February is a short month. But I didn’t let that stop me. I read 7 books. A total of 2,442 pages. An average of 87 pages a day. So let’s get to it
Romance Rules for Werewolves by Linsey Hall (272 pages). The third in the Charming Cove series. Isobel learns, after nearly a decade with her boyfriend, that he’s been cheating on her and basically taking advantage of her kindness. So when she learns that her grandmother has passed away and left her an ornery house in Charming Cove, she jumps at the chance to start her life over. And without a weak sorcerer of a boyfriend who kept her from using her magic. She makes friends with the coven. And Rafe, the lone werewolf who is living in the boat house. Isobel learns that Rafe has been cursed- he has no memory of his pack and they have no memory of him. So between fixing up her new house (which has a distinct personality) and recovering her power, Isobel vows to break the curse that has followed Rafe for 10 years. Y’all know I love some cute rom-coms. And having the other characters from the series appear as friends for Isobel was great. Super cute (possibly my favorite of the series!). I finished in 3 days.
She Doesn’t Have a Clue by Jenny Elder Moke (321 pages). This was the Valentine’s Special Edition box from Once Upon a Book Club. So as always, gifties on social! Best selling author Kate Valentine is a reluctant guest at the exclusive wedding of her editor and his wealthy fiancée. Reluctant because the groom is her ex-fiancé. But when the bride is poisoned and a guest ends up murdered, Kate puts on her sleuthing hat. After all, her best selling series features super sleuth Loretta. And the murder scene seems to be mimicking Kate’s latest book. So Kate and her biggest romantic regret Jake team up to find the murderer. Turns out Kate isn’t quite the sleuth that Loretta is. But as she begins to uncover clues, the truth begins to emerge. Honestly, not my favorite book from OUABC. Not my favorite gifts either. I finished in 3 days.
My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton and Jodi Meadows (491 pages). I’ve always found Lady Jane Grey a bit of a fascinating character. Married at 16 to a total stranger so that when King Edward died, she could be catapulted onto the throne instead of Mary or Elizabeth. She reigned for 9 days before Mary staged a coup and took the throne. And with it, Lady Jane’s head. This book was literally the cutest reimagining. Instead of Protestants vs Catholics, it was Ethians (people who could shape shift into animal form) vs Verities. It wasn’t even remotely factual (other than Jane’s marriage and brief reign). Instead, the authors created the ending that THEY would have loved. And I loved it too! I finished in 5 days.
The Paris Apartment by Kelly Bowen (394 pages). In 2017, Aurelia Leclaire has just inherited her grandmother’s apartment in Paris, an apartment she didn’t know existed. And in that apartment, she finds a veritable treasure trove of priceless art hidden in the walls. So she enlists the help of art expert Gabriel Seymour. In 1942, Estelle Allard lives a fabulous life in Paris. And when the Nazis take over, she decides that she can use her fabulous life to her advantage- by being part of the Resistance. Her path crosses with secret agent Sophie Seymour. Y’all know I love WWII historical fiction. And this one was great! I finished in 4 days.
The Dollhouse Academy by Margarita Montimore (306 pages). This was a special edition Once Upon a Book Club box. In 1998, one of the biggest stars in the world is 34 year old Ivy Gordon. She came from The Dollhouse Academy, the premiere star-making boarding school owned by Dahlen Entertainment. She’s been there what seems like her whole life and feels trapped in the TV role that made her a household name. 22 year old best friends Ramona Holloway and Grace Ludlow have long idolized Ivy and life at the Dollhouse Academy. And when they finally make it to the Dollhouse, they know their stars are starting to rise. But as Grace’s star skyrockets, Ramona struggles to find her footing. And they begin to learn that life is more sinister at the Dollhouse than they ever could have imagined. The book (and gifts) were great. Imagine a story about Fame, Stepford Wives and the movie The Substance. And then add in some crazy Hollywood conspiracy theories. I finished in 3 days.
Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter (393 pages). In the early 1990’s, 19 year old college student Julia tells her friends she is going to head back to her dorm and leaves the bar. She is never seen again. And her family is shattered. Then 16 year old Lydia becomes a drug addict. 13 year old Claire becomes a people pleaser. And their parents divorce. After years of begging for answers, their father commits suicide. Fast forward 24 years. Lydia is now a mom and a small business owner who has gotten her life together. Claire is the coddled wife of a wealthy man. And the sisters are estranged. But when Claire’s husband Paul is stabbed to death in an alley right in front of her, Claire begins to learn some of the secrets her perfect husband had been hiding. This book was heavy and dark. Trigger warning- some truly brutal subjects are covered. But underneath it’s a story of resilience and family. I definitely needed some time after finishing it though. I finished in 4 days.
Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly (265 pages plus 81 pages of notes and bibliography). This book was a look at the women who helped shape NASA. Black women who remained unknown, to a certain extent. I had seen the movies, so I had an idea of this story. The author went into much more detail (some of which was a little boring to be honest). But these women were inspirational. If you know nothing about them, do yourself a favor and google them. And watch the movie. Everyone should know about the human computers of Langley. I finished in 3 days.
This month’s favorite is……..My Lady Jane. It was creative. And I already love the story of Lady Jane Grey
