Season of Storms (The Witcher Saga, #8) by Andrzej Sapkowski

Where do you begin when it's time to say goodbye? I'd say that I'm unsure about this book especially in regards to the recommended reading order. I'll say this with conviction - this book NEEDS to be read after the first installment of short stories ("The Last Wish") BUT the epilogue should be read ONLY after finishing the last full length novel ("The Lady of the Lake") if possible IMMEDIATELY after. I think it will give the reader a much more positive way of concluding the series. Though I still consider it a VERY open ending. 

This book, as mentioned, takes place, chronologically after the story "The Last Wish", which means, Ciri is not a part of the story and not mentioned even briefly. This is mostly Geralt's story as a Witcher (something he really HADN'T been for a few books). Going after demons and finding the real monsters are humans. His connection with Yennefer is still confusing to both of them. Geralt finds a "romantic interest" even if he realizes Coral isn't the one he really wants. And Yennefer? who knows with her, right? She has a rather short appearance in this one. But at least we have Dandelion with his shenanigans hehe. 

The story itself was intriguing even if annoying in the way Geralt was treated and the misfortune following him around wherever he goes. I felt bad for him. I think this is the kind of Geralt we saw in the very beginning and almost forgot. Witchers aren't appreciated or admired, they are mostly seen as half monsters themselves. He is lucky to have Dandelion and naturally everyone in Kaer Morhen. 

The Lady of the Lake (The Witcher Saga, #7) by Andrzej Sapkowski

It has been a few hours since I finished this book and I'm still not sure what I think about it. Andrzej closed nicely quite a few threads yet the MAIN thread, well, I don't know. Was it a good finale? In a way. But I can't help the feelings we didn't get EVERYTHING that needed to be said and done, especially concerning our 3 MCs - Geralt, Yennefer and Ciri.

This book is MUCH longer than the previous ones. It seems to me Andrzej had a lot of things he wanted to disclose. About life and death, politics, destiny. He spent about half of the book with side characters, some we haven't even met, dealing with the "conclusive" war between the North and the South and especially how FUTILE it all was for both sides. It doesn't matter who won, they all lost. Blood, pain and tears. The loss of loved ones, of hope as well as "humanity". It was a good reflection on life. "Worked" well for me on the Holocaust remembrance day as well as these days with the war between Russia and Ukraine. What does war bring really? What is it for? Who does it serve? It seems the answers are "Nothing" and "Nobody". 

In this stage of the series, on the last book, I needed more of our MCs. Which is why if I had to give my rating for the first half of the book it would have been a rounded up 3 stars. Even when we got Geralt and Ciri they weren't "themselves" with the decisions they were making and there was too little of Yennefer (as usual). When the three are FINALLY united it was painful every step of the way. Even in the happy parts, even when there was understanding and love. Too much has happened to them. They were left almost silent. How could they express everything that was said and done? The tender love between these three was everything I wanted and hoped for but the lingering taste we were left with was sadness, sorrow and regret. I'm trying to think about all three and if at the very end of the story they got what they most longed for. What they deserved. I'm left with no answer. No answer at all. Even if they did, the price was too high. 

Shenanigans (Brooklyn Bruisers #9) [Neil & Charli] by Sarina Bowen

While I waited impatiently for this book to come when I finally got it I was drowning in a sea of commitment I couldn't shake. So the minute I felt I could do this I delved in. Maybe it's the fact I hadn't read (or even listened) to a book for a whole month, but the start of this one was a bit slow for me. Took me time to understand and connect with the characters and I still feel a bit unsure about my feelings towards Charli (though I understand her motives). Neil on the other hand I all heartedly ADORED and it has nothing to do with him being a billionaire and everything to do with how thoughtful and caring he is (also fun!)

This book contains two tropes I'm usually not a fan of - billionaires and accidental (Vegas) wedding. Since this is Sarina I really wasn't worried. I think it suited the story and them perfectly. It also highlighted not only the difference between their backgrounds but their current situation as professional athletes and the outrageous difference in salary (and status) between men and women in sports. 

