July slipped away from me in the hectic haze of writing and preparing for RWA and edits for The Spymaster's Secret, and now it's August and time to talk about books we read and loved in July. Despite what felt like a frantic month, I did do some reading. I continued a KJ Charles reread in audio with the Charm of Magpies series and its related story Rag and Bone. In print and ebook, I read:

Footsteps in the Dark anthology: I don't read a ton of anthologies because short stories don't always work for me, but this m/m romance/mystery anthology has a bunch of authors I like and some others I've been meaning to try. The stories are long enough that you can really get into them. Some worked better for me than others, but overall I really enjoyed the anthology.

Knight's Fire by SJ Himes: Knight's Fire is a lovely little fantasy with a romance between a prince/knight and a dragon shifter. It's cute and sweet and just delightful. Perfect if you want a fantasy romance that's on the lighter side. (I especially love dragon Zephyr!) I can't wait for more in this world and with these two.

Demon on the Down-Low by EJ Russell: I don't know why it took me so long to finish this trilogy! This might be my favorite book of the three. I loved the couple, especially Zeke, and it wrapped up the series nicely with appearances by the other couples and tying up what was causing all the mix ups. This is the second trilogy set in this world, but I'd love to read more in it.

Enchanting the Earl by Lily Maxton: I've read the novellas in the Townsend series, but not the novels and I decided it was time to change that. Enchanting the Earl is the first book. It gives us the oldest sibling who's back from the war with what is probably PTSD and the difficulty of adjusting to life after having a leg amputated. He's inherited a title and a remote property in Scotland and decides to isolate himself there. He doesn't count on his siblings' insistence on accompanying him or the unexpected presence of a woman already living at the property. Looking forward to the rest of the series.

Kitten by Jack Harbon: I heard a pitch for this one somewhere that said it was "The Devil Wears Prada but Gay" which sounded pretty interesting. It definitely had those vibes. It's an interracial (a Black MC and an Asian MC) workplace romance with a bit of an age gap. The romance is pretty sweet, but the story has a melodramatic, soap opera feel to it. 

Nothing Gained by Macy Blake: I'm really enjoying the Chosen One series. The world building is really interesting, and the characters are fun. It brings together magic and all sorts of magical creatures—vampires, dragons, griffins, fae, shifters—in a quest to save the magical world plus a romance along the way. Definitely read this series in order.

The Lady's Guide to Celestial Mechanics by Olivia Waite: I picked up this book at RWA (though I'd been planning to get it since it came out), and I immediately settled down to read it. This is a lovely f/f historical romance between two women who are both scarred by past relationships and rather insecure and awkward with each other to start. The romance is a slow burn and is really caring and passionate. The wider plot with an aspiring lady astronomer coming up against male bias is engaging too. I loved the scenes of female strength and solidarity that came among the characters. There's also an interesting thread about the line between art and craft and art and science.

Swallow by Piper Scott and Virginia Kelly: Swallow is a spin-off of the author's Forbidden Desires series and probably should be read after those books. But the series is so much fun anyway. Dragon shifters! Baby dragons! Adorable pets! Plus great characters and romance. This books gives Grimbold a HEA and shows us how sweet he is underneath the grumpy exterior. Can't wait for more of these!

What have you read and loved lately?

Somehow, it's July already, and time continues to pass far too quickly...nevertheless, it's time to talk about what we've been reading. I read some great books in June (and unintentionally dove into a reread of KJ Charles books via audiobook as well, which I'm continuing into July). Here are some books I enjoyed in June:

Midnight Flit by Elin Gregory: I reread Eleventh Hour, the first book in the series, before I jumped into this one and enjoyed both immensely. I love Briars and Miles/Millie even more after Midnight Flit, which is a mystery/spy story that involves dashing across several countries and a trip on the Orient Express. The adventure was fun, but the characters, both main and supporting, and the romance were the best part for me. The ending seemed to set up another adventure for these two, and I dearly hope we get it soon.

Once & Future by Amy Rose Capetta and Cori McCarthy: This is a YA novel in which King Arthur is reincarnated as a girl and Merlin is aging backwards and now a teenager, and the whole thing is set in space. The characters are queer and diverse, and though serious, the story is also fun. The end is a bit of a cliffhanger, so I'm waiting for the next book to see how it all turns out.

