Farm News - July 16, 2023 (In which books were bought and I cried)

 

Welcome or welcome back!  I hope everyone had a great week.  Things here at the farm were good overall.  We did have a few nasty storms but nothing like a lot of other areas in the US and part of the time was spent just anticipating storms which never happened but were predicted.  I have to admit I am a tad afraid of storms but learned to keep my anxiety under control when we had pups that were terrified of them because I learned they were picking up off my emotions on top of theirs.  Apollo could honestly care less overall unless there is a LOUD thunderclap, and then he just looks at me like "What the hell was that?"

So let's get the crying portion of this post out of the way and it's not what you might expect.  In fact, it's all because we watched Guardians of the Galaxy 3 last weekend.  OMG!  Who thought animal cruelty was great for a Marvel movie?  It was gut wrenching and I sobbed!  Even Mr. Barb, who might normally joke and give me a hard time said the movie gave him a serious case of "the feels" as well.  Overall, it was good, and I highly recommend it just be prepared.  

Apollo is still sporting his bandanas and to be honest, I can see it being an all the time thing now because he looks forward to picking one out every morning and then prancing off.  Here is a picture I took of my "co-worker" lounging on the job one day while I was working hard.  I do think I like darker colors on him the best although it's hard to tell anything from this angle.  Crazy dog!  

So as I mentioned, I also bought books this week.  More than I had in a while.  I ended up finding two books fairly cheap on Pango that I had been wanting and the seller was awesome enough to throw in one for free.  I don't purchase from Pango often but admit that it is the first place I check now when I am wanting a physical copy of something.

I also ordered a couple of physical copies from Amazon because I had a gift card and because I wanted them - sorry, not sorry 😆.  I prefer to read anthologies in physical format and was really curious about the other two after seeing so many people read them for the Summerween reading event on Booktube the first week of July.

And finally, there were a few Kindle grabs and you might see a couple show up as buddy reads with Stormi later this month.  

So how was your week?  Did you read or watch anything good?

2 Bloggers 1 Series - Virgin River

 

So Stormi and I are getting closer to the end.  Two more books in this massive series and we are hoping to finish up in September.  As excited as I am to finish it, I have to admit I will miss the town and the characters.  We are already looking for a series with similar vibes so if you have any suggestions, let us know.  You know the drill, read on to see my thoughts and then and then hop over to Stormi's at Storm Reads to see her's.

TITLE: Sunrise Point (Virgin River #17)

AUTHOR: Robyn Carr

PUBLISHER: MIRA Books

PUBLISHING DATE: April 24, 2012

PAGES: 378   

SOURCE: Hoopla

FROM GOODREADS: 

Former Marine Tom Cavanaugh’s come home to Virgin River, ready to take over his family’s apple orchard and settle down. He knows just what the perfect woman will be like: sweet, decent, maybe a little naive. The marrying kind. 

Nothing like Nora Crane. So why can’t he keep his eyes off the striking single mother? 

Nora may not have a formal education, but she graduated with honors from the school of hard knocks. She’s been through tough times and she’ll do whatever it takes to support her family, including helping with harvest time at the Cavanaugh’s orchard. She’s always kept a single-minded focus on staying afloat...but suddenly her thoughts keep drifting back to rugged, opinionated Tom Cavanaugh. 

Both Nora and Tom have their own ideas of what family means. But they’re about to prove each other completely wrong... 

MY THOUGHTS:  I really liked the plot in this installment and Nora was a treat.  However, I won't lie I'm not the biggest fan of Tom.  He is more likeable at the end, but it was a bumpy road getting there.

Nora has two small children thanks to an unreliable college boyfriend of questionable character.  She also has no family support as she was raised by a mother with concerning parenting techniques and a father who split when she was six.  So, Nora has learned to be independent, and she wants to start standing on her own two feet when she takes a job very few think she can do harvesting apples in the local orchard.  Tom is a former Marine who has come home to run the family business along with his grandmother, who raised him.  Needless to say sparks between the two immediately fly and Tom does everything he can, including dating a uppity woman he has little interest in, to put out the flames.

I felt at times Tom was just too darn judgmental.  He made a lot of assumptions about Nora right off the bat and even when he started to get to know her and the two became friends of a sort, he was STILL concerned about her being an unwed mother.  The best part about this book in my opinion is Nora learning what really happened with her mother and father and watching her build a relationship with him and welcoming him into her life.  I also really liked Tom's grandmother Maxie, who has no difficulty saying what is on her mind.

This was another great addition but due to the reasons I mentioned, and the fact that there is BEAR MURDER, I just can't give it a full 5 star rating.  However, I did enjoy it for the most part and am anxious for the next one!

RATING: 4 PAWS

Feed Your TBR - Assistant to the Villain

 

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings to spotlight highly anticipated books.  It is based on the Waiting on Wednesday meme which used to be hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

September 5, 2023

FROM GOODREADS: ASSISTANT WANTED: Notorious, high-ranking villain seeks loyal, levelheaded assistant for unspecified office duties, supporting staff for random mayhem, terror, and other Dark Things In General. Discretion a must. Excellent benefits.