Charlotte "Charli" Fern Higgins is more than surprised to wake up half naked with her friend Neil barely remembering the night before. But when she does she realizes they have made several HUGE mistakes - making out for sure, but getting married?!?! How could they do it? How could SHE? (who barely even date and if she does it's women). 

Cornelius Harmon Drake III - or in short, Neil - is also shocked he has done such a huge mistake. He was always attracted to Charli but he just broke with his girlfriend Iris and though he didn't love her it doesn't mean he wanted to be hitched to someone else, just thinking about the family drama is enough for him, and they are also LATE for the plane home to where both need to be ASAP for their respective hockey practice. 

As Neil's family owns their own jet company it's easy to get a ride home but what's much more complicated? Getting divorced and before that? dealing with the press, their friends and Neil's evil uncle. 

Spirited (Treasured #4) [Jack & Garrick] by Cari Z.

My thoughts are a bit jumbled. I liked this one but I can't say I loved it. It was action packed which was great, moving the plot and allowing the two MCs to work together and through that work their own issues with one another. The magical part was pretty cool! Each on his own as well as when they finally joined forces near the end.  

Detective Jack Haney is working a case and he isn't getting closer to solving it. There's a new drug on the market and since there's magic involved, it's almost impossible to track. That's where Garrick O'Connel - his former partner and lover comes in. They are assigned together AGAIN to try and catch the sorcerer who is making and distributing the drug. 

Emma [Audible Production] by Jane Austen

This book was so much fun! I have never listened to anything like it! It's a REAL production. All the audio books I've listened to were narrated by one-two people who worked hard to bring to life all the characters with different voices and dialects. In this one we had a narrator (the one and only Emma Thompson) AND a full cast of characters, background sounds, music etc. I felt like I was truly inside a play. That's without even mentioning what I thought of the book itself! Which I DID enjoy. 

What was fun about this book, for me, was the ridiculous situations the characters found themselves in, the silly games they were playing all in the name of what's "proper" in society (and maybe what they could get away with...). But in a way, that's part of this book's charm. No one was REALLY likeable ESPECIALLY Emma Woodhouse, as Jane Austen herself said "I am going to take a heroine whom no-one but myself will much like". If this was any other "regular" romance novel I would have REALLY pitied the hero for "settling" for someone like her, but honestly, though Mr. George Knightley is portrayed as practically perfect, that in itself felt like a flaw. 

I just recently realized the 90s movie "Clueless" is based on this novel and you know what, the title couldn't be more fitting as Emma is truly and absolutely CLUELESS of the world around her. She tries to match make the people around her in the worst way possible, missing the mark SO FAR it was simply embarrassing to everyone involved. The way she catalogues people around her (and their worth...) felt like a series of excuses I'm not sure how she herself bought (so no wonder she changed her mind about half of them). She behaved as righteous and good natured but in the end she was another snobby and boring rich girl, looking to brighten and color her days with the lives of others, mostly adding the color with her meddling.

Christmas Mountain by Garrett Leigh

A sweet love story between two friends who were separated due to unfortunate life circumstances. Fen and Rami have been working together, Fen as a prison officer and Rami as a social worker / probation officer. We even met the two through Dante Pope ("Salvation", the 3rd installment of the Darkest Skies series). But exactly when everything SEEMED to progress they parted ways. Rami's brother died leaving his baby boy in Rami's care and right around that time Fen was mortally injured. When Rami returned to his job after a short leave to deal with the care of his nephew he found Fen long gone. 

Two years later and Rami Stone couldn't handle it anymore. He got into the car with little Charlie and his things and drove to Christmas Mountain, where his sister Safia McCade lives with her husband and kids. He isn't sure WHAT he expected exactly. He couldn't leave Charlie behind, not after a second thought. Charlie WOULD be happy there, but will Rami be without him? He also couldn't stay as his job was too far from Safia's house, not to mention how isolated it is and this time of year SO COLD. 