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston: I really loved this enemies to lovers, fake friendship to romance between the son of the first female American president and a British prince. Both MCs were great, but I adored Prince Henry. I love a royalty romance anyway, and this also brought back memories of being a Georgetown student living in DC and interning on Capitol Hill and watching tons of West Wing. It just gave me all sorts of nostalgic feelings while also sucking me into the romance. 

Not Dead Yet and Give Up the Ghost by Jenn Burke: I loved these books, just binged right through them. They're paranormal mystery romances between a guy who is sort of a ghost but not really and a vampire. It's a second chance romance, which I love, and the supporting characters—the family they build—is really wonderful too. Also, a demisexual main character! I can't wait for book three this fall.

Marriage of Unconvenience by Chelsea M. Cameron: This was a sweet, light marriage of convenience romance between two woman who have been friends since childhood who both need money and marry so they can get at an inheritance. And then of course realize they've been in love all along. Very cute but with some editing issues that I couldn't help noticing.

Hither, Page by Cat Sebastian: I adored this post-WWII mystery romance between a country doctor trying to put his experiences in the war behind him and a jaded spy. The mystery and setting of a tiny English village are very Agatha Christie, and the romance was lovely. I'm hoping for more with these two soon.

The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi: Another YA, this one set in late 19th century Paris but with magic. The world building is complex but interesting, and the cast of characters is incredibly diverse. It's a combination heist, Da Vinci Code-esque fantasy novel, and those adventure sequences were especially fun. The ending left me sad (for reasons that would be spoilers) and also intrigued for where the series goes next.

​What have you read and loved lately?

Somehow, we're a week into June already, which I still have not fully realized, but it at least means it's time to talk about last month's books. I spent a week of May on the beach in South Carolina, which means some of these are my beach/poolside reads for the year. Here are some books I enjoyed last month:

Proper English by KJ Charles: Proper English is a romance/English country house murder mystery and was absolutely delightful. I enjoyed every minute of it and wished for more at the end, not because the story wasn't complete but because I wanted more time with these characters. This is a prequel to Think of England (which I went back and reread after because I wanted more of Pat and Fen and because I've always loved Archie and Daniel) and shows us how Pat and Fen ended up together. I loved the romance between them and how their characters fit together. And, as for the mystery, let me tell you, never has someone so deserved to be murdered.

Time's Convert by Deborah Harkness: Time's Convert is an addition to Harkness's All Soul's Trilogy, which I enjoyed very much (Did anyone else watch A Discovery of Witches? I thought it was so good!). This books flips between present and past, showing us Phoebe's transformation into a vampire, giving us Marcus's history, and catching us up with the Bishop-Clairmont family since we last saw them. I'm eagerly awaiting more books and season two of the show!

Devil's Daughter by Lisa Kleypas: My favorite Kleypas book is still (and probably always will be—I love Sebastian and Evie) Devil in Winter, so it was lots of fun to read Devil's Daughter, which has Sebastian and Evie's oldest daughter as its heroine. I really enjoyed the story on its own, but the scenes with characters from that earlier book made me so happy. I also listened to Devil in Spring (about Sebastian and Evie's eldest son) on the car ride home from South Carolina to round out the vacation. I might have to reread Devil in Winter too.

Hooked by Claire Cullen: I really enjoyed the latest in the Siren Cove series. The shifter/merman series as a whole is really good, and this one gave us more background on the history of wolves and sirens plus set up what I think will be the final showdown, while also giving a lovely romance. The series is probably best read in order.

A Duke in Disguise by Cat Sebastian: I'm just realizing how much of my reading was historical romance last month! The latest Cat Sebastian gives us an illustrator who has epilepsy and finds out he's the lost heir to a duke (and really doesn't want to be) and the bisexual radical bookseller who is his best friend (and the woman he loves). This is the second book in this series, but they can probably be read out of order (though Unmasking the Marquess is excellent, so you should go read that too).

What have you read and loved lately?

Does anyone else feel as if this year is just flying by? Somehow, it's May already, and I still think it's February! But, I did read some great books in April, so I guess that's something.