With ailing family to support, Evie Sage's employment status isn't just important, it's vital. So when a mishap with Rennedawn’s most infamous Villain results in a job offer—naturally, she says yes. No job is perfect, of course, but even less so when you develop a teeny crush on your terrifying, temperamental, and undeniably hot boss. Don’t find evil so attractive, Evie.

But just when she’s getting used to severed heads suspended from the ceiling and the odd squish of an errant eyeball beneath her heel, Evie suspects this dungeon has a huge rat…and not just the literal kind. Because something rotten is growing in the kingdom of Rennedawn, and someone wants to take the Villain—and his entire nefarious empire—out.

Now Evie must not only resist drooling over her boss but also figure out exactly who is sabotaging his work…and ensure he makes them pay.

WHY I CAN"T WAIT: I am not sure what exactly drew me to this book it sounds rather funny and hey, sometimes I just need a comical read.

WHAT BOOK CAN'T YOU WAIT FOR THIS WEEK???

This Was So Much Fun!

 

TITLE: In Nightfall

AUTHOR: Suzanne Young

PUBLISHER: Delacorte Press

PUBLISHING DATE: June 6, 2023

PAGES: 384   

SOURCE:Own Library

FROM GOODREADS: 

In the quaint town of Nightfall, Oregon, it isn't the dark you should be afraid of—it's the girls. The Lost Boys meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer in this propulsive novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Treatment. 

Theo and her brother, Marco, threw the biggest party of the year. And got caught. Their punishment? Leave Arizona to spend the summer with their grandmother in the rainy beachside town of Nightfall, Oregon—population 846 souls. 

The small town is cute, when it’s not raining, but their grandmother is superstitious and strangely antisocial. Upon their arrival she lays out the one house rule: always be home before dark. But Theo and Marco are determined to make the most of their summer, and on their first day they meet the enigmatic Minnow and her friends. Beautiful and charismatic, the girls have a magnetic pull that Theo and her brother can't resist. 

But Minnow and her friends are far from what they appear. And that one rule? Theo quickly realizes she should have listened to her grandmother. Because after dark, something emerges in Nightfall. And it doesn’t plan to let her leave. 

MY THOUGHTS: While recently off on vacation, I really wanted to read something which might be light and fun.  I had tracked this book down on Pango recently as my library never got around to obtaining a copy so one night, I grabbed it on a whim.  I am so glad I did.  Not only was it the fun read I was looking for, but it is also in my opinion, a perfect summer read.

After throwing an out-of-control party at the end of school, Theo and Marco are forced to travel with their father to visit a grandmother they have never seen in a little Oregon town called Nightfall.  Not only do they consider a summer in a small town a death sentence, but they also have tons of questions about why they've never met their grandmother before, why she has so many rules and odd superstitions, and why she wants they home before dark.  Theo and Marco begin to break the rules almost suddenly and are quickly welcomed into the inner circle of some glamorous townies.  However, they may have "bit" off more than they bargained for.

If you have ever seen Lost Boys, then you will probably be able to see everything coming in the novel long before it materializes.  This has to be the author's love letter to that movie because it's basically just a gender-swapped version of it.  All that is missing is the kick-ass soundtrack which if you've seen the movie as much as I have, you'll hear it in your mind as you are reading.  But since I ADORE the movie, I had a blast with In Nightfall.

I will add that there were a few standouts for me.  The relationship between Theo and her brother Marco is awesome and so fully developed.  She has so much trouble accepting what is happening to him and has such a drive to rescue him as the book progresses.  Young really fleshed out the special bond these 2 siblings had.  Also, the grandmother, loving called Nonna, is such a treat.  She's odd and mysterious and definitely not one to mess with. She is definitely going on my favorite character list.

So if you are craving a fun, vampy read, definitely consider giving this book a chance.  I couldn't have picked up a better time to read it and it will remain a fond memory of the Summer 2023 Stay-cation!

RATING: 5 PAWS

Farm News - July 9, 2023

So I didn't get a post up last weekend as I was on vacation and preparing for our annual 4th of July cookout.  I've been off all week and thought it was about time to catch up and touch base.  

The cookout went well even if it was a tad hot.  Mr. Barb overcooked as usual, and everyone brought extra food so we've pretty much been living on leftovers the rest of the week.  Apollo enjoyed the extra attention and even got a new fancy cooling mat so he could be outside with us the majority of the day.  Speaking of Apollo, Bandana Summer is still going strong.  He has yet to miss a day or wear a repeat.  I promise to have more pictures next week.

For a switch, I actually got a lot of reading done while off.  Usually, my reading falls to the wayside for some reason when I'm off but I finished 5 books and am starting 3 news ones today.  I can't make up my mind.  Here are the three I'm currently going back and forth between to see which one sticks the best.

We didn't really watch any great movies as it seems there wasn't much to stream.  However, I'm typing this on a Saturday evening, and we are planning to watch Guardians of the Galaxy 3 tonight so I'll give you an update next weekend.  

