2020 Goals Update

Goodbyeeee 2020. Hello 2021. I have my hopes high for this year!

Here are my 2020 goals/challenges. Let's see if I accomplished some of them. I'll be sharing my goals for 2021 in a different post. :) Still figuring out which challenges I wanna do this year. 

Reading Challenges:

Audiobook Listen - Goal was 50......

I was able to listen to 63! Blew past this one. 

Goodreads - Goal was 140......

I barely hit 140. Huzzah!

THE BAD BOYS OF ROMANCE READING CHALLENGE - Goal was level 2 so between 10-15 books......

I was able to read 11. :) Not too shabby. 

2020 Romance Bingo Reading Challenge - Goal was to get as many bingos as possible (for sure more than 1)......

I nearly got all of them! Shy of a couple of bingos. But I am proud!

Life Challenge:

Been doing way better than I imagined with the whole COVID and remote life. Yess, both BF and I have been working remote. Luckily the house has enough space that we can escape each other. I haven't been perfect with working out. But I've been doing a fasting diet and Herbal Life protein shakes. So I haven't gained any weight. I've last a hair of weight but nothing to write home to mom about. 

As for my crafts and art and writing...I've done a little bit here and there. Not as much as I should or want to do. Just haven't had it in me. COVID Depression and all that jazz. 

Now....there is one goal that I did FINALLY reach. I've been wanting this since I was a wee little thing. It happened on the 16th of Dec. (those who have me on FB or Twitter or Instagram probably already know)....but BF is no longer a BF. He is now my fiance! He proposed FINALLY after 8 long years. LOLLL. I am so excited!!! We are thinking May 28th 2022. We shall see!

Don't mind my goofy face! LOLLL I think I'm funny. 

I think that is it for my goal check-up. I am proud of what I did accomplish this year. I could've done more but I am happy with what I did accomplish. 

Book Review: The Thief's Angel by Caroline Lee

Author: Caroline Lee

Title: The Thief's Angel (The Highland Angels #3)

Genre: Historical Romance, Mystery
Format: ebook

Pages: 266

Published:  February 17th 2020

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Lady Rosalind Forbes is an integral member of the Queen’s Angels—an elite trio of spies disguised as ladies-in-waiting—as the brains of the group. However, she’s keeping two secrets from her teammates; one which will endanger this mission, and one which will jeopardize her very place as an Angel. Her teammates don’t know, can’t know, that she’s given herself to the very man who is now their prime suspect in the plot against the Crown.

Cam Fraser used to be the son of a laird, a man with a place. Now he’s just a thief, and a leader of cutpurses. But his mission to find the woman he’s betrayed leads him to his ancestral home, where he encounters Rosa, the dark beauty whose touch he hasn’t been able to forget.

With the help of a matchmaking six-year-old, and a chance attack by bandits, Cam and Rosa have the opportunity to set things right. But that’s not going to help Rosa’s mission, not when Cam doesn’t even realize he’s a suspect. And she can’t give her heart to a traitor…can she?

A brilliant Angel and a charming thief are going to have to work together to discover the truth about the plot against Robert the Bruce, if they want any chance of a future together.

Review:

Third book in the series. This has been the one I have been waiting on. Everything is coming together and we are finally getting Rosa's HEA!

We follow Rosa who is sent to follow Cam Fraser who is now suspected of wanting to overthrow the King and Queen. Cam used to be the son of a laird who ran away as a youth and joined a gang of thieves. He is now their leader, but he gave that up to find his beloved adopted sister, Court, who he betrayed. He wants to make it right and make sure she is happy wherever she is. With the help of a matchmaking six-year-old and an attack by bandits, Cam and Rosa have a chance to set things right and get to know each other. A brilliant Angel and a charming thief will have to work together to prove Cam is innocent and find out who really is behind the plot. 

I've been waiting to get Rosa's story and for Cam to finally find peace. I knew he was innocent from the last book. There is NO way he could've done it. I had my suspicion and I was right. HAHA! BUT the WHY was what was throwing me off and not being confident on the who. Ooooo the why was good and added an extra layer to the story. 

