The Tower of Swallows (The Witcher Saga, #6) by Andrzej Sapkowski

Hello again.. It's been a while. I missed Geralt, Ciri and Yennefer. It's not just them, it's Andrzej's unique voice / tone of writing. This is fantasy and yet it feels "realistic", humane. Our beloved characters didn't have an easy time in this one, some of the scenes were truly hard to listen to. I kept thinking what each of our characters would think had s/he knew what his/er loved ones were going through, it felt "fitting" for the journey each needed to take and go through to survive but it was still rather cruel. 

Most of the book is around Ciri and Geralt - not yet together. Ciri finds a very secure hiding place where she can return back to health after a hellish few days. She has lost so much, loved ones but also part of herself. Sitting around the fire with her new friend Vysogota she tells him her story and we get to hear it through her. She wasn't spared much during these days. The Ciri at the end of this book is so very different from the one Geralt and Yennefer knew (One thing for sure - she is bad a$$!). What would happen when they finally meet? I hope we'll get to that sooner rather than later as generally speaking there is only one book left to the story. 

Geralt's "gang" hasn't changed much from the previous book. Mostly Dandelion, Cahir, Milva and Regis. It's not always easy, especially between Geralt and Cahir and yet I have to say I really appreciated Cahir for how honest he was. I don't think they can truly be friends though they could have been if it wasn't for Ciri. I wonder how Ciri would react to THAT friendship (even if it really isn't). Geralt still hasn't finished healing but he is determined to find a way to Ciri. His (shared) dream of her, badly wounded during the equinox doesn't help at all. Everyone is worried about her but she is no where to be found, not by his company but also everyone else who is looking for her. 

Baptism of Fire (The Witcher Saga, #5) by Andrzej Sapkowski

This series has become an addiction. I simply can't STOP listening. There were "things" I needed to do today but I didn't care. I was too engrossed in the story. Stopping wasn't an option. I started this book sad and aching for Geralt and though he didn't achieve what he wanted at the beginning, the book ended  with Geralt of Rivia hiding a smile. 

The last we heard of our three main characters Geralt was mortally injured (and being transferred to Brokilon Forest by Triss Merigold), Yennefer fighting to allows Ciri to escape (then disappearing into thin air) and Ciri running into Tor Lara, also known as The Tower of the Gull, right into an unsafe and very old portal. 

At Brokilon Forest Geralt is being treated by the dryads and receiving news about the world through Milva / Maria Barring. At first she is reluctant to help but with a bit of pressing from the dryads she agrees. It doesn't take her long to realize he isn't what and who she thought AT ALL. While she was helping the Scoia'tael she decided to follow him and Dandelion and offer to join them on their long journey to find Ciri. 

The Time of Contempt (The Witcher Saga, #4) by Andrzej Sapkowski

WOW. In one words, or rather two - I'm HOOKED! This book was impossible to put aside. It's fast paced and when it's not there's a lot going on politically. In the moments when things aren't going in all directions and Ciri is with either Yennefer or Geralt (or both ;)) it's also sweet and tender as well as laugh out loud funny (I'm LOVING Yennefer!).

I don't even know where to start honestly.. We finished the last one with Ciri and Yennefer on their way from the Temple of Melitele to.. well, from Ciri's POV - the unknown. From Yennefer (and somewhat Geralt though he isn't there) it's obvious she needs to master her magical abilities so Aretuza it is.. When Ciri learns of that she is VERY unpleased. She wants to see Geralt and she is in NO hurry to be a "prisoner" on the island (as she sees it). 

But things don't exactly go as Yennefer had in mind for different reasons.. First because of Ciri. She learns FAST, that's for sure. I was laughing so much listening. Yennefer wasn't laughing but I wonder if in her heart she could admit she admired Ciri for her bravery, resilience and strong mind - So much like herself. There's a moment she is standing between the two - Yennefer and Geralt and her reaction was kinda sweet. Choosing between them isn't an easy task. These two together though.. Frustrating at times with how much they are unable to say to one another though they do have a heart to heart in this one. It's obvious Andrzej isn't a romance novelist, it wasn't exactly and "ideal" setting but I guess it was suited for them. Again a laugh out loud moment. It's obvious from their actions how much they care for one another. While with Geralt it's truly clear, with Yennefer we see how she shifts things from her side to help him (hoping he won't find out). 

