Weekly Reading Thoughts (SP/IMWAYR?)

Defender by Diana Palmer

Isabel and Merrie are prisoners in their own home.  Their father is controlling and a bit paranoid. From the outside it seems that he loves them dearly and will protect them at all costs. That is far from the truth and head of security Paul Fiore has quickly learned the truth. When Sari gets too close to falling for him he leaves in order to protect her. Four years later he is back as an FBI agent investigating her father for money laundering. He learns what happened when he left and wonders if there is a chance for him and Isabel. I always enjoy second chance stories.  This one took a long time to get there with way too  much redundancy. Tell me once, not every other chapter. I do hope Merrie will get her own story soon.

 *Thanks to HQN via NetGalley for this review copy*

This Is The Story of You by Beth Kephart

Mira is a year round resident on Haven, a resort island. The town celebrates when the season is over and they have their island back. Mira is in high school and lives with her mom and brother. When her brother has a health complication and goes to the hospital on the mainland, Mira stays behind. A super storm hits their island and Mira is left to fend for herself. Beautiful descriptions, lyrical and mesmerizing, I quickly cared for Mira and the residents as they worked together and waited for help to arrive.  

Appealed by Emma Chase (#3)

Brent and Kennedy grew up childhood friends. During high school Brent was the popular kid and Kennedy was on the fringes. When Brent did not stick up for Kennedy he hurt her deeply and was found guilty of being a terrible friend. Ten years later Brent is a successful attorney in a practice with his best friends and is living the life he wants.  His recent case has a new prosecutor and he is surprised to learn it is Kennedy.  He is knocked over by her transformation, not that he ever thought she needed one. Brent wants another chance and files an appeal with Kennedy.  She turns him down, but Brent is relentless in presenting his case. The way he finally stands up for her is amazing. This final book in the series is a hilarious and touching conclusion. I will miss these characters. 

Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase (#3)

This is classic romance has been recommended to me over and over.  I finally decided to pull it off the shelf  and was spent a pleasant afternoon with Dain and Jessica.  Dain's early childhood is heartbreaking and it is understandable how he becomes the man many fear and dislike.  Jessica is tired of his corrupting ways over her brother and is determined to put a stop to it.  From the moment they meet each other they have met their match, and it was fun to watch them work it out. 

The Secret Diaries of Miranda Cheever by Julia Quinn (#1)

As a young girl Miranda was teased for her looks.  Her best friend Olivia's brother offered her some encouragement by telling her she will grow into her looks.  He encourages her to keep a journal and that she will look back at this time and laugh. She fell in love with him right then and there. Turner, ten years older than Miranda goes on with his life and ends up in awful marriage.  When his wife dies he returns home bitter and disillusioned,   Miranda is sure that her love with change him.  Not my favorite of Julia's.  Turner was a jerk and didn't deserve Miranda.  She however is determined and has to work hard for her HEA. 

The Earl Takes All by Lorraine Heath (#2)

Edward and Albert are twins.  Albert is older by an hour and is the heir.  Edward is an adventurer and he convinces Albert to take one last trip with him before his child is born. Albert is injured and pleads with Edward to take care of Julia, his wife before he dies. Edward pretends to be Albert in order to secure life and title for Albert's heir. Julia notices some differences since her husband has returned but puts it off due to their four month separation. Edward has always had a crush on Julia and behaved badly in order to cover it up. He struggles with the fact that he has feelings for his brother's wife, but will fulfill the promise he made to his brother.  The ruse cannot last and when Julia finds out she has to make a decision.  I liked Edward and Julia right from the start. You have to suspend belief a bit to go along with Julia not being able to tell Albert and Edward apart, however, the author does a great job with the story line and I rooted for these two characters.  

Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson

The hilarious and sometime heartbreaking stories of Jenny dealing with mental illness. A book that is easy to pick up and read a chapter or two. 

Up Next:
The Curse of Tenth Grave by Darynda Jones
Little Girl Gone by Gerry Schmitt
Monsters by Liz Kay
Lily and the Octopus by Steven Rowley

Book Thoughts Posted:
The Fixer by Joseph Finder (audio)

June's Wrap-Up


Hard to believe that it is July already.  We are having a fabulous Fourth of July weekend relaxing and reading.


Linking to these memes:

Kathryn at Book Date hosts IMWAYR?, a place to  meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week.  It's a great opportunity to organize yourself, visit, comment, and add to that every growing TBR pile.

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 and showcase books and things we have received.