2nd Chance Time! Cast Your Vote!

It is that time again to give another book another chance! If you want to get in on the action, please feel free! 

Rules:

- The book must be sitting on the DNF shelf for at least one year. Time heals wounds...right?

- Honor the poll choice (if you do a polling)

- Read at LEAST 125 pages before giving up. 

- Be completely and utterly honest

- If it is a physical book and it was another DNF...the book must be rehomed. 

Click here to vote!

If the link doesn't work, just put your vote in the comments. I'm trying a new polling system this year. 

2nd Chance: Her Perfect Mate by Paige Tyler

Author: Paige Tyler

Narrator: Holly Adams
Title: Her Perfect Mate (X-Ops #1)
Genre: Paranormal Romance & Fantasy
Format: Audiobook
Published: May 2014
Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible)

Summary: 
Their attraction is more dangerous than any weapon of mass destruction 

When Special Forces Captain Landon Donovan is chosen for an assignment with the Department of Covert Operations, he's stunned to find his new partner is a beautiful woman who looks like she couldn't hurt a fly, much less take down a terrorist.

Ivy Halliwell isn't your average covert op. Her feline DNA means she can literally bring out the claws when things get dicey. She isn't thrilled to be paired with yet another military grunt, but Landon is different. He doesn't think she's a freak-and he's smokin' hot. Soon they're facing a threat even greater than anyone imagines... and an animal magnetism impossible to ignore.


Review:

This was a DNF second chance! A while back I had thrown in the towel and given up. 2024 is a year of second chances and this is the first one for that challenge. 

Here we follow Ivy and Landon. Landon is chosen for an assignment with the Department of Covert Operations. He's stunned when he meets his new partner....a woman who looks like she wouldn't hurt a fly. Ivy isn't your average covert op. She is a shifter. She has feline DNA which means she can literally bring out the claws when things get dicey. After her last partner is KIA, she is given a new partner and he looks like another military grunt. Quickly, she realizes there is so much more to Landon. They will face a threat greater than anyone imagines and at the same time battle the attraction they have for each other. 

Okay. I finished this. I was quite shocked! I know last time I did get pretty far in it before I tossed it down. However, I decided to give the audiobook a try instead. A couple people suggested going that route and it worked!

And.......I actually....enjoyed this. *insert gasps from the crowds*

Yes, yes. I grew to like both Ivy and Landon. They were very sweet. 

I still hate Buchanan. I know his book is next so maybe he'll be redeemed fully there? He was slightly redeemed at the end here, but still. Ugh. 

Love Kendra. 

Love Landon's old group. They are adorable. 

Mmm.

Still a couple of things I was meh about, but it didn't stop me from reading this time around. Like the scene in the apartment. Boo. Still annoying.

The ending helped with one of the things that bothered me, but I feel like the government should've dealt with that situation better. I won't spoil it, but there is a character who gets some sweet, sweet justice FINALLY. That is all I will say. 

The narrator. Ah, yes, the narrator pulled everything together for me. Her voices helped me stay engaged. She did a wonderful job. 

All-in-all, I'm glad this was picked to be the first DNF Second Chance! I actually ended up enjoying myself and I might read book 2 of the series. We'll see. I still have my reservations with Buchanan. *grumbles about dumb males* This had a couple of things I was still meh about, but I was able to look past them and enjoy the story and the characters. The ending has me SUPER curious to see what is going to happen next. EEEE. In the end, I'll stamp this with 3 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Intriguing

Challenge(s):
- Audiobook #17

- Romance Reading Challenge #13 (Not wolf shifter) 

Second Chance for an Old DNF??

Second chance means: "An opportunity to try something again after failing one time"

One of my goals this year is to give one or two DNFs a second chance. New year, new me...right? Like people, sometimes they need a second chance. I went back to some of my oldest DNFs here in blogland.

Here are some self-imposed rules I have made: 

- The book must be sitting on the DNF shelf for over a year. Time heals wounds...right?

- Honor the poll choice

- Read at LEAST 125 pages before giving up. 

- Be completely and utterly honest

- If it is a physical book on my shelf and I DNF it again, I MUST rehome it.

What DNF Deserves a Second Chance?

Her Perfect Mate by Paige Tyler The Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly Twin Souls by K.A Poe

Love on the Range by Sondra Grey Royal Exile by Fiona McIntosh

Created with PollMaker

If there is a book I DNFed in the past that you think I should give a second chance to, put it in the comments! I plan to do at least 2 of these second chances this year, so maybe next time I will include the book you want on our next poll!

