Friday, July 31, 2015

What Else I Read in July 2015

Books: 


The Perfect Bargain by Julie London - This is a quick cute story.  The two main characters should not be just right for each other but it turns out they are.  Sloane Chatfield is an American who is trying to get away from her friends good intentions.  Galen Buchanan is a pub owner in a tiny village in Scotland.  The two strike a bargain that leads to much more than either expected.  Nothing that new in the story line but very well written and fun to read.


Only a Promise by Mary Balogh – This is the next novel in The Survivor’s Club and found it a little stale.  Both Ralph and Chloe were the weakest characters in the series so far.  As I read the story it was been there done that and every action was just a replay of several previous books with new character names.  For those of us who are long term fans it was fun to see the names of characters from previous series.  At least one even had a small part to play.


A Lawman’s Justice by Delores Fossen – The final book in the Sweetwater Ranch series and we finally solve the mystery that has been at the heart of the series.  I admit I suspected all was not as it seemed and I was right.  Of course there is a romance between two more of the characters.  It starts out as just tension between two people who seem to be on different sides but changes as they face increasing danger.  It is a satisfying end to the series.

Lone Rider by B.J. Daniels – This is book two the Montana Hamiltons series.  Another of Hamilton’s daughters is in danger and an old flame goes to find her.  Bo Hamilton and Jace Calder are at the heart of the story. But Bo and Jace are not the only focus in the book.  Like previous series there is another mystery that is playing out a little at a time in each book.  Someone has returned 22 years after everyone thought she was dead. There is also danger for Jace’s sister and there are hints about the return of Bo’s mother.  This is shaping up to be another nail biter with a great cast of characters.


Rolling Like Thunder by Vicki Lewis Thompson - Book Three in the Thunder Mountain Brotherhood.  This is Finn’s and Chelsea’s story.  Chelsea helped Finn with a Kickstarter campaign allowing him to open his brewery.  There has always been attraction but Finn has ignored it.  Now they have traveled to Wyoming for the conclusion of the Kickstarter campaign for the Thunder Mountain Academy.  They find a HEA and the Academy does get funded but not without some drama.  There is a nice visit to the Chance ranch that adds to the book.  A nice addition to the series and a good end for the third Thunder Mountain Brother.


1636: The Cardinal Virtues (Ring of Fire, #19) by Eric Flint and Walter H. Hunt – Do not look for main line characters in The Cardinal Virtues.  We do have brief looks at some but they are very brief.  Do look of a side story that looks like it will set up main line events in future books.  There is a lot of action and mystery in the book and we are left with what may be a clue or may be an Elvis type of event.  I enjoyed reading the book.  While it is a standalone story it would be much better if you were familiar with previous books.  Now that I have finished I want to know how the events will be used in future novels.


Thrill Me by Susan Mallery – The latest in the Fool’s Gold series Thrill Me introduces 5 brothers who are ripe for romance.  Thrill Me brings the oldest, Del Mitchell back for the summer.  Maya Farlow is also back in Fool’s Gold.  The two have a history and when they have to work together that history repeats itself.  Both hope for a better ending this time.  As always a fun story filled with great characters. 

Audio Books:


Gunmetal Magic by Ilona Andrews - A spin-off from the Kate Daniels series Gunmetal Magic features Andrea Nash and Raphael Medrano.  Kate plays a small part in the story.  There is a murder to be solved and Andrea is the one doing the investigation.   There is more than murder in the wind.  Andrea and Raphael have personal issues.  Andrea is trying to overcome issues from her past.  This is very much a character and action driven story filled with danger, tension and romance.  It does stand-alone.

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