The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose

The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose  337 pages

Sarah Morgan is a successful and powerful defense attorney in Washington D.C. At 33 years old, she is a named partner at her firm and life is going exactly how she planned.

The same cannot be said for her husband, Adam. He is a struggling writer who has had little success in his career. He begins to tire of his and Sarah’s relationship as she is constantly working.

Out in the secluded woods, at Adam and Sarah’s second home, Adam engages in a passionate affair with Kelly Summers.

Then, one morning everything changes. Adam is arrested for Kelly’s murder. She had been found stabbed to death in Adam and Sarah’s second home.

Sarah soon finds herself playing the defender for her own husband, a man accused of murdering his mistress.

But is Adam guilty or is he innocent?

I enjoyed this story. The ending was unexpected and well explained though you're strung along for two chapters before it is explained.

The Shadow Cabinet by Juno Dawson

The Shadow Cabinet (Her Majesty's Royal Coven #2) by Juno Dawson, 528 p.

"Niamh Kelly is dead. Her troubled twin, Ciara, now masquerades as the benevolent witch as Her Majesty's Royal Coven prepares to crown her High Preistess.

Suffering from amnesia, Ciara can't remember what she's done--but if she wants to survive, she must fool Niamh's adopted family and friends; the coven; and the murky Shadow Cabinet--a secret group of mundane civil servants who are already suspicious of witches. While she tries to rebuild her past, she realizes none of her past has forgotten her, including her former lover, renegade warlock Dabney Hale. 

On the other end of the continent, Leonie Jackman is in search of Hale, rumored to be seeking a dark object of ultimate power somehow connected to the upper echelons of the British government. If the witches can't figure out Hale's machinations, and fast, all of witchkind will be in grave danger--along with the fate of all (wo)mankind."--Goodreads blurb

I reread the first one so I was able to go with the first book fresh in my mind and this second installment did not disappoint. I couldn't put it down. It wasn't just a fantasy book, it was a thriller with the reader getting to know a lot more than the characters did at the time. There are always two sides to every story, and while you might not want to see a bad guys' side, it's there. Dealing with favorite characters being dead or not who we really thought they were plagued my mind the whole time reading, and I believe that's a mark of great storywriting. Book 3 in this trilogy can't come quickly enough!

 

Frank Herbert's Dune: The Graphic Novel, Book 1 adapted by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

 Frank Herbert's Dune: The Graphic Novel, Book 1 adapted by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson-163 pages

Duke Leto has been made new leader of Arrakis and he travels there from Caladan with his longtime concubine Jessica and their son Paul. Jessica is a Bene Gesserit and it is believed that Paul might be Kwisatz Haderach. A longstanding feud exists between the Atreides (Duke Leto and his family) and the Harkonnens (Baron Vladimir Harkonnen). The Baron Harkonnen wants to rule Arrakis and destroy the Atreides. Treachery and betrayal from within the House of Atreides threatens to ruin Duke Leto's tenuous grasp on Arrakis. This is book 1 of a planned trilogy of graphic novel adaptations of Dune. The story continues in book 2, which is slated to be released spring of 2022. I have not read the novel Dune, but I bought it a while ago with the intention of reading it. I wanted to read this first to get a feel for what the story is about and if I would enjoy the novel or not. I definitely enjoyed reading this graphic novel adaptation. 

Witchtown by Cory Putman Oakes

Witchtown by Cory Putman Oakes - 310 pages

Macie and her mother travel from town to town stealing money from them before leaving.  They're never caught as Macie's mother casts a spell that erases them from everyone's memories.  But now they've arrived at Witchtown -- the last town they'll ever steal from as Macie's mother promises.  But can Macie really trust her mother?

This has been on my read list for a while now.  I'm glad I finally did.  I really enjoyed the book.  The characters were interesting with enough secrets to keep the reader interested.

Half Wild by Sally Green / Half Lost by Sally Green

Half Wild by Sally Green - 414 pages
Half Lost by Sally Green - 342 pages

Nathan continues his quest to be free of the White Witches.  He rescues Annalise, joins the rebellion, and fights.