I liked Cam from the moment we met him. He is simply adorable! I liked Rosa too. However....I wasn't 100% convinced I liked these two together. I did warm up to them eventually, but at first, I was not feeling the chemistry. Near the end, I was finally okay with it and it finally clicked for me.

The big twist/why had me on the floor! I totally did NOT see that coming. Like I said earlier...it really added a nice layer of complexity to the story. Perfecto!

Oooo that was a good ending. We shall have more Angels! I am excited. It totally makes sense that the Queen would have more secret Angels to watch over her and Robert the Bruce. Yayy I am excited for more. 

Overall, I enjoyed this. This was a nice way to end this arch of the mystery. It took me 'til near the end to really click with Rosa and Cam as a couple, but when it did click for me...it clicked and I was happy for them. I also LOVED the reveal. I had the who, but not the why. Fun! I am really adoring this series and I am glad there shall be more. Huzzah! I'll give this 4 stars. 

 

 

Challenge(s):

- #11 on THE BAD BOYS OF ROMANCE challenge

Audiobook Review: Tomboy by Avery Flynn

Author: Avery Flynn
Narrator: Savannah Peachwood , Brian Pallino

Title: Tomboy

(The Hartigans #3)

Genre: Contemporary romance, Sports romance

Format: Audiobook

Published:   January 28th 2019

Where I got It: My shelf (Audible)

Summary: 

How exactly has one good deed landed me in the penalty box?

Ice Knights defenseman Zach Blackburn has come down with the flu, and my BFF—his PR manager—begs me to put my nursing degree to use and get him back to health. Of course she would call in a favor for the most hated man in Harbor City.

But when he’s finally on the mend and I’m sneaking out of his place, everything goes sideways. Paparazzi spot me and pictures, plus accusations that I slept with him, fly faster than a hockey puck.

At first, all of Harbor City wants my blood—or to give me a girlie-girl makeover. But then…the team finally wins a game. And now this fickle town wants me with the big jerk twenty-four seven.

Argh. I never slept with him the first time! But no one will listen. Then the grumpy bastard goes and promises to break his no-fan-appearances rule to help raise money for a free health clinic—but only if I’m rink-side at every game. That’s not a deal I can turn down.

But when the team keeps winning, and I realize there’s more to him than his bad reputation, suddenly remembering to keep my real hands off my fake date gets harder and harder to do.

Review:

The final book of the Hartigan series. Boo. There are more characters I want to see find looooooove. Maybe someday. 

We have Fallon and Zach. Fallon Hartigan is a nurse and a tomboy who doesn't have the time or desire to be girlie. Zach is the bad boy of the local hockey team. He has a bad attitude and has been bad on the ice lately. He is he most hated person in town. Fallon is called in to take care of Zach who is sicker than a dog by her best friend - his PR agent - but she will soon regret when someone from the press gets a pic of her and blasts it everywhere. Now everyone thinks they are lovers and she is his lady luck because all of a sudden he is playing good again...

Oh Fallon. You are certainly a good person. I would've told my friend that I am not helping that asshat. Fallon already has a lot on her plate. She is a nurse full time and part time volunteers at the free clinic. Poor thing really is tired. She needs a vacation. But she is a better person than I am and did help the asshat Zach. 

Okay...I do not hate Zach at all. Even in the last one they really hinted that that there is something up with him. He is hiding something. We get to find out why he is so bitter and angry ALL the time. Gah. I feel bad for him for sure. Screw those people (I will not spoil this). But they were terrible and now I can see why he has a nasty chip on his shoulder. Good thing he has Fallon in his court. She is a good egg. She is overly opinionated and doesn't have a filter at all. 

A part of me enjoyed this more than the last one. Can't really pinpoint why. Maybe it was this dynamic? Not sure. Maybe I am biased because I love Hockey players ;) 

Should I even mention the narrators? They are awesome....duh. LOL. They are perfect and they do such a good job. 

Overall, I really enjoyed this. It was great. I am so sad that the series is done. Maybe the author will return one day. Sighs. I'll give this 5 stars. 

