The Sunday Post #297 | July 31, 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

 

What a difference a week can make. Last week I mentioned how it had been such a crazy stressful week. This week was so relaxed and chill. I'm sure it had nothing to do with that fact that two of my three bosses were out of the office. 😉

I think we grabbed take-out every night this week (yes, that makes two weeks in a row) and that needs to stop. I never managed to make a plan for the week so I was winging it for basically every meal. My goal this weekend: block out some time to menu plan, make a grocery list, and hit the store (or place a pick-up order). I really need to come up with more quick and easy weeknight dinners. Any suggestions?

Speaking of foodstuffs, these Nutri-Grain Bites are seriously tasty. The strawberry ones have a dismal rating so I'm steering clear, but I can vouch for theses chocolately banana bites. They're my new afternoon snack.

This week's 80's music fix is I Beg Your Pardon (1988) by Kon Kan. I seriously loved this song back in the day. I remember having the 12" vinyl remix version and being devastated when my sister borrowed it and scratched it. Oh, the drama! 😆

O N   T H E   B L O G

 

Tuesday, July 26

Top Ten Tuesday:

You're Still the One | Books *Still* on My TBR

Wednesday, July 27

WWW Wednesday #114

Friday, July 29

Short Take Reviews: 

The Greene Family Series by Piper Rayne | Books #4 - #7

W H A T   I   R E A D

 

Kindle: Knotted (Trails of Sin #1) by Pam Godwin - ★★★★.5

Audio: My Scorned Best Friend (The Greene Family series #7) by Piper Rayne - ★★★★

Kindle: Call It Unexpected (Sterling Mill #0.5) by M.E. Montgomery - ★★★

Knotted was dark and a little twisted. Bad people doing bad things, and good people doing questionable bad things. But I inhaled it in a couple days (that's fast for me) and am itching to pick up the next book. I loved returning to Sunrise Bay, Alaska in My Scorned Best Friend. Finally getting Clara and Xavier's story gave me all the feels. The Sterling Mill series sounded interesting so I picked up the prequel novella to give it a try. Call It Unexpected was okay but I don't feel compelled to continue the series.

C U R R E N T L Y   R E A D I N G

 

      

Kindle: Reason to Believe (Legacy #1) - Rebecca Yarros

Audio: My Lucky #13 (Hockey Hotties #1) - Piper Rayne

I totally enjoyed the two prequel novellas in the Legacy series and was certain I would love Reason to Believe. In typical Rebecca Yarros fashion, I'm already completely invested and have got choked up several times. Because I apparently can't get enough of Piper Rayne, I started their hockey series this week. I had previously listened to the prequel audio and My Lucky #13 picked up right after that. I'm loving the chemistry between Aiden and Saige.

N E W   A D D I T I O N S

 

Audible Audio: My Lucky #13 - Piper Rayne

T O T A L L Y   R A N D O M

HOW WAS YOUR WEEK?

I'D LOVE TO HEAR ABOUT IT!

Short Take Reviews: The Green Family Series by Piper Rayne | Books #4 - #7

 

After discovering the Greene Family series late last year, I was hooked. Back in January, I shared my reviews for the first several books in the series, and today I'm back to chat about  the rest of the series (to date). I just finished the most recent release (My Scorned Best Friend released on July 12), and I'm already antsy for the next. Thankfully, I don't have long to wait since My Fake Fiancé comes out August 23. In the meantime, here are my thoughts on this feel-good series that continues to deliver.

MY SISTER'S FLIRTY FRIEND

The Greene Family #4

Format: Kindle

Jed was reeling after learning that he was father to a three year old girl he'd never met. To say he struggled with acceptance was an understatement. Now a single father and responsible for Emilia, he felt inadequate and as if he was bound to fail her, as his own father had failed him. Support came from his sister's friend Molly, the woman he'd been secretly trysting with on a no-strings-attached basis. Feeling a lack of connection with her own family, Molly had been embraced by the Greene clan. Watching as she, Jed, and Emilia bonded - separately and together - did my heart good. I loved Jed's transformation from skittish and filled with self-doubt, to a loving and doting father. So many of his scenes with Emilia melted my heart. Seeing these three become a family gave me all the feels and helped make this one of my favorite entries in the series. 4 STARS