Book Review: A Holiday by Gaslight by Mimi Matthews

Author: Mimi Matthews

Title: A Holiday by Gaslight

Genre: Historical Romance, Novella

Format: ebook

Pages: 174

Published: November 13, 2018

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

A Dutiful Daughter

Sophie Appersett is quite willing to marry outside of her class to ensure the survival of her family. But the darkly handsome Mr. Edward Sharpe is no run of the mill London merchant. He's grim and silent. A man of little emotion--or perhaps no emotion at all. After two months of courtship, she's ready to put an end to things. After all, even a dutiful daughter has her limits.

A Taciturn Tradesman

Ned has come a long way since his days working as a draper's assistant. He's wealthy, ambitious, and eager to take a wife. But the courtship advice issued in The Gentlemen's Book of Etiquette isn't all it's cracked up to be. Though he's followed it to the letter, Miss Appersett still doesn't wish to see him again. Frustrated and hurt, he's more than happy to oblige her.

A Christmas Courtship

Severing ties with her former beau isn't as straightforward as Sophie envisioned. Her parents are outraged. And then there's Charles Darwin, Prince Albert, and that dratted gaslight. What's a girl to do except invite Mr. Sharpe to the annual Christmas party at Appersett House and give him one more chance to win her? But this time there'll be no false formality. This time they'll get to know each other for who they really are.

Review:

Yayy for freebies! I got this after Xmas last year and I figured I'd save it. 

This is a novella where we follow Sophie and Ned. Sophie is willing to marry pretty much anyone to help out her family, but she wants to at least like the guy. She wants to feel at LEAST a friendship. Love can always come later. However, she is done with the emotionless Ned. However, severing ties with her former beau isn't going to plan. She is forced to invite him to one last Christmas party and give him one last chance to win her over. 

This is oddly a second chances story and I'm here for it. I love that they both want to marry someone, but they have issues. He actually cares for her deeply but thanks to 'The Gentlemen's Book of Etiquette' he could lose her. No one is truly at fault for the original break up. They both had equal blame and equal innocence. I loved that. 

This was a very sweet Xmas romance that gets a little deep. Not TOO deep, but it worked to add some complexity and volume to the story. I loved watching them actually fall in love and find happiness. 

Now...I did have an issue with a lot of the side characters, especially Sophie's father. [SPOILER ALERT] I hated that they had no real karma hit them. They got HEAs too and they never grew up or changed for the better. Mmm. I'm all for Xmas miracles and people see the errors of their ways and THEN they get a HEA....but not so here. I'm just glad Sophie and Ned can leave them all behind and live in happiness if they want to. [END OF SPOILER]

All-in-all this was quick and short with enough depth to feel something. Minor issues with the side characters, but it was just me being grumpy and bitter. Sophie and Ned are adorable. If you need something quick for the upcoming holiday, I suggest this one! 4 stars from me. 

Book Review: The Duke Deal by Valerie Bowman

Author: Valerie Bowman

Title: The Duke Deal

Series: The Whitmorelands #1

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 161

Published: November 1, 2022

Where I Got It: My shelf (Bookbub)

Summary: 

She wants a favor. He has ONE condition.

The honeymoon is over…

When Veronica said “I do” to Sebastian Sinclair, Duke of Edgefield, she thought all her dreams had come true. He was dashing and doting, and she absolutely adored him—until he betrayed her trust, shattering their marriage, and her heart, into a million tiny bits. She hasn’t seen her husband in the two years since, and she’d just as soon make it twenty. But when she learns that her beloved grandfather’s dying wish is for her and Sebastian to attend the family’s Christmastide celebration, she swallows her pride and asks him a favor: to pretend they’re the happy couple they once were.

But the passion still simmers.

Sebastian is shocked to find his lovely duchess on his doorstep, but he’s ready and willing to play the part of a devoted husband for the Christmas season…if Veronica will grant him a favor in return. All he asks is that she share his bed every night. All night. And maybe even give him the heir he needs.

Could their love be the real deal?

Veronica must be mad to agree—especially since Sebastian seems intent on using every weapon in his arsenal to charm and seduce her. She knows it’s just pretend and yet, she can’t help but wonder if the falling snow and Christmas cheer will work a little magic. Maybe she and Sebastian will end up with more than either of them bargained for…

Review:

When I saw this on Bookbub as a freebie for me I had no choice but to pick it up. Love this author and dukes? Yes, please!!!!