Blood of Elves (The Witcher Saga, #3) by Andrzej Sapkowski

Honestly I don't even know where to start. I LOVED everything about this book. There's so much going on, with our MCs, as well as the world around them - a lot of politics and people of power trying to gain more power and control. Yet still, for me, it's the story of Geralt, Yennefer and Ciri. It all evolves around them. 

If you've seen the 2nd season of the TV series you might think you know what's going on in this book. You'll be right, yet you'll also be VERY wrong. Mostly concerning Yennefer. But not only. 

We start this one with little Ciri, still a very innocent child, in the care of Geralt of Rivia and his fellow Witcher brothers in Kaer Morhen (the place they all call home). She learns how to fight and fend for herself but Geralt knows it's not enough. There is something special about her and he needs to find a tutor. Someone with magical powers. He contacts Triss Merigold, as speaking with Yennefer is FAR too complicated for him at the moment. She helps. A LOT. But it's not enough. She is not enough and the experiences in Kaer Morhen in general is not enough.. 

Mr Fairfax, Mr West and the Meet Cute (Love, Austen #0.5) [Josh & West] by Anyta Sunday

I loved this series and this short novella (though not based on a Jane Austen novel) was a fun way of getting a bit more. For anyone who hasn't read the series it's also a wonderful introduction to one of my absolute favorite series of all times. 

Josh Fairfax is going to a Jane Austen retreat. He isn't thrilled his ex (Cassius) is going to be there and when he sees him with his new boyfriend he is even more annoyed. Cassius is like a mirror of everything Josh isn't and couldn't be - fun and / or interesting (beyond his academic knowledge). When his friend Noah (the MC from the last installment) sends him a photo of a guy just when they arrive at their destination he somehow shows him off as his new boyfriend, not realizing Noah got the photo from the retreat's photo albums - meaning - Mr. West is one of the hosts for this whole week. Yet while our innocent Josh stumbles through his first meeting with West Churchill, West turns to be a total "rake", enjoying the whole idea of having a bit of unexpected fun. 

Cold Light of Day (TIN, #1.5) [Wolf & Sean] by Charlie Cochet

What a PLEASURE this short novella was! I can't believe I have to wait MORE not only for the next installment but the one after where we get Wolf and Sean's FULL story. ~sigh~ Surprising enough I think this book could be read as a stand alone, maybe it's going to be a way to get into the series, well, at least TIN. 

We've met Wolf - aka Alfie Colbourn (Hudson's brother) enough times in the past. He tortured Dex and though he hasn't exactly redeemed himself he also helped his brother (and others) since then. He used to be a TIN operative before his last mission - 16 years ago - in which he and his best friend and partner were betrayed by one of their own resulting in Tucker's death. Since then he has been a free lance and he is VERY good at his job.

After losing Tucker (real name Benji) he promises his younger brother - Sean - if he ever needed any help to contact him. They hadn't really stayed in touch and Sean doesn't know what his brother TRULY did for a living but there is still a connection between the two. Occasionally Sean would call Wolf and speak with him. Remembering his brother through him.

The Best Men by Sarina Bowen & Lauren Blakely

This book was BEYOND HOT. It was scorching! ~fans myself~ But putting that aside it was also a BEAUTIFUL love story. I really enjoyed the way their relationship progressed and how much these two fit even if from the outside you wouldn't think they would. There was just something about these two, on their own, that allowed the other person to blossom. A deep acceptance that neither of them felt before. It was EVERYTHING. 

We had a glimpse of these two in the prequel - "Super Hot Wingman". There's already a buildup on the "Enemies to Lovers" so when we start this one there's anticipation of what's going to happen next - Mark screwed up and he needs to deliver an apology as well as deal with everything he shouldn't have said about said HOT Wingman - Asher. 

