I read 10 books so far this month. I have 8 reviews to share with you today in my mid August reading recap including 4 5-star reads!
The Romance Readathon has been so much fun to participate in. It has me reading a lot more historical romance than I normally would and inspired me to finish 3 series.
I crossed the last book off of my summer tbr! I’ve been narrowing down my fall reading picks so keep an eye out for that tbr soon.
We had another hit for A Dose of Romance Book Club! Check out my review of Ignite by Melanie Harlow below.
It’s been an excellent start to the month!
Here’s what I’ve read so far in August.
Mid August Reading Recap:
Destiny’s Surrender by Beverly Jenkins
Rating: 5 stars
Steam Level: 3
The Romance Readathon inspired me to finish Beverly Jenkins’ Destiny trilogy this month. I previously read Destiny’s Captive (4 stars) earlier this year when it was recommended as an adventure romance.
After enjoying the first two novels more than the third, I do wish I’d read the series in order. The second book, Destiny’s Surrender, was my favorite of the trilogy.
From goodreads:
“The child he didn’t know he had . . .
Andrew Yates has come to a decision: it’s time to stop sowing those oats and start a family. But searching for a bride isn’t as simple as he’d hoped, and many of the respectable women of his acquaintance feel . . . lacking. Then beautiful, feisty Wilhelmina “Billie” Wells arrives at the family ranch with a toddler in her arms, claiming Drew is the father!
The woman he didn’t know he loved . . .
Billie had no choice but to show up at Destiny in search of Drew. For the sake of their child, she’s willing to leave him with his father so the boy can have a better life, but then, before she can blink, she’s saying “I do” in front of a preacher in a marriage of convenience. All Billie and Drew have in common is the heat that brought them together, but can their sizzling passion lead to an everlasting love?”
My Thoughts
This was such a unique story set up and I loved it!
I don’t think I’ve ever read a book where the female main character was a sex worker. Especially in a historical romance.
Then adding in the fact that they’d already had a relationship and a child together made things even more interesting.
I loved the angst in this one. They had some arguments that made me gasp aloud, certain Drew could not come back from some of the things he said.
While both lead characters were great, Billie stole the show for me! She’s such a strong and matter of fact heroine. I loved her personality and seeing the way the rest of the family takes to her was so sweet!
I also adored the side story going on between Max and Alanza.
The end felt a little rushed. I wish we saw them happy together for a bit longer.
I may have felt differently if I’d read the books in order since we see all of these beloved characters again in the third book.
Other Books in the Series that I Read this Month:
- Destiny’s Embrace (4.5 stars)
Deviant Hearts by Jagger Cole
Rating: 5 stars
Steam Level: 4.5
This is one of the books I started August with in my Kindle Unlimited library. Jenn at The Book Refuge put this series on my radar.
While I haven’t had much luck with mafia romance, I wanted to try this author before deciding that subgenre isn’t for me. I’m so glad I did!
From goodreads:
“To stop a mafia war, I’m being forced to marry my sworn enemy.
A brutal, domineering, and lethally beautiful monster with a body built for violence. Ares Drakos—new king of the Drakos Mafia family—is every inch the God of War he’s named after.
And now, I belong to him.
Our unholy union is meant to end the bloodshed between Irish and Greek. A rising tide to lift all ships.
A match made in hell. And if we can’t stop from killing each other, “until death do us part” might happen before we can say “I do”.
It’s not supposed to be real. Until it becomes something else.
Something dark, dangerous, and deliciously deviant.
The God of War might be invading my bed, my dreams, and my every sinful desire.
But there’s one thing he’ll never conquer.
My heart.”
My Thoughts
I flew through this book!
The story was intense but in a fun way. I felt like any violence that went on was there in the story for a reason not just shock value.
The set up between this couple was so good! I loved their snark, their chemistry, and the anticipation that built between them. When it explodes, oh my goodness 🔥🔥 Ares is quite the caveman and it worked for me.
The side characters were so fun! I loved the dynamics between the rival families as well as the teasing and harassing among siblings. I found much of the dialogue hilarious. In particular Ya Ya, the Drakos matriarch.
