Book Stripping Blog

Squares Called:

01/09 - Classic Horror (not on card)

03/09 - Cryptozoologist

05/09 - Cozy Mystery (not on card)

07/09 - New Release

09/09 - Southern Gothic

Books Read & Called:

04/09 - Cryptozoologist - Iron and Magic by Ilona Andrews (392 p.)

Books Read & Not Called:

06/09 - Darkest London - A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab (400 p.)

07/09 - Country House Mystery - Decanting a Murder by Nadine Nettmann (251 p.)

Currently reading:

New Release - The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn (368 p.)

Southern Gothic - Fantasy Lover by Sherrilyn Kenyon (337 p.)

Shifters - The Art of Seducing a Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper (336 p.)

Started expecting it to be a contemporary romance book, ended up reading bdsm erotica...

"She realized how little she wanted a quiet life of pastel colors and quadrilles and tepid lemonade. She wanted more."

*** ABOUT THE BOOK ***

Title: A Rogue by Any Other Name (The Rules of Scoundrels #1)

Author: Sarah MacLean

Genre: Historical Romance

Goodreads Amazon

*** BOOK BLURB ***

A decade ago, the Marquess of Bourne was cast from society with nothing but his title. Now a partner in London’s most exclusive gaming hell, the cold, ruthless Bourne will do whatever it takes to regain his inheritance—including marrying perfect, proper Lady Penelope Marbury.

A broken engagement and years of disappointing courtships have left Penelope with little interest in a quiet, comfortable marriage, and a longing for something more. How lucky that her new husband has access to such unexplored pleasures.

Bourne may be a prince of London’s underworld, but he vows to keep Penelope untouched by its wickedness—a challenge indeed as the lady discovers her own desires, and her willingness to wager anything for them... even her heart.

*** REVIEW ***

If I had to sum up this book I would describe it as enjoyable but forgettable romance. There was nothing special about it, but I like books like this as palate cleansers.

I loved inclusion of the letters that main characters exchanged for years during their childhood. These snippets provided a great opportunity to glance into their past.

Aside from Penelope and Michael, there is an entertaining cast of secondary characters who will get their own books in this series.

Writing at some parts is a bit over the top, but overall it was fun little romance.

*** ABOUT THE BOOK ***

Title: Pretty Little Killers (The Keepers #1)

Author: Rita Herron

Genre: Romantic Suspense | Mystery

Goodreads Amazon

*** BOOK BLURB ***

Still haunted by his wife’s murder—and stained by the blood of avenging it—FBI special agent Hatcher McGee can’t believe he’s being teamed up with rookie agent Korine Davenport. She is his most guilty secret—the one-night stand who almost cost him everything.

Korine has her own demons. As a child, she witnessed her father’s murder, and she’s spent her life waiting for the killer’s return. She and Hatcher are both looking for closure, but the disturbing case that draws them together could be their last.

When the mutilated body of a corrupt Savannah judge surfaces, Hatcher and Korine find themselves on the trail of a vigilante who is showing no mercy. Not for the predators who’ve gone free. And not for anyone who gets in the way.

As the body count rises, and as Hatcher’s and Korine’s own pasts unfold, they must risk their lives tracking a killer they’ve come to understand all too well. After all, the ends justify the means.

*** REVIEW ***

Pretty Little Killers is in a most part a police procedural novel just with a bit of steamy romance. It's full of unexpected twists and turns that make it hard to figure out who is the real killer.

For a Romantic Suspense genre, it lacked the actual "romance". Characters seemed more suffering from lust and wanting to hop into bed than developing some real feelings.

Both main characters have an interesting and complex backstories that meshed with the overall story. The setting goes hand in hand with the plot and is the superb  backdrop to a thrilling crime novel.

 DAY 1

Challenge: Introduce Yourself #insixwords

Passionate risk taker following her dreams.

Progress:

Book of a day: A Rogue by Any Other Name by Sarah MacLean

Pages read today: 386

Total of pages read: 386

So today I started and finished A Rogue by Any Other Name. I enjoyed it. Author did a great job of bringing up Penelope and Michael's past while being in the present. Book like these are my vice. They are pretty forgettable, but enjoyable read. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DAY 2

Challenge: Book Plot Emoji

Pretty Little Killers by Rita Herron

 Book of a day: Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

Pages read today: 327

Total of pages read: 713

Oh my... This is the kind of book that makes my heart soar. Quirky characters with soul. Definitely will be one of my favorite books read this year.

 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

DAY 3

Challenge: Literary Villain

Favorite villain in books that was first though in my mind have to be Voldemort from Harry Potter. While he wants to make the world of magic available only for those of the purest blood, what really reals him up is his hatred for Harry Potter.