Fen Hawthorne life has changed for sure. Returning to his family's property on Christmas Mountain his life is much more relaxed even if the events that happened two years ago have left their scars - physical and emotional. He is better now, but he is still missing what he could have had with a man he couldn't forget. Which is why he is more than surprised when the car stuck near his gate is no other than Rami's. 

Sword of Destiny (The Witcher Saga, #2) by Andrzej Sapkowski

The second collection of stories which prequal the series itself. We get more of all of main characters - naturally Geralt in all of them as well as with Yennefer, Dandelion and in the last two Ciri as well.  it's mostly quite different than the TV series showed and funny enough, half of them were portrayed in the 1st season.

3 out of the 6 stories were WONDERFUL. But the other ones were at best "okay reads". All of them shows us exactly who Geralt is, the companionship he shares with Dandelion (a true friendship even WHILE they quarrel), his more than complicated relationship with Yennefer (I have to say she is WAY more likeable in the TV series, I'm interested to see how their relationship builds through the books) and lastly his new found connection with Ciri which was mostly sweet and endearing. 

Sailor Proof (Shore Leave #1) [Derrick & Arthur] by Annabeth Albert

It feels like it's been a while! Not sure I remember how to review a book hehe. I'll start by saying - though I enjoyed this book it wasn't my favorite. I liked both MCs, especially getting both their POVs but something was somehow missing. I think I would preferred a different focus. The first part of the book where Derrick and Arthur get to know each other was filled with family and friends where these two could barely find a break. At that point I didn't care that much about anyone else and then when they were finally getting somewhere outside the family vacation it was glossed over. I would have actually enjoyed getting to see how they fit in everyday life more if it makes any sense. 

Naval Chief Derrick Fox dedicated his life to his military career and considering he doesn't really have anything going on outside his service it's no wonder he is so invested in advancing as soon as possible. With his best friend Calder by his side (who is as ambitious as him) he's in a good place. Well, he IS sick of his ex's new conquer flaunting how happy they are together and them getting to share "the first kiss" (when they arrive to shore) only makes him more annoyed with the whole thing. Wanting to help Derrick extract a bit of harmless tease Calder offers his little brother as Derrick's new boyfriend, waiting for him on the shore. Neither of them expected what would happen - from the heart stopping kiss they shared to spending a whole family vacation together when the little "scheme" escalated a bit out of hand. 

Moon Spell (Fated, #2) [Bellamy & Ashwood] by Christina Lee

This one was different then what I expected. Maybe my feelings towards it has something to do with just how SAD the whole story was. Both guys' life were pretty miserable. Well, Bellamy's life SEEMS happy at "Moon Flower", and yet he still kept a HUGE part of himself wraped in as many layers as he could but he couldn't really hide his true feelings, they were still there, always. While his pain was obvious as our sole POV, Ashwood's feelings were in a way even more evident. Every gesture, every word spoken - his love for Bellamy has no end. 

We've met Bellamy in the previous installment, it was more than hinted he might be a werewolf with a lover someone out there. It's all true but it's far more complicated than either guy at the establishment could have guessed. I'm not going to go into a lot of details about Bellamy's past decisions or what exactly happened between him and Ashwood. I'll just say they were everything to one another when Ashwood betrayed his trust. With everything they shared it broke his heart and ability to fully trust (himself and what he was becoming). Now, 2 years later, they have an oportunity to speak again and put everything that happened on the table. It might not be the best time as Bellamy is dying of the the Violet Fever. The cure Madam Langley found doesn't work for him, it might even make him worse and so Ashwood takes it upon himself to try and heal him. 

