Title: Marriage of Inconvenience Author: Penny Reid Series: Knitting in the City #7 Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Chic lit, Contemporary, Contemporary romance Dates read: 11th – 14th June 2021 Pace: Medium Format: Novel Publisher: SmartyPants Romance Year: 2018 5th sentence, 74th page: Sandra’s suggestion that I do sexy research distracted me.
There are three things you should know about Kat Tanner
(aka Kathleen Tyson… and yes, she is that Kathleen Tyson): 1) She’s determined to make good decisions 2) She must get married ASAP, and 3) She knows how to knit.
Determined to live a quiet life, Kat Tanner changed her identity years ago and eschewed her family’s legacy. But now, Kat’s silver spoon past has finally caught up with her, and so have her youthful mistakes. To avoid imminent disaster, she must marry immediately: it is essential that the person she chooses have no romantic feelings for her whatsoever and be completely trustworthy.
Fortunately, she knows exactly who to ask. Dan O’Malley checks all the boxes. Except, what happens when Dan O’Malley isn’t as indifferent – or as trustworthy – as she thought?
Kat and Dan have been on the edge of the Knitting in the City stories from very early on. So it was kind of fitting that they were also the last couple to round everything out. Their story was longer than the others. Not just in the pre-book build up. But also just in general length of story. And it was most definitely fitting…
This story was a good reminder that communication is ridiculously important. I mean, most of Kat and Dan’s issues come from them making assumptions and just NOT COMMUNICATING. If they weren’t so damn cute, it’d be fracking frustrating. Luckily, they quickly realise not to be so dense and actually figure out that sharing thoughts is important to a relationship.
I love how Reid touched upon schizophrenia in this story. The fear when it’s in your family, how people perceive it. And, in the case of this story, how it can be used against a person. I felt like Penny perfectly highlighted the judgement that comes along with such a diagnosis and honestly, how terrifying it can be.
I loved everything about Kat and Dan. I also loved how the epilogue rounded out their story. Actually, not just theirs, but all of the women I’ve fallen in love with throughout this tale. It was a happily ever after. But one that highlighted that even after the happy ending… there’s still a whole lot of happy to be lived.
Selina finds herself the unwitting rescuer of a gargoyle. But, as she meets the steamy new vet and her ancestry is revealed… things go from steamy to hectic.
I really enjoyed this short story. After all, it features a gargoyle as a pet. I mean, there’s romance and fey and werewolves. But for me, the selling point is the fact that she decides to adopt a gargoyle as a pet!!! I mean… how awesome is that?!?!
I love how Selina is constantly at war with herself and trying to figure out what to do with her life. We all have warring sides of ourselves, and it’s always difficult to balance them. It was nice the way that Selina was able to do this by the end of the story.
I loved the extra twist of having a werewolf transformation in the middle of a vet. It added a nice layer of excitement and spice. I mean, the romance was also good. But mostly it was the other aspects of this story that I loved. And Gary the Gargoyle.
Title: Dating-ish Author: Penny Reid Series: Knitting in the City #6 Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Chic lit, Contemporary, Contemporary romance Dates read: 10th June 2021 Pace: Medium Format: Novel Publisher: SmartyPants Romance Year: 2017 5th sentence, 74th page: He was also shirtless and barefoot, wearing red loose-fitting pants that resembled a billowy sarong.
There are three things you should know about Marie Harris
1) She’s fed up with online dating, 2) She’s so fed up, she’s willing to forego the annoyance and consider more creative alternatives, and 3) She knows how to knit.
After the most bizarre first date in the history of dates, Marie is looking for an alternative to men. With the help of her friends, she quickly identifies a few possibilities: Need a cuddle? Use a professional cuddler. Need affirmation? Get yourself a life coach. Need an orgasm? Try orgasm meditation!
Why does she need the hassle of a romantic partner when she can meet all her needs with paid services? But then her irritating date resurfaces. And he’s not at all the person she thought he was. And he suggests a different – and crazier – solution to her dilemma…
I was so hoping that Matt would make an appearance in one of the romances when he was introduced in Happily Ever Ninja. There is something adorably geeky and off kilter about him that left me wishing / hoping for more. The fact that he then gets partnered with Marie? It’s enough to leave a girl grinning and dancing around like a fool.
