The Sunday Post #299 | August 21, 2022

 

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's a chance to share news:  a post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books, 

and share what's coming up on your blog in the week ahead.

T H E  W E E K  I N  R E V I E W

I skipped last week's post because I was too tired/overwhelmed to bother. I did try to visit everyone else's posts throughout the week (although I know I still missed a few due to time constraints). 

I've been feeling a bit stressed/overwhelmed at work lately so this week I took off Thursday and Friday and what a difference two days can make! Thursday was my quiet day at home. I never left the house. I read, I blog hopped a bit, I took a nap. It was fabulous. 😊 On Friday I had some alone-time and I went to two used book stores - Chamblin Bookmine, which is a local gem, and a 2nd & Charles location across town. That's something I normally would not do on a weekend because of crowds, but having a weekday off made it doable. I scored a few books at each stop and capped off my afternoon with some takeout from Chicken Salad Chick for lunch. Another good day.

Last Sunday I watched Purple Hearts on Netflix and I totally get the hype. Both The Husband and I really enjoyed it. (He did pick apart a few of the military aspects but that's to be expected. LOL) That's probably the first movie I've watched in a couple years!

Here's your feel-good moment for the week. This little guy gives his grandpa his homerun baseball and the reactions from them both are so touching.

This week's 80's music fix is Kyrie (1985) by Mr. Mister. I was never a fan of their music (it all seemed kind of bland to me) but this song was the one exception. This one I loved. Enjoy!

O N  T H E  B L O G

Tuesday, August 16

Top Ten Tuesday: Oldies But Goodies

Books I Love That Are Over a Decade Old

Friday, August 19

Review: Baden by Sawyer Bennett

W H A T  I  R E A D 

     

     

This covers the last two weeks.

Kindle: Gage (Pittsburgh Titans #3) by Sawyer Bennett - ★★★★.5

Kindle: Crank (Red Ridge Sinners MC #1) by Caitlyn Dare - ★★★.5

Audio: Husband Material (London Calling #2) by Alexis Hall - ★★★★.25

Kindle: Wrangling the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch #3) by Kennedy Fox - ★★★★

C U R R E N T L Y  R E A D I N G

     

Audio: The Family Remains (The Family Upstairs #2) by Lisa Jewell

Kindle: Hostage to Pleasure (Psy-Changeling #5) by Nalini Singh

N E W  A D D I T I O N S

My used bookstore finds on Friday.

The Friendship Pact by Jill Shalvis

Reckless Memories by Catherine Cowles

The Birthday List by Devney Perry

T O T A L L Y  R A N D O M

How was your week?

I'd love to hear about it!

Review: Baden by Sawyer Bennett

BADEN

by Sawyer Bennett

Series: Pittsburgh Titans #1

Publication date: 12/23/2021

Format: Paperback

Source: Purchased

4.5 Stars

After suffering a horrific injury that threatens to end his career, Baden Oulett is about to learn that sometimes a fresh start is just what the doctor ordered.

I worked my whole life to achieve one goal—play professional hockey. As part of the defending Cup champion Arizona Vengeance, I was living my dream until one split second decision destroyed it all. Instead of lacing up my skates and hitting the ice, I’ve spent my days in rehab and physical therapy just so I could walk again. When a coaching opportunity with the Pittsburgh Titans is presented to me, I find myself with a career I had never considered but which allows me to continue being part of the sport that I love.

While my injuries are physical, the same can’t be said for the woman I rescued. Suffering from wounds that can’t be seen, Sophie Winters has withdrawn from the world in fear and guilt. I didn’t know Sophie before that fateful night and have only met her once since, but I refuse to let her face her demons alone. Determined to be a friend, I support Sophie in the only way I know how… by simply being there.

Through our shared trauma, Sophie and I begin to find peace within one another. As we grow closer, what started as friendship becomes more intimate until our broken pieces become one. But can a love born of anguish endure, or will the pain of our past prove too much to overcome?