By way of making it up to his sister, Mark Banks agrees to head over to Miami to check all the arrangements for the upcoming wedding of his beloved younger sister - Hannah - and her soon to be husband - Phillipe "Flip" Dubois. Lucky? Unlucky? for him he is sent with the other Best Man - Asher St. James - Flip's best friend. While Mark is ALL about spreadsheets, organizations and being hands on concerning EVERYTHING. Asher is a laid back kinda guy who had more beach and parties on his mind. Naturally he wanted to help his best friend, but he wasn't going about it as meticulously as Mark.. But he quickly learns Mark's spreadsheets has A LOT more than he could have even imagined..  There's a lot more to Mark on many aspects.. But first Asher needs to know -  

Super Hot Wingman (The Best Men Prelude) by Sarina Bowen & Lauren Blakely

This was a great prelude to the romance between Mark and Asher. I really like this teaser idea! Getting to know a little bit about both MCs (from their own POVs) as well as the general setting was fun. 

Mark Banks isn't thrilled when his sister meets Flip and falls head over heels with him in a matter of weeks, moving in with him and now engaged to be married. 

Mark is TOO familiar with hasty decisions and their consequences and he doesn't wish those on his sister. Especially considering her previous disastrous relationships... 

The Last Wish (The Witcher Saga, #1) by Andrzej Sapkowski

The Witcher - Geralt of Rivia - came into my life, like for many others, with the great Netflix TV Series. Usually I'm the type who first reads then watches, but as I haven't even heard of this series and didn't have time to delve into it I just watched and immediately got addicted. After the 2nd season (which was even MORE superb) I knew I have to find the time to read the whole thing before the next season arrives but the place I'm in currently simply wouldn't allow that so I "settled" on Audible and I SO happy I did! It was as wonderful as I hoped it would be!

If you haven't heard about this series, you must be living on a rock somewhere so very far away even I (who live on a rock myself) can't see you.. This series focuses on 3 main characters - Geralt of Rivia - a Witcher - a mutated human who hunt monsters (some created by men, some appear through parallel dimensions), Yennefer of Vengerberg a VERY powerful sorceress and the young Princess Cirilla of Cintra ("Ciri") with a heritage that promises unimaginable power. Yet she needs to learn how to harness that power, which is exactly why she needs the guidance of both Geralt and Yenefer. 

The plot, from the TV series, is quite complicated politically with people in power (nobles, mages) having their own idea of how things should progress and who will yield the ultimate magical power through Ciri. But Ciri's story is for another day as she hasn't been born when the stories in this one takes place. 

Must Be Santa (Better Not Pout, #1.5) by Annabeth Albert

A sweet Christmas treat. A bit like the full novel - "Better Not Pout"- was for me (even if I don't celebrate this holiday). Nick Nowicki and Teddy MacNally are a formed couple now. Happily married living their best life. When Teddy catches Nick looking at their spare bedroom saying "Maybe", things starts to change. From thinking about extending their family, to actually doing something about it. 

The possibility presents itself sooner than they expected and not exactly AS they expected it to be but it's here and they are needed so even with Nick's reluctance (mostly worries) they jump right into it.

A Dashwood of Sense & Sensibility (Love, Austen, #6) [Zach & Brandy / Noah & Wade] by Anyta Sunday

I don't think there's a book more fitting to end 2021 and begin 2022. It's finishing a year and starting a new one with a smile. It's saying goodbye, heart broken yet full of hope. This is now my absolute favorite series EVER. It's beautiful and heartfelt, tender and raw with the most delicious slow burn. The one to finish the series was a bit different having two (!) couples instead of one and somehow it worked better than I would have thought. It wasn't all jumbled together and even when it was a bit (nearing the end) it was still somehow very clear with a place for each of the couples to grow and find their way into each other's arms. 

 Zachary and Noah Dashwood used to live in a beautiful home, decorated with art done by their loving father who recently passed. Due to his debts the brothers had no other option but to sell the house to the Ferrars family who couldn't have been more condescending and mean about it. While Noah used to be a good friend of Franny Ferrars, their friendship was destroyed long ago. They have a temporary place to live in, but they need to find a new one ASAP and generally a better way to support themselves. 

Total Creative Control (Creative Types #1) [Lewis & Aaron] by Joanna Chambers & Sally Malcolm

I went into this one mostly blind. Didn't know what it was about and when I opened my Kindle App on my phone (yeah, still no e-reader!) I didn't care. I just needed to read and I was curious of Joanna writing Contemporary. I'll sum it by saying Joanna together with Sally (whom I didn't know) collaborated WONDERFULLY with this one. I can't wait for the next ones in the series. I want to say it was a PLEASURE to read, but it would sound a bit untruthful as some parts were VERY difficult for me to read (and for the characters to endure). 

