My Reading - July 2021

I know it's been a while! I stopped doing this about twelve months ago, but I'm back because I've been reading a whole lot of brand new stuff! I've kind of gotten over my unwillingness to read ebooks. Yes, I like a paperback and yes, I still forget about my ebooks, but they're very handy to sneaky read (when I should be doing something else!) and they don't fall off the treadmill! 

​Please note, these are simple and quick reviews of the books I've read and are meant to be fun. So here we go!

New Authors I Read

H.M. Hodgson, Joanne Austen Brown, Sara Hartland, Suzanne Cass, and Phillipa Nefri Clark.

Books I Read in July

Magpie's Bend by Maya Linnell
Why I read it: I really liked the idea of this story, had finally read book two Bottlebrush Creek, and was catching up on all my rural romance.
What I liked: I love a series, so it was nice to catch up with old characters. I really loved the community spirit and goal in this story - to save the local store. Everyone got together to pitch in and it drew the characters together. I also loved that they were runners. I'm always keen to see characters exercise!
Other Comments: Very interested to see what Diana's story will be...book four is coming, yes?

The Last Keeper by H.M. Hodgson
Why I read it: It was Heather's debut novel and I support fellow writers and friends, even though I don't read a lot of paranormal or fantasy romance.
What I liked: It was amazing! Maybe because I don't usually read this stuff? I'm not sure. But I loved India and Thrane. He was definitely hot. The Keeper's job is to protect the 'World Tree' and I loved how there was so much importance about something as simple as a tree. Now every time I see a massive tree, I think 'World Tree?'
Other Comments: Looking forward to what comes next! Well done, Heather!

Always Louisa by Joanne Austen Brown
Why I read it: Cos I should have bought it at it's release, but I was slack and didn't really read regency romance then. Thank you Bridgerton for changing that!
What I liked: This was soooo up my alley! Romance and an unknown villain who rapes and kills. Hehe! Does that make me strange? Nope, just a reader who likes to keep turning a page. 
Other Comments: I have to read Always Elspeth now! Poor Elspeth...she had such a hard time in this book. She needs a happy ending.

When You Are Mine by Michael Robotham
Why I read it: Because it's Michael's new book. Need I say more?
What I liked: Domestic violence is right up my alley. I don't know why I'm so passionate about it. Maybe because it's the subject of my most dearest book? Either way, Phil was an amazingly tough heroine as she tried standing up for the women she saved in domestic violence situations as a police officer. Unfortunately, it didn't really go her way...until there was a happy ending!
Other Comments: The thought of reading Michael's backlist makes me tired...

Ryan's Return by Sara Hartland
Why I read it: Ruby finalist! I don't think I'll read all the finalists, but I gave it a go because I looooove rural romance.
What I liked: It was a simple, short novella that had strong characters and an interesting outback setting. I always love a bad boy and Ryan lives up to that. 
Other Comments: Good luck with the Rubys!

Rain on a Tin Roof by Suzanne Cass
Why I read it: I think this boxset was on sale? Either way, I bought it. The second book has a border collie on the cover so I was sold!
What I liked: This captured me from the first moment. Finding a hypothermic girl on the side of the mountain? I have to keep reading! It was hot and steamy without sex and the perfect example of a very short good story.
Other Comments: I was keen to read the rest.

Lost and Found by Suzanne Cass
Why I read it: Border collie!
What I liked: The border collie! The story was pretty good too. I like how James just joined in the search and rescue.
Other Comments: More books need border collies.

Rescue His Heart by Suzanne Cass
Why I read it: It was book three.
What I liked: Nathaniel! I love Americans in Australia. And he had a very interesting background. I'm glad he joined in the search and rescue despite his trauma.
Other Comments: I may be a fan of Suzanne...

Deadly Start by Phillipa Nefri Clark
Why I read it: Sounded good, may have been on sale, and I wanted something different by a new author.
What I liked: Christmas theme, small town, mystery! What's not to love? There was a lot of interesting town dynamics in this story and I'm keen to read the rest to see how Charlotte settles into Kingfisher Falls.
Other Comments: I better get onto book two.