These are the last two books in the Half Trilogy by Sally Green.  Overall, I found these books to be depressing.  Although the "war" is won in the end, there is no happy ending for Nathan. 

Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare

Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare - 706 pages
The Dark Artifices - Book One

Emma Carstairs is considered the best Shadowhunter of her generation.  With her parabatai Julian she patrols keeping mundanes safe from demons.  When dead bodies are discovered bearing the same runes as those found on her dead parents five years ago, she is determined to finally discover what happened to them. 

This is the first book in The Dark Artifices, the sequel series to the Mortal Instruments.  I really enjoyed this book.  While the focus on different main characters from the original series, they do appear throughout the story. 

City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare

City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare - 768 pages
Mortal Instruments #6

Sebastian launches his final attack against the Shadowhunters and their allies.  The final book in the series is a good conclusion to this series.  I would definitely recommend this series to anyone who enjoys fantasy novels.  I'm looking forward to reading the next Shadowhunters series.

Of Blood and Bone by Nora Roberts

Of Blood and Bone by Nora Roberts - 453 pages
Bk 2 - Chronicles of the One

Fallon Swift is The One.  The One destined to save the world from the evil that overtook it during the Doom when over half the population was wiped out by a magical disease and some of those who remained became magical creatures themselves.  Now that she is thirteen, she must leave her family for two years to be trained to lead her army against the evil in the world.

This is the second book in the dystopian Chronicles of The One series by Nora Roberts.  I thought it was better than the first book -- which I ended up skimming just to get the main plot points.  I think it was because this book focused on fewer characters and less world building the first book did.  It was also different in that it really didn't contain any romance in the book.

Perry's Killer Playlist by Joe Schreiber

Perry's Killer Playlist by Joe Schreiber
Sequel to Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick

Perry has finally gotten his life back after the crazy adventure with Gobi, the foreign exchange student his family hosted last year.  He's taken a year off before college to try to make it with his band and it looks like it has paid off.  They're booked for a European tour.  Unfortunately, in Venice he once again runs into Gobi and it's another crazy adventure with her.

This is the sequel to Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick.  It's another humorous, rollicking adventure -- this time through Europe.  I really enjoyed this sequel and am a little sorry I waited so long (5 years) to read it after the first book.

The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner

The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner - 311 pages

Gen can steal anything -- at least that's the boast he's made in every wine shop in the city.  It's that bragging that led to him being imprisoned in the king's jail.  His chances of escape look bleak . . . until he's offered the chance to steal a legendary artifact.  It's an opportunity he can't refuse.

This is one of my favorite teen/kids fantasy books ever written. I absolutely love this series by Megan Whalen Turner.  So when we got the books on audio, I simply had to start listening to them.  The  narration of these books is perfect.  The only thing I didn't like is having to pause the story when I got out of the car.

Seeing Red by Sandra Brown

Seeing Red by Sandra Brown - 432 pages

This latest novel from Sandra Brown is filled with murder, intrigue, betrayal and (of course) romance.  If you enjoy reading romantic suspense novels, this one will not disappoint.

Kept by Maya Banks

Kept by Maya Banks- 310 pages

From the author of Mastered and Dominated comes the third Enforcers novel—the searing story of a woman who finds sanctuary in surrender...

He can’t change who he is...

A horrific childhood has made Silas the man he is today: dangerous, distrustful, and demanding. He’s lived in self-imposed solitude, convinced that no woman could ever accept his need for absolute control—in business and pleasure. That is, until a young violinist walks into one of his buildings and into his life.

She can’t change what she wants...

Haley has been struggling to fulfill her father’s dying wish: to attend a prestigious music school in New York City. But even working two jobs, she can’t afford the tiniest of apartments. Seeing her hopeless and near tears, Silas vows to help and protect her, no matter the cost to himself. But when Haley meets his every demand with unwavering acceptance and love, he is overwhelmed by her goodness and gentle spirit. He knows that the dark stain on his soul can never be erased—and rather than risk destroying the most beautiful thing he's ever experienced, he knows he'll have to do the hardest thing he's ever had to face. Let her go. But he's totally unprepared for the lengths Haley will go to fight for his love and a future brighter than the sun...