Thrown to the Wolves by Charlie Adhara: This is the third book in the series, and it might just be the best yet. I love how the relationship between Oliver and Cooper is developing, and I love that we got more of the paranormal aspect in this book. I really want more books! I'd say read this shifter/law enforcement series in order.

All Souls Near & Nigh by Hailey Turner: Another book that's even better than the first book in the series in my opinion. The series is predominantly urban fantasy, but there is a romance that gets more development here, as does the world building and the complications for our characters. I'm excited to see what happens next. 

Mating the Huntress by Talia Hibbert: This book has been sitting on my Kindle since October, and for some reason, I hadn't gotten to it. I should've read it ages ago! It's a fun little Halloween romance between a werewolf and a werewolf hunter. 

Connections in Death by JD Robb: There are almost fifty books in this futuristic mystery/suspense series, which I've been reading since I was in high school, and I still turn up every time for more of Eve and Roarke and the family they've built.

Stranded by Claire Cullen: I'm really enjoying this series about sirens and werewolves. This third book gave us some more info about siren society in addition to a sweet romance, and I'm looking forward to more.

Pink Slip by Katrina Jackson: The premise of Pink Slip is that a married couple, who happen to be spies, have a thing for their PA, and the feeling is mutual. If you like super steamy spy poly romances, this one may be for you.

I also listened to Band Sinister by KJ Charles (which I loved just as much listening as I did reading the first time) and Misfits by Garrett Leigh (same).

What have you been reading lately?

Anyone else feel like they blinked and March disappeared? I can't complain that it's beginning to (slowly...) feel like spring. And it's time to talk about my March reads! Here are a few books that I enjoyed last month:

A Duke by Default and Can't Escape Love by Alyssa Cole: I really enjoy Alyssa Cole's Reluctant Royals series. A Duke by Default has been on my Kindle for far too long, but I finally devoured it last month and then moved right into the novella. And I'm looking forward to the next book in the series too.

New Horizons by Hailey Turner: This is a novella that gives a supporting character from Hailey Turner's futuristic MetaHuman Files series his own HEA. I loved reading his story and catching up with other characters from the series. Probably best to read the rest of the series first.

Vampire with Benefits by EJ Russell: Rusty and Casimir may be my new favorite couple in the fun Supernatural Selection series. They were just perfect together. I have the last book in the trilogy and need to dive into it soon.

Fangs and Catnip by Julia Talbot: This was just such an adorable book with a romance between a vampire writer and a cat shifter innkeeper. I needed something light, and this fit perfectly.

What have you been reading lately?

A lot of my February reading was books I read and judged for the RITA contest, which I can't talk about here, but in between them (and writing, revising, and editing frantically during JeRoWriMo), I read a few other books that I enjoyed.

Any Old Diamonds by KJ Charles: This book was so good, people. Just so good. The younger son of a duke hires a couple of thieves to steal diamonds from his father and stepmother. It's twisty in the best ways. I loved the characters and the references to a previous series by the author. I would've loved a little more focus on the romance earlier on, but it's a minor quibble, really.

Hexhunter by Jordan L Hawk: I've been waiting for Isaac's book for what feels like ever. It's now one of my favorites of the series. Isaac and Bill are so perfect together, and the book's mystery/paranormal elements were so well done too. I'm very much looking forward to more in this series. If you haven't read it, start with The 13th Hex and binge your way through.

Noble Hops by Layla Reyne: Noble Hops brings the Trouble Brewing series to an end, which I'm kind of sad about because I hate to leave all of these characters behind. But the book itself was a really fantastic end to the series and HEA for Cam and Nic. Definitely read these in order, maybe even start with the previous series, Agents Irish and Whiskey that this one spun off from.

Mate by Piper Scott and Virginia Kelly: This might be my favorite book of the Forbidden Desires series. The guys in this book are wonderful together and the romance lovely. And there are baby dragons! Cute little baby dragons! I think it's probably best to read this series in order, but the previous two books are so much fun too. I really hope there will be more in this world.