A Rush of White Wings (Out of Ireland #2) [Sean & Ailish] by Pamela Ford

This book wasn't what I was expecting it to be. For better or for worse. I was disappointed Kathleen and Jack's story in "To Ride a White Horse" ended so abruptly, I wanted to get something clearer about them, more than just a declaration, so this book gave me the closure I needed as it doesn't only circle around Sean and Ailish - it has the POV of both couples - the first one being together for 4 years and the second trying to form a connection against all odds. In a way it was also the story of the two families - Montgomery-Deacy - mashed together. 

The story begins with the heart breaking scene of Sean Deacy pulling a dead man off the sea after a ship carrying immigrants from Ireland crashes almost at the shores of America. The satchel the man was holding so tightly didn't contain his possession but a little baby. When a home isn't found for little Liam Clark, Sean comes up with a brilliant idea - give him to his sister. Kathleen and Jack Montgomery have been married for two years but sadly she hasn't been able to keep a pregnancy, being gifted this beautiful boy is everything for both her and her husband. Wanting to give him a better future / possibilities they change his name to an English one - William Montgomery. Life has been ideal for two years especially with Kathleen's parents and siblings near by, and a good relationship with Jack's grandfather who also took to baby Will. Everything shattered once Ailish Sullivan comes into their lives claiming to be Liam/Will's aunt and wanting full custody of the almost 3 years old boy. 

A Death at Candlewick Castle (Jemima Jago Mystery #2) by Emma Jameson

I enjoyed this one, but for some reason it took me a little bit to get back into the story than the first one ("A Death at Seascape House"). The mystery part actually surprised me though I would have liked Emma to somehow expand a little bit more about the killer's character and motives. We got them but somehow it wasn't enough for me. I liked the progression of relationship between Jem and both her potential love interests - Hank and Rhys. There's definitely more to explore there in the next installment (to be out early 2022). Jem felt a lot more integrated into the community and living on the islands and we do get maybe how she could manage it, as well as progression of Pauley and Micki's characters and their development which was also great (will each also find a HEA? I hope so!). Though Jem is our sole POV, there are a lot of characters to be invested in. 

Going to a party with her two best friends Jem takes her new boat Bellatrix to one of the islands only to discover upon anchoring (another) dead body. She does a little bit of sleuthing (naturally) before she contacts Hack and even if she thought to leave it (as she doesn't know the victim) when someone she cares about gets arrested she cannot sit by and let that happen, though there is motive and maybe even enough evidence she simply doesn't believe it. There is a lot to uncover, new characters to be introduced (as probable suspects - naturally) and old ones to be revisited. As well as friendships to establish and develop. 

Dr. Bones and the Lost Love Letter (Dr Benjamin Bones Mysteries #2.6) by Emma Jameson

I've got to say, now that Ben and Juliet actually have some sort of a relationship (even if a hidden one) I like their interaction even better. It's the comfortable companionship without all those insecurities and speculations from both sides. This time these two have a "mild mystery" to uncover though the story it mostly about the people of Birdswing and the connections Ben has made since he arrived at the village. It was actually nice to see how much he is becoming a part of the community even if there are some things he still struggles with - like their beliefs in the supernatural. Even if the less harmful kind.

When a lost love letter comes to Ben's possession he is asked to find the couple, or at least start with the guy who wrote it. While they start with quite a solid idea who to turn to, what they uncover there is not what they expected but it does help them uncover a bit more. In the end the story does offer a sort of a happy ending as well as a one to be uncovered (in the coming books - as per Emma's promise at the very end). It's not exactly what you'd expect though I did guess a little bit (even if not enough). 

Dr. Bones and the Christmas Wish (Dr Benjamin Bones Mysteries #2.5) by Emma Jameson

This should have been the 2nd installments' epilogue! FINALLY we get something resembling romance in this series! Also after everything that happened there (hint hint as to NOT read this one before reading the two full length novels) seeing Ben and Juliet rekindle their relationship and even aspire to more was the sweet promise I needed when I finished the (previous) book. 