Skirt Chaser by Stacey Kennedy

Skirt Chaser by Stacey Kennedy- 230 pages


Love gets filthy in this new erotic romance by USA Today bestselling author, Stacey Kennedy.  

Greyson Crawford works hard by day and plays even harder at night. And he understands and obeys the rules of the game. One, don’t mix business and pleasure. Two, employees are off-limits. So, he’s been eagerly counting down the days until interior designer, Evie Richards is no longer under contract with his Seattle architecture firm. But when that day comes, he realizes there are more obstacles in his way. The biggest…Evie herself.

Until Evie gets asked to be the maid-of-honor in her best friend’s destination wedding, and Evie needs a date. The circumstances are perfect for Greyson to set his plan of seduction into motion. He will happily play the boyfriend for the wedding event, if Evie will surrender to his every command and play in his bed.

For Evie, it’s all fun and games until Greyson’s first touch; then she begins to question what’s real. She knows better than to fall for a guy like Greyson—a skirt chasing ladies’ man—but with every slow caress and kinky adventure, she realizes that Greyson knows what he wants, and it isn’t just her body surrendering to him…it’s her heart. 

Mastered by Maya Banks

Mastered by Maya Banks- 368 pages

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Breathless Trilogy comes the first novel in the Enforcers series—a bold new direction in erotic romance that explores the games men and women play, and the price they’re willing to pay for pleasure.

What he wants, he takes with no remorse or guilt.

She stood out in his club like a gem, unspoiled and untouched. A lamb among wolves, she clearly didn’t belong. Drawn to her innocence he watched as she was surrounded by men who saw what he did—but no one but him could touch her. He summoned her to his private quarters. He sensed her fear. He also recognized the desire in her eyes. And he knew she wouldn’t leave before he possessed her. She had no need to know his secrets. Not until he had her under his complete and utter control.

What he wants, she isn’t sure she can give him.

The moment he told her want he wanted, she couldn’t resist. Instinct told her to run, but her heart said stay and walk the fine line between pleasure and pain. Though she wasn’t sure she could ever completely surrender, the primal part of her wanted to try, even knowing this man could break her in ways she never imagined. Because once he possessed her, he owned her and it would be too late to turn back. She can only pray that he doesn’t destroy her in the end.

Keep Me Safe by Maya Banks

Keep Me Safe by Maya Banks- 297 pages

A sizzling story of a woman who risks her life and her heart to find a wealthy man’s missing sister — the first novel in a sexy new romantic suspense series from #1 New York Timesbestselling author Maya Banks.

When Caleb Devereaux's younger sister is kidnapped, this scion of a powerful and wealthy family turns to an unlikely source for help: a beautiful and sensitive woman with a gift for finding answers others cannot.

While Ramie can connect to victims and locate them by feeling their pain, her ability comes with a price. Every time she uses it, it costs her a piece of herself. Helping the infuriatingly attractive and impatient Caleb successfully find his sister nearly destroys her. Even though his sexual intensity draws her like a magnet, she needs to get as far away from him as she can.

Deeply remorseful for the pain he’s caused, Caleb is determined to make things right. But just when he thinks Ramie's vanished forever, she reappears. She’s in trouble and she needs his help. Now, Caleb will risk everything to protect her — including his heart....

Dominated by Maya Banks

Dominated by Maya Banks- 352 pages

To save her, he had to betray her...

In Drake’s shadowy world, his enemies would exploit any weakness he had in order to bring him to his knees, and so he’s never allowed himself to care about anyone...never exhibited any vulnerability, and it made him a force to be reckoned with. Until Evangeline—his angel. A woman who slipped past his defenses like no one had ever managed. She was his to protect and ultimately, to do that, he had to do the unthinkable and drive the only good thing in his world away.

But he will stop at nothing to get her back...