You don’t really get much of Marie in many of the Knitting in the City stories until Happily Ever Ninja. She’s there, and she’s partly responsible for the fiasco at Janie’s hens party… but that’s about it. It, of course, made me more intrigued to meet her.
This is a great friend’s to lovers story. I love that even when trying to pinpoint their moment of falling, neither can. For some of the characters in this universe, love is an instantaneous thing. I love that for Marie and Matt it is the creation of friendship that slowly leads them to where the want and need to be. After all, some of the greatest loves are built on a foundation of friendship…
Just like every other Penny Reid book, I absolutely loved this. I sunk into the pages of this story from the beginning and couldn’t wait to see how the latest romance would blossom. It left me smiling and grinning. Plus, I had a nice note on which to end a long day… one that sent me to my dreams with a smile on my face.
Title: A Southern Girl’s Guide to Plant-Based Eating Author: Cametria Hill Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect) My Bookshelves:Cookbook Dates read: 23rd May – 10th June 2021 Pace: Slow Format: Cookbook Publisher: Sanctuary Publishers Year: 2018 5th sentence, 74th page: Remove from heat.
Discover how to put Southern soul into plant-based cooking!
A Southern Girl’s Guide to Plant-Based Eating: Recipes from The Vegan Soul That Won’t Make You Go Broke will help guide your transition to plant-based eating and vegan living through dozens of Southern-infused recipes that will satisfy your soul.
You’ll find cooking tips, the low-down on food alternatives, a jumpstart week of meals for those new to plant-based eating, recipes for kitchen aces, tips for eating out, and much, much more!
If you want to learn how to cook like grandma & ‘nem vegan style, then Cametria’s got your back!
This is my first cookbook review, so im honestly not sure how it should go… I mean, I haven’t really tried any of the recipes, ao i can’t tell you how good they are. And I feel like I should cook them ALL to write a review. But then I realise that that would take a LOT of time and I probably won’t WANT to cook every single recipe…
The part of this cookbook that I love the most though, is the fact that it doesn’t just read like a recipe book. The first third is, in fact prose. Hill writes about her own journey to veganism. She writes about what vegan versus a plant-based diet is. And just generally introduces you to this world in a way that is incredibly approachable.
As a vegetarian, this is the perfect book to add to my shelves. And I can’t wait to try out the vegan aioli recipe… that just looks delicious!!! I also want to try and eat vegan as much as practical, either the eventual goal to go 100% vegan. And I honestly think this will become a bit of a bible for me. Not only is it filled with recipes, but also flavour tips and good substitutions.
I’m so glad that I spent the money on this cookbook. And, as my first cookbook to review, I think this was a fantastic start… although, now I just want to eat all of the recipes, without actually taking the time to cook them…
Title: Happily Ever Ninja Author: Penny Reid Series: Knitting in the City #5 Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Chic lit, Contemporary, Contemporary romance Dates read: 8th – 10th June 2021 Pace: Fast Format: Novel, Publisher: SmartyPants Romance Year: 2016 5th sentence, 74th page: Dear wife: I promise to do all I can to get you to stay.
There are three things you should know about Fiona Archer
I would tell you what they are, but then I’d have to kill you.
But I can tell you that Fiona’s husband, the always irrepressible and often cantankerous Greg Archer, is desperately in love with his wife. Yet as the years pass, Greg has begun to suspect that Fiona is a ninja. A ninja mom. A ninja wife. A ninja friend. After fourteen years of marriage, Greg is trying not to panic. Because Fiona’s talent for blending in is starting to resemble fading away.
But when unexpected events mean Fiona must take center stage to keep her family safe, her response stuns everyone Greg most of all. It seems like Greg’s wish has come true…
Expect… not.