Book of a day: 1984 by George Orwell

Pages read today: 328

Total of pages read: 1041

1984 was sitting on my book shelf for years and I never got around to reading it. But I really glad I finally did it! Classics isn't genre I like much, but many times reading this book I couldn't believe it really was written in 1949. This book still seems so relevant in nowadays.

It reminded me in many aspects a tv series The Man in the High Castle.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

DAY 4

Challenge: Book Trip

Paris is Always a Good Idea. We all are fascinated with The City of Light like no other, and it definitely is on many peoples bucket list. Here some books I would recommend to read if Paris fuels your imagination.

Historical Fiction - Paris by Edward Rutherfurd

Historical Nonfiction - The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris by David McCullough

Historical Romance - The Dress Thief by Natalie Meg Evans

Contemporary Romance - Just One Day by Gayle Forman

Paranormal Romance - Die for Me (Revenants #1) by Amy Plum

Unfortunately today I won't have as much free time to read as I had few previous days, so will split the book between today and tomorrow.

Book of a day: The Controversial Princess by Jodi Ellen Malpas

Pages read today: 254

Total of pages read: 1295

*** ABOUT THE BOOK ***

Title: Going Dark (The Lost Platoon #1)

Author: Monica McCarty

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Goodreads Amazon

*** BOOK BLURB ***

Like Rome's Lost Legion, a SEAL platoon goes on a mission and vanishes without a trace.

After walking into a trap on a covert op in Russia, the men from top secret SEAL Team Nine are presumed dead. Not knowing whom they can trust, and with war hanging in the balance, the survivors must go dark and scatter around the globe.

Marine ecologist Annie Henderson joins her new boyfriend on a trip to the Western Isles of Scotland to protest a hazardous offshore drilling venture. When she realizes that she may be swept up in something far more dangerous than she'd intended, there is only one man she can turn to...

She and the mysterious but sexy dive boat captain haven't exactly gotten off to the best start, but something about his quiet confidence makes her think that he's the kind of man she can depend on. Because he's gruff and guarded, she can tell Dan Warren has secrets. But she could never imagine how high the stakes are for him to keep his cover, even as he risks everything to protect her...

*** REVIEW ***

Going Dark was a high stakes non-stop action story that had some good military and romance elements.

I had several issues with this book. First off, it starts off with the botched mission. While it provided background on what happened, it was focused primarily on team member Brian Mruphy, who wasn’t the character the book was about. So I’m not sure why the book started off focused on him instead of the team member the book was actually about. Also a little too much filler for me in some chapters.

The relationship between the hero and heroine is best described as how opposites attract. Annie and Dean couldn't be more different, from their ideologies to their lives. But their attraction and relationship building was believable and a bit steamy.

While I’m curious about what really went wrong on the Russian op, I’m not sure if it’s enough to get me to read the next book in the series.

“Do not pollute my perfectly acceptable figurative speech with irrelevant facts!”

*** ABOUT THE BOOK ***

Title: The Duchess War (Brothers Sinister #1)

Author: Courtney Milan

Genre: Historical Romance

Goodreads Amazon

*** BOOK BLURB ***

Miss Minerva Lane is a quiet, bespectacled wallflower, and she wants to keep it that way. After all, the last time she was the center of attention, it ended badly—so badly that she changed her name to escape her scandalous past. Wallflowers may not be the prettiest of blooms, but at least they don't get trampled. So when a handsome duke comes to town, the last thing she wants is his attention.

But that is precisely what she gets.

Because Robert Blaisdell, the Duke of Clermont, is not fooled. When Minnie figures out what he’s up to, he realizes there is more to her than her spectacles and her quiet ways. And he’s determined to lay her every secret bare before she can discover his. But this time, one shy miss may prove to be more than his match...

*** REVIEW ***

It was definitely unique historical romances. Author clever uses time period to provide background for the characters and give them a purpose.  Some of the issues brought up: radical politics, organized labor, Darwinism and more. Which reminded me on of my favorite period tv series - North & South.

And characters themselves weren't usual too. At first glance they don't have anything in common and relationship between them shouldn't work. But it some way they compliment each other and their slow-burning romance convinced me in their love story.

I loved dialogues between Robert and Millie, their were intellectual and and at the same time with a dose of the humor.

Why I gave only 5 stars? For me the plot twist with the false accusations of sedition was a little too hastily wrapped up. I wanted it explained a bit more and maybe get a glance of how they thought to change the things in a future.