Challenge(s):
- #57 for Audiobook Challenge

- #10 on THE BAD BOYS OF ROMANCE challenge

Book Review: The Rogue Not Taken by Sarah MacLean

Author: Sarah MacLean

Title: The Rogue Not Taken

(Scandal & Scoundrel #1)

Genre: Historical Romance
Format: ebook

Published:  December 29th 2015

Pages: 419 
Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: LADY SOPHIE'S SOCIETY SPLASH

The youngest of the infamous Talbot sisters scandalized society at the Liverpool Summer Soiree, striking her sister’s notoriously philandering husband and landing him backside-first in a goldfish pond. And we thought Sophie was the quiet one…

When she finds herself the target of very public aristocratic scorn, Sophie Talbot does what she must to escape the city and its judgment—she flees on the back of a carriage, vowing never to return to London…or to society. But the carriage isn’t saving her from ruin. It’s filled with it.

ROYAL ROGUE'S REIGN OF RAVISHMENT!

The Marquess of Eversley was espied descending a rose trellis—escaping an irate Earl and his once-future countess. No lady is safe from Eversley’s Engagement Ending Escapades!

Kingscote, the Marquess of Eversley, has never met a woman he couldn’t charm, a quality that results in a reputation far worse than the truth, a furious summons home, and a long, boring trip to the Scottish border. When King discovers stowaway Sophie, however, the trip becomes anything but boring.

WAR? OR MORE?

He thinks she’s trying to trick him into marriage. She wouldn’t have him if he were the last man on earth. But carriages bring close quarters, dark secrets, and unbearable temptation, and suddenly opposites are altogether too attractive…

Review:

I've enjoyed previous novels by this author and I randomly seen this while scanning through all the ebooks my library is offering (just found out they now have a HUGE selection of ebooks and even audiobooks - yayy!). Love that dress and that summary. Couldn't resist checking it out. 

We have Lady Sophie who is just trying to get away from London and her family. She has always hated the city and the ton, but now she scandalized society at the Liverpool Summer Soiree by striking her sister’s notoriously philandering husband and landing him backside-first in a goldfish pond. Whoops. She jumps on the back of a carriage to leave forever. Little did she know it is a carriage with the notorious Marquess of Eversley inside. He is quickly heading north to see his father.

This had great potential...but I had such a rough time with it. NOT because of the journey but because of our two main lovebirds.

We have Sophie and King (a nickname of course). They are so similiar....thick-headed dumb-dumbs. I wanted to scream at them and shake them....especially near the end. I get them hating each other in the beginning. It was fun watching them throw insults at each other. Cute. Fun. However....it did get a tiny bit old.  

I blame mainly King. He would NOT let it go that he thought Sophie wasn't trying to trap him into marriage. GIRL had proved it 100 million times. LET IT GO. She does NOT want to trap you. She just wants to be alone and open a book store. She even tried just leaving and getting her own carriage a handful of times. BUT noooooooo...she MUST be trying to trap King into marrying her *eye roll*. Okaaaaaaaaay. And Sophie...be dumber. Let's just run away on the back of someone's carriage? Go back to your hometown and hope your childhood friend will 1) remember you (it's been 10 years girl...let it go) and 2) didn't marry someone else because he is pining away for you even though you never maintained a communication with him and 3) HOW are you going to afford your life and opening a library? Girl. Use yo brain. Of course King is going to call you stupid when you tell him your plan. 

Okay this sounds like I would just call it done-so and say I hated the book. Nope, I did enjoy the story overall even though the two annoyed me. It was for sure a different take to a historical romance. There was lust after a while and then love later on. They really had to both grow up and learn to trust each other. It made sense that it took forever. They have a lot of issues to work through...especially King. 

The twists and turns were enough to keep you on the edge of your seat. I really had no idea what was going to happen next. Especially with King's father's secret/twist. That shocked me for sure! D: D: Whaaaaa? No way. Love it. 

Once the two got over their issues, they were SO cute together. 

Overall, not the best I've read by this author, but I did like it. I am interested in book 2 mostly because I want to read book 3 really bad. Mmmm now what to stamp this? *does complicated math equations and calculations* I'll give this 3 stars. 

Challenge(s):

- #9 on THE BAD BOYS OF ROMANCE challenge

- #20 Borrowed from library. 