MY UNEXPECTED SURPRISE

The Greene Family #5

Format: Audio

As sheriff in Sunrise Bay, Fisher is accustomed to the mantle of responsibility. Then he runs into Allie, his previous one night stand, and discovers she is pregnant with his baby. He immediately steps up, determined to do the right thing... all without becoming emotionally involved. Fisher has always been the most taciturn of the Greene siblings and tends to keep his feelings to himself. But Ali and impending fatherhood helped change that. I adored Fisher's gruff exterior that covered a heart of gold. Ali was the perfect match for him and her fiery personality meant she wasn't going to settle, but would fight for the man and the family she deserved. I loved when Fisher would make his "because I said so" demands and Ali would swiftly put him in his place. They were such a perfect match even though they had to really compromise and reimagine what their happily ever after would look like. Piper Rayne upped the emotion in this one and I was wiping away tears when their happily ever after was at risk. 4.25 STARS

MY FAMOUS FRENEMY

The Greene Family #6

Format: Audio

Posey was beyond surprised when her former childhood celebrity crush moved to Sunrise Bay. Gavin, who happened to be a friend of Posey's brother-in-law, was walking away from Hollywood and embarking on a new life in the small town. He made no effort to hide his interest in Posey and it was sweet how he invented reasons to see her and spend time with her. And it seemed the interest was mutual... until Posey learned that Gavin was running against her mother in the local mayoral race. Suddenly Gavin went from possible love interest to public enemy #1. While still enjoyable, My Famous Frenemy was not my favorite in the series. Posey's dislike of Gavin felt unreasonable and her treatment of him was so unfair and hurtful. Posey had always been closest to her mother, and in many ways felt responsible for her happiness. But her actions, which seemed petulant and immature, had me firmly on Team Gavin. When he finally drew the line and said enough, I was happy that he insisted she examine herself and make a choice. 3.5 STARS

A GREENE FAMILY VACATION

The Greene Family #6.5

Format: Audio

At just under 100 pages, there was plenty packed into this novella. When most of the Greene siblings head to a Hawaiian vacation, you know it's not all going to go smoothly. There were peeks at each couple (and the kids) which did my heart good. But it was single Chevelle who got the most page time. The ever-present push and pull between she and Cam was on full display while in Hawaii. And Cam making a late-night visit to the kids dressed as the Tooth Fairy was priceless. I know Rayne is saving Cam and Chevelle's story for last, and I'm so ready for it. 4 STARS

MY SCORNED BEST FRIEND

The Greene Family #7

Format: Audio

It's been a long wait for Xavier and Clara's story and it did not disappoint. Best friends since kindergarten, they've endured years of questions and assumptions about their relationship. They were one another's confidante, biggest supporter, and best friend, but they never crossed that line... until one night two years ago. Xavier's reaction the morning after led to a two year estrangement, which left them both at a loss and missing one another, but unable to move past it. It's when Xavier's teammate begins pursuing Clara, along with some not-so-gentle nudges from his family, that Xavier realizes that Clara has always been the one. Unfortunately, his epiphany comes just as Clara decides it's finally time to set her feelings aside and move on. I'm a sucker for the friends to lovers trope (it's one of my favorites), and Piper Rayne did it justice here. It took a lot for Xavier to move past his own fears but once he did, look out. This guy was going to woo his girl! I loved Clara's strength and her sense of self-worth. Her determination to live her own life and dreams and not lose them in the glare of Xavier's fame as a professional football player showed how truly grounded she was. The inclusion of so many of the extended Greene family was icing on the cake. 4 STARS

HAVE YOU READ THIS SERIES?

WWW Wednesday #114 | July 27, 2022

    

WWW Wednesdays is hosted by Sam @ Taking on a World of Words. 
Just share your answers to three questions: 
What are you currently reading? 

What did you recently finish reading? 

What do you think you'll read next?

WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING?

      

Knotted (Trails of Sin #1) by Pam Godwin

My Scorned Best Friend (The Greene Family #7) by Piper Rayne

These two books are obviously on opposite ends of the romance spectrum which just

shows that my reading mood is all over the place right now. 😉

Currently reading: I've been meaning to try something by Pam Godwin for quite a while 

and when I recently saw a favorite BookTuber discuss Knotted, I decided it was the one I 

would start with. I was sucked in from the start and have been flying through it. It's dark 

and gritty and I love these characters. I can see myself bingeing the next two books 

because I need to see where their stories are going to go.