I always love a good tale / contemporary romance about a married couple. That meet-cute / falling in love story is all well and good (and in the case of Fiona and Greg you can get that in Ninja at First Sight). But it’s the stories about the long haul and KEEPING the relationship going that I really love.
Of the Knitting in the City relationships, it’s definitely Fiona and Greg that I feel most attached to… I’ve been with my husband for 10 years and we fell in love at 18. And let me tell you, it takes WORK to keep the romance and relationship alive. Reid obviously understands that and shows just how true love can be. Even when you’re contemplating putting a chokehold on your significant other…
Ever since Fiona stabbed someone with a knitting needle in the first book, I’ve been intrigued by her ninja skills. The display of them in this novel is fantastic. And, humorous in many ways. Which, really is what I expect from Penny Reid. After all, she deals with off kilter leads, but she does it in such a light / wonderful / humorous way.
I’ve seen a lot on the Penny Reid Facebook page about Greg and Fiona. And now I completely understand all of the hype. It is very well deserved and left me with a huge grin on my face. I’m almost sad this story is over now…
Title: The Far Field Author: Madhuri Vijay Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!) My Bookshelves:Contemporary, Historical fiction Dates read: 16th May – 10th June 2021 Pace: Slow Format: Novel Publisher: Grove Press UK Year: 2019 5th sentence, 74th page: And so, just like that, my days were barren again.
In the wake of her mother’s death, Shalini, a privileged and restless young woman from Bangalore, sets out for a remote village in Kashmir. Certain that the loss of her mother is somehow connected to the decade-old disappearance of Bashir Ahmed, a charming Kashmiri salesman who frequented her childhood home, she is determined to confront him. But upon her arrival, Shalini is brought face to face with Kashmir’s politics, as well as the tangled history of the local family that takes her in. When life in the village turns volatile and old hatreds threaten to erupt into violence, Shalini finds herself forced to make a series of choices that could hold dangerous repercussions for the very people she has come to love.
This is one of those books that I know I’ll be returning to. Multiple times. With gusto. I loved the writing and the way that Vijay pulls you in from the very beginning. But I also know pretty much nothing about the history, politics and culture that take centre stage in this culture. So the whole experience of The Far Field was an education.
It’s not often that from the first sentence you are irreversibly drawn in and intrigued by the politics and such. There was just something about the opening line that made me sit up and pay attention. And I don’t physically fix my posture out of intrigue with books. Ever really.
I always love a good story with a flawed and growing protagonist. The voice of Shalini ticked all of my boxes. She’s on a fairly intense journey and you most definitely feel for her even as you kind of get frustrated with some of her choices. I particularly enjoyed how relatable she was, even though I’m from a starkly different background – it was still possible to feel connected.
All in all, as much as I loved the story and the message and everything about the book. It was the tone and style of writing that made me fall in love. I couldn’t take my eyes off Vijay’s words. She has such a talent and I would be intrigued to read more.
Title: Ninja at First Sight Author: Penny Reid Series: Knitting in the City #4.75 Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Contemporary, Contemporary romance Dates read: 7th – 8th June 2021 Pace: Fast Format: Novella Publisher: SmartyPants Romance Year: 2015 5th sentence, 74th page: He’s every girl’s wet dream.
He wants to be all her firsts
What do a cynical former Marine and a sheltered former Olympic contender have in common? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. He has a girlfriend and she’s never been kissed. He’s sullenly sarcastic and she’s earnestly empathetic. He can’t stop thinking about her. She knows she should keep her distance Nevertheless, when opposites attract, the results may be unexpected, but they’re also undeniably magnetic.
This was one of those wonderful, happy and easygoing novellas. I was honestly expecting just a little bit more drama in this story. But im eternally grateful that there wasn’t. It created this wonderful, beautiful and fun story that I fell in love with. Just as you experienced the journey of Fiona falling in love with Greg.