GOODREADS | AMAZON | AUDIBLE

Baden was my first experience with Sawyer Bennett. When I saw her mention that her (then upcoming) Pittsburgh Titans series was more emotional than anything she’d written previously… she had me. Emotional is my catnip. And I was not disappointed. I was hooked immediately. It was impossible not to feel deeply for Baden and Sophie, both of whom were experiencing the lasting effects of a shared traumatic event. Baden’s injuries were mainly physical, and severe enough to end his career as a professional hockey player. The aftermath for Sophie was mental and emotional and her life was now ruled by crippling fear. When Baden accepts a job as the new goalie coach for the Pittsburgh Titans, the same city where Sophie lives, he reaches out to her to see how she’d doing. The bond they already share leads to friendship and then to the possibility of more. But Sophie may be too broken to truly leave the past behind.

The premise for the series is centered on the devastating loss when the Pittsburgh Titans team plane crashes, killing everyone on board. Now the team is rebuilt with the three players who had not been on the plane, a few who have come back from retirement, and many brought up from the minor league. The new team is facing many obstacles, both internal and external, and the stage is set for each player to get his story.

Baden was an amazing start to the series and I just wanted more, more, more. I adored Baden - this man was the sweetest and kindest ever! I loved his willingness to be there for others. He was able to look past himself and pay attention to those around him and see what they needed. He didn’t just give lip service, he was actually invested in people and made it his mission to truly be there for them. Sophie’s story was so moving and seeing how she was still a prisoner of the attack that had left her living in fear was heartbreaking. It was a slow process but I cheered on her every victory and how she worked to reclaim her life. My heart was fully engaged with Baden and Sophie and their slow burn romance developed so naturally. Even with the more serious subject matter, there was a strong focus on healing and starting over. After being consumed by their story, I can’t wait to return to the world of the Pittsburgh Titans. ★★★★.5

Have you read this book?

Top Ten Tuesday: Oldies But Goodies | Books I Love That Are Over a Decade Old

 

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl.

This Week's Top Ten Tuesday Topic:

Oldies But Goodies... 

Books I Love That Were Written Over 10 Years Ago

So this was fun! I enjoyed doing a deep dive to find some favorites 

that are 10+ years old. Some I only read recently (like Slave to Sensation)

and some I read around the time of release (like On the Island). Either way, 

all of these are books I loved (some being all-time favorites) that were

published at least ten years ago.

THE BRONZE HORSEMAN (2000)

THE TRUTH ABOUT MELODY BROWNE (2009)

SLAMMED (2012)

SLAVE TO SENSATION (2006)

ON THE ISLAND (2011)

THE CHARM SCHOOL (1988)

WINTER GARDEN (2010)

OUTLANDER (1991)

TALES OF THE CITY (1978)

OBSIDIAN (2011)

Have you read any of these books?

Top Ten Tuesday: Recent Additions to My Kindle Unlimited TBR

 

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl.

This Week's Top Ten Tuesday Topic:

Recent Addition to My KU TBR

This week's prompt is actually Hilarious Book Titles but I absolutely was not 

feeling that one. So I went rogue and decided to share my most recent additions 

to my Kindle Unlimited TBR/wish list/call it what you want. 

We all know that I don't really use TBR's. I'm a bonofide mood reader and cannot, 

under any circumstances, read from a pre-planned list. Nope, not happening. 

But at the same time, I've never met a list I didn't like and I'll invent any

excuse to make one. So, even though there's a chance these will not get read

anytime soon (or - let's be real - ever), these are the books that have most

recently caught my attention and been added to my KU list.

RECENT KU TBR ADDITIONS

Meet Me Halfway - Lilian T. James

I can't remember where I came across this one, but the angsty

synopsis sounds right up my alley.

Lotus - Jennifer Hartmann

Every synopsis of every Jennifer Hartmann book has me convinced

that I will love it. 

Ruthless Creatures - J.T. Geissinger

This series has been on my radar for a while and seeing it on KU

helps move it up the (hypothetical) list.

Marriage for One - Ella Maise

This has actually been on my radar for a while but I only just recently

realized it was available on KU.