Veronica and Sebastian married two years ago. It was a love match and they were happy...until they weren't. She caught Sebastian in a lie and with the trust gone how could she ever trust him again? Two years go by and they have not seen each other. Now they are forced together to celebrate the holidays with Veronica's ailing grandfather. 

Oooooooo you stubborn fools!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just wanted to shake Veronica and even Sebastian. They were too stubborn to stay and fight. They both had some trauma from their childhood and refused to listen to each other or explain. TALK YOU FOOLS TALK!

I love Justin, Veronica's brother, who finally has enough and decides to help. Bless him. I adore him.

I loved, loved the ending. Made me chuckle. 

My only issue was the internal monologue copy-pasting. Oh...my...gawd. We get it. We truly get why you have issues with the other and themselves. Sighs. 

All-in-all this was a fun second chances romance. It was nice when they finally woke up and found each other again. Some copy-pasting, but worth it to watch them work through it. I do want to read more esp if Justin gets to fall in love. He's a gem. 3 stars from me. 

Challenge(s):

- #24 for Romance Reading Challenge - Xmas setting

Book Review: From Fame to Ruin by Jina S Bazzar

Author: Jina S. Bazzar

Title: From Fame to Ruin

Genre: Thriller, Romantic Suspense, Second Chances

Format: ebook

Pages: 321 

Published: December 21st 2021

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

Summary: 

What if surviving a murder attempt, a heartbreak, and the loss of the family business wasn’t the hardest thing you ever faced?

Carol is the sole heir to a broken empire, Ricardo the newest celebrity in the rock world.

When they came together, their fire blazed. When their past caught up, they were left burned, scorched to the ground.

When a psychopath decides it’s payback time, Carol is faced with an impossible choice – save her son or sell her life.

Ricardo wants nothing to do with the woman who played him for a fool, but finds himself moored by circumstances, half-truths, and memories of the past.

They say time can heal anything. So far, time's brought nothing but complications.

This is a standalone romantic thriller told in alternating timelines and point of views. Warnings include character overdose and mentions of child abuse

Review:

The first book of the year!! And what a way to start the year off!

Here we follow Carol and Ricardo. Carol is the sole heir to a broken empire and Ricardo is the newest and hottest celebrity in the rock world. They met years earlier and their passion hit hard and heavy. However, their past catches up to them and destroys their love. Some years have gone by and when a psychopath decides it is payback time, Carol is faced with an impossible choice....save her son or sell her life. She goes to Ricardo for help. He doesn't want anything to do with her, but he finds himself agreeing.

This book had me at page one. Honestly, I could hardly put this down!! I had to know what was going to happen next!! That ending???? Fantastic. 

I did love the jumping back and forth in time. I get nervous it throws off the pace of the story and plot, but the author did a good jump with the jumping around. It added to the suspense aspect for sure. It made me want to read faster.

Carol and Ricardo had a lot of issues. You could see that from their first meeting in the past, but they are good souls and I really wanted them to work it out. It took years and a terrible situation to happen, but it does happen and I have hope for them. I liked both of them and I loved how complex they were. I really, really wanted to give both of them a shake here! Especially when Ricardo wouldn't even give her a minute to try and explain. UGH. 

The biggest part of the story is the suspense aspect. I loved the romance, but I'm glad it didn't take over the suspense aspect of the story. It was a nice balance. 

I know I said it before...but ooooo that ending and reveal was so good.

In the end, I really enjoyed this. I loved the characters and watching them redeem themselves, move on from the past, find their love again, and save her son.  What a great way to start the year. I'll give this 4 stars! 

Reading Challenge(s): 

- 1 down! Second chances. 

Audiobook Review: The Best Worst Christmas by Kate Forster

Author: Kate Forster

Narrator: Amy Landon

Title: The Best Worst Christmas

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Novella, holidays

Format: Audiobook

Published: December 1st 2021 

Where I got It: Audible 

Summary: 

Lily is back from Australia for the first time in seven years to spend Christmas at her mum’s house in a small, gossipy English village. To her surprise, she returns to find that her mother is dating the man next door, who also happens to be the father of her ex-boyfriend Tom. Tom, who broke Lily’s heart all those years ago. Tom, the real reason Lily fled to the other side of the world and stayed there. Tom, who is also home for Christmas and right there, next door.