I did expect a little of this novella to be from Greg’s point of view since that seems to be common in Penny Reid’s works. But it actually turned out better that it was all written from Fiona’s. I honestly didn’t see the ending coming. And, I always love a good surprise at the end of a story. Although, only when I have the next story ready to go right next to me…
Even though Fiona has had an extremely sheltered life and not much experience, she’s still a strong kick ass woman. I especially loved how she goes out of her way to make friendships and experiences outside of Greg. That first fall into love is a heady thing and it can be difficult to remember who you are… Fiona managed this without having a minor breakdown (personally, I had like, 10).
I’ve had a but of a hiatus from the Knitting in the City books. And now I have no idea WHY!!! They’re just amazing. This requires staying up reading Happily Ever Ninja now until I fall asleep…
Title: Sea Swept Author: Nora Roberts Series: Chesapeake Bay Saga #1 Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect) My Bookshelves:Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Family Dates read: 24th May – 5th June 2021 Pace: Medium Format: Novel Publisher: Berkley Year: 1998 5th sentence, 74th page: With a laugh, she crouched down, held out a hand.
Cameron Quinn is coming home to say good-bye to the only father he ever loved. And he’ll have to put his fast-paced life on hold to care for the last boy Ray Quinn hoped to save…
I absolutely adored this story. It was one of those gorgeous, heart felt tales that made you just… smile. And I also love that although the couple gets together at the end… there is still that feeling of unfinished business that promises a next, wonderful novel in the series. It provides a great common thread beyond brotherhood and makes me itch to go out and buy the next book.
The fact that this story starts with a death and some tragedy is pretty harsh. But, it works beautifully as a story starter. Plus, how else do you get four brothers back together to start a series? The fact that one of these brothers is new to the clan… Well, it didn’t make me want to get to know Seth any less. He’s just as adorable and wonderful as Cam, Philip and Ethan.
I love that Anna is a social worker. It’s a role kind of similar to my own, with even more heartbreaking scenarios. And, honestly, it’s something I could see myself moving into I the future. The fact that Roberts doesn’t make it into a dreamy and hopeful job all the time. But is honest about the realities of that kind of work? It made Anna a far more appealing character and my first foray into the writing of Nora Roberts seriously enjoyable.
This might be a contemporary romance, but I loved the family aspect to the whole story. It reminds you that family can be who you choose, and who stands by you. And, honestly, I found the story of the four brothers to be an even bigger love story than that of Cam and Anna.
Duration: 1st July – 30th December2021 Number of books: 60 Hosted by: My Vampire Book Obsession
Are you afraid of what lies beneath? Afraid of the things that stand in the darkness, watching you. The things that keep you up at night…..
Gather round the fire and share tales of terror with your friends to see who is really afraid of the dark.
Duration July 1st – December 31st
Rules Complete at least 10 tasks to get the vampire heart All genres welcome Rereads welcome No minimum page count One book per task
Levels Terrified of the dark: 10-15 books A little scared of the dark: 16-30 books Not at all afraid of the dark: 31-45 books Master of Darkness: 46-60 books
The Tale of the Phantom Cab Two brothers who often fight with each other get lost in the woods, and come across a mysterious cab driver named Flynn. He leads the two boys to an unusual man named Dr. Vink to help them find their way out. The catch is that Vink will not help any of his guests until they solve one of his riddles. Failure to do so results in undesired consequences. 1. Read a book with brothers in the plot – A Chesapeake Shores Christmas by Sherryl Woods 2. Read a book where the MC gets lost 3. Read a book where a character takes a cab/Uber or something similar – Your Coffin or Mine? by Kimberly Raye 4. Read a book where the MC works in the medical profession – The Gap by Benjamin Gilmour