The playlist and trigger/content warnings featured at the beginning were a nice touch.
There’s also a scene with a shoutout to one of Cole’s other books. Neve is reading it and gets Ares to read the book as well, which warmed this book lover’s heart.
The end was a little over the top dramatic for me and definitely unbelievable. I wish we saw them happy and safe for a little longer.
All in all I still loved the book. I’m excited to continue the series.
Ignite by Melanie Harlow
Rating: 4.5 stars
Steam Level: 2
This is another book that’s been sitting in my KU library for awhile. It was August’s selection for A Dose of Romance Book Club.
It’s the first book in a next generation of Harlow’s Cloverleigh Farms series. You don’t have to read the series in order. I jumped in with this being my first read from Melanie Harlow.
From goodreads:
“My new neighbor is a firefighter—and a scorching hot single dad—but I swear I didn’t set off that smoke alarm on purpose.
(And I was beyond mortified when he rushed in and saw me naked.)
Nothing happened, of course—because I, Winnie MacAllister, romance junkie and owner of a constantly broken heart, have sworn off men for one solid year.
Even protective men with chiseled jaws, bulging biceps, and deep brown eyes that make my breath come faster. Including former SEALs with broad chests and strong hands that make my skin sizzle. Even gorgeous, grumpy guys who have their hands full raising two adorable little girls and claim they don’t believe in love.
Until Dex kisses me one night, and I drop all my defenses.
(Also my underwear.)
He says he’s not gentle, and he’s right. Dex says I should take the dream job I’m offered in another state, and he’s right. He says he’s too old for me and could never be the man I deserve.
He’s wrong.
Dex and I might be twelve years apart, but the fire between us is the kind that will never burn out.
How can I convince him to give happily-ever-after with me a chance?”
My Thoughts
This book had a few tropes I knew I loved – small town, large family, and grumpy sunshine – and a few I wasn’t as sure about – single dad, first responder, age gap, neighbors, and friends with benefits.
Ignite left me with a smile! It was just plain fun!
Hallie and Luna (Dex’s daughters) may have been my favorite part. They were hilarious and I loved their dynamic with both Dex and Winnie. Their one liners stole the show!
I enjoyed the banter, the chemistry between Dex and Winnie, and the way they opened up to one another.
The middle felt a little slow. It certainly took Dex long enough to figure things out!
Overall I really enjoyed this town, these families, and all of the amazing side characters. I’m excited to check out more of the series.
Never Judge A Lady By Her Cover by Sarah MacLean
Rating: 3.5 stars
Steam Level: 2
The Rules of Scoundrels series is another historical I completed for The Romance Readathon.
I’ve been anticipating this fourth book since reading Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke’s Heart in March.
From goodreads:
“By day, she is Lady Georgiana, sister to a Duke, ruined before her first season in the worst kind of scandal. But the truth is far more shocking—in London’s darkest corners, she is Chase, the mysterious, unknown founder of the city’s most legendary gaming hell. For years, her double identity has gone undiscovered… until now.
Brilliant, driven, handsome-as-sin Duncan West is intrigued by the beautiful, ruined woman who is somehow connected to a world of darkness and sin. He knows she is more than she seems and he vows to uncover all of Georgiana’s secrets, laying bare her past, threatening her present, and risking all she holds dear… including her heart.”
My Thoughts
For how much I was anticipating this book, I’m a little disappointed that I didn’t love this one more.
As with the rest of the books in this series it started out strong and humorous. I felt for Georgiana’s predicament and quickly fell in love with her daughter, Caroline.
The pool scene at Duncan’s was pretty magical but the story slowed down too much for me.
It felt like there were so many missed opportunities to show Georgiana’s alter ego, Chase – the entire payoff of the series. I wanted to see more of her as the mastermind behind this whole organization but as the reader we’re just told to accept it, not shown it.
By the end the conflict dragged out to the point where I no longer found it compelling. There were no good reasons left for one character to keep lying to the other and it went past the point of being forgivable.
It was Caroline who came in again for the win in the end.