Lewis Hunter is the creator and writer of the hit TV show "Leeches". He is brilliant at what he does, but he is also the worst boss and since he needs a PA, they mostly don't last the week leaving Lewis even more frustrated. When he meets Aaron Page for the first time he immediately feels it's a match made in heaven and even though Aaron came originally for just a week he stayed for three years, becoming invaluable to Lewis (and the show). They work great together, Aaron has the best ideas and he made something very special for the show when he bluntly asked Lewis on their first day not to kill off a side character. It impacted the show tremendously but it had more undercurrents than just that. 

Aaron has been a fan of the show even before getting the job, he is also an avid Fanfic writer well known in the Fandom. It might just be a PA job but working with Lewis is everything he could have wished for, even if originally just for a week. Getting to know Lewis, seeing the impact he has on him and the show, makes him want to stay even more even if it means putting aside or even considering his future. Also while others had a difficult time working with Lewis, it was somehow quiet easy for Aaron to understand Lewis' POV and his little quirks. His attraction to his boss annoys him but he is determined to ignore it as it's more than obvious they are a great team together!

Elliot, Song of the Soulmate (Love, Austen #5) [Elliot & Wentworth] by Anyta Sunday

Honestly I don't have anything to say except for READ IT! If I can add another line it would be - but don't you DARE neglect the other ones in the series. 

I waited WAY to long before starting this one and that is only because for the past two weeks I don't have an e-reader and for me, reading on the phone, feels like punishment. But I missed reading and this one was calling my name so I opened the Kindle app last night and..... Read until it was WAY too late only to finish it in the morning. I was SO disappointed it simply ENDED. Which is by the way, my only "complaint". I'm happy these two found their way back to each other, seeing them apart, longing for what they had broke my heart to too many pieces. 

This book was simply everything. Everything I could have wished for or wanted, everything to find in your HEA. It had the right amount of aching and longing coupled with heartfelt romance between two teenagers with a lot of hopes and dreams for a better future as well as down to earth grown ups who lost hope on that bright future. I also really appreciated the way Elliot and Wentworth changed throughout the years yet stayed the same where it mattered which is why with all the hurt they couldn't be mean to one another. They were just as heartbroken meeting 15 years later realizing (again) what they had lost. 

Boyfriend (Moo U #0) [Weston & Abbi] by Sarina Bowen

This book was the exact comfort read I needed. Had a few difficult days, with NO kindle (!)  but I knew there are no excuses when it comes to Sarina. Reading on my phone has been a struggle but I made it work as every page turned I fell for both our MCs. They were beautiful on their own, but together ~sigh~ I couldn't have asked for more. 

Both Abbi and Weston has their own personal issues the people around them know nothing about. It's easier for both of them this way as they need to focus on other things. For Abbi, it's finishing college early, finding a well paying job, enough to leave and be able to take care of herself without her step-father's help. She works 2 jobs, study hard, and somehow manages to keep her grades. It's only a few more months. She can feel it. She doesn't need distractions, especially not in a 'player' like Weston, but his offer is more than intriguing. 

Weston's life used to be quite ideal. Two loving parents, two siblings, playing the sports he loves. Things changed when his parents got divorced. Suddenly it's not such a bad thing being away from home studying at Moo U. It's trickier on the holidays which is why he posts an ad offering to be the perfect (fake) boyfriend (just) for Thanksgiving (if good food in on the menu). 

To Ride a White Horse (Out of Ireland #1) [Kathleen & Jack] by Pamela Ford

 ~sigh~ It's one of "those" books. I added this one 6 (!) years ago. I'm not even sure I read HR back then, probably fell in love with the cover then forgot all about it with my unending list of books (focused on familiar authors). I didn't know what to expect from this one, but with it's high review rating (and the enchanting cover) I wasn't going to let it go until I found the right time. That day has come and I can tell you now, I'm going to visit more of Panela's books as this one was IMPOSSIBLE to put down. It was beautiful and heartfelt, as well as sad and crashing especially knowing that even if Kathleen (and Jack) aren't real what the Irish went through is. 