Current progress: 65%

Currently listening: The wait for Clara and Xavier's story is finally over. In My 

Scorned Best Friend, these two best friends are finally getting together after a two year estrangement. I just love the Greene family and the small town setting of Sunrise Bay, 

Alaska. 

Current progress: 85%

WHAT DID YOU RECENTLY FINISH READING?

     

Mine to Possess (Psy-Changeling #4) by Nalini Singh - ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Love Lessons (Brooklyn Bruisers #12) by Sarina Bowen - ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Recently read: The Psy-Changeling series continues to have a hold on me. Mine to 

Possess had a slightly darker tone with Talin's background of abuse. I loved the push and 

pull between Clay and Talin and the way they helped heal one another after so many years 

apart. 

Recently listened to: Love Lessons was another excellent addition to the Brooklyn 

Bruisers world. Ian and Vera could not have been more opposite but tell that to their

chemistry. The time at the Italian villa with the other couples was amazing and back

at home there was a scene with team captain O'Doul that brought me sniffling and 

wiping away the tears.

WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'LL READ NEXT?

     

Reason to Believe by Rebecca Yarros

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

I'm never sure what I'll read next, but both of these are strong possibilities.

WHAT ARE YOU READING TODAY?

LET ME KNOW IN THE COMMENTS! :)

Top Ten Tuesday: You're Still the One | Books *Still* On My TBR

 

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

This Week's Top Ten Tuesday Topic:

Books from Previous TBRs... 

that are Still on my TBR

Going back through previous TBRs that I've shared on the blog (whether seasonal TBRs, 

most anticipated TBRs, or "books I never got to" TBRs), I was actually surprised

at how many I've since read. Go me! There were also a few that I've since lost

interest in. But there were certainly plenty that are still languishing on my 

TBR that I really do still want to read. 

YOU'RE STILL THE ONE: 

BOOKS STILL ON MY TBR

The Song Book of Benny Lament - Amy Harmon

No Tomorrow - Carian Cole

The Brightest Night - Jennifer L. Armentrout

All I Ask - Corinne Michaels

A Court of Silver Flames - Sarah J. Maas

The Highland Fling - Meghan Quinn

The Last Piece of His Heart - Emma Scott

Don't Kiss the Bride - Carian Cole

The Sinner  - Emma Scott

The Great Alone - Kristin Hannah

Have you read any of these books?

The Sunday Post #296 | July 24, 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

 

What a week. Work-wise things were busy and stressful and I was so relieved for Friday afternoon to finally arrive. I was beyond ready to head out and close the door on the work week. Around 4:00, just as I was getting ready to shut down my computer... torrential rain storm. Thunder that felt like it was shaking the building, wind so strong it was flinging the lobby door open, and rain that flooded the parking lot in minutes. So, I wasn't going anywhere any time soon. Gah! Half an hour later it finally let up enough for me to make a mad dash out of there. 

With work being so stressful all week, I wasn't doing much after hours. I didn't even stick to my weekly menu plan. Several Most nights we grabbed take-out when I was too wiped out to deal with dinner. To make up for it, I plan on making a special home-cooked meal Sunday evening - I just don't know what that will be yet. 😉

Instead of the usual 80's tunes this week, I'm going to share some random acts of kindness. There's so much ugliness lately, it's enough to drag your spirits down. So how about a little lift showing the good in people instead? Enjoy.

O N   T H E   B L O G

 

Tuesday, July 19

Top Ten Tuesday:

Favorite Sports Romances

Thursday, July 21

The Mid-Year Book Freak Out Tag

W H A T   I   R E A D

 

     

Audio: Love Lessons (Brooklyn Bruisers #12) by Sarina Bowen - ★★★★

Kindle: Mine to Possess (Psy-Changeling #4) by Nalini Singh - ★★★★

C U R R E N T L Y   R E A D I N G

 

    

Audio: My Scorned Best Friend (The Greene Family #7) - Piper Rayne

N E W   A D D I T I O N S

 

Kindle: Forever Only Once - Carrie Ann Ryan

T O T A L L Y   R A N D O M

HOW WAS YOUR WEEK?

I'D LOVE TO HEAR ABOUT IT!