Audiobook Review: The Tory by TJ London

Author: T.J. London

Narrator: Shane East, Tara Langella, Patrick Zeller, Marnye Young

Title: The Tory

(The Rebels and Redcoats Saga #1)

Genre: Historical Fiction & Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published:  April 11th 2018

Where I got It: My shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)

Summary: It is the winter of 1776, and Captain John Carlisle, one of His Majesty’s not-so-finest, has gone back to the scene of the crime to right a wrong so dark it left a permanent stain on what was once an illustrious career and left a man broken, defeated, in search of justice…

In an effort to win back his commission, he must discover the true nature of the relationship between the Six Nations of the Iroquois and the Colonial Army. Undercover as a war profiteer, John travels to the treacherous Mohawk River Valley and infiltrates local society, making friends with those he’s come to betray. 

But a chance meeting with a beautiful half Oneida innkeeper, whose tragic history is integrally linked to his own, will provide him with the intelligence he needs to complete his mission—and devastate her people. 

Now, as the flames of war threaten to consume the Mohawk Valley, John has the chance to not only serve King and country, but to clear his name. When the truth he uncovers ties his own secrets to those in the highest positions of the British military and threatens the very life of the woman he’s come to love, he will be forced to make a choice…

Review:

When I seen this I could not help but want to check it out! 

The story follows disgraced John Carlisle who has been given a second chance to redeem himself and prove his loyalty to the Crown but at what cost? He has to go back to where everything went wrong and were his demons hide. He goes back undercover to uncover the relationship between the Six Nations of the Iroquois and the Colonial Army. He meets the beautiful innkeeper who also has a tragic past that unknowingly is linked to John's. 

This was an intense listen. The narrators were awesome and had me needing to listen to more and more. I could not put this down! I had to know what was going to happen next. 

Everyone has secrets and not everything is black and white. The author did a fantastic job showing this. Even our baddie cannot be simply summed up. He is certainly evil....but he isn't all there either from what I can see. It made it a really interesting read for sure because you really don't know what anyone is capable of. Loyalty is fragile. 

Poor John. Poor Dellis. I am rooting for them but it is not at all an easy romance especially when the truth comes out. They both have their demons...especially John. It did take me a few to get actually like John...but I feel like that was the point. He is a scoundrel and rake and likes to drink and be in business with a prostitute. It was nice seeing him grow up and find love in his heart. He's not all the way there yet, but he is really redeeming himself.

Ooooo I can't wait for book 2! This left off with such a big cliffhanger!!! I need to know what happens next! There is something big coming and I feel like not everyone is going to survive this. 

This is a dark world at times so just be warned there are some...dark scenes and some are a hair gruesome (ignore my bad pun here). They don't last long and that made me happy, but it is necessary to really get you into the world and see that it was for sure the Wild West before the actual Wild West. War is a nasty business. 

Overall, I really, really liked this book. The narrators were fantastic and the story kept me on the edge of my seat. I can't wait for book 2!! I'll stamp this with 5 stars. 

Challenge(s):
- #45 for Audiobook Challenge

- #8 on THE BAD BOYS OF ROMANCE challenge

Audiobook Review: The Dark Light of Day by TM Frazier

Author: T.M. Frazier
Narrator: Christian Fox, Lucy Rivers
Title: The Dark Light of Day
(King #0)
Genre: Dark, Romance, Contemporary
Format: Audiobook 
Pages: 313 
Published: September 15th 2013
Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible)



Summary: Homeless, sleeping in a junkyard, and on the run from a system that has failed her over and over again, Abby meets Jake, a tattooed blue-eyed biker with secrets that rival her own. Two broken souls that can't be healed, they can't be saved. Abby and Jake have to decide if they can accept the darkness not only within one another, but within themselves.

If they can accept each other for who they really are they might learn that love isn't always found in the light...

WARNING: This is NOT your typical romance.
The story of Jake & Abby contains disturbing situations, graphic violence, sex, strong language, drug use, and all types of abuse.

Review:
Been having a lot of sweet romances lately so this made me curious. 

The story follows Abby and Jake. Jake is a tattooed-blue-eyed biker with a lot of secrets and comes from a broken home. Abby is now homeless after her granny dies and is avoiding the system since she is only 17. In order to help her, Jake brings her into his home and they come to realize they are both broken people who need each other. 

