Reading Wrap Up

Jet lag kicked my butt last week.  I feel that I am finally getting my energy back and am ready to get back to my normal routine. My basement needs some serious cleaning and organizing.  It helps that my daughter has her own house so all of her stuff that has been stored in our basement is gone.  It looks like it will be a cooler week for this project.

How To Start A Fire by Lisa Lutz

College roommates Kate and Anna meet Georgiana face down at a Frat party. They quickly become life long friends. This is their story, that is at times confusing due to the way it is told. Each chapter is a different year from the time they met until the present. It takes concentration and a good memory to keep the events in their correct time. These girls were involved in a pivotal life changing event that I expected more depth from (story and character wise). I kept waiting for something (other than what happens) to happen. A character driven story that was not as satisfying as I expected.

*LibraryThing Review Copy*

The Mountain Can Wait by Sarah Leipciger (audio)

I chose this book based on the narrator and because it was a debut novel. It took me awhile to figure out how the story was being told. On his way up the mountain Curtis is involved in a hit and run and disappears. His father Tom goes looking for him and the story of their lives is told. Abandoned by his wife Tom raises the kids by himself which reveals strained relationships. The Canadian mountain setting also becomes a character. Well written and wonderfully narrated, a worthwhile debut.

*Thanks to Mitch and Hachette Audio for this review copy*

The Highlander's Bride by Amanda Forester

Gavin wants nothing more than to return home.  He rescues a French nobleman and is invited to receive a thank you.  Colette has been raised to fulfill her family duty of a good alliance.  Her father tells her that she will shortly being traveling to her new home and husband.  Shes does not want to leave, but will do what is required of her.  When Gavin and Colette meet both assume they are meant to marry.  He is okay with this turn of events.  Soon they both learn that Gavin is to safely transport her and her dowry to another, while dodging those that are after her and her riches. Of course they both fight the attraction to each other, but when the only way of escape is to pose as a married couple all promises are harder to keep.  Gavin was instantly a likeable character. Colette's personality was understandable due to her upbringing, but I cheered for her to throw off her duty and yearn for freedom. Plenty of action, adventure and humor.  A great start to a new series.  

*Sourcebooks review copy*

Compulsion by Allison Brennan

Investigative reporter Maxine Revere is covering the trial of Adam Bachman.  She is granted a pre-trial interview and it cements her belief that not only was he not working alone, but that he was involved in the case of a couple that has been missing for months.   She cannot get any help from the DA as he does not want his slam dunk case to be jeopardized in any way.  And Max being who she is, will not let it go, continues with her own investigation and will not give up until she gets the truth.  The closer she gets the twister things become and the consequences become deadly.  A suspenseful novel that did not disappoint.  I look forward to more stories featuring Max and her posse! 

Up Next:
Second Chance Summer by Jill Shalvis
Magic Shifts by Ilona Andrews
The Rogue You Know by Shalen Galen

I am listening to:
The Bourbon Kings by J.R. Ward
Sideswiped by Lia Riley


Book Thoughts Posted:
The Rumor by Elin Hilderbrand (audio)

Linking to these memes:

Sheila at Book Journey hosts this weekly event where we celebrate what we are reading for the week as well as books completed the previous week.

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @Caffeinated Book Reviewer.
 It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received.