Devastated and destroyed, Evangeline doesn’t know what made Drake turn on her in such a shocking manner. She only knows she’ll never be the same. He once freed her from all her inhibitions, only now she is a prisoner to never-ending pain. But when Drake finds her again, she realizes there is more to his world than she ever imagined, and she must decide if she can once more trust—and submit—to the man who holds her wounded heart in his hands. And he must convince her of just how far he’ll go to regain her love and forgiveness.

Mastered by Maya Banks

Mastered by Maya Banks- 368 pages

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Breathless Trilogy comes the first novel in the Enforcers series—a bold new direction in erotic romance that explores the games men and women play, and the price they’re willing to pay for pleasure.

What he wants, he takes with no remorse or guilt.

She stood out in his club like a gem, unspoiled and untouched. A lamb among wolves, she clearly didn’t belong. Drawn to her innocence he watched as she was surrounded by men who saw what he did—but no one but him could touch her. He summoned her to his private quarters. He sensed her fear. He also recognized the desire in her eyes. And he knew she wouldn’t leave before he possessed her. She had no need to know his secrets. Not until he had her under his complete and utter control.

What he wants, she isn’t sure she can give him.

The moment he told her want he wanted, she couldn’t resist. Instinct told her to run, but her heart said stay and walk the fine line between pleasure and pain. Though she wasn’t sure she could ever completely surrender, the primal part of her wanted to try, even knowing this man could break her in ways she never imagined. Because once he possessed her, he owned her and it would be too late to turn back. She can only pray that he doesn’t destroy her in the end.

The Master by Kresley Cole

The Master by Kresley Cole-448 pages

A need colder than Siberian winter meets an attitude hotter than the Florida sun in #1 New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole’s sultry new Game Maker novel.

Everyone fears the Master...

Rich, irresistible politician/Mafya boss Maksimilian Sevastyan prefers tall, obedient blondes to fulfill his... complicated desires. That is, until the icy Russian encounters a disobedient brunette whose exquisite little body threatens his legendary restraint.

Except her.

Catarina Marín was a well-off young wife until her world fell apart. Now she’s hiding out, forced to start working as an escort in Miami. Her very first client is beyond gorgeous, but when he tells her what he plans to do to her, Cat almost walks out of the door.

If pleasure is a game, play to win.

The Hawk by Monica McCarty

The Hawk by Monica McCarty- 382 pages

Handpicked by Robert the Bruce to help him in his quest to free Scotland from English rule, the elite warriors of the Highland Guard face their darkest days. When Bruce is forced to flee, his bid for freedom rests on the shoulders of one extraordinary warrior.

Erik MacSorley is a brilliant seafarer who has never encountered a wind he could not harness or a woman he could not win—until he drags a wet, half-naked “nursemaid” out of the waters off the Irish coast. Ellie’s ordinary appearance belies the truth: She is in fact Lady Elyne de Burgh, the spirited daughter of the most powerful noble in Ireland. Worse, this irresistible woman is determined to prove herself immune to Erik’s charms—a challenge he cannot resist.

Her captor may look every inch a rugged warrior, but Ellie vows that it will take more than a wickedly suggestive caress to impress her. Yet Erik will sweep away Ellie’s resistance with a desire that resonates deep within her heart. Still, he is a man driven by loyalty, and she is a woman with secrets that could jeopardize Bruce’s chance to reclaim his throne. As the battle for king and country sounds across the shores, will Ellie’s love be enough to finally tame the legend known as the Hawk?

The Traitor's Kiss by Erin Beaty

The Traitor's Kiss by Erin Beaty- 352 pages

An obstinate girl who will not be married. 
A soldier desperate to prove himself. 
A kingdom on the brink of war.

With a sharp tongue and an unruly temper, Sage Fowler is not what they’d call a lady―which is perfectly fine with her. Deemed unfit for marriage, Sage is apprenticed to a matchmaker and tasked with wrangling other young ladies to be married off for political alliances. She spies on the girls―and on the soldiers escorting them.

As the girls' military escort senses a political uprising, Sage is recruited by a handsome soldier to infiltrate the enemy ranks. The more she discovers as a spy, the less certain she becomes about whom to trust―and Sage becomes caught in a dangerous balancing act that will determine the fate of her kingdom.