This one had a very different vibe then the previous two. It's not a mystery, as Emma puts it, this is about PEOPLE. It started with a very magical second hand shop where both Ben and his nosy neighbor find what they were searching for, even if Ben isn't a believer in Christmas. Turns out the 'pass it forward' that starts that day (rather night) continues on to a few more people in the small Cornish village of Birdswing.

Divorce Can Be Deadly (Dr Benjamin Bones Mysteries, #2) by Emma Jameson

Can't believe it took me 4 (!) years to get back to Ben and Juliet. Though I can totally understand why.. I enjoyed this one, I really did. It was smart and funny, with a few interesting mysteries (I was FAR from guessing) and yet it somehow didn't grab me as I hoped it would. Maybe it's me being selfish and wanting something MORE between Ben and Juliet (besides longing from her side and maybe confusion from Ben's). The writing is superb! But it was also a bit difficult at times having to deal with not only the British dialect but also it being dated to 1939. 

We've met Dr. Benjamin "Ben" Bones in the first installment coming to live and work in the country is not exactly what he had in mind, by especially during the war, this is where he is needed. Originally he came with his wife Penny, but she was murdered in the first installment making him not just a doctor but an amateur detective. Together with his new found friend Lady Juliet Linton life is far more interesting. Juliet might not behave like a lady (or dress like one..) but she is smart and fun to be around. I think both find something refreshing and challenging (intellectually) in each other's company even when they are not trying to figure out who killed Bobby Archer. 

Emergency Contact by Elle Brownlee

This one was rather cute. I liked the interaction between the characters though there were A LOT of things unsaid and quite a lot of Liam getting lost inside his own head. In a way it's what made this story thought provoking. I mean, there were times I wanted to smack both him and Garrett on the head but other times I could see how Liam's insecurities together with Garrett's inexperience (and sometimes indecision) made it difficult to communicate in order to solve their issues. That being said I LOVED how they meshed together. There was something simply beautiful in the way they could just BE together or just beside each other and feel totally satisfied. 

Liam Wright is a mathematician which means to him everything is logical and (should) work in a perfect pattern. He had a rather "easy" life coming from money, having his own place, not needing a lot of people in his circle. Life and his routine suits him. Then his friend Carl appears out of the blue asking for a favor. Calculating what this favor is going to "cost" him, he accepts. All he has to do is help out Carl's cousin with a few tips about New York City life and if needed be his "Emergency Contact" (since Carl would be out of town).

Garrett Honeycutt is ten years younger than (33 years old) Liam. He has lived a rather sheltered life in a small town in Iowa. He came to New York City to model. It's not something he aspired to be/do, it just worked out this way and since he needs money for college he is rather content in making the big money it offers. He isn't ashamed of the job but he is also not that thrilled about it. Coming to Liam's apartment to introduce himself with a home cooked meal feels like the polite and right thing to do. Yet seeing Liam before his mandatory cup(s) of coffee might not be the best idea..

Better For You (Harrison Campus #3.5) [Charlie & Evan] by Anyta Sunday & Andy Gallo

Like the previous ones, this was a sweet heartfelt story of two guys coming from very different backgrounds yet having so much in common. Both being shy and a bit insecure not being sure the other was interested but when the two of them were left all along in the dorms on Christmas break it was just the time for finding courage to go after what they wanted. 

The story is told from both guys so it's easy to see how much this new relationship was affecting them. Evan Tergen might be very wealthy but it's exactly why he feels insecure about guys, thinking they are just into his family's wealth. It doesn't help that people perceive him as being stupid because of his learning disabilities. Charlie O’Leary is on a scholarship, while he was interested in Evan before he thought someone like him would never even look at someone from such a different background as well as a geek (and not sporty like Evan). 

Heartscape (Vino and Veritas #2) [Tanner & Jax] by Garrett Leigh

Honestly I'm not sure how to review this book. It was SO intense. I wouldn't say it was angsty or maybe it was. These two silent types were hard for me to handle for some reason. It might have been the mood I was in I just wanted them to TALK and say what's on their minds. There were times they read each other's minds and yet there wasn't enough communication and Tanner would be the first to admit it's just something he is bad at. I don't now. I loved how they DID connect through sharing space together and getting to know each other though action and motions. It was quite special. 