“Do you mind my madness? Even if you’re right that I can contain the rages, I will always be mad. I won’t get better.” “I know.” Beth snuggled against his chest. “It’s part of the very intriguing package that is Ian Mackenzie.”

*** ABOUT THE BOOK ***

Title: The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie (Mackenzies & McBrides #1)

Author: Jennifer Ashley

Genre: Historical Romance

Goodreads Amazon

*** BOOK BLURB ***

The year is 1881. Meet the Mackenzie family—rich, powerful, dangerous, eccentric. A lady couldn't be seen with them without ruin. Rumors surround them—of tragic violence, of their mistresses, of their dark appetites, of scandals that set England and Scotland abuzz.

The youngest brother, Ian, known as the Mad Mackenzie, spent most of his young life in an asylum, and everyone agrees he is decidedly odd. He's also hard and handsome and has a penchant for Ming pottery and beautiful women.

Beth Ackerley, widow, has recently come into a fortune. She has decided that she wants no more drama in her life. She was raised in drama—an alcoholic father who drove them into the workhouse, a frail mother she had to nurse until her death, a fussy old lady she became constant companion to. No, she wants to take her money and find peace, to travel, to learn art, to sit back and fondly remember her brief but happy marriage to her late husband.

And then Ian Mackenzie decides he wants her.

*** REVIEW ***

I really thought I would like this book more than I did. It got 3 stars only because plot was different from usual historical romance - murder mystery and main hero with Aspergers.

The main off putting thing for me was jumping between narrators in the middle of the paragraphs. Also if book has a main character with a mental disorder, you would think it would be explored much deeper. His mental disability and ability to be in a relationships was really downplayed.

Don't think I will be reading further books in the series.

Perfect timing! Just as I was looking for some low key read-a-thon this month to read a The Conqueror's Saga by Kiersten White this even showed up :) So I definitely signing up. Anyone else planning to participate?

The official blurb:

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda Shofner and Kelly Rubidoux Apple. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, August 20th and runs through Sunday, August 26th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 23 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

Guy has really stalkerish tendencies that is very off-putting and not okay... Don't understand how to someone it might look cute, I see only red flags...

I'm so excited about this! Never participated in book bingo before, but this seems like really fun way to finally get to some forgotten books on my TBR :)

Big thank you to Moonlight Madness for the card and all the work put into organizing this bingo.

Here are my book choices:

Terrifying women: The Death of Mrs. Westaway by Ruth Ware

Ruth Ware is highly acclaimed psychological crime thriller author, but for some reason I never read any of her books. Will see, maybe she will become my go-to author after this :)

Southern Gothic: Fantasy Lover (Hunter Legends Series #1) by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Sherrilyn Kenyon books never disappoints me before, hopefully this paranormal romance set in New Orleans won't be an exception.

Spellbound: Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch by Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman

It's sitting on my TBR shelf already about 5 years, finally will have a chance to push myself to read it.

Deadlands: My Life as a White Trash Zombie (White Trash Zombie #1) by Diana Rowland

Heard a lot of mixed reviews about this book. Just because of great cover I have to read it and hope for the best.

Country house mystery: Decanting a Murder (A Sommelier Mystery #1) by Nadine Nettmann

Know nothing about this book, but somehow a year ago it ended up on my TBR.

Darkest London:  A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab

Another book sitting on my TBR shelf for far too long. Read so many good things about it, but some newer shinier books were always distracting me from picking it up.

Creepy Carnivals: Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Oh my, another old-timer on my TBR. I really need to get my act together and start tackling those books.

Modern Noir: Coffin Road by Peter May

I'm not much of a Noir genre reader. Was hard to choose something not knowing any of the authors. But after some search on Goodreads ended up with this one.

Relics and Curiosities: Blood Symbols by Izak Botha

Few days ago I won it in a giveaway, so this bingo will be perfect opportunity to read it. Blurb sounds like something out of the Dan Brown repertoire.

Terror in a small town: We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson

Had nothing on my TBR to fit this category, so going with Moonlight Madness suggestion.

Murder Most Foul: The Perfect Couple by Elin Hilderbrand

Some lighter mystery to balance it out.

New release: The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn

Really excited about this one, just bought a book few weeks ago, so perfect timing for bingo!

Cryptozoologist: Iron and Magic (The Iron Covenant #1) by Ilona Andrews

Well about damn time, a book I can get behind. Kate Daniels are one of my favorite kick ass heroines in Urban Fantasy. Hugh was a bad guy in Kate Daniels series, so see him becoming main character in this new spin series was kinda of surprise. Can't wait to see how this bad boy transformation will work out!