Diplomatic Relations by JL Langley: I was so excited for this latest book in the Sci-Regency (it's been so long since the last one!), and it did not disappoint. I loved the couple and the romance, and it furthered the series plot too in interesting ways. It's probably best to read this series in order, so start at the beginning if you haven't yet. The books are great romances and such a fun blend of sci-fi and Regency romance.

In audio, I've been rereading some favorites—books from Jordan L Hawk's Whyborne & Griffin series and from KJ Charles's Charm of Magpies series.

What have you read and loved lately?

Somehow we're a week into February and I'm juggling writing and editing and judging RITA books, but I wanted to do a quick post about books I read and enjoyed last month.

Single White Incubus by EJ Rusell: This was a fun beginning to a new series, and a fun check in with some characters from the author's Fae Out of Water series. It probably isn't necessary to read those first, but they're lots of fun too.

Once Ghosted, Twice Shy by Alyssa Cole: I haven't read the second book in this series yet (I know, I know, I have to! And I have it, so I will soon!) but I skipped ahead and read this novella when it came out because I really wanted to know what happened to Likotsi during a A Princess in Theory and for her to get her HEA. Go read them all.

Omega Defiant by Dessa Lux: I'm really loving this shifter series. The first book was great, and this second book was even better. I also loved Omega Wintertide, which included three holiday short stories about characters in previous books and one character I assume will have a book later.

Earthly Pleasures by Sera Trevor: I enjoyed this fantasy romance about a hedonistic prince and a religious acolyte who have to combine their magic to bring fertility back to the land. Of course they fall in love along the way, and the prince grows up a bit. It's over the top and kind of ridiculous, but really quite charming.

A Lady's Desire by Lily Maxton: I'd heard such good things about this novella that I gave it a try. Everyone was right; it's a really lovely second chance, friends to lovers romance. I have to read the rest of the series now!

The Governess Game by Tessa Dare: Tessa Dare's books are always wonderful, and this was no exception. I loved the romance and the building of a family. And I laughed out loud at all the funerals (trust me).

What have you read and loved lately?

In December, I generally throw myself into reading and rereading holiday stories. This December was no different. I mentioned a few in a holiday reading recommendations post last month, but here are others that I read for the first time this month.

Mr. Winterbourne's Christmas by Joanna Chambers: This was a lovely follow up to Introducing Mr. Winterbourne, a novella I'd hoped the author would revisit since I first read it. Read that first and then jump into the Christmas story, which gives the couple their sold HEA.

Santa Daddy by Keira Andrews: A light, age gap Christmas romance with some kink. It also has a grumpy guy who has to dress up as Santa.

Mr. Frosty Pants by Leta Blake: Perhaps slightly more angsty than I usually like in my holiday romances, but it was still an enjoyable romance between two estranged friends.

Christmas Angel by Eli Easton: This book is the first book in the Christmas Angel series, standalone books written by different authors and connected by the magical angel ornament. I only read a few of them, but this one and The Magician's Angel by Jordan L. Hawk are the two I enjoyed the most.

Love Around the Corner by Sally Malcolm: This was a sweet romance that managed to be both friends to lovers and sort of enemies to lovers with the same couple. Two men become friends and fall for each other online while talking books, but don't like each other in real life. 

Gaudete by Amy Rae Durresson: I'd somehow managed to miss this Christmas romance, though I love the author's others. This one was no different. It was a beautifully written story of a second chance between two men who'd been friends years earlier.

Merry Inkmas by Talia Hibbert: Everyone has been talking about Hibbert's books for ages, and I finally read one! I enjoyed this story between two good people with very real baggage.

Love Blooms by Stephanie Hoyt: A cute fantasy about Santa's son, who has to fall in love and be loved in return by his 30th birthday in order to be eligible to be Santa one day.

Color of You by CS Poe: Romance between the bowtie-wearing new high school music teacher and the older parent of one of his students who owns an apple orchard/Christmas tree farm. There's some insta-crush turning into insta-love here, but it was really sweet.


I also like to do a list of my favorite reads for the year. 2018 was a strange year for me with reading (and with everything else—last year was rough). I read a lot of books, but many of them were rereads and some didn't quite work for me—I found myself not able to get into a lot books. Also, last January feels like a hundred years ago, so it was tough even remembering what I read early this year. Here are some favorites that I read for the first time last year, though they might not have been written in 2018.