Tanner Reid have been living in the town of Burlington for most of his life but now he is sort of lost. A job as a bar manager from Harrison (the owner and Vino and Veritas and the MC in the 1st installment "Featherbed" by Annabeth Albert) is literally a life-saver for him. He might not know anything about wine but he's willing to learn and surprisingly enough he now loves the job and the people who work for him. When a communal house burns down close to the bar he finds himself offering a stranger a place to stay. It's not something he would expect himself to do, but there is very little he is willing to deny his best friend Eve who considering the (complicated) relationship she have had forever with his brother is family or as close as he can get anyway. 

Bat Boy (Easton U Pirates #1) [Brady & Kellan] by Christina Lee

In one word this book was ADORABLE. Kellan and Brady have been circling around each other and wanting each other for a few months before we get into the story. They are both unsure about anything possible between them for more than one reason. Seeing them becoming friends and progressing into lovers was such a heartfelt journey. Their innocence was refreshing. I don't remember when was my previous New Adult and I liked that though their had their sexy times together it wasn't at all focused about that but about finding  something special in each other, in their companionship. 

Brady Donovan is the captain of the Easton U Pirates Baseball team. Things are going pretty great for him on his first year of college working hard on his studies and having fun on the field with his new team. He is living with two of his teammates - his best friend from childhood Trent Hollister and Maclain (who has his issues for sure) and is working his way to building some sort of friendship with the team's "Bat Boy" - the coach's son - Kellan. While they have fun teasing each other, Kellan always keeps a distance which frustrates Brady but he is persistent! There is something MORE about Kellan. Something he has never felt before.  Makes him question what he assumed about himself.. 

Rifts & Refrains (Hush Note #2) [Quinn & Graham] by Devney Perry

Finishing the first book in this series I was intrigued about Quinn. I didn't like the way she behaved towards Kira but with one explanation I could totally see her POV. She was protecting someone she cares deeply about and she has already seen the women Jonas surrounded himself with and was NOT impressed. She needed to be sure this woman is right for him. That being said, for some reason I had a hard time connection with this story. I'm not sure exactly why. It was sad and heartfelt but I wasn't "there" with Quinn and her family as I would have liked to be (probably in tears half of the book). For some reason I felt like a bystander, a bit like she felt coming home after 9 years not knowing how or even if she can fit back into her family.

Quinn Montgomery is a rock star. She has worked hard to become one but it wasn't with anyone's blessing. Well, except for her grandmother "Nan". 9 years after she left everything and everyone behind she doesn't have a reason to return yet when her mother calls to tell her Nan has died in her sleep she knows it would be wrong to stay away. She needs to say her last goodbyes even if it's not going to be easy. She could handle a week and that's all she's planning to give this experience. 

Sometimes There's Stars by Suki Fleet

I need to be ready mentally before I start Suki's books. While they are always heartfelt on the romantic side, the life situation is almost always horrific. This one was no different, at least for Echo. The sorrow, helplessness and general despair killed me. But with someone as sunny as Peri on his side things started to look up for him, or at least made him hope and wish for a better present and maybe even future. It wasn't an easy journey I can tell you that!

Echo (Ezekiel Bashir) didn't have an easy life growing up with just his mother Marsha but they loved each other with all their hearts and mostly it was enough even if they were poor and struggling. After Marsha died Echo totally lost himself and not only because he became indebted to the local loan shark. When he wasn't able to pay his new "employer" paid it for him and thus he became his errand boy and considering One-Eyed Frank's business (you can guess) things weren't exactly getting better. Then one day on his way to meet another one of Frank's clients he meets Peri and though the whole situation is not exactly a bright one considering Peri gets hit by a car and later on Echo is attacked himself that's the exact mark things change for both Peri and Echo.