Storm - Carian Cole

I've read two by Cole that I've loved and I'm interested in 

starting this series.

Reverie and Redemption - Kaydence Snow

The concept is super intriguing and since it's on KU, why not?

Puck Shy - Teagan Hunter

The cover is cringey, but both Dini and Deanna swear it's good.

I'm taking them at their word... 😉

Hero - Lauren Rowe

As with Marriage for One, I've been meaning to read Hero for a while,

and just saw that it was on KU.

Where Forever Ends - K. Street

I've read a few by Street that I really enjoyed and would like to read more.

From the Embers - Aly Martinez

I read one from Martinez years ago that didn't really work for me, but

I'm intrigued by this synopsis and willing to give her another try.

Have you read any of these books?

The Sunday Post #298 | August 7, 2022

 

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's a chance to share news:  a post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books, 

and share what's coming up on your blog in the week ahead.

T H E  W E E K  I N  R E V I E W

It was a crazy busy week at the office but also very productive. Thursday was the semi-annual management meeting and, as the assistant to the Board of Directors, I'm in charge of supporting the meeting and planning the off-site dinner that evening. It's months in the making and is always a good feeling when it all goes without a hitch.

I was true to my word and spent time last weekend menu planning. Monday night's dinner, in particular, was a big hit. We made steak tips and mushrooms in the air fryer and I've gotta say, it was... *chef's kiss*. Only a few ingredients, quick, easy, and delicious. A definite keeper! Here's the recipe, if interested.

With all the busy-ness of the week, and the preparations for the meeting/dinner, I was drained by Friday. I decided to work a half-day and called it quits by about noon. It was positively decadent to have the afternoon off. The Husband and I went to lunch (well, take-out, we still don't eat in restaurants - Covid transmission is still High in my city), ran a couple errands, and back at home I indulged in a nap. A perfect end to the work week. :)

Ready for your heart to melt? This man adopted a rescue dog and all the way home from the shelter the dog insisted on touching and holding hands. Every time the man tried to put two hands on the wheel, the dog wasn't having it. The man mentioned that the dog was still so scared when they got home, it took an hour just to get him to slowly come out of the car. I bet he's happy in his new home now. :)

This week's 80's music fix is If You Leave (1986) by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD). The song was written for the movie Pretty In Pink. Anyone else lukewarm about Blane and think Andie should have ended up with Duckie? 😊

O N  T H E  B L O G

Tuesday, August 2

Top Ten Tuesday: Book Settings I Want to Visit

Wednesday, August 3

WWW Wednesday #115

W H A T  I  R E A D 

     

Kindle: Reason to Believe by Rebecca Yarros - ★★★★.5

Audio: My Lucky #13 by Piper Rayne - ★★★★.25

Both of my reads this week were big hits for me. Reason to Believe was a shining example of why I love Rebecca Yarros. She excels at the kind of emotional storytelling that I live for. Complex characters, a great storyline, and enough angst and emotion to engage all my feelings (without going overboard). I also finished My Lucky #13 and what an excellent start to the series. I was so taken by the two main characters. From their initial meeting (which actually occurred in the prequel novella), to their friendship turned working relationship turned romance, and the top notch cast of secondary characters, I flew through this one and can't wait to dive into the next book.

C U R R E N T L Y  R E A D I N G

     

Kindle: Gage (Pittsburgh Titans #3) by Sawyer Bennett

Audio: Husband Material (London Calling #2) by Alexis Hall

I've barely started Gage, but I already have that antsy feeling where I just want to sit down with it and read all afternoon. It's obvious that Gage is truly a good guy just from his first interaction with Jenna. I'm excited to get further into their story.  I'm at the 25% mark of Husband Material and really enjoying it. I love that it's the same narrator from Boyfriend Material. Luc is still a bit of a hot mess (but he's getting there) and I couldn't love him and Oliver more.

N E W  A D D I T I O N S

Even though I'm listening to Husband Material on audio (thank you, Hoopla), that didn't stop me from buying the paperback version. :)

T O T A L L Y  R A N D O M

How was your week?

I'd love to hear about it!