she goes back to her friend's home to honor her friend's wishes.
Along the way, she meets and connects with her friend's family, finds peace with her own family/personal issues and finds some sweet romance too. It takes place in/around New Orleans and mentions some about Hurricane Katrina and rebuilding and what it takes to put roots down and to commit and rebuild after storms in life and such. There's an intriguing story and mystery woven throughout the story between the past and the present and I couldn't get enough of it - I felt as if I was transported there lost in the story sometimes and had a hard time putting it down until it was over.
Now that I'm done reading it, I want to read more - it was SO good!!!
Christmas Past
8.0
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Behind every Christmas tradition is a story — usually, a forgotten one. Each year, as we decorate...
Merissa (14020 KP) rated Fall for You in Books
Oct 23, 2023
FALL FOR YOU is a sweet and steamy standalone where, sometimes, you find the job you need and the person you love in the most unusual ways.
Davis hasn't found the work he needs in the time since he left his hometown, running away from a very bad situation. Instead, he finds himself working in a diner. Carson has come back home to rescue the family firm from bankruptcy after his father and brother drove it into the ground. It's hard for him to find an assistant who is prepared to work as hard as he does.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Their relationship grew and changed in a completely natural way. And I loved how Carson knew he'd found a gem with Davis, even before they acted on the attraction between them.
I enjoyed the scenes with the mums, but I did find it easier with Carson's mum. Davis' mum, Jenny, was a bit high maintenance but also funny. It all worked out in the end.
Low angst in all the best ways, this was a great read that I can definitely recommend.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 19, 2023
Davis hasn't found the work he needs in the time since he left his hometown, running away from a very bad situation. Instead, he finds himself working in a diner. Carson has come back home to rescue the family firm from bankruptcy after his father and brother drove it into the ground. It's hard for him to find an assistant who is prepared to work as hard as he does.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Their relationship grew and changed in a completely natural way. And I loved how Carson knew he'd found a gem with Davis, even before they acted on the attraction between them.
I enjoyed the scenes with the mums, but I did find it easier with Carson's mum. Davis' mum, Jenny, was a bit high maintenance but also funny. It all worked out in the end.
Low angst in all the best ways, this was a great read that I can definitely recommend.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 19, 2023
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Ferns Wings ( Sisters of Hex: Fern book 2) in Books
Mar 16, 2022
48 of 230
Kindle
Fern’s Wing ( Sisters of Hex: Fern book 2)
By Bea Paige
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Fern's decision changed everything. Now she must live with the consequences not only affecting her but the people she loves, even the ones who find it hard to love her in return.
Trapped in the Shadowlands, Fern must put her trust in the Angels of Death and adapt to her new surroundings. When a disturbing message is delivered about her mother, Fern defies the trio and take matters into her own hands.
Fern's Wings is the second book of Fern's trilogy and continues the Sisters of Hex story. To get a full picture of the overarching storyline you might wish to read Accacia's trilogy first.
The Sisters of Hex series - five sisters, five clans, one curse and a whole host of paranormal creatures.
I really like the concept and world building in this series of books I like the characters and storyline. This one was more about Fern building her strength and relationships with her men and it was good but my mind did wander off sometimes. All the action came in the last 4 chapters where we catch up with old friends from the first set of sisters of hex. Overall though it was still a good book.
Kindle
Fern’s Wing ( Sisters of Hex: Fern book 2)
By Bea Paige
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Fern's decision changed everything. Now she must live with the consequences not only affecting her but the people she loves, even the ones who find it hard to love her in return.
Trapped in the Shadowlands, Fern must put her trust in the Angels of Death and adapt to her new surroundings. When a disturbing message is delivered about her mother, Fern defies the trio and take matters into her own hands.
Fern's Wings is the second book of Fern's trilogy and continues the Sisters of Hex story. To get a full picture of the overarching storyline you might wish to read Accacia's trilogy first.
The Sisters of Hex series - five sisters, five clans, one curse and a whole host of paranormal creatures.
I really like the concept and world building in this series of books I like the characters and storyline. This one was more about Fern building her strength and relationships with her men and it was good but my mind did wander off sometimes. All the action came in the last 4 chapters where we catch up with old friends from the first set of sisters of hex. Overall though it was still a good book.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2579 KP) rated Spy School: Project X in Books
Oct 6, 2022 (Updated Oct 6, 2022)
Target: Ben Ripley
Any student will tell you that finals is a stressful time, but it is even more so at Spy School. After all, not only do you have to pass your classes, but failing could lead to serious pain. Ben Ripley has something extra to worry about since he’s been summoned to the principal’s office. Fortunately, he is running a little late since, while he is on the way, the principal’s office explodes. Another attack confirms it – assassins have targeted Ben. Fortunately, Ben’s friend, Erica Hale, knows exactly who is behind it. Unfortunately, that means a trip to find and confront this villain with danger around every corner. Will Ben make it?
This was another wonderful book in the series. The action is almost non-stop, yet it never feels forced into the story but is instead a result of Ben’s need to stop the attempts on his life. There’s also plenty of humor, often coming from the over the top (in the best way) action sequences but sometimes coming from the characters. Speaking of characters, there were a couple of slower moments, which allowed for some good growth. I’m intrigued by the tease at the end of the book, so I’m anxiously awaiting the next entry in the series. If you are a fan old or new, you’ll enjoy this book.
This was another wonderful book in the series. The action is almost non-stop, yet it never feels forced into the story but is instead a result of Ben’s need to stop the attempts on his life. There’s also plenty of humor, often coming from the over the top (in the best way) action sequences but sometimes coming from the characters. Speaking of characters, there were a couple of slower moments, which allowed for some good growth. I’m intrigued by the tease at the end of the book, so I’m anxiously awaiting the next entry in the series. If you are a fan old or new, you’ll enjoy this book.