It's 1846 and the Irish are literally starving to death. The English own their lands and expect them to grow everything for their own needs except for tiny plots of land the Irish grow potatoes on (as it's the most efficient plant for sustenance). When the potatoes rot in the ground and the English aren't even considering to help (while still demanding their crops and payment) there is little the Irish can do but stubbornly try to survive. When the second year of rotting potatoes comes it feels as if even the little hope they had is now gone. The Irish are dying of hunger and no one cares. 

Kathleen Deacy is a proud Irishwoman, she never considered leaving Ireland behind but with her brother Sean coming home with a bit (but not enough) money - and without her sweetheart Danny O'Sheehan - she can't expect him to return to Canada when his wife Moira is so close to delivering their first born and she also wants a chance of reuniting with Danny.  Taking a few belonging she sets for Newfoundland. Her journey start bad and turned to the worse when she is thrown out to sea in the middle of a storm. Lucky for her a passing whaling ship passes by and finds her. But upon waking up, nothing is as she expected it to be and while she is treated well she is still crushed with the meaning of this delay. 

Gone But Not Forgotten (TIN, #1) [Dex & Sloane] by Charlie Cochet

This has been GREAT! I missed this series so much! I can't believe it's been TWO YEARS since I last read the last one. Funny thing is, I stared reading in the morning and as soon as Austen Payne - now the guys' handler (!) - explains their mission I stopped reading. I just couldn't. It was too much. I wasn't prepared. After launch I had a talk with myself about how ridiculous I am - went back in and finished it in one sitting. 

We are four years after the last installments. The guys have been training for a year and working the field for another three. In a way nothing changed - them working together, being the beautiful couple that they are, and yet it IS different. Firstly them not being a real part of the Destructive Delta Team (with Ash Keeler being their new leader) and having two new team members - Keane and Rowan (both Therian, like all* TIN operatives) as well as some help from Sebastian "Seb" Hobbs (who was already mixed up with TIN business before) and a little from Ash (as Sloane's best friend and someone who worked with him for years and knowns him like only Dex does).

The job Austen and Sonya Sparks (who stayed their boss with a "slight" change in title) have in mind for Dex and Sloane is not just 'dangerous', with that they can handle, it's also quite personal. There's a new villain in town - Howard Vaughan - attempting to manipulate the (new found) Melanoe virus together with the Eppione.8 vaccine in order to make "improved" humans (without them shifting into a Therian). 

Finley Embraces Heart & Home (Love, Austen #4) [Finley & Ethan] by Anyta Sunday

This book was EVERYTHING. It was also quite frankly TORTURE. If you put social norms a side for a second (or a few hours at least ;)) it's one of the purest romances I've ever read. Fin and Ethan's love story was tender and heartfelt. It started when they were young, so very young, and though they tried their best to simply be what society - and mostly their parents - wanted them to be, at a certain point it hurt too much. Like with the previous ones this is another re-telling of Jane's Austen novels, this one being "Mansfield Park" (which I haven't read or seen before). Also, we only get one POV - Finely - and while Ethan's emotions were so very obvious I have a feeling being in HIS head would have been an even greater torture. Fin was always more true to who he is and what he wants, for Ethan it was different with what his father tried tough-loving him to be. 

Finely Price's life crashed down (the second time) when at 15 his mother announces she is going to marry Tom Bertram. As he is still struggling with losing his father, moving into Tom's mansion - Mansfield - is too much too soon. Tom tries to include Finley, be friendly and accommodating but he won't have it. He wanted to hate Tom's son - Ethan - as well, but it simply wasn't possible. As Ethan puts it "You can always try to". They become fast friends. There is something so easy in communicating with each other. Ethan struggles a lot with his emotions, with what he wants or being expected to be (which isn't what his father has in mind) so simply BEING with Fin who says and expresses his feelings openly was liberating . 

There IS something else under the surface, surely from Fin's side, and yet their connection and friendship has always stayed platonic. Loving, caring, yet still keeping a certain distance. Their first kiss is shared 2 years later, on Ethan's graduation party, right before he leaves for a year of traveling in Europe. This sweet and tender kiss should have lasted them the two years apart with a hope (not even a promise) things could be different later on. 