I was approved for a few exciting arcs this week.  Where He Can't Find You releases November 7, 2023 and I'm really curious how Darcy Coates is able to write and publish so much in a year's time.  Let Him In sounds like a really exciting new horror novel and it releases on October 3, 2024.  Just in time for Halloween. And finally, Zeus: Water Rescue is the start of a new middle-grade dog series by Bruce W. Cameron.  I'm always interested in whatever he comes out with.  It releases August 29, 2023.

I'm trying to gear up to get back in the groove with work Monday which isn't all that bad when you work from home 95% of the time.  Wish me luck! Hope you all had a wonderful week as well.

Feed Your TBR - The Bride

 

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings to spotlight highly anticipated books.  It is based on the Waiting on Wednesday meme which used to be hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

FEBRUARY 6, 2024

FROM GOODREADS: A dangerous alliance between a Vampyre bride and an Alpha werewolf becomes a love deep enough to sink your teeth into in this new paranormal romance from the New York Times bestselling author of The Love Hypothesis.

Misery Lark, the only daughter of the most powerful Vampyre councilman of the Southwest, is an outcast-again. Her days of living in anonymity among the Humans are she has been called upon to uphold an historic peacekeeping alliance between the Vampyres and their mortal enemies, the Weres, and sees little choice but to surrender herself in the exchange. Again . . .

Weres are ruthless and unpredictable, and their Alpha, Lowe Moreland, is no exception. He rules his pack with absolute authority, but not without justice. And, unlike the Vampyre Council, not without feeling. It's clear from the way he tracks Misery's every movement that he doesn't trust her. If only he knew how right he was . . .

Because Misery has her own reasons to agree to this marriage of convenience, reasons that have nothing to do with politics or alliances, and everything to do with the only thing she's ever cared about. And she is willing to do whatever it takes to get back what's hers, even if it means a life alone in Were territory . . . alone with the wolf.

WHY I CAN'T WAIT:  I've never read this author before but when I saw she was coming out with a paranormal romance featuring my two favorite creatures, vampires and werewolves, I HAD to add it to my wishlist.

WHAT BOOK CAN'T YOU WAIT FOR THIS WEEK?

Am I Becoming a Romance Girlie?????

 

TITLE: Unfortunately Yours (A Vine Mess #2)

AUTHOR: Tessa Bailey

PUBLISHER: Avon

PUBLISHING DATE: June 6, 2023

PAGES: 384   

SOURCE:Library

FROM GOODREADS: 

A down-on-her-luck Napa heiress suggests a mutually beneficial marriage of convenience to a man she can't stand... only to discover there's a fine line between love and hate. 

After losing her job and her fiancé in one fell swoop, Natalie Vos returned home to lick her wounds. A few months later, she's sufficiently drowned her sorrows in cabernet and she's ready to get back on her feet. She just needs her trust fund to finance her new business venture. Unfortunately, the terms require she marry before she can have the money. And well, dumped, remember? But Natalie is desperate enough to propose to a man who makes her want to kill him--and kiss him, in equal measure. 

August Cates may own a vineyard, but he doesn't know jack about making wine. He's determined to do his late best friend proud, no matter what it takes. Except his tasting room is empty, his wine is disgusting (seriously, he once saw someone gag), and his buddy's legacy is circling the drain. No bank will give him the loan he needs to turn the business around... and then the gorgeous, feisty heiress knocks on his door. Natalie has haunted his dreams since the moment they met, but their sizzling chemistry immediately morphed into simmering insults. 

Now, a quickie marriage could help them both. A sham wedding, a few weeks living under the same roof, and then they can go their separate ways--assuming they make it out alive. How hard could it be? There's just one thing they didn't account for: their unfortunate, unbearable, undeniable attraction.

MY THOUGHTS: To answer the above question - no.  However, I do fancy myself a mood reader and currently, I seem to be in a romance phase.  It also doesn't hurt that I discovered how much I love this author last year and that she has a healthy backlist as well as new books coming out all the time.

This book is actually the companion to Secretly Yours and it's hard to tell which one I enjoyed more.  In this one, Natalie has come back home after losing her high-profile finance job in New York.  She desperately wants to return and start her own firm but will need access to her trust first.  There's one hitch, she has to be married first.  August moved to town wanting to start a profitable vineyard to honor a former Navy Seal who was his best friend and who died in battle.  Trouble is he knows nothing about wine.  These two will need to team up to get what they want.  But there is one problem, they hate each other.

I love the enemies to lovers trope and it is in full force in Unfortunately Yours.  The back-and-forth banter, coupled with an undesirable attraction, make this an almost perfect read.  I really only had two small issues with the book.  One, at times August has almost a caveman attitude when it comes to Natalie and although cute at times, it really went overboard at others.  Also, Natalie deep down is her own worst enemy and there were moments I wished she would get out of her own way and allow happiness to happen,

Overall, this was a fun read and delivered everything I have come to expect from Tessa Bailey.  If you are looking for something light, fun and sometimes steamy, then I would definitely recommend you check this book out.  You don't have to necessarily read Secretly Yours first, but I do think it adds more to this one.  Oh, and Secretly Yours has dogs so why would you skip it?

RATING: 4 PAWS