Band Sinister by KJ Charles
Unmasked by the Marquess by Cat Sebastian
Girls Made of Snow and Glass by Melissa Bashardoust
The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee
Balefire by Jordan L Hawk
A Gentleman Never Keeps Score by Cat Sebastian
Salt Magic, Skin Magic by Lee Welch
The Wolf at Bay by Charlie Adhara
How to Bang a Billionaire by Alexis Hall
Wild Beauty by Anna-Marie McLemore
If I Was Your Girl by Meredith Russo
The Queen of Ieflaria by Effie Calvin
Caroline's Heart by Austin Chant
The Doctor's Discretion by EE Ottoman
Breathless by Beverly Jenkins

What were your favorite 2018 reads?

I thought I'd share some favorite holiday romances with you, though I'm getting to it later than I meant. Every December almost everything I read is a holiday romance—I like to wallow in the warm, happy feelings that holiday romance especially provides. This year has been no different, though I've been busy and I haven't gotten as much reading in as I hoped. I'll keep reading holiday romances through New Year's, so I hope to get in a few more. This list includes a few that I read for the first time this year and some old favorites that I tend to reread over and over.

Mr. Winterbourne's Christmas by Joanna Chambers: I loved this sequel to Introducing Mr. Winterbourne. It really gave us a solid HEA for these two during a snowy Christmas.

The Magician's Angel by Jordan L Hawk: I've read a few of the books in the multi-author Christmas Angel series, and this is my favorite so far. Of course, there is a murder mystery running through the story (it's Jordan L Hawk!), but the romance was just lovely too.

Love Around the Corner by Sally Malcolm: This book managed to be both friends to lovers and enemies to lovers at the same time. Two men are falling for each other online without realizing that they don't get along at all in real life. A really enjoyable Christmas romance.

And some old favorites (that I'm sure I've talked about in previous book posts somewhere):

Merry Christmas, Mr. Miggles by Eli Easton (librarian heroes!)
Holly & Oak by R. Cooper
The Winter Spirit by Indra Vaughn
The Holly Growth Green by Amy Rae Durresson (and her other Christmas stories)
The North Pole City Tales by Charlie Cochet (fun fantasy romances about elves at the North Pole)
Wrapped Together by Annabeth Albert
Icecapade by Josh Lanyon (probably my favorite of Lanyon's holiday stories, but Lone Star is great too)

Do you have any favorite holiday romances?

November was a better reading month for me than October was, so I have a few books to share with you.

Band Sinister by KJ Charles: This is an odd KJ Charles book in that there is not one dead body in the whole thing. It's also absolutely delightful and just what I needed.

Craft Brew by Layla Reyne: I'm really enjoying the Trouble Brewing series. Cam and Nic are wonderful together. I really want the next book now so I can find out what happens! (Start at the beginning with this series. It really should be read in order.)

The Wolf at Bay by Charlie Adhara: Here's another series that I'm eager for the next book in. This second book was as good or better than the first. I love the characters and their deepening relationship, and the book is a skillful mix of paranormal and mystery.

A Midnight Feast by Emma Barry and Genevieve Turner: A lovely second chance romance between two characters who have been married for a long time but have lost the spark and connection between them. Set at Thanksgiving and part of the Fly Me to the Moon series, which I really need to catch up on.

Leverage in Death by JD Robb: I'm blown away that this is the 47th book in this series. I keep reading them because they're reliably enjoyable, and I love checking in with the characters. Eve and Roarke have built themselves a wonderful family.

The Mercenaries of the Stolen Moon by Megan Derr: This isn't my favorite book in the Tales of the High Court series, but it was very good. I've been waiting to learn more about Myra, the High King's frighteningly efficient secretary, since the beginning, and Charlaine was wonderful in the last book. It was great to get to know them more and Jac as well, though I do wish they weren't separated for so much of the book.

I also listened to Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness and moved on to the last book in the trilogy, The Book of Life, which I'm still listening to now. I still love the narrator, and I've been enjoying revisiting the world of All Souls.

What have you been reading lately?