A Death at Seascape House (Jemima Jago Mystery #1) by Emma Jameson

Okay, truth being told I didn't expect to enjoy this one as much as I did. For a mystery or even someone getting back into the place she grew up in and pretty much everyone hates (or at least doubts) it was actually funny and entertaining! I mean, there are dark moments - murder.. a sad past.. - but the whole vibe somehow felt sunny and fresh, like walking on the beach - what the Isles of Scilly have in spades. 

Jemima Jago grew up in St. Morwenna. Her life growing up wasn't ideal when you consider she was left there by her dad when he found himself a new family, but while she wasn't accepted by some, she had her loving grandma and her close group of friends - her besti Pauley Gwyn, her boyfriend Rhys Tremayne and his younger brother Cam. Until the day she didn't have any of them anymore. Leaving at the age of 14 she couldn't believe she'd ever have a reason to return. 

Now, almost 20 years later, she found the opportunity and though she isn't sure about seeing any of the town's people, there is one place she is interested in - Pauley Gwyn's ancient library. Working at the Royal Institute of Cornwall and the Courtney Library she is tasked with cataloging and authenticating the Gwyn's family library. As a librarian it's her dream come true!

Salvation (Darkest Skies, #3) [Dante & Sid] by Garrett Leigh

Beautiful. SO beautiful. If you've read the 1st installment you already know who Dante Pope is and you probably have zero sympathies for him. He made his brother's life – and so many others – living hell. I think Dante wants to believe in redemption but it's so hard to conceptualize with the life he lived and the decisions he made. Nothing could make it right and people doesn't really change. Yet the last two years in prison did make some sort of difference for him. It's not that he learned how to (take) care for people, but starting out with planets seems to work. This is how he finds himself, once release, working as the gardeners' help at Wilburn Manor (so far away from London and his not so far past). 

Sid Harrison doesn't WANT any help, but he needs it. For the past two years a chronic illness has wrecked his life and the person he used to be. Constant pain and various neurological disfunctions are his daily routine now, so when his boss (and sometimes friend) Benjamin Heath not so much offers him help in the form of the fresh out of prison – gorgeous looking – Dante his first reaction is – this ISN'T how he should be feeling about the guy but also, he might as well use the help offered. 

Dante and Sid simply get along. Dante is hard working and quiet and while he sees all of Sid's difficulties (better than he should maybe) he doesn't treat him like Ben and Anna (his twin sister) does – someone who needs constant chaperoning (as seems to not be able to care for himself). There's honestly and respect in Dante's eyes and appreciation too. His own feelings towards Dante hasn't changed from his initial reaction to Dante's photo (they only deepened) but acting upon it is complicated. 

Everything Carries Me to You (Axton & Leander #3) by S.P. Wayne

YES! This book was everything I wanted it to be and more! The best ending for Axton and Leander's story (though I wouldn't object to getting more of them!). If you haven't read the previous two – YOU MUST – but also please don't continue reading. Spoilers ahead (at least for the 1st and 2nd novels). 

While Axton and Leander weren't really a couple at the end of the 1st installment, during the 2nd it was obvious these two are a done deal. Living in LA together might not be exactly what Axton had in mind, but he isn't willing to leave Leander so he stays longer and longer. I’m sure they would have found a way to settle this issue but something FAR worse breaks them apart – Axton's ex – Dana Weiss – is determined to take Axton way from Leander simply for being a Human. 

Dana puts a lot of effort – and pressure – on the guys but until the final escalation when Leander is badly hurt – Axton wouldn't consider the unthinkable – leaving Leander behind. But that's exactly what he does – to keep Leander safe. That's where the previous installment ended. 

For more than half of the book Leander and Axton are separated. Leander dealing with his recovery as well as trying to find Axton (if he wants it or not!). He made a vow to find him and he WILL. Together with Sara as well as his sort of best friend – New York – Not the city – New York consul they work together with everything he has gathered thus far. He wasn't easy to deal with - mentally and physically - but he had good reasons to be upset and frustrated. I had a lot of respect for how determined he was even while dealing with so much difficulty. Yeah he was a douche to Christina as well as Sara, but my heart ached for how much he wanted and needed Axton by his side and the way Axton was torn away from him.