In what is shaping up to be the worst Christmas ever, somehow Lily and Tom have to try to get along and play happy families, but living with the man who she is clearly not over is proving to be difficult, and tensions are high. Add in some drunken caroling, a reindeer bite, a potent Christmas pudding and some meddling parents and Lily’s trip home will turn her entire life upside down.

Review:

Jen was the one who got me to listen to this! Plus it's a freebie on Audible so why not ;) 

We follow Lily who is back from Australia for the first time in 7 years. She is going to spend the holidays with her mom in their small English village. To her surprise and horror....her mom is dating the man next door who happens to be the father of Tom....her ex. This ex had broken Lily's heart many years ago. Tom is the real reason why she fled to the other side of the world and tried to make a new life for herself. Now...she is stuck with him through the holidays. This is shaping up to be the worst Christmas ever. The two will try to get along and maybe there will be a miracle.

This was a lot of fun. Poor, poor Lily. I would be LIVID at my mom. HOW CAN YOU DO THAT!? UGH.

However, it was good for Lily and Tom to hash it out. It ended bad. Like super bad. The two really needed to talk even if it is just to move on. They have both been holding onto grudges and hatred. How can you live your life with that? So it was a good thing. But UGH darnit parents. 

I enjoyed watching Lily and Tom hash it out. It was fun watching them fall in love. It did take FOREVER, but it was worth the wait when they finally decided to give it a second chance. I do get nervous with second chance romances...but this was perfect. They talked it out. Vented their feelings and mended the hurts. Loved it!

Plus I love this little village. Small and everyone in everyone's business. So cute!

The scene with the reindeer had me in tears laughing. Yes, yes, there is a lot of humor here too. 

There was ONE reveal that had me seriously mad. Sure, I get it, but I was super annoyed. I didn't think it was needed. 

The narrator was good. Perfect voices. All different even the men had slight differences. 

In the end, this is a quick, fun Xmas romance. My only beef was the one reveal near the end. Not needed. I'll give this 4 stars though!

Challenge(s):
- #86 for Audiobook challenge

TMST: Giving 2nd Chances

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post on Rainy Day Ramblings where Rainy discusses a wide range of topics from books to blogging. 

  

if a book disappoints you by an author that you read for the first time, how likely are you to try that author again?

Honestly...it all depends on the situation and the author. I'm always open for 2nd chances and trying a book or author again. However, there are times I will put my foot down and say no. Those are rare examples and I can only think of one off the top of my head....I won't name names ;)

But yes - this is a hard question to give a solid answer. It all depends. 

Practicing at watercolor ;) 

Audiobook Review: Second Chances by Kristi Rose

Author: Kristi Rose
Narrator: Suzanne Barbetta

Title: Second Chances (A Coming Home Short Story, Book 1)

Genre: Short Story, Romance
Pages: Audiobook
Published: December 31st 2014
Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible)



Fourteen years earlier Lorelei Parker gave her innocence and heart to her best friend, Cole Williams, but instead of a forever love she ended up heartbroken and losing him. After a long absences Cole, now a local football hero, has returned to his hometown hoping to garner Lorelei's forgiveness. For them absences has not made the heart fonder but the divide greater. The unresolved manner in which their relationship ended makes healing and moving forward seem insurmountable. If they can put their past behind them, Lorelei and Cole may find a second chance at a future together.

Needed a quick short story and this did deliver. 

The story follows Lorelei and Cole. The two broke up 14 years ago. Years have past and Cole is coming back home for two reasons: work in town and get Lorelei's forgiveness for leaving. Time does not heal all wounds and it will not be an easy task to get her forgiveness and love. 

This was a sad story especially after learning about the BIG reason why they broke up. It was so sad. Nearly got a tear out of me. I hated Cole at first....but then after he could explain I felt for him too. It was rough for both parties. So sad. 

I'm glad this wasn't an insta-love and forgiveness. It took until pretty much the end. It was needed. I honestly wish this had been longer because I feel like their road to forgiveness and love needed to be fleshed out more. I think it would've been an even better story and I I would have loved it even more. 

The narrator was pretty good. I wouldn't mind listening to more. 

But yes - I liked this and it did work. But I think it would've been WAYYYYYYYYYY better longer. I for sure recommend this if you need something quick and has a touch of feels. A pretty good narrator. I'll give this 4 stars.