Other Books in the Series:
- No Good Duke Goes Unpunished (3 stars) read this month
- One Good Earl Deserves a Lover (4 stars)
- A Rogue by Any Other Name (4.5 stars)
General Thoughts on the Series
Looking back on this series, I’m actually pretty disappointed by it. I’m not sure Sarah MacLean’s writing style is for me. I feel like the books I read in March, I wouldn’t rate as highly if I’d read them now.
These stories all started out strong with some of the best opening scenes. But they tapered off by the middle and then dragged out the conflict way too long by the end.
I found the conflicts weak, relying too much on miscommunication or the plain illogical stubbornness of some characters (looking at you Mara).
I’m confused on why MacLean waited so long to reveal Chase was actually Georgiana. Especially when the previous series spoils that so the reader is highly anticipating seeing Georgiana on page as Chase.
That never actually happens. Chase is kept to the shadows (this book claims he hasn’t been seen for years) despite supposedly having a huge hand orchestrating the love connections in the previous books.
There were so many missed opportunities for fun interactions between Georgiana and her partners as Chase.
It’s in His Kiss by Julia Quinn
Rating: 5 stars
Steam Level: 2
I also finished the Bridgerton series to rack up those historical romance points.
This series was a lot more fun than I remember it being. So it’s probably a good thing I took a break from reading it last year.
From goodreads:
“IF IT’S IN HIS HEART… IT’S IN HIS KISS
MEET OUR HERO…
Gareth St. Clair is in a bind. His father, who detests him, is determined to beggar the St. Clair estates and ruin his inheritance. Gareth’s sole bequest is an old family diary, which may or may not contain the secrets of his past… and the key to his future. The problem is—it’s written in Italian, of which Gareth speaks not a word.
MEET OUR HEROINE…
All the ton agreed: there was no one quite like Hyacinth Bridgerton. She’s fiendishly smart, devilishly outspoken, and according to Gareth, probably best in small doses. But there’s something about her—something charming and vexing—that grabs him and won’t quite let go…
MEET POOR MR. MOZART…
Or don’t. But rest assured, he’s spinning in his grave when Gareth and Hyacinth cross paths at the annual—and annually discordant—Smythe-Smith musicale. To Hyacinth, Gareth’s every word seems a dare, and she offers to translate his diary, even though her Italian is slightly less than perfect. But as they delve into the mysterious text, they discover that the answers they seek lie not in the diary, but in each other… and that there is nothing as simple—or as complicated—as a single, perfect kiss.”
My Thoughts
It was so fun to be back among this family and all the beloved side characters in this series.
Hyacinth cracked me up and I adored her friendship with Lady Danbury.
The mystery element in this one was so entertaining! I loved that it set up our couple to start out as friends thrown together for all sorts of “inappropriate” adventures. Quinn really delivered on that premise.
The shout out to the title in the book Hyacinth reads to Lady D every week was great.
The sibling shenanigans between Gregory and Hyacinth had me laughing. It was also fun to see Anthony’s interaction with Gareth in some pivotal scenes.
By the end I completely believed this couple was perfect for one another. And I adored the extended epilogue.
Other Books in the Series that I Read this Month:
- On the Way to the Wedding (4.5 stars)
Prison Planet Barbarian by Ruby Dixon
Rating: 4.5 stars
Steam Level: 3
This is another book from the What’s in my Kindle Unlimited Library: August Edition.
Ruby Dixon’s series can be confusing. After a mention of this couple in her first Risdaverse book, When She’s Ready, I wanted to go back and read their story.
This originally wasn’t considered part of that series but now is listed on goodreads as a prequel.
From goodreads:
“Being kidnapped by aliens is one thing.
Being kidnapped by aliens and then sent to a prison planet is something infinitely worse.
Here in Haven’s prison system, I’m stranded among strangers, enemies, and the most ruthless criminals in the galaxy. There’s no safety for a human woman here, especially not one branded as a murderer. I’m doomed to a fate worse than death.
Then…he decides I should be his. His name’s Jutari. He’s seven feet tall, blue, and horned. He’s an assassin and one of the most dangerous prisoners here. Jutari’s like no one I’ve ever met before…and he might be my only chance.”
My Thoughts
As you can probably imagine, this book starts out really bleak.