Modern Masters of Horror: The Outsider (Finders Keepers #4) by Stephen King

Shame to admit, but I never read any of Stephen King's books. This will be big push out of my comfort zone, hopefully I will manage to finish it.

Amateur sleuth: Front Page Fatality (A Nichelle Clarke Crime Thriller #1) by LynDee Walker

Wanted some light fluffy read to not make my first bingo experience too tough, so choose this one :)

Genre: Suspense: The Thinnest Air by Minka Kent

Another resent purchase. Seems I unintentionally was preparing for Halloween bingo not even knowing about it!

Shifters: The Art of Seducing a Naked Werewolf (Naked Werewolf #2) by Molly Harper

I liked first book in the series with it's humorous approach to paranormal romance. Hopefully this one won't disappoint me either.

Romantic suspense: Shelter in Place by Nora Roberts

The book topic - mass shooting - is very relevant to nowadays. Can't wait to see how romance part will be entwined into the story.

A Grimm Tale: The Bear and the Nightingale (Winternight Trilogy #1) by Katherine Arden

Fairy Tale set in Russian wilderness? Truly something new for me.

Fear the Drowning Deep: To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo

Dark retelling of Little Mermaid with spins that pull from other folklore. Mmmm, sounds intriguing.

Doomsday: Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel

Another long timer on my TBR.

Baker Street Irregulars: Truly Devious (Truly Devious #1) by Maureen Johnson

I'm not much into YA mysteries so will rely on Moonlight Madness recommendation.

Gothic: Jane Steele by Lyndsay Faye

A Gothic retelling of Jane Eyre, one of my all time favorite books.

13: The Raven Boys (The Raven Cycle #1) by Maggie Stiefvater

"Series where the inevitability of death and the nature of love lead us to a place we’ve never been before." Sounds promising :)

Wild Cards: Anthony Horowitz - The Word Is Murder (Hawthorne #1) and Magpie Murders

"She wanted a husband who, although he might not share her interest in bonnets, would nevertheless respect her fascination with the artistry of fashion, in the ways clothing could transform a person."

*** ABOUT THE BOOK ***

Title: Born to Be Wilde (The Wildes of Lindow Castle #3)

Author: Eloisa James

Genre: Historical Romance

Goodreads Amazon

*** BOOK BLURB ***

For beautiful, witty Lavinia Gray, there's only one thing worse than having to ask the appalling Parth Sterling to marry her: being turned down by him.

Now the richest bachelor in England, Parth is not about to marry a woman as reckless and fashion-obsessed as Lavinia; he's chosen a far more suitable bride.

But when he learns of Lavinia's desperate circumstances, he offers to find her a husband. Even better, he'll find her a prince.

As usual, there's no problem Parth can't fix. But the more time he spends with the beguiling Lavinia, the more he finds himself wondering…

Why does the woman who's completely wrong feel so right in his arms?

*** REVIEW ***

This book can be read as standalone, but to better understand the secondary characters I would recommend first read previous two books in the series.

Born to Be Wilde is kinda "enemies to lovers" type of romance. Story spins around two main characters - Parth and Lavinia - who claim not to care for each other while the opposite is blatantly obvious. 

I liked how through the book Lavinia's self-esteem is growing and she learning new things about herself. And her ingenious way of solving money problems by starting to work was not commonly found in regency romance either.

"Starting this evening, she would be herself around him: not flirtatious, not foolish, not insulting. Herself. No more and no less than her true self. A bonnet lover—an unabashed, unrepentant bonnet lover."

The book has subplots related to addiction and fashion, which for me were more interesting than the main plot. Maybe because it's not often you would find these topics in historical romance.

Overall I liked the book, but it didn't blow my mind. It was just fun and light story.

“There is a moment, when a woman’s foolishness slips into delusion. The former is forgivable, the latter isn’t. You will never live it down. Remember that.”

*** ABOUT THE BOOK ***

Title: If You're Not Yet Like Me

Author: Edan Lepucki

Genre: Contemporary | Short

Goodreads Amazon

*** BOOK BLURB ***

Joellyn—as judgmental as she is insecure—tells her unborn daughter the story of her courtship with an unemployed, terribly-dressed man named Zachary. The novella is a romantic comedy—if romantic comedies were dark and screwed up and no one got exactly what they wanted.

*** REVIEW ***

 Joellyn, the sarcastic and painfully honest narrator of this book, is one of the most realistic and relatable characters I've encountered in a long time. If You're Not Yet Like Me is Joellyn's confessional explanation of her unborn baby's origins, told directly to her child. This raw, one-sided conversation is so vivid that reading it feels like reading a stranger's diary.