This book made me really sad. I didn't cry, but I felt so sad for them. Especially for Abby. She can't seem to catch a break. Poor girl....especially when we find out what happened to her as a little girl at the hands of her parents. Grrr!

Jake had a sad life too. He had the perfect life until his mother and brother passed and his father turned to the bottle for comfort.

But yes - the warning is nice because this is dark and the characters have to face a lot of demons in order to find happiness with each other and with themselves. And even with the warning, there were some really dark spots that shocked me.

I did really enjoy watching these characters open up and talk about their issues. There was insta-lust, but it took a minute for love and full trust. Even when they realized they loved each other there were some issues. Which GRRR I wanted to shake Jake!!! Fool!!! COMMUNICATE! And Abby....I get you being mad and all but just show him the pictures and be honest and tell him. GAH. Communication people!

The narrators did well. I wish we had heard more from the male narrator but he only did Jake's POV which we only got a small amount of that. SIGHS sad. I love that narrator. The female was new to me I think. She did awesome!

I do wonder what is next in the series. I'll have to check out. I think we'll have new characters. 

Overall, I enjoyed this. It was dark for sure so be prepared this. The narrators were good. I wish we had more of Jake's POV. Overall, I'll give this 4 stars. 

Challenge(s):
- #34 for Audiobook Challenge
- #7 on THE BAD BOYS OF ROMANCE challenge

Book Review: The Devil's Own by Liana LeFey

Author: Liana LeFey 
Title: The Devil's Own
(The Wicked Waywards #1)
Genre: Historical Romance
Format: ebook
Pages: 400 
Expected publication: October 19th 2020
Where I Got It: My shelf (Netgalley) 

Summary:
All hell breaks loose, when the devil falls in love with an angel.

Lord Devlin Wayward, gambler and dedicated rake, returns home for the first time in years, and lands himself and his identical twin, Daniel, the good reverend, in deep trouble. Devlin ends up with a broken leg and unable to travel to London, yet he must return. He’s got an important deal that will make or break his fortune. He persuades the reluctant reverend to take his place in London while he temporarily minds his brother’s flock.

Miss Mary Tomblin is taken with the devastatingly handsome reverend. He represents everything she desires in a husband, after narrowly evading a ruthless rake last Season. Mary knows she'll make him an excellent wife, but the vicar rebuffs every advance – until he suddenly accepts her help with pastoral duties while his broken leg heals. Mary seizes the chance to show the good reverend what an excellent helpmeet she will be.

The devil takes on the role of village vicar and discovers it's nowhere near as easy as he imagined—especially when he falls in love with an angel who mistakes him for a saint.



Review:
After seeing that cover I could not deny this book! It is so pretty! Plus I was intrigued how this story was going to play out. 

We have Miss Mary Tomblin who is taken with the handsome reverend. He represents everything she wants in a husband especially after evading a ruthless rake in the last Season. But this reverend has evaded and rebuffed all her advances. We then have the dedicated rake and gambler, Lord Devlin Wayward, who is the twin brother of the reverend. He returns home for the first time in years and lands himself and his twin in some trouble when Devlin ends up with a broken leg. In order to not losing an important trade deal in London, he forces his twin to trade places. Devlin agrees to mind the flock and let down Mary easily. Well...things do not go to plan. 

Oh you dang idiot Devlin!!!!!! UGH. I wanted to smack him around. He had a million and two chances to tell Mary the truth and find away around this stupid plan he and Daniel created. Idiots. Big ol' idiots. Daniel is equally to blame!

And you Mary....sighs. You are an innocent, yes, but leave the poor reverend alone. I get you like him and wanna get married ASAP, but my lord. And that scene at the Devlin/Daniel's place. C'mon lady. 

We have two idiots doing idiot things and no wonder we got such a tangled mess. BUUUUUT it was fun to try and see them untangle this with as little damage done. It was certainly a mess. Where is my popcorn to watch them figure everything out??? I was worried. YES. I was worried, but I could NOT stop reading the last 25% of the book especially when a big ol' twist was tossed in. I totally should've expected it, but by dang...it got me. Kuddos to the author there!!