The Tale of the Lonely Ghost Amanda is stuck spending time at her aunt’s house, and desperately wants to be friends with her snotty cousin Beth. She agrees to spend the night in the haunted house next door to become part of her group of friends. She soon finds out that the story regarding the “haunted” house may actually be true with a living connection close by. 1. Read a book tagged ghost(s) on the first page of tags 2. Read a book where a character can see or talk to ghosts – Hopcross Jilly by Patricia Briggs 3. Read a book with a scary or haunted looking building/house on the cover 4. Read a book where a character wants to fit it with other people – Happy Trail by Daisy Prescott
The Tale of Laughing in the Dark Josh decides to prove that an amusement park fun house isn’t haunted by stealing the nose from a prop of Zeebo the clown. Zeebo was a corrupt circus clown who died in a funhouse fire while escaping from the police after stealing money. Josh soon learns that the story is indeed true when Zeebo’s ghost visits him demanding his nose back. 1. Read a book with an MPG of funny/humor or something similar – The Girlfriend’s Guide to Pregnancy by Vicki Iovine 2. Read a book where a building is set on fire during the book – Witching Moon by Rebecca York 3. Read a book with the word “clown” in the text 4. Read a book where the MC steals something or is running from the police – Honor Among Thieves by Rachel Caine & Ann Aguirre
The Tale of the Twisted Claw In a twist on the classic story “The Monkey’s Paw”, two boys play a mean trick on an old lady the night before Halloween. The next night the boys return for trick or treating “disguised” in costumes, but rather than candy she gives them a wooden vulture’s claw. She tells the boys that this “gift” grants wishes warning them to “be careful what they wish for”. The two boys start making wishes with unintended terrifying consequences. 1. Read a book where a character celebrates Halloween – Harvest Moon by Robyn Carr 2. Read a book with a claw(s) or claw marks on the cover – Dead Heat by Patricia Briggs 3. Read a book a boy plays an important role in the book – Promise Canyon by Robyn Carr 4. Read a book tagged horror or thriller
The Tale of the Super Specs A prankster named Weeds buys a pair of novelty glasses from Sardo that allow the wearer to see into another dimension. This alternate universe is populated by figures in black, that are looking to merge with the known universe unless Sardo can close the door between the two dimensions. 1. Read a book with more than one dimension in it 2. Read a book with glasses on the cover – Geekerella by Ashley Poston 3. Read a book with someone wearing black on the cover – The Grendel Affair by Lisa Shearin 4. Read a book set in an alternate dimension – The Kingdom of Back by Marie Lu
The Tale of the Captured Souls A girl and her two parents move into a lakeside rented room for the summer where they befriend the young property owner Peter. Strangely the residence is full of mirrors that the owner cites as a “hobby”, and even stranger the parents start feeling weaker by the day. However when the girl discovers the young owner’s plot to take away her parents’ youth to keep himself young using a device connected to the mirror and make her as his mate, she has to stop him before it’s too late. 1. Read a book set during the summer – Wild Man Creek by Robyn Carr 2. Read a book with a mirror on the cover 3. Read a book where a character has an ability to stay young – Dawn’s Awakening by Lora Leigh 4. Read a book with a true or fated mate – Dark Lover by J.R. Ward
The Tale of the Hungry Hounds Amy and Pam discover their late aunt’s old horse-riding jacket in an old trunk. When Pam puts on the jacket, she becomes possessed by the aunt’s spirit, who must feed her hungry dogs in order to rest in peace. 1. Read a book with a dog on the cover 2. Read a book where a character is possessed – Tower of Dawn by Sarah J. Maas 3. Read a book with food on the cover – Moonlight Cove by Sherryl Woods 4. Read a book with a jacket on the cover – A Wild Life by Martin Hughes-Games
The Tale of the Nightly Neighbors A new family moves into Emma’s neighborhood. They are originally from Eastern Europe, wear black, collect blood, and are only active at night. 1. Read a book where the MC moves – Driftwood Cottage by Sherryl Woods 2. Read a book with a vampire – Archangel’s Blade by Nalini Singh 3. Read a book set in Europe – The Clockwork Scarab by Colleen Gleason 4. Read a book where a character is active mostly at night