Little Treasure He Hides (Little Paws Haven #1)
JP Sayle and Lisa Oliver
9.7
Rate It
Book
Asher has learned to hide who he is. Can his fated mate heal the layers of pain and mistrust to...
MM Paranormal Shifters Romance Daddy/boy
ClareR (6238 KP) rated The Atlas Six in Books
Aug 15, 2022
I liked The Atlas Six. I listened to it on BorrowBox audiobook through my library, and I think that helped a lot - I liked the narrators voice!
The competition between the initiates is brutal - there’s an assumption that only one would survive by the end, and to them this is completely reasonable. It doesn’t put them off at all. This perfectly illustrates the kind of people they are I felt. Pretty ruthless.
There was an awful lot of dialogue that wasn’t really balanced with action. This is a fantasy book, they have magical gifts, and there just wasn’t enough magical action for me, and what there was I didn’t think showed the potential of some characters. Maybe they will be explored more in the second book. I was left not quite understanding what some of their gifts entailed. Some were obvious, others not so much. This first book, in what I assume will be a trilogy, has more of a scene-setting feel about it.
Now their recruiter, Atlas Blakely, really did intrigue me. I wish there had been more about him - perhaps there will be in the next book.
I will read the next book when it comes out. Sometimes a trilogy can be a little slow to start, and there’s enough in this book to make me want to read the next one.
The competition between the initiates is brutal - there’s an assumption that only one would survive by the end, and to them this is completely reasonable. It doesn’t put them off at all. This perfectly illustrates the kind of people they are I felt. Pretty ruthless.
There was an awful lot of dialogue that wasn’t really balanced with action. This is a fantasy book, they have magical gifts, and there just wasn’t enough magical action for me, and what there was I didn’t think showed the potential of some characters. Maybe they will be explored more in the second book. I was left not quite understanding what some of their gifts entailed. Some were obvious, others not so much. This first book, in what I assume will be a trilogy, has more of a scene-setting feel about it.
Now their recruiter, Atlas Blakely, really did intrigue me. I wish there had been more about him - perhaps there will be in the next book.
I will read the next book when it comes out. Sometimes a trilogy can be a little slow to start, and there’s enough in this book to make me want to read the next one.
Merissa (14020 KP) rated Wild Boy (Gay Monsters in Space #2) in Books
Sep 20, 2023
WILD BOY is the second novella in the Gay Monsters in Space series, but it can be read as a standalone.
Connor has had a rough life up until now and trusts nobody. He doesn't see any reason to change that once he gets kidnapped by Krel and told how wonderful everything is going to be from now on. Krel knows all about Connor's past, but he knows Connor is the one for him. He'll just have to show Connor just how much he loves him!
Okay, so if you don't like spankings, you may not like this story. Connors needs them - a lot! And Krel, well, he likes giving them to Connor because it normally leads to other things. Things that are hot and spicy and pleasurable to both parties.
I am thoroughly enjoying this series. The stories are off the charts hot, with great characters, and you don't have to worry about how deep the story is going. Sometimes, that's just what you need!
A great addition to the series and absolutely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 20, 2023
Connor has had a rough life up until now and trusts nobody. He doesn't see any reason to change that once he gets kidnapped by Krel and told how wonderful everything is going to be from now on. Krel knows all about Connor's past, but he knows Connor is the one for him. He'll just have to show Connor just how much he loves him!
Okay, so if you don't like spankings, you may not like this story. Connors needs them - a lot! And Krel, well, he likes giving them to Connor because it normally leads to other things. Things that are hot and spicy and pleasurable to both parties.
I am thoroughly enjoying this series. The stories are off the charts hot, with great characters, and you don't have to worry about how deep the story is going. Sometimes, that's just what you need!
A great addition to the series and absolutely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 20, 2023
Merissa (14020 KP) rated Wolves Always Bite (Willow Lake Supernaturals #2) in Books
Nov 1, 2023
WOLVES ALWAYS BITE is the second book in the Willow Lake Supernaturals series and I was certainly looking forward to this one.
I got more than I bargained for with Jeremy though, I have to admit. He is a great character but, oh man, it's hard sometimes to keep up with him! His mind goes off in a multitude of tangents at any given time!
Adrian is the grounding he needs. The big bad wolf man (Jeremy's words!) is such a softie, although he does hurt Jeremy at one point. I found it understandable and loved his reaction once he realised what he had done.
There is more to Jeremy than meets the eye and I loved his arc. There are a whole host of repeating characters, as well as new ones. I'm hard-pressed to think of which one I need most. I think I'll just sit back and wait for whoever it is and thoroughly enjoy it no matter what!
A great read but I do recommend you read them in order because of repeating characters.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 1, 2023
I got more than I bargained for with Jeremy though, I have to admit. He is a great character but, oh man, it's hard sometimes to keep up with him! His mind goes off in a multitude of tangents at any given time!
Adrian is the grounding he needs. The big bad wolf man (Jeremy's words!) is such a softie, although he does hurt Jeremy at one point. I found it understandable and loved his reaction once he realised what he had done.
There is more to Jeremy than meets the eye and I loved his arc. There are a whole host of repeating characters, as well as new ones. I'm hard-pressed to think of which one I need most. I think I'll just sit back and wait for whoever it is and thoroughly enjoy it no matter what!
A great read but I do recommend you read them in order because of repeating characters.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 1, 2023