Okay - so my one BIG issue was the HUGE lull in the middle. Honestly it could've been cut a little bit and we could've had more time with Devlin and Mary in their bliss. NOO spoilers folks...this is a HR after all ;) You know they figure it out and find love. But yes...I really was yawning for a couple of chapters there. 

OOO and I also am meh about Devlin...maybe seeing more of him and Mary in their bliss would've changed my mind completely. Yes, he does redeem himself, but still. MEH. 


Overall, this was certainly a ride with a lot of twists and turns and knots to untangle. Sure, there was a big lull in the middle, but the crazy ride made up for it. I wanted more time with them being in love, but I enjoyed what I did get to see. I am curious about book 2 someday. I'll give this 3 stars. 









Challenge(s):
- #6 on THE BAD BOYS OF ROMANCE challenge

Reading Goal Check - HALFWAY THERE FOLKS

Eeeeeeeeeeeee halfway through the year. What a year it has been indeed *sighs*

Here is my reading goal check:

Reading Challenges:

Audiobook Listen -  28/50

Goodreads -  67/140 

THE BAD BOYS OF ROMANCE READING CHALLENGE - 5/10-15 

2020 Romance Bingo Reading Challenge - 2 bingos so far





How are you all doing? I need to step it up a hair! 

WE GOT THIS!

Audiobook Review: Entreat Me by Grace Draven

Author: Grace Draven 
Narrator: Stacey Holmes
Title: Entreat Me
Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Retellings
Format: Audiobook 
Pages: 323 
Published: December 16th 2013
Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible)



Summary: Afflicted by a centuries-old curse, a warlord slowly surrenders his humanity and descends toward madness. Ballard of Ketach Tor holds no hope of escaping his fate until his son returns home one day, accompanied by a woman of incomparable beauty. His family believes her arrival may herald Ballard's salvation.

...until they confront her elder sister.

Determined to rescue her sibling from ruin, Louvaen Duenda pursues her to a decrepit castle and discovers a household imprisoned in time. Dark magic, threatening sorcerers, and a malevolent climbing rose with a thirst for blood won't deter her, but a proud man disfigured by an undying hatred might. Louvaen must decide if loving him will ultimately save him or destroy him.

A tale of vengeance and devotion.

Review:
I've loved previous novels by this author and I seen this was a freebie on Audiobook in my Escape Package so I jumped on the chance to listen!

The story follows Ballard and Louvaen. Ballard is afflicted by a centuries-old curse by his former wife. He and his son are slowly losing their humanity. Ballard has no hope until his son brings home a beautiful woman who may be the key to solving their curse. In comes Louvaen! She is determined to rescue her sister from becoming ruined by this stranger, she follows them to his castle and comes face-to-face with Ballard and his cursed life.  

This was for sure a huggggeeeeee and crazy take on Beauty and the Beast. I loved it. It was a nod to the classic, but it was completely different too. Very fun! I didn't even really realize it until Ballard gifted Louvaen a magic mirror and then it dawned on me! Too fun. 

I loved Louvaen. I want her to be my friend. 

Ballard was sweet. But I do understand WHY his dead wife cursed him. He wasn't a nice fellow back then. He was blood-thirsty and only cared about war and power. 100% warlord with a capital W. BUT F that wife. Why curse her poor son??? He was just a baby. Gah. She was a terrible lady too. 

I also liked Ballard's sorcerer and other staff members. They were fun and added a lot of charm to this otherwise dark story. Especially the sorcerer's and Lou's love/hate relationship. That was fun. Always throwing jabs and jokes at each other. I liked it. 

OMGGGG that baddie was a creep. He deserved a worse end!

The narrator was fantastic. She had me hooked from the first page. I could NOT stop listening. I finished this in just a couple of sittings. She really has a great range of voices. The sister's voice was annoying, BUT it fit her. 

Overall, I loved, loved, LOVED this story. I want to relisten to it! Maybe even read it one day to see if I like it just as much as the audio. I'll give this 5 stars for sure. Highly recommend it. 

Challenge(s):

- #27 for Audiobook Challenge

- #5 on THE BAD BOYS OF ROMANCE challenge