The Tale of the Sorcerer’s Apprentice Dean is a high school outcast who gets a chance to have some power from awakening an ancient secret hidden in the school. In doing, so he briefly forgets the person who cares for him most without realizing it. 1. Read a book where the MC is a student – Heart Berries by Terese Marie Mailhot 2. Read a book where a character suffers from amnesia for at least part of the book – The Answer to the Riddle is Me by David Stuart MacLean 3. Read a book with an MPG of magic – Emerald Blaze by Ilona Andrews 4. Read a book where the MC is a witch or wizard – Sky of Ash by Rachel Madbury
The Tale of Jake and the Leprechaun Jake Joysen is an aspiring, young actor who is excited to be part of a play titled Will o’ the Wisp, but Jake himself soon learns in due time that there is much more to the play than meets the eye. 1. Read a book where a character is an actor/actress – Redwood Bend by Robyn Carr 2. Read a book with an MPG or mystery – Marriage and Murder by Penny Reid 3. Read a book with an Irish character or Leprechaun – An O’Brien Family Christmas by Sherryl Woods 4. Read a book with an author or an MC who has the same first and last initial – Cowboy and the Captive by Lora Leigh
The Tale of the Dark Music Andy moves into a new neighborhood where things do not start out well until he figures out that there is something hidden inside his basement that only seems to appear whenever music is played. 1. Read a book with an MPG of music 2. Read a book where a character goes into a basement during the book – The Wanderer by Robyn Carr 3. Read a book with a dark cover – Engagement and Espionage by Penny Reid 4. Read a book with an author or MC who has either a first or last initial of A – Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
The Tale of the Pinball Wizard Despite being warned by his boss against playing the pinball machine and finish cleaning up before going home, Ross plays a pinball game that comes to life when he is left in the mall after closing time. 1. Read a book where a character gets in trouble with his/her boss – Dragonkeeper by Carole Wilkinson 2. Read a book where a character plays a game – Beach Lane by Sherryl Woods 3. Read a book where a character is somewhere they are not supposed to be – Stranger Ranger by Daisy Prescott 4. Read a book with a wizard on the cover
The Tale of the Final Wish Despite being 13 years old, Jill still loves fairy tales and believes in “happily ever after.” When Jill wishes for everyone who has bullied her and lectured her about her immature behavior to go away, a hippie-looking man known as The Sandman kidnaps Jill and shows her a world where her wish has come true and her beloved fairy tales have a dark side. 1. Read a book with a HEA – Bring Me Home for Christmas by Robyn Carr 2. Read a book where a character is bullied – The Edge of Heaven by E.M. Lindsey 3. Read a book a character is kidnapped – Furies of Calderon by Jim Butcher 4. Read a book where someone has a dark side – Beard Necessities by Penny Reid
The Tale of the Midnight Madness Dr. Vink helps a struggling movie theater gain more patrons with a copy of the classic vampire film, Nosferatu, but when Dr. Vink gets cheated out of his money in saving the theater, he curses the famous movie monster to step out of the movie and haunt the theater, and it’s up to two teenaged ushers to break the curse. 1. Read a book where the MC watches a movie 2. Read a book with a curse in it – The Bone Houses by Emily Lloyd-Jones 3. Read a book with a monster in it 4. Read a book with the word midnight in the title
Duration: 1st July – 31st July 2021 Number of books: 6 Hosted by: My Vampire Book Obsession
Duration: July 1 – 31
Rules Complete at least two tasks to get the vampire heart All genres welcome Rereads welcome No minimum page count
1. July 4th is a celebration of Independence Day in the U.S. Listen to a book with a cover that is mostly red, white or blue or a combination of these colors – The Girlfriend’s Guide to Pregnancy by Vicki Iovine 2. July 6th is International Kissing Day Listen to a book with a kiss on the cover of lipstick on the cover or where lips are prominent on the cover 3. July 10th is Teddy Bear Picnic Day Listen to a book with a child who plays a large role in the book or with “picnic” in the text – A Chesapeake Shores Christmas by Sherryl Woods 4. July 20th is Ugly Truck Day Listen to a book with a truck on the cover or where the MC drives a truck – Geekerella by Ashley Poston 5. July 30th is International Friendship Day Listen to a book where the MC has a close friend(s) or best friend(s) in the book – Moonlight Cove by Sherryl Woods 6. July is definitely summer in the Northern Hemisphere Listen to a book published in July or with the letters of SUMMER in the title
Earth and Skye 