It had a very unique setting and premise. It is a type of survival story.
I enjoyed being reintroduced to some of the alien species we’ve seen as side characters before in other books.
At 135 pages, this was a quick, engrossing, and fun read.
For such a short book, I really enjoyed the way their relationship developed.
At one point Chloe even tells Jutari that she’s not in love yet, the situation is too weird. It wasn’t instalove which I appreciated.
Mr. Nobody by Catherine Steadman
Rating: 3 stars
This was my final read from my summer tbr! After enjoying The Family Game (4.5 stars) on audio last fall, I decided to read this one the same way.
Finishing this book also made me a Catherine Steadman completist. I previously gave The Disappearing Act 5 stars last summer and reviewed Something in the Water (4 stars) on my list of Reese’s Book Club Picks: Hits and Misses.
From goodreads:
“Memory defines us–but what if you lost all memory of who you are? Or where you came from?
A man washes onto a British beach with no memory of who he is or how he got there. Are there loved ones who could be looking for him? Is he a criminal, or an illegal immigrant? The media circus that ensues dubs him “Matthew,” a patient whose story is a blank slate–no past, no preconceptions, no life before the mysterious incident that washed him up on that beach.
Despite the tragedy of Matthew’s condition, there are others who see him in a different light. He is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the perfect study of retrograde amnesia. When Dr. Emma Lewis gets a call from a respected colleague asking if she wants to take on the case of a lifetime, she can’t refuse. But her ambition comes at a cost. All too soon she’ll realize that the man she’s been studying has been harboring dangerous secrets, and that he may remember far more than he lets on. . . .
Who is Matthew? The answer might surprise you, if it doesn’t kill you.“
My Thoughts
Unfortunately this is my least favorite of Catherine Steadman’s books.
Mr. Nobody was very slow compared to her other novels. It’s definitely more of a mystery than a thriller.
I was intrigued in the beginning by Emma’s past, the mystery of Matthew and how things would come together.
The slow pace got to me though and I never felt very connected to any of the characters. I didn’t find them or their interactions with one another compelling.
By the end this story had me confused, bored, and scratching by my head at how weird it was.
The Wolf and the Wildflower by Stacy Reid
Rating: 5 stars
Steam Level: 2.5
I added this book to August’s KU Library after seeing it recommended by many booktubers for The Romance Readathon. It gets bonus points for being both a historical romance and written by a BIPOC author.
This was my first book from Stacy Reid.
From goodreads:
“London is buzzing with the news that James Winters, the Duke of Wulverton—thought lost at sea a decade ago—survived in the harsh wilderness of the Yukon. Now he’s been returned to his family, his responsibilities, and a nightmarish world of artifice and noise. He has three weeks to become a refined, elegant duke for the Queen…or doom the entire family to ruin and scandal.
Promising psychologist Jules Southby knows a lot about disguises. She’s secretly been living as a boy since birth, enjoying the freedoms of men and knowing little about how to behave like a woman. When she meets the alluring duke, she’s unprepared for his raw, masculine beauty and icy intelligence…or that he can see through her darkest secret.
Jules has very little time to transform the duke into a true semblance of an English gentleman. Yet his very presence seems to unravel her in every way. Their attraction is stark and achingly real—and forbidden. But loving the lost duke would mean losing every sacrifice she’s made to earn her freedom…”
My Thoughts
I devoured this book!
I actually checked the audio out since it was available through Hoopla and listened to it that way.
The book does start out with a slightly absurd and unbelievable premise – Jules living as a boy since birth. But if you can go with it, it quickly became a delightful read!
I loved the immediate connection between Jules and James and the way their relationship develops. It felt both swoony and natural.
There were a lot of fun tidbits on human nature and the human mind thrown in as well.
And Jules passing as a man led to so many fantastic scene opportunities! Which Stacy Reid delivered on!
That brothel scene was both hilarious and wonderfully spicy.
The last quarter of this book really sealed my reading experience. I just adored how everything was resolved and fell a little bit in love with both of these families.
I’m looking forward to reading more from Stacy Reid!
What